DESERT VOX STAFF
CO-DIRECTOR, ENSEMBLE COORDINATOR, DRILL DESIGNER
DAVID MIRANDA
David Miranda is the co-founder of Desert Vox. He is a full-time percussion educator, arranger, and designer from Southern California. He has been involved in the percussive and marching arts since 2006. Dave is currently the intermittent Percussion Director for Pebble Hills High School in El Paso, TX, and was previously the Percussion Director at Del Valle High School from 2021-2023. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Pulse Percussion Inc.. He holds a BA in Music Education from Cal Poly Pomona and his MA in Education from The University of Texas at El Paso. Over the last 17 years as an educator, he has been fortunate enough to have worked with some of the best ensembles and minds in the country.
In DCI, David has taught World Class basslines with The Troopers (2010), The Santa Clara Vanguard (2011), and The Blue Stars (2013-2016) and served as the Percussion Caption head and Battery Arranger for Gold Drum and Bugle Corps (2017-2019), where the corps made the largest jump in its history going from 8th place to 3rd place in Open Class Finals. In WGI Independent World Class, he was the Bass Tech with Pulse Percussion from 2011-2013. In 2019 Dave was the Caption Head and Arranger at Gold Indoor, which made Finals their first year in WGI PIO. Previously, he was the ensemble coordinator and battery arranger for Velocity Independent in PIO. Last year, his newest endeavor at DV Indoor resulted in a promotion to PIO in their first-ever WGI Regional during their inaugural season.
As a high school educator, David has worked with 6-time WGI Championship World Class Gold Medalists Chino Hills High School from 2015-2018. Three of those years resulted in a WGI PSW Gold Medal. Previously, he was the drill designer and Battery Instructor for Rancho Cucamonga High School from 2011-2013, where they made WGI PSW Finals in 2011. He was also a battery tech and drill designer for many outstanding programs, including Upland HS, Colony HS, Alta Loma HS, and his Alma Mater, Warren HS. Dave has been arranging for high schools since 2012. Some recent full percussion arrangements from El Paso include Pebble Hills HS, Del Valle HS, Bel Air HS, and Andress HS. Previously in California, he wrote the battery books for Alta Loma HS and Colony HS.
His DCI World Class marching experience includes Pacific Crest, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Phantom Regiment. His WGI World Class marching experience includes four seasons of Pulse Percussion from 2007-2010, receiving the WGI Gold Medal for his age-out performance. He also served as a section leader for his last two years.
David has been fortunate enough to learn from some of the world's most leading figures in the marching arts and percussion/music. Figureheads such as Paul Rennick, Murray Gusseck, Brian Mason, Glen Crosby, John Mapes, Ian Grom, Eric Shriver, Dave Henkel, and Kevin Welborn are all Caption Heads he has had the privilege of learning from. During his collegiate studies, he studied privately with Ricky Badua, Bill Schlitt, Mark Converse, Brad Genevro, and Andy Smith. Dave proudly endorses Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets, Zildjian Cymbals, and Remo Drumheads.
VYVIAN PEREZ
CO-DIRECTOR, VISUAL DESIGNER, CYMBAL TECHNICIAN
Vyvian Perez is the co-founder of Desert Vox and has been an active cymbal educator since 2010. She taught cymbals at several high schools in El Paso, TX from 2016-2021 and has received numerous awards as Best Cymbal Line in the region, including Del Valle HS, Coronado HS, and Alma Mater, Eastwood HS. From 2016-2021 she lived in Southern California and taught cymbals at various programs including Patrick Henry HS, Millikan HS, Alta Loma HS, Velocity Independent 2018, Gold Drum and Bugle Corps 2017-2019, and Gold Indoor 2019.
Vyvian moved back to El Paso in 2021 with David Miranda and is in her 10th year as the cymbal tech at Eastwood HS and first year at Pebble Hills HS. In 2023 she co-founded YISD Indoor group, DV Indoor, now known as Desert Vox, and has acted as the co-directer, visual designer, administrator, and cymbal tech since its inception. The group got promoted from A Class to Open Class for its inaugural season and placed 3rd in Independent Open at the WGI Phoenix regional and 1st in WTCA Championships. In 2024 Desert Vox placed 1st in WTCA Championships and also made its first trip out to World Championships in Dayton, OH where they were a semi-finalist.
Her DCI and WGI marching performance history includes playing cymbals for Pioneer 2010, Mandarins 2011-2013, and POW Percussion 2015. Her awards as a member include a Gold Medal at DCI I&E with Mandarins in 2011, the Mandarins Felicia Louie Award in 2013 for her Age-Out, and the POW Age Out Award. She has also performed on TV hit shows Hell’s Kitchen and Euphoria.
