Ariel Volpe

ariel.volpe@dvusd.org

Hi! My name is Ariel Volpe. Welcome to Visual Arts. This class      will include everything from the Elements of Art: line, shape, color, form, value, texture, pattern, and space. We will be working with both 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional mediums.

The expectation for my class is that everyone does their personal best, show kindness, and keep a positive attitude.

My contact is ariel.volpe@dvusd.org

As we go through the school year look for an email from Artsonia. When you   accept the invite you will be able to seesome of your child's artwork.      Artsonia will house pictures of your child's final art pieces. It's their digital portfolio. This is a great way to share your child's work with other family members.

It is going to be a great year!

 

 

 

Email: rachael.stanford@dvusd.org

Degrees and Certifications:

B.A. Music EducationB.S. Saxophone Performance

Mrs. Rachael Stanford

 

Hello! I'm Mrs. Stanford. I am the Band teacher at Gavilan Peak School. This is my thirteenth year teaching music, and I absolutely love it! 

I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelors in Music Education and Saxophone Performance. I grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona. I am married to Jordan Stanford, who loves music as much as I do!  We have one son, Emerson and our daughter Sophia!

 

GP Band Handbooks/Events

 

Music Stores

Allegro Music

8385 W Deer Valley Rd #106, Peoria, AZ 85382
(623) 215-2214
allegromusicaz.com‎

Boogie Music 

3562 W Cactus Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85029
(602) 978-6688

www.boogiemusic.com/

Milano Music

38 W. Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201

(480) 668-6769 for instruments and supplies

(480) 833-2323 for music

http://www.milanomusic.com/
 

Music and Arts

5350 W. Bell Rd, #132, Glendale, AZ 85308 

(602) 504-0206

www.musicarts.com

 

Rhapsody School of Music 

42201 N 41st Dr STE 132

Anthem, AZ 85086

https://www.rhapsodyschoolofmusic.com/

 

Woodwind Brasswind (website only)

www.wwbw.com

5th Band will be starting the week of XXXX. Sign up is open now! Just email at rachael.stanford@dvusd.org to inquire!

6th Band will be starting the week of XXXX.  If you are not already enrolled but would like to join, please email me at rachael.stanford@dvusd.org to inquire!

Band Websites

Woodwinds	Brass
Flute Fingerings	Trumpet Fingerings
Oboe Fingerings	Horn Fingerings
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet Fingerings	Trombone Slide Positions
Alto/Bari Sax Fingerings	Euphonium Fingerings
Tenor Sax Fingerings	Tuba Fingerings

 

 

7/8 Band is during specials. Please email me at rachael.stanford@dvusd.org if your child is interested in joining band!

Band Websites

Woodwinds	Brass
Flute Fingerings	Trumpet Fingerings
Oboe Fingerings	Horn Fingerings
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet Fingerings	Trombone Slide Positions
Alto/Bari Sax Fingerings	Euphonium Fingerings
Tenor Sax Fingerings	Tuba Fingerings

Band Websites

Woodwinds	Brass
Flute Fingerings	Trumpet Fingerings
Oboe Fingerings	Horn Fingerings
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet Fingerings	Trombone Slide Positions
Alto/Bari Sax Fingerings	Euphonium Fingerings
Tenor Sax Fingerings	Tuba Fingerings

 

Woodwind Fingering Chart

Fingering Charts for Woodwind players

http://www.wfg.woodwind.org

Online Metronome

Students can use this to practice in place of a purchased metronome.  

http://www.metronomeonline.com

DSO for Kids

Designed for students for listening to music, learning about instruments and composers, or playing musical games. 

http://dsokids.com/

Music Theory

Review notes from class or practice naming your notes in the staff!

http://www.musictheory.net/

https://www.theaterseatstore.com/blog/guide-to-music-theory

 

Piano help

 

https://www.wristband.com/content/piano-wrist-arm-positioning-playing/

 

MUSIC APPS!

Check out these AWESOME apps that you can download on your smart phone or tablet! Remember, all app downloads need to be done with the permission of a parent or guardian!

 

Tempo - Metronome with Set Lists	TonalEnergy Chromatic Tuner and Metronome	Tenuto
Ear Trainer Lite	Virtuoso Piano Free 4

 

 

 

 

Hello Firebirds! My name is Casey Chen (谌可心), the Mandarin Specials teacher at Gavilan Peak School. I grew up in a city called Xiamen, which is located in southeastern China. I attended graduate school at Indiana University Bloomington and earned one Master's Degree in Chinese Pedagogy and one Master's Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I started my teaching career in 2014, and before joining Gavilan Peak School, I taught middle school and upper school Mandarin Chinese classes at Phoenix Country Day School for six years. I look forward to having fun Chinese classes with all my students and helping them become lifelong learners! 

