Bio

Josh Thye, Conductor, is the Director of Bands and Fine Arts Department Chair at Desert Vista High School. Mr. Thye has also served as the North Central Regional Governor. He joined the music faculty at DVHS in May of 2003, immediately following the passing of the school’s first band director, who was Josh’s high school band director as well. Being a graduate of Desert Vista, Mr. Thye was honored to teach at his Alma Mater, and to continue the school’s legacy of excellence in music. Under his direction, the band program has grown to its current state of over 250 members. The band program at DVHS has been recognized in all areas of performance for their musical achievements at local, state, and national levels including concert band, jazz band, marching band, percussion, and winter guard.

     The Wind Ensemble, under Mr. Thye’s direction, has achieved the highest ratings possible in the Arizona festival system: “Superior with Distinction”. The ensemble has also taken “Unanimous Superior” ratings from the SCSBOA circuit in Southern California. Recently the Wind Ensemble was invited by audition to perform at Carnegie Hall on March 9, 2008. In 2007, the Winter Guard became Gold Medalists-State Champions, and finished Silver Medalists-Runner’s Up in 2008. The Tuesday Night Jazz Ensemble has performed throughout the southwest, receiving unanimous Superior ratings, and they have qualified for State Jazz Festival every year since their inception.

     The Desert Vista Thunder Marching Band is also acknowledged as one of the top marching bands in the state. In 2004, 2006, and 2007 the Marching Band was awarded the ‘Milton Nunamker Award of Merit’ the highest award in Arizona for musical excellence, at the University of Arizona Band Day. Desert Vista received this top honor out of over 50 participating bands. In 2008, the marching band placed 6th at the Bands of America Regional in Los Angeles, qualifying for Finals for the first time since 2001. In 2009, they finished in 1st place in their division at the Basha “Sounds along the San Tans”, the ASU Band Day, and the State Marching Festival. The band also received the High Music caption and Sweepstakes trophy at ASU Band Day. Our marching band was recently selected to participate in the 2011 Fiesta Bowl National Band Championship and Parade.

     Mr. Thye completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona in 2003 earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. He holds a Masters degree in Educational Administration through the University of Phoenix and is pursuing a Master of Instrumental Conducting through the American Band College of Sam Houston State University. He and his wife, Jennifer, a local wedding/event planner and owner of Imoni Events, currently reside in Chandler, AZ. The love of their life and pride and joy, Madelyn, was born on July 29, 2009.