Our Directors

Mr. Picanco

Mr. Picanco is the Director of Marching Arts and Jazz at MHS, as well as directing the wind ensembles and Intro to Guitar class. Mr. P holds a B.M. in Music Education from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at CSU, Long Beach, and a M.M. in Music Education from the American Band College of Central Washington University. Outside of his duties at MHS, Mr. P is an activity music clinician/consultant in the Long Beach area, co-founder of DNA Music Publishing, and likes riding bikes fast.

Ms. Luu-Campos

Ms. Luu-Campos is the Director of Orchestras at MHS, as well as teaching AP Music Theory and Intro to Guitar class. Ms. Luu-Campos holds a B.M. in Music Education and a M.A. in Music Education from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at CSU, Long Beach. In addition to MHS, she directs at Harmony Project, Long Beach, a youth orchestra program. Ms. Luu-Campos plays viola and violin professionally in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas.

Music Staff

Alyssa Newkirk

Alyssa Newkirk is an alumni who started as a member of Millikan’s Marching Band when she was a freshman in 2013. Over the years, she has become an integral part of the group, and her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. In fact, in 2018, Alyssa was invited to join the staff of the band, and she has since been promoted to Assistant Director. With her passion for music and her natural leadership skills, Alyssa is a valuable asset to the band, helping to guide and inspire her students. As a student she played clarinet and sousaphone/tuba and was one of the drum majors. If you need to contact her she can be reached here.

Mr. Tom Mitter

Over 40 years of private teaching experience: saxophone, clarinet, flute and improvisation. Tom Mitter has had numerous students make the Illinois and California Allstate honor band (both concert and jazz.) A flute student of his for 7 years was named the top high school flutist in Illinois. He has taught instrumental music in both public and private schools from the third grade through the university level in Spanish, Japanese and English. Mr. Mitter's students have received full college scholarships and become professional musicians. Mr. Mitter works with Mr. Picanco in Millikan's jazz program and running the music department library.

Music Staff

Don Sawday

Name

Jacob Lythgoe

TBD
Arizona native Jacob Lythgoe’s passion for music education and performance started in the marching arts. He spent three summers with the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps as a section leader/soloist from 2014 to 2016 and concluded his marching career with the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps in 2017. Jacob holds a B.M. in Trumpet Performance from the University of Arizona and a M.M. in Trumpet Performance from CSU Long Beach. An active teacher and performer, Jacob is growing his private studio and has performed and participated in several music festivals and groups such as the American Youth Symphony, the Tucson Symphony, and the Los Angeles Opera.

Colorguard and Winterguard Staff

Lynsey Mikels

Cassandra Hawkins

Darius Parker

​Darius Parker is currently starting his third year working with the Millikan Marching Rams. Since 2019 Darius has marched under Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, Gold Winter Guard, and Emerald Winter Guard this past 2023 season and has continues to use all of his experiences to ensure that the color guard is aiming for success.

Jazel Fonseca

Jazel attended Millikan High School and participated in colorguard throughout all four years, serving as captain for three years. During her time in the program, she showcased skills in spinning flag, rifle, and Sabre, with a particular fondness for flag spinning. Since graduating, Jazel has joined the Millikan Music staff and has shared her positivity and love of performance with students.

Marching Band Visual Staff

Olivia Webster

Olivia Webster is currently finishing her B.M. in Music Education at California State University, Long Beach. She is deeply passionate about teaching and ensuring her students receive the best education and experience possible. Olivia‘s own experience in the marching arts includes three summers with Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps and aged-out with the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. Olivia has worked at Millikan since 2021 as a visual tech. She is currently serving as Visual Caption-Head and a Music Coach.

Ethan Walters

Percussion Staff

Allen Makishima

Andrew McAfee

Aya Strauss

Aydan Marquez

Aydan has marched with a variety of corps including: Gold Indoor Percussion in 2021, Vessel Indoor Percussion in 2023, and most recently the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corp this past season.
This is his second year teaching at Millikan High School and is doubling in percussion and visual instruction.

Jon Vital