Aside from being passionate in cymbals, Vyvian was also classically trained on piano for seven years and has been playing since the age of five. She briefly attended the University of Texas at El Paso as a Percussion Music Major and performed with the Wind Ensemble. Since then she focused her studies into cognitive linguistics with an emphasis in American Sign Language (ASL) and has worked as an ASL Interpreter over the last ten years. Vyvian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas Permian Basin along with an AA in Sign Language Interpretation, AA in World Language/ Global Studies, and an AS in Administration of Justice.
FRANK GONZALEZ
In the heart of the Sun City, where the desert's rhythm meets the vibrant pulse of music, Frank has returned home to take the helm of the Front Ensemble for the dynamic percussion indoor group, Desert Vox. Born and raised in El Paso, Frank carries with him a symphony of experiences and accolades that make him an invaluable addition to this thriving musical ensemble.
Frank embarked on his musical journey at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), earning a Bachelor's degree in Music Education in 2008. It was during these formative years that his passion for percussion began to flourish, and he quickly established himself as a dogmatic percussion educator in the area. In 2003, Frank took his talents to the national stage, joining the prestigious Patriots Drum and Bugle Corps. This was only the beginning of an illustrious drum corps career that saw him march with the Blue Knights in 2004, 2006, and 2007. His dedication and skill shone brightly, culminating in a remarkable victory at the Keyboard Individual & Ensemble (I&E) competition in 2006. The following year, he was an integral part of the winning ensemble at the Percussion Ensemble I&E competition in 2007. Eager to further hone his craft, Frank pursued higher education, earning a Master's in Percussion Performance from George Mason University in 2011. His time at George Mason was marked by a commitment to musical excellence and a deep exploration of the percussive arts.
In 2013, Frank returned to his beloved UTEP to attain a Master's in Conducting, adding another layer of expertise to his musical arsenal. This dual mastery of performance and conducting would later become a cornerstone of his career. Following his academic pursuits, Frank took on the role of a band director at Northwest High School in the Dallas-Fort Worth area from 2014 to 2019. Here, he shared his passion for music with a new generation, nurturing young talents and inspiring a love for percussion. From 2019 to 2022, Frank shifted gears to serve as a Sales Engineer at Sweetwater Sound. In this role, he combined his deep musical knowledge with his gift for communication to help fellow musicians find their perfect instruments and audio equipment. The year 2022 brought yet another exciting chapter as Frank accepted the position of band director at Nacogdoches High School. His tireless dedication to music education continued to impact students' lives, fostering a strong connection between art and the young minds he nurtured.
With a profound sense of homecoming, Frank and his family have recently returned to El Paso, drawn by the magnetic pull of the Sun City's vibrant music scene. His journey, rich with experiences, achievements, and a relentless commitment to music, has come full circle, bringing his remarkable talents back to where it all began. In the heart of the desert, the rhythmic sands of El Paso welcome back one of their own, as Frank leads the front ensemble in adding their unique beat to the melodious story of Desert Vox Percussion.
FRONT ENSEMBLE & AUDIO MANAGER
ART AVILA
Arthur Avila Jr. is set to return for his third year as the percussion specialist for Desert Vox. He is currently serving as the Assistant Band Director and also taking on the role of Director of Percussion at Eastwood High School, located in his hometown of El Paso, Texas. In addition to his work at the high school level, Mr. Avila is a part-time faculty member for El Paso Community College, where he provides instruction as an applied lessons instructor. He graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2001, earning a Bachelor of Music Education degree, during which time he focused his studies on percussion under the guidance of renowned instructor Larry White. Furthermore, Mr. Avila has experience as the former Co-Caption/Snare/Cymbal Technician for the highly regarded indoor WGI Independent Open ensemble, Innovative Marching Percussion.
Art is the esteemed founder and dedicated host of the EHS/YISD Sun City Throwdown Drumline Competition event, which takes place annually in the vibrant city of El Paso, Texas. Under his expert tutelage since 2004, the Eastwood drumming ensemble has consistently achieved numerous top awards at various prestigious competitions. Notably, in 2019, under his skilled leadership, his snareline impressively secured 1st place in the Small Marching Ensemble category at the well-regarded PASIC event. Additionally, Mr. Avila has been honored with the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award from The National Society of High School Scholars, a recognition he received in 2006 for his exceptional contributions to education.
Mr. Avila is also an actively engaged international percussionist who performs throughout the El Paso Southwest and Mexico region. In the summer of 2016, he embarked on an exciting tour with the El Paso Youth Symphony Orchestra, which took him to renowned venues in New York and Washington D.C. During this tour, he had the privilege of performing at prestigious locations such as Carnegie Hall, Coney Island, and even at our nation’s capital, captivating audiences in front of Congress. His musical talents have led him to share the stage with numerous esteemed orchestras and ensembles, including the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, Zarzuela, Pro-Musica, Juarez Symphony Orchestra, El Paso Opera, the Star City Percussion Ensemble, The Eklectic Jazz Band, the Abundant Living Faith Center Orchestra, The Edge of Texas Community Wind Symphony, the El Paso Wind Symphony, and the Music Theater of El Paso.
