Directors
Zack Bjornsen
West In The Groove Director
MWHS Choir Director
Singers Cantori Voce’
Zachary P. Bjornsen is in his 15th year of teaching, spending the past 13 years at Millard West High School. Mr. B, Director of Choral Activities, holds multiple degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Bachelor’s in Music Education and Master’s in Music. He is also beginning work on a second Master’s degree in administration through the University of Nebraska-Kearney. During his time as a music educator, Mr. B has directed 6th, 7th & 8th grade choirs, middle school show choirs, beginning mixed high school choirs, men’s choral ensembles, women’s choral ensembles, varsity mixed high school choirs, jazz choirs, high school musicals and high school show choirs. Zack has also had the privilege to be the guest clinician at various choral festivals in Nebraska and Iowa. Mr. B is also an accomplished performer and has been very fortunate to perform locally, nationally and overseas in Europe with various ensembles, including: Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, St. Marks Basilica in Venice, The Palms in Las Vegas, along with Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, & the Nokia Theatre in New York City, among others. Most of all Mr. Bjornsen enjoys his number one job: being a family man, spending time with his wife, Abby, and 3 daughters, Willow Jo (9) Hattie Pearl (6). And Byrdie (2).
Jordan Newhouse
Uptown Director
MWHS Asst. Choir Director
Singers Cantori Voce’
Jordan Newhouse is honored to be a part of the Millard West Music Department as the Assistant Director of Vocal Music. Born and raised in Omaha, Jordan began studying music at a very young age and continued those studies into college. He graduated from Wheaton College (IL) with a degree in Piano Performance and a masters degree in Ministry. After spending ten years in Chicago-area churches, Jordan felt the pull back home. He joined the Millard West Music staff in 2015 as the Accompanist and after a few years, received his certification, and moved into his current teaching position. In addition to his daily work with the choirs at MW and a general music course at Russell Middle, Jordan serves as Music Director of the Musical and Director of Uptown show choir. His main goal as a music educator is that each student feels a connection to music and to each other.
Drew Firkins
Swing Cats Director
Russell Middle School Music Director
Drew Firkins is the vocal music teacher at Russell Middle School in Omaha, Nebraska, where he teaches three grade-level choirs, directs the two show choirs (Leaders of the Pack & Subwoofers), the Wolfgang a cappella group, and their annual musical production. He has directed the show bands at Millard West High School for six years, and is now in his second year as the Swing Cats director. An alumnus of both Russell and Millard West, this is Drew’s 12th year of involvement within the Millard show choir programs. Outside of his school duties, he is a private vocal coach and a passionate music arranger for area show choirs and a cappella groups, and has recently gotten involved with community theatre in Omaha and has loved every second! He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2019 with his degree in Music Education & Composition, with a minor in Music Technology. In his free time, Drew enjoys playing video games, dance, learning new instruments, eating at Hiro 88, and spending time with his cat, Cobbler.
