Mr. Collins is the fearless leader of the EDHS Cougar Music Department!  He is proud to continue the Cougar Band traditions at El Dorado High School. He has taught music to middle school and high school band/choir students for over 10 years and directed an honor band group in Arizona. In 2016 he won the title of Arizona Teacher of the Year for Greenlee County.

Mr. Collins grew up in northern New Mexico and attended New Mexico State University where he earned his Bachelor of Music Education. While there, he participated in the Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, The Pride of New Mexico Marching Band, and the Roadrunner Review Basketball Band. Out of school, he participated in many different genres of ensembles, ranging from contemporary rock to having his own jazz trio. Mr. Collins completed one year of his graduate degree and was the NMSU Jazz II Director and Graduate Assistant for the Pride of New Mexico Marching Band.

In his spare time Mr. Collins enjoys golfing, traveling, playing gigs with his bands, and going on camping trips with his dog, Pepper.