James Matsushino
Jim Matsushino earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the University of Arizona in 2005, having participated in many university ensembles during his years there. He also worked at local high schools helping with various marching and concert bands. After teaching for a year in Tucson, he moved to Texas where he taught for three years. But, Cienega High School in Vail tracked him down and recruited him back to Arizona when the district learned the former band director was moving.
Mr. Mat, as he is known by the community, teaches the Copper Thunder Marching Band and Concert Band which include students from all of Vail’s high schools along with Cienega’s Concert Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Advanced Placement Music Theory. Mr. Mat’s courses are rigorous requiring countless hours of effort by his students. But students enjoy the fruits of their labor in his classes. They work hard to achieve group goals. Students love Mr. Mat and his classes not because they are structured to be fun, but because they are part of a successful program that teaches students what it means to earn the accolades awarded them. Mr. Mat epitomizes the teacher who helps students find their passions, work harder than ever before towards goals, and achieve far beyond their preconceived dreams.
When Mr. Matsushino is not busy teaching class, he will likely be found providing extra opportunities for his students to experience success outside school. He has taken his bands and performing groups to participate in countless parades, community performances, area, festivals, state festivals, and even Vail School District board meetings. And, his musicians never disappoint as they bring home superior ratings time after time.
