Milpitas Unified School District

At 22 years of age, educator Kylie Ward has already indulged in a wide, unconventional scope of musical genres–performing and instructing in mariachi, soul, jazz, heavy metal, classic and modern rock’n roll, marching show band and concert band.

 

A trumpet player out of Pittsburg, Calif. who earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a Jazz Studies minor, as well as her Teaching Credential, from University of the Pacific in Stockton, Ward is bringing her vast repertoire to Milpitas High School as the new Director of Bands.

 

“It’s been really awesome being here,” said Ward, who teaches jazz and concert band as well as two breakout percussion ensembles. After school she is on the field coaching the MHS marching band this fall, and will be leading percussion and colorguard groups in the winter.

 

A month before the start of the 2025-26 school year, Ward was on the MHS campus, sorting through instruments, organizing equipment and logging inventory. Two weeks later, she hosted MHS band camp. This year, she leads 84 marching band members and more than 130 music students. 

 

“I don’t have to worry about whether my students are dedicated because they just come eager to try their best and have a lot of fun. That passion definitely shines through with everything they do,” Ward said. “They are incredibly respectful to me, which I really appreciate and it makes it easier for me to build connections with them.”

 

Ward relates well to her students and values those personal connections, where she can learn about their ambitions and goals as well as support them through any challenges. “My students work on skills that they can apply to any career they may decide to pursue. I also love helping them discover the different ways that they can keep music in their lives.” she added.

 

The commitment and passion is apparent from Ward and her students; whether in concert or marching band. Ward runs marching band practices from 6-9pm twice weekly, and then a third session from 1-9pm on Saturdays. The marching band competes in its Western Band Association circuit and will participate in at least one parade this school year. The pep band (which is a mix of marching band and concert members) performs at MHS football games and other school events.

 

“I’m really excited for our first competition and I think they are too, because they get to see their hard work paying off in a final product,” Ward said. “We’re hoping for some good ratings this year. We have about 12 staff members who help us reach that goal. They help each student get individual, specialized instruction.”

 

Along with that, Ward is preparing her student musicians for a slew of seasonal concerts and ensembles for the community. Already this year, three MHS musicians have been chosen for the San Jose State University Honors Band: Aidan Quiroz, Myren Fu and Joseph Yim. 

 

“They are hard workers. They are dedicated,” said Ward, who taught for one year at a public charter K-8 school in Oakland prior to joining MHS this school year. “And they are incredibly talented.”