He has shared the stage with Tito Puente, Jr., Sam Pilafian, Jeff Berlin, Rosanna Eckerd, Kimberly Locke, Dr. Willie Hill, Tia Fuller, Wycliff Gordon, J.D.Guzman, Lalo Davila, Greg Adams, Sean Jones, Fred Wesley, N'Dugu Chancelor, Brad Leali, Marty Olivas, Billy Townes, The Canadian Brass, Taylor Hicks, Karmin, and Eric Johnson. Art is currently a studio percussionist with Shade Records in El Paso, TX., and performs drum set/timbales in Latin/Salsa band, Azucar. Art Avila is an active clinician/adjudicator and is currently endorsed by Pearl Drums/Adams and Innovative Percussion.
PERCUSSION SPECIALIST
Daniel Hunt held the position of Assistant Band Director at Pebble Hills High School from 2014-2023. In this role, Mr. Hunt served as the percussion coordinator, co-director of jazz studies, and co-director/composer/arranger of the PHHS marching band and percussion ensembles. Under his direction, Mr. Hunt’s percussion program saw a great deal of success ranging from championship marching ensembles, to award-winning concert ensembles, to individual performance accolades in all mediums.
Mr. Hunt has had many opportunities to work with various ensembles, with responsibilities ranging from teaching, to arranging, composing, and even fabricating professional quality percussion equipment. He has taught at many high schools in the El Paso, TX area, including Montwood High School, Chapin High School, and Pebble Hills High School to name a few. He has also had the opportunity to work with Martin High School (Arlington, TX), as well as Texas State Marching Band finalist Waxahachie High School (Waxahachie, TX). Additionally, during his time as a co-director for Tolar High School (Tolar, TX), the Tolar band placed 6th in their very first appearance at the Texas State Marching Band competition.
Mr. Hunt has served as a percussion instructor for a variety of independent percussion ensembles, including Sun City Independent (WGI Independent A), Arsenal Drum and Bugle Corps (SoundSport), and Surround Sound Indoor Percussion Ensemble (WGI Independent World). As a performer, Mr. Hunt was a member of the 2003 and 2006 Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps snarelines. In 2006 Mr. Hunt served as the battery section leader for the Blue Knights.
Mr. Hunt earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master of Music Education from the University of Texas at Arlington. Mr. Hunt has performed with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra on multiple occasions, as well as with many award-winning jazz ensembles, including the UT Arlington Jazz Orchestra (winners of the 2009 North Texas International Jazz Festival). In 2014, Mr. Hunt was a finalist for the Blue Man Group Boston Drum Off, where he placed in the top 5 among drum set soloists from around the country. Mr. Hunt places a high value on integrity and hard work, and is constantly learning, improving, and honing his craft as an educator. He is a member of the Percussive Arts Society, the Texas Music Educators Association, and the Texas Bandmasters Association.
Aside from his musical and professional pursuits, Mr. Hunt holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which he received in 2021, after 15 years of training. He is also an avid animal lover and loves to spend his time with his diabetic dog Luper.
DANIEL HUNT
PERCUSSION SPECIALIST
JONATHAN GUZMAN
Jonathan is currently in his second year on staff, and he is genuinely excited about the new opportunities that eagerly await him. Having recently aged out from the vibrant and dynamic world of marching arts, Jonathan continues to show his deep love and unwavering passion for the activity by taking on the important role of an educator at both the high school and independent levels in his hometown of El Paso, Texas. He proudly graduated from El Dorado High School in 2020, and since that time, he has primarily dedicated himself to working there as a committed percussion instructor, honing his craft and expertly guiding young musicians to reach their full potential. In addition to this primary role, he began working with Horizon High School in the fall of 2023, further expanding his influence and reach within the community.
Throughout his impressive journey in DCI, Jonathan had the incredible opportunity to march with Arsenal Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018 and the esteemed Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets in the year 2022, where he celebrated a significant achievement by winning the prestigious DCI Open Class World Championship title. He also had the privilege of marching with the UTEP Drumline in 2021, which further enriched his overall experience. Jonathan looks forward with great anticipation to sharing and passing down all he has learned throughout his journey to future generations of the marching arts, inspired greatly by the remarkable educators he has had the pleasure to work with, including the talented Paul Rennick, Patrick Malone, Harry Hutchins, Daniel Hunt, Daniel Reyes, Anthony Yrigoyen, and the esteemed Dr. Andy Smith.
BATTERY TECHNICIAN