**Matt McKagan**
Mr. Matt McKagan was the beloved band director at Lindero Canyon Middle School for 33 years until his retirement in June, 2023. He taught over 200 students each day and loves to inspire students, through music, to always try their best.
Mr. McKagan has received numerous awards for his teaching skills. Among these awards are: the Music Center's BRAVO award, the Amgen Award for Teacher Excellence, the Los Angeles County award for Excellence in Education, and the Mr. Holland's Opus Award, given at Carnegie Hall. In addition, under Mr. McKagan's direction, the Lindero Jazz Band "A" won first place in the middle school division at the 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2017 Reno Jazz Festivals!
An avid cyclist, Mr. McKagan lives in Agoura Hills with his wife, Rachel. They have a son, Andrew (28), and a daughter, Sarah (25).
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About Our Teachers
** Sarah McKagan**
Sarah McKagan has a B.A in Ethnomusicology- Jazz Studies (Trombone) from UCLA. She has performed at the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival in New York City, as well as the Savannah "Swing Central" Jazz Festival in Savannah, Georgia. During her time at UCLA, Sarah performed in the Annual Reggae Fest as well as in numerous concerts in Schoenberg Hall. As a member of the UCLA Jazz Quartet, Sarah was showcased as the featured vocalist in numerous performances.
A 1st-grade teacher in Moorpark Unified, Sarah brings her passion for music to our program, coaching trombone students in technique, tone, and improvisation.
**Rachel McKagan**
Rachel McKagan is a teacher at Yerba Buena Elementary School in Agoura Hills, CA. She has been a professional flute player for 42 years and has most recently performed with the Conejo Community Concert Band.
Rachel loves working with young people and coaches our flute students in tone and technique.
