Recently, Legacy High School got a new Orchestra director in the form of Mr. Tafoya, Legacy band’s brass director. Tafoya has now filled the previous vacancy that Dr. Ebert left. In order to highlight his new position, The Lightning Letter decided to ask him about his experiences with our school as well as fun questions to get to know him.

Q: WHY DO YOU LOVE MUSIC?

Music connects to others. It’s a moment that can never be shared again

Q: WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE MUSIC AS A CAREER?

My high school music teacher influenced me into this career

Q: WHO DO YOU STILL TALK TO FROM HIGH SCHOOL?

I still talk to my wife 

Q: WHAT INSTRUMENTS DO YOU PLAY?

I play both the french horn and the piano 

Q: WHAT’S THE WORST THING YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN IN TROUBLE FOR?

One time I showed up to a concert late. It didn’t go very well.

Q: IF YOUR TEACHING STYLE WAS AN OBJECT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

If I had to describe my teaching style, it would be salted caramel chocolate. For the most part it’s warm but it can be harsh at times.

Q: DESCRIBE A MUSIC KID USING A SIMILE OR METAPHOR?

Orchestra kids are cats while band kids are dogs.

Q: WHAT ANIMAL WOULD BE THE BEST IF SCALED DOWN TO THE SIZE OF A CAT?

Elephants would be the best. I like them a lot.

Q: WHAT SCHOOLS HAVE YOU WORKED FOR

I have worked for Horizon and Range View 

Q: HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR NEW POSITION?

I love it. It really does feel like home

Q: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE EXPERIENCE AT LEGACY?

My favorite experience was putting medals around the necks of band kids.

Q: WHAT IS THE WEIRDEST/MOST UNEXPLAINABLE THING YOU’VE WITNESSED?

I witnessed a Slurpee chugging contest. That was very weird 

Q: WHAT’S SOME ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

If I had to give myself advice, it would be to practice more.

Q: DO CATS HAVE REGRETS?

Absolutely not