Directors
David DeSoto - Head Director
469-948-7721
This is Mr. DeSoto's 14th year as the head director of the DeLay Middle School Band. During that time he has grown the program from 86 students to over 320 students. Mr. DeSoto was Teacher of the Year for the 2014-2015 school year and currently serves TMEA Region 2 as the Middle School Band Coordinator.
He was previously an assistant director at Berkner High School and Plano West Senior High School. He has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of North Texas and a Master of Music Degree from Southern Methodist University.
Joe Janes - Associate Director
469-948-7734
Mr. Janes has been the assistant band director at DeLay since 2013.
Mr. Janes is originally from Wisconsin where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Lawrence University. He lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico for 10 years where he taught middle school and high school band. While in New Mexico, Mr. Janes had the opportunity to study with world renown clarinet and saxophone player, Eddie Daniels.
Mr. Janes moved to Texas in 2003 and taught middle school for two years in Frisco. He then entered the Jazz Studies program at the University of North Texas and graduated with his Master’s Degree in 2008. Mr. Janes has taught as Adjunct Professor at the University of North Texas and also at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He later did 1 ½ years of coursework toward a PhD in Music Education before returning to what he loves - teach middle school band!
Mr. Janes enjoys performing professionally in the DFW area with a wide variety of ensembles. He currently performs regularly in the saxophone section of the Rebel Alliance Jazz Ensemble.
Mr. Janes lives in Denton, TX with his wife, daughter, and dogs.