Teachers & Staff

Harlan Kesson:  Harlan first joined the Taos Youth Music School as a student in 2004 in the garage band program. Since graduating in 2010, he has worked his way through the music industry, performing and producing alongside such Titans as the Wailers, Rakim, the BoDeans, Los Lonely Boys, and many more. Now, Kesson aims to bring his knowledge of music, both technical and professional, to the youth of Taos, so that they may pursue their own dreams of being rock stars!

Board of Directors

Valerie Davis – Chair:  Valerie holds K-8 degrees in both regular classroom education and music education. She began her teaching career in 1987 and is currently teaching general music at Ranchos Elementary (here in Taos). Valerie taught the first class of Taos Youth Music School in 1999 with Penny Voss. Since that time, she has taught classes at most levels of the Music School. Although Valerie felt a need to retire from teaching classes at TYMS she is pleased to help guide the school by serving on its Board of Directors.

Rachael Penn - Treasurer:  Rachael moved to Taos after she completed her Bachelor’s of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Naropa University in Boulder, CO with an emphasis in the Creative Process and Healing Arts.  She is passionate about supporting the creative process and artistic expression of people of all ages and skill levels.  She believes that music has always been a powerful way that cultures from around the world and throughout the ages have brought vitality into their communities, fostered a sense of individual belonging and created bridges of understanding.  Rachael is active in the local music community, playing and recording with numerous songwriters and musicians.  She is currently performing locally as a violinist and singer with several groups. In the past she has taught classes for TYMS and brings professional experience with accounting and book keeping to her role as Treasurer.

Robert Quijano - Member

Susan Potter - Member

Brian Uerling - Member and St. James Liason

Anna Mae Patterson - Secretary