Mr. Macklin returns to Sioux Falls to lead the new Jefferson band program. His previous tenure in Sioux Falls was at Roosevelt High School from 2000-2010 and Memorial Middle school 2012-2013. Mr. Macklin brings 33 years of teaching experience at all levels to the position, as well as an extensive background in the marching arts.

Mr. Macklin was a member of the World Class Finalist Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps 1986, 1987, and alumni corps in 2006. He also directed and designed for the DCI Class finalist Railmen Drum and Bugle corps from Omaha, NE from 1988-1992. Mr. Macklin is a successful show and drill designer for several regional programs. He also is a clinician and adjudicator throughout the Midwest.

Mr. Macklin has a great interest in restoring old homes, and cares for former racing greyhounds.

Kevin Kurtz is the assistant band director at Jefferson High School (est. 2021) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Music Education (2017) and is currently working towards his Master's Degree in Music Education from the American Band College through Central Washington University.

Mr. Kurtz began his teaching career in his hometown of Parkston, SD where he taught 4-12 instrumental music from ‘17-‘20. He then moved to Sioux Falls to be a long-term substitute teacher, working with numerous elementary, middle school and high school bands. Outside of the classroom, Kevin has used his past experience as a DCI performer and instructor to educate numerous marching bands and help found two of the first indoor drumlines in South Dakota.

Rebecca Hiigel graduated from the DePaul University School of Music in Chicago, IL with a degree in French Horn Performance and Music Education. Through her studies, she earned her certification to teach K-12 Vocal and Instrumental music. Ms. Hiigel has performed with many advanced choral groups including the DePaul Concert Choir and multiple honors choirs. Additionally, she took independent studies in vocal pedagogy with several of the private voice teachers at DePaul during her time there. She has performed in leading roles for many different musical theater productions in the Sioux Falls and Chicago communities.

It is an exciting journey to build this program of excellence with the amazing Jefferson students and staff. He loves to getting to work with the fine musicians in the NW part of town! Most recently, Parezo worked at Roosevelt as the assistant choir director. He was the director of Roosevelt High School’s Chorale, RiderChor and Capitol Harmony show choir. He also co-conducted Mixed and Freshman Choruses. Under his direction, the Roosevelt RiderChor (formerly President's Men) was invited to participate in and served as a featured performance choir for the 2017 Augustana University’s inaugural "Vikesing" Men's Festival, the 2018 South Dakota State University Choral Inservice, and for the 2018 Real Men Sing Men's Choral Festival at Wartburg College. Capitol Harmony show choir earned several grand champion placements in unisex division competition along with numerous evening finals placements.

I Graduate from Fort Hays State University, with a B.F.A, B.S.E, and M.S. Started my career in KC, KS middle school, moved to Louisville, KY doing pre-K to adult art and High School ceramics/drawing, then moved to Sioux Falls.

My hope as an art educator is to have all students, despite experience and skill level, leave my studio courses with a sincere appreciation for creativity, studio practice, and the world of art. I look forward to furthering all student’s art education and am very excited to see the creative change from when they first walk in the studio to when they complete their final projects.

My name is Travis Dahle and I am the head speech and debate coach at Jefferson. I'm excited for another year of speech and debate and what our students are going to accomplish this year!

For some background, I've been teaching and coaching in Sioux Falls since the fall of 2004. I spent most of those years at Washington High School helping build up their debate programs to one of the largest and most successful in the State and nation. In the fall of 2021 I joined Jefferson to start up their school and debate program! During my time in Sioux Falls I've been awarded the Coach of the Year 3 times, had 2 semi-finalists at the National Debate Tournament and a runner-up finisher in Lincoln-Douglas debate. At the State Level, I helped coaches State Champions in LD, Policy and Public Forum as well as a team State Championship and several runner-up finishes.

After leading an Oral Interpretation program and teaching in Texas, it has been a privilege to begin building the foundation of a new program at Jefferson High School. As a graduate of University of Utah, with a Bachelor's of Science in Speech Communication, and Master's of Arts, in Education, I am thrilled to be able to continue to develop the speech and communication skills of our students as they learn the value of using their voices and ideas to positively impact the world. Oral Interpretation allows students to explore creative performance and literature while developing confidence, understanding that every voice matters, and everyone has a story to be heard.