Walla Walla Public Schools names Denise Hurst as new music coordinator
By Dan Thesman on Monday, April 27th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — Walla Walla Public Schools has appointed Denise Hurst as the district’s new music coordinator. Hurst, a veteran educator currently teaching at Prospect Point Elementary, will succeed Roger Garcia following his retirement at the end of the school year.
Hurst is a third-generation music educator with deep local ties. Her father, Glen Mitchell, served as the district’s music director and high school band director for nearly three decades, while her mother, Meredith Mitchell, was a long-time elementary music teacher.
A National Board Certified Teacher, Hurst has spent 20 of her 21 teaching years within the district. She holds a degree from Washington State University and a master’s of arts in teaching from Grand Canyon University.
In her new role, Hurst will oversee the district’s comprehensive music curriculum.
“I look forward to helping it grow even more while advocating for our amazing music students and staff,” she said.
Photo via Walla Walla Public Schools
