STAFF

W.J. (Bill) Zabelsky, Jr. - Director

Bill has been the director of the Douglas High School Music Department since 1985.  Previous to teaching at the high school, Zabelsky taught general music at Gardnerville Elementary School (also in the Douglas County School District) (3/1/79-1985).  Bill is a 1972 graduate of Steel Valley High School, Munhall, Pennsylvania.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree from Duquesne University in 1976.  Bill also teaches choir and music theory at Western Nevada College in Carson City.  Zabelsky and his wife, Leslie, have three daughters; Jennifer, Amy & Sarah. They also have 4 grandchildren!

Pageantry Advisors - Sarah Holland (Choreographer) & Tammy Owens (Field)

See Below!

Dr. Janice E. Florey - Academic Advisor Volunteer

Janice, recently retired (2007) from the Douglas County School District as the Director of Assessments, Grants & Projects.  Dr. Florey receive a Doctor of Education from the University of Nevada, Reno in curriculum and instruction with a minor in educational administration in 1985; a certificate in gifted education from the University of Georgia also in 1985.  She received a Master of Education degree from Lehigh University in Elementary Education in 1978.  Janice received her Bachelor of Education from East Stroudsburg State University in Elementary Education with a minor in History/Political Science in 1975 and an Associate's Degree in General Education from NCC in 1974.  She has aquired certification in elementary education for gifted and talented (K-12) and elementary supervision in administration (K-12).  Dr. Florey is in charge of "keeping the music department eligible"!

Milus Scruggs - Choir Accompanist 

Milus graduated from the California Institute of the Arts with a BFA in 1985.  Milus moved to the Carson Valley in 2001 and volunteered to accompany the choirs beginning in 2002.  Milus is an outstanding and very accomplished pianist.  We are fortunate to have a volunteer of his professional calibre. 

Sarah J. Holland - Director of Music at Carson Valley Middle School

Sarah will be returning to her "roots" as she was a former band student at CVMS.  She recently graduated from the University of Nevada (2008) with a degree in Music Education.  She did her student teaching at Empire Elementary School in Carson City, where she was also a long-term sub. Mrs. Holland is a 2003 graduate of Douglas High School where she was the Drum Major for the "Pride of the Carson Valley" for 2 years and was in the Madrigal Singers for 3 years.  She is married to Adam Holland who graduated from UNR.  (Adam was also a Drum Major for the "Pride of the Carson Valley)!  Sarah and Adam have one son, Bradford William Holland. They have two cats, Bailey & Walter and a dog named Bruno. CVMS Music Facebook Page

Tammy Owens - Director of Music at Pau-Wa-Lu MS (Click for website)

Tammy has transfered from CCMES / SES where she currently taught K-6 grade general music & beginning band.  Prior to coming to Douglas County, she taught K-12 music for 10 years in Smith Valley Schools (Nevada) which included 5-12 bands and 7-12 choirs.  Before moving to Nevada, Tammy taught 5-8 bands in Hamilton, Montana for 3 years.  She is a welcome addition to the PWLMS Department!  PWLMS Music Facebook Page

Travis Walls - Director of Music at CCMES / SES

Originally from Northern Montana, Travis graduated from Boise High School in 1992 and Boise State University in 1998.  He received a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education.  While at Boise State, Walls was a member of the Boise State Symphonic Winds Band, the University Singers, the Keith Stein Blue Thunder Marching Band, the Brass Quartet, Treasure Valley Concert Band, and Men's Chorus.  Travis is a current member of the Capitol City Community Band in Carson City, NV.  Travis taught one year of band and general music at Vallivue Middle School in Caldwell, Idaho.  He taught six years of band (5-12), general music (K-7), guitar (9-12), and tutored (1-8) at Owyhee Combined School (Nevada).  Travis transfered from CVMS where he taught for 2 years.  This is Walls 6th year teaching music in the Douglas County School District.  (Click on Travis's name for his Webpage)

W. Todd Davis - Director of Music at Gardnerville & Minden Elementary Schools

Todd hails from Arizona where he taught Elementary General Music before coming to Nevada in 1985. Davis teaches General Music and Beginning Band.  Todd also teaches Music Appreciation at Western Nevada College, Douglas Campus.

Heather Kuehner - Director of Music at Jack's Valley and Pinon Hills Elementary Schools...

Heather serves approximately 1050 students and their families.  Ms. Kuehner has taught music in Douglas County for over 10 years.  Please "click" on her name to see her website for details

John Houghton - (Adjunct Professor) GWHS Band Director

When John is not directing the choirs and band at Whittell High School (Zephyr Cove, Douglas County) he is helping the "Pride of the Carson Valley".  He is on the annual committee to select the drum major.  John also helps select the Madrigals by listening to the audition tapes. Houghton has helped transport the Allstate students to Las Vegas and to their auditions in Sparks.  Mr. Houghton graduated from NAU (Northern Arizona University) in Flagstaff (where he received a trumpet scholarship) and has his Masters Degree from UNR.  John resides in Gardnerville with his two boys, Jake and Luke.