The majority of students who make up the Legacy Band are from these two outstanding middle school programs, Thunder Vista and Westlake. The directors and staff at Legacy are fortunate to work alongside such dedicated and talented educators such as Mackenzie Sutphin and Michael Windham.
Mackenzie Sutphin
Director of Instrumental Music and General Elementary Music at Thunder Vista P-8
Mackenzie Sutphin is the Director of Instrumental Music and General Elementary Music at Thunder Vista P-8 in Adams 12 Five Star Schools....
In her role, Mrs. Sutphin directs the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade ensembles, while also teaching general music to students from kindergarten through fifth grade. She leads the school’s middle school musical theater program, the upper elementary percussion ensemble, Thunder Struck as well as performs grade levels programs with all grades at Thunder Vista P-8.
When Thunder Vista opened its doors as a brand-new school in the fall of 2018, Mrs. Sutphin had the unique opportunity to build the performing arts program from the ground up. From purchasing instruments and developing curriculum to establishing a vibrant music culture, her vision and leadership have shaped a dynamic and inclusive program that continues to grow each year.
Mrs. Sutphin holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Colorado State University in Fort Collins—Go Rams! A passionate performer as well as an educator, she plays trumpet professionally with several ensembles across the Front Range, including a New Orleans-style second line brass band based in Denver, an all-female punk band in New Jersey, and a ska band in Fort Collins. Her versatility as a musician reflects her deep love for all styles of music and her commitment to inspiring that same passion in her students. Creating life long lovers and appreciators of music is her number one goal as a music educator.
Outside of school, Mrs. Sutphin resides in Fort Collins with her husband, James, and their dog, Mr. T “Tiny”. She enjoys backpacking through the foothills, biking around Old Town and City Park, and soaking up everything Colorado has to offer.
Michael Windham
Director of Bands and Department Chair at Westlake Middle School
Michael Windham is the Director of Bands and Music Department Chair at Westlake Middle School....
Under his direction, Westlake’s Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble have earned Superior and Excellent ratings at festivals and the Colorado Bandmasters Association Exemplary Band Award in 2023, 2025, and 2026. His students are consistently selected for honor ensembles and earn Superior ratings at Solo & Ensemble.
Outside the classroom, Mr. Windham is an active clinician, presenter, and guest conductor, having presented multiple sessions at the Colorado Music Educators Association Conference and works with students and music educators across Colorado. As a professional saxophonist, he has collaborated with nationally and internationally recognized artists and has performed at major venues and festivals, including Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Mr. Windham holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Colorado Boulder. He is a member of the National Association for Music Education, the Jazz Education Network, the Colorado Bandmasters Association, and the American School Band Directors Association. He lives in Lafayette, Colorado, with his wife, Rachel.
