Performing Arts

Mr. Scott McGowan

Dr. Scott McGowan began teaching in 1997 and has been teaching the Rocky Heights Middle Bands and Orchestras since 2012. He has had the privilege of teaching award-winning programs in Iowa, Texas, and Colorado and has held teaching positions at every level from elementary through college, working with instrumental, vocal, and general music students. His ensembles consistently receive Superior ratings at contests and festivals. As a high school director, his marching band was a state finalist each year, including a state championship. His concert and jazz ensembles performed at the state concert band festival and received numerous outstanding soloist awards.

 Dr. McGowan’s compositional credits include pieces for string orchestra, big band, jazz combo, vocal jazz, percussion ensemble, and marching band. As a performer, he has appeared with many concert and jazz ensembles across the state. His education includes a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa, a Master of Music from the University of Colorado, and a Doctor of Music Education from Liberty University.

I prefer communication through email. I do not check email after hours or on weekends.

swmcgowan@dcsdk12.org

Mr. Evan Secrist

Hello! My name is Evan Secrist, and I have been teaching vocal music and guitar here at Rocky Heights since 2024. I attended the University of Oregon, where I received my bachelor’s in Music Education. Music is a big passion of mine, and outside of teaching, I also sing professionally for the Colorado Symphony Chorus, play guitar and keys in a rock band, and pursue other various musical projects. When I’m not attending or directing rehearsals, I also enjoy spending time outdoors, rock climbing, biking, and camping. Hope to see you at a choir concert!

Email: esecrist@dcsdk12.org

I do my best to respond to emails within 24 hours during the week, but if it’s been a couple of days, feel free to send a follow up! Emails received over the weekend will be responded to on Monday morning.

Mr. Geoff Whitesell

Hello everyone!  My name is Geoff Whitesell, and I have been teaching Drama at Rocky Heights since 2018. 

After high school, I attended the University of North Carolina, where I received my BFA in Theatre. I worked as a casting assistant for Screen Gems studios, placing extras and day players on shows like Dawson's Creek and One Tree Hill. After several years, I moved to South Florida, where I continued my studies and completed my MFA in Theatre at Florida Atlantic University. I continued to audition in Miami and found success in the voice-over world, where I was cast in Anime work and various Radio and TV commercials. I then moved to Los Angeles to continue seeking work in the film and television world, all while studying an additional Theatrical mind/body discipline called The Alexander Technique.

I've always wanted to live in Colorado, so I moved here in 2015 and have loved every minute of it.  I enjoy helping students experience a class like Drama and showing them how they can apply my class to everyday life.

Best way to communicate is email: gwhitesell@dcsdk12.org

I am a HUGE sports fan (Go Tarheels!), so be on the lookout for me around here at Rockies or Nuggets games!

I love following RHMS and RCHS sports too!