Mike Bhone

Mike Bhone was a teacher and administrator for 40 years and the band director at West High for 16 years.

He and Gordon Mehling started the first CSUB Jazz Band and in 1986 Principal Ann Cierley hired him to be West’s band director.

Initially, there were only 39 students enrolled in the marching band, however, the band eventually grew to 220.

He is featured in the book “The Other Music of Bakersfield” and is the founding father of the Kern County Honor Jazz Band.

​Mike started the Showcase of Bands at West, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary.