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.

 

Rachel Montañez, Color Guard Director

Rachel Montañez is a freelance graphