Directors

Lance A. Walker, Director of Bands

Mr. Lance Walker serves as Director of Bands at Denton High School, bringing over 18 years of experience as a music educator and program builder across Texas. A proud graduate of West Texas A&M University, Mr. Walker has led award-winning band programs at the middle school and high school levels, including Paschal High School in Fort Worth, North Mesquite High School, Rockdale Junior High, and Tulia Junior High.

Throughout his career, Mr. Walker has earned a reputation for growing programs in both size and excellence, fostering strong student engagement, and producing consistently high achievement at UIL and national contests. His students have earned recognition at the All-Region, Area, and All-State levels. Under his leadership, Paschal High School earned its first-ever full program (Bands 1-3) UIL Sweepstakes and was selected as the 2026 TMEA Invited Full-Orchestra at the State Convention. 

In addition to his role as a band director, Mr. Walker has served in numerous leadership positions for the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), including Region Chair, Jazz Coodinator, and Clinic Host. He is a frequent guest clinician, contest host, and advocate for fine arts education. In 2025, he joined Denton ISD to continue his commitment to musical excellence, community building, and student growth.

Mr. Walker lives in the DFW area with his wife Christy and is thrilled to be part of the Bronco Band family. In his spare time, Mr. Walker enjoys working on various antiques like jukeboxes, pinball & arcade cabinets, coke machines, record players, and his 1963 Cadillac Coupe De Ville. Mr. Walker likes to travel and is an avid scuba diver during his summers off.

Daniel Rubiano, Associate Director

Daniel Rubiano is the Assistant Band Director at Denton High School, where he assists with the Bronco Marching Band, directs the Non-Varsity concert ensemble, and supports the full band program across all grade levels. He is committed to fostering musical growth, teamwork, and a love for performance among his students.

Mr. Rubiano holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of South Florida and a Master’s degree in Clarinet Performance from Duquesne University. His background as both an educator and performer shapes his well-rounded approach to teaching, focusing on both technical excellence and expressive artistry.

Before joining the Denton High School team, Mr. Rubiano taught in Fort Worth ISD for four years and in Cedar Hill ISD for three years. During his time in both districts, his ensembles consistently earned Superior ratings at UIL and other performance evaluations, reflecting his commitment to musical excellence and student achievement. In addition to concert and marching band, Mr. Rubiano also led Jazz Band in Fort Worth ISD, where his group earned 1st place in their classification at the TCU Jazz Festival and received multiple Outstanding Soloist awards.

Mr. Rubiano believes in building a strong musical foundation while creating a supportive environment where students are encouraged to strive for excellence, both on and off the stage. His teaching style blends high expectations with encouragement and empathy, helping every student reach their potential.

Outside of the band hall, Mr. Rubiano enjoys spending time with his wife, Nini, a professional cellist who teaches out of their home studio in Northlake. Together, they enjoy playing with their two dogs, Max and Luna, as well as hiking and traveling. He is proud to be part of the rich musical tradition at Denton High School and looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence.

Dr. Brian Cheesman, Director of Percussion

Brian Cheesman is entering his 3rd year as percussion director for Denton High School zone after briefly serving as Graduate Academic Advisor/Counselor in the College of Music at the University of North Texas. He holds the B.M. degree from The University of Mississippi, the M.M degree from Wichita State University, and the D.M.A. in Percussion Performance/Pedagogy from The University of Southern Mississippi. He has more than 13 years of experience in higher and secondary music education spanning from marching and concert band, various percussion specific ensembles, applied lessons, theory and history, and academic advising.

As a percussionist Dr. Cheesman has remained active as an educator, performer, arranger, clinician, and adjudicator throughout Mississippi and the southeast. During his orchestral career, he has held the position of principal percussionist with the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, and section member with the Gulf Coast Symphony and North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra as well as performing credits with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and Wichita Symphony Orchestra.

His passion for sharing music education is evident through numerous clinics and masterclasses given throughout Mississippi and central Kansas ranging in topics from rudimental, drum set, Afro-Cuban, and classical percussion.

Outside of music, Dr. Cheesman enjoys sports and outdoor activities like tennis, golf, fishing, cycling, and camping.

 

Sarah Grindal, Color Guard Director

Sarah Grindal is the Color Guard Director at Denton High School, where she will be teaching fundamentals of flag, dance, rifle, and sabre. She will also be writing choreography and teaching skills to further the students knowledge of the equipment.

For the past decade, colorguard has been a major part of Ms. Grindal's life as she marched and taught at various schools. She hopes that she can pass on her love of colorguard and inspire students as she fosters a positive learning environment.

Before joining Denton High School, Ms. Grindal taught with several schools in the DFW area including Southlake Carroll High School, Richland High School, and MacArthur High School. Her personal marching experience includes Bluecoats 2022 and 2023 as well as Blue Stars 2024 and 2025. Ms. Grindal was also apart of Menage Performance Ensemble in 2024 and 2025, earning a bronze medal in Open Class World Championship finals.

Ms. Grindal is currently pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Biology at the University of North Texas. When she graduates, she plans on becoming a High School Biology teacher while staying a colorguard director.

Outside of colorguard, Ms. Grindal enjoys painting, traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with her cat Teacup.