Director of Vocal Music
Mr. Kyle Snyder
Kyle Snyder is entering his tenth year of teaching and his first year at Ponderosa. Kyle graduated the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree in Vocal, Piano, and General Music in 2016. He taught for two years at Weld Central Middle School in Keenesburg, four Years at Everitt Middle School in Wheat Ridge, and three years at Prairie View High School in Henderson. He has also served as an executive board member with the Colorado Middle All State Choir.
Kyle began his music education in 3rd grade at the piano with a local piano teacher. As He grew threw the public school system he involved himself in every aspect of the Performing Arts. Playing in band, marching in marching band, being in school choirs, and being in the school musical. Today outside of the classroom Kyle will occasionally accompany other choirs or performing groups and appear in stage productions.
Kyle lives in Southeast Aurora with his wife and two children. He loves to play and watch soccer and coaches here at Ponderosa. He also loves to run, camp, bike, read, skateboard, cook, work in the yard, and attend concerts, plays, and musicals in the local area.
Director of Instrumental Music
Mr. Jack Merrill
Jack Merrill started teaching over ten years ago as a snorkeling, sailing, and deep-sea fishing instructor. Realizing his true passion lay in teaching, he left the pre-med track at Creighton University to pursue Music Education. After transferring to the University of Colorado, Boulder, he performed with the CU Symphonic Band, Golden Buffalo Marching Band, Concert Jazz Ensemble, Dave Corbus Jazz Combo, and Aphrodite Sax Quartet. While completing his degree, Jack would assist band instruction at Altona Middle School and Longmont High School. Additionally, Jack was Legacy High School's Woodwind Caption Head for their 2023 Marching Season, helping them earn a silver medal at the Colorado Marching Band State Championship.
Jack earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and completed all course requirements for a Certificate in Jazz Studies. He is currently in his second year teaching at Ponderosa High School.
Jack will be leaving Ponderosa to become the next Director of Bands at Longmont High School. While sad to leave, he’s incredibly grateful to have been part of the Ponderosa community and is excited to welcome in the new PHS Director of Instrumental Music, Mrs. Katie St. Gemme-pate.