DIRECTORS
Mitchell Way, Director
Mitchell Way received his Bachelors in Music Education from Tennessee Technological University and his Masters of Music from The American Band College of Sam Houston State University. He has had the privilege of studying music with famous conductors Paula Crider, Anthony Maiello, Peter Boonshaft, Past-President of the American Bandmasters Association Joseph Hermann, as well as instrumentalists and composers such as Jim Walker, Robert Spring, Eugene Rousseau, Frank Ticheli, Brian Balmages, and Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser.
Mr. Way taught band for three years in the greater Nashville, Tennessee area before moving to San Diego in 2007. Prior to this move he served as clinician at the Tennessee Valley Summer Music Festival, coaching chamber ensembles and teaching private saxophone. He has performed with the Tennessee Valley Winds and currently performs on alto saxophone and is a board member of the San Diego Winds, a non-profit ensemble comprised of professionals and music educators for the purpose of developing music education outreach programs in the greater San Diego area. Prior to Westview, Mr. Way taught band and orchestra at Grossmont High School for one year prior to serving as Director of Instrumental Music at Helix Charter High School for five years.
Mark McCann, Associate Director
Mr. McCann earned his bachelor's degree in music education from San Diego State University and his master's in music education through the American Band College of Central Washington University. His principal teachers include Dr. Shannon Kitelinger, Bill Yeager, Matthew Rowe, and Richard Thompson. Mr. McCann has also had the privilege of studying with other prominent conductors including Gary Green, Paula Crider, Peter Boonshaft, and Rafael Payare, as well as performing under renowned composers such as Gordon Goodwin, Brian Balmages, Carol Brittin Chambers, Frank Ticheli, and Richard Saucedo.
As a professional performer, Mr. McCann has worked extensively in jazz, classical, and musical theater settings, specializing in woodwinds with a primary focus on saxophone. Mr. McCann is passionate about music education and committed to helping students grow both musically and personally through meaningful ensemble experiences. As of Fall 2026, he is in his 12th year of teaching.