 

• Websites for typing Chinese characters:

  1. http://www.archchinese.com/type_chinese.html
  2. http://www.typingchinese.com/main.htm
  3. https://www.purpleculture.net/online-chinese-input/
  4. https://www.purpleculture.net/chinese-handwriting-input/
  5. https://www.google.com/inputtools/try/

   

  Apps to learn Chinese on phones and IPads:

  • ChineseSkill
  • Pinyin News
  • Hello HSK
  • Pleco
  • MM Chinese Characters
  • Skritter
  • Learn Chinese Characters – Flashcards by WCC (IAP)
  • Chinese Writer by trainchinese
  • ChinesePod - Learn Chinese
  • Chinese Exam Helper
  • Ni Wo Ta 写字
  • Dulingo

   

  Online Chinese Dictionary and Character Writing with stroke orders:

  https://chinese.im/

  Books to read in Chinese:

  1. http://mandarincompanion.com/products/: they have many books. They are adapted from classic novels, such as Sherlock Homles, Emma, and the Secret Garden. See the samples attached. Sample
  2. http://www.chinesebreeze.net/ : start with Level 1 books and then move up to Level 2 or 3. I read with my high school students before. They loved them and the books was not too hard.
  3. igniteChinese: We have those books in the classroom, so you can come to me and have a look at those books.
  4. http://mandarinmatrix.org/ : lots of online materials
  5. Terry Waltz's books

Classroom Supply Lists

MUSIC- GENERAL & CHOIR

Hello! My name is Richelle Harris. This is my FOURTH Year at Gavilan Peak, and I am so excited to continue working with your kids. This year we are looking forward to 4 Choir Concerts, a school musical “STILTSKINRUMPLES” and more!

A little about me: I have been singing and performing my whole life. I have a degree in Music-Vocal Performance and have been a big part of the music community in Anthem. I have owned a community theater, taught voice and piano lessons, led multiple choirs, taught preschool music and have years of performing and music experience. I have 2 wonderful boys who also attend Gavilan Peak. I feel like being a part of the Gavilan Peak School is a dream come true. I'm happy to be a part of the team. 

Please feel free to reach out to me at any time! Richelle.Harris@dvusd.org :)

 

 

 

CHOIR 2025-2026:

Choir 2025-2026

2025-2026 Concerts for both Elementary and Middle School Choirs: 

1. Thursday, September 25, 2025 @ 5:30 in MPR
2. Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 5-7 as part of Luminaria Night
3. Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 5-7 as part of STEAM Night
4. Thursday, May 7, 2026 @ 5:30 in MPR

ELEMENTARY CHOIR:

Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00in Choir/Music Room 612. Rehearsals on:. August 13, 20, 27. September 3, 10, 17, 24. October 8, 15 (No rehearsals on 22 or 29 because of the Musical). November 5, 12, 19. December 3, 10 (No 17). January (No 7) 14, 21, 28. February 4, 11, 18, 25. March 4, 11, 25. April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. May 6.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR ASSESSMENTS:

1. Thursday, October 9 during School Hours at Boulder Creek
2. Tuesday, March 10 during School Hours at Boulder Creek 

 

DISTRICT HONOR CHOIR:

Auditions in September, Rehearsals during October-December. Field Trip and Concert on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Sandra Day O’Connor High School More details to follow for those who get in.

 

 

MUSICAL: STILTSKINRUMPLES: August 11-October 30, 2025

StiltskinRumples

 

Email: kimberly.fate@dvusd.org

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor's Degree: Governor's State University
Master's Degree: University of Illinois

Mrs. Kim Fate

Hello! My name is Kim Fate, and I’m excited to be part of your child’s learning journey this year. I bring 24 years of teaching experience, including 21 years in 4th grade and 3 years teaching Physical Education. I am passionate about helping students grow physically, and socially in a positive, structured, safe environment.

PE Expectations:

In Physical Education, students are expected to:

• Come prepared with appropriate athletic shoes and clothing. (Students will not be allowed to participate with crocs, boots, sandals, slippers, etc.)

• Demonstrate sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork.

• Participate actively and try their best in all activities.

• Follow directions and stay safe during class.

My goal is to create a fun and engaging space where students build lifelong healthy habits and learn the importance of movement, cooperation, and confidence. Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions or concerns at kimberly.fate@dvusd.org. I look forward to a fantastic year!

 

 

 

My name is Kari Porcelli. This is my 19th year teaching in the Deer Valley Unified School District. I will be teaching STEAM/Computer Science again this year. I have taught Fourth Grade, Health, and Physical Education.

My goal is to help students learn how to problem solve, work collaboratively, be creative, and use critical thinking skills.

My husband and nine-year-old son are the best part of my life. I love spending time with my family and friends. In my free time: I enjoy playing sports, swimming, hiking, doing puzzles, and playing games.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at kari.porcelli@dvusd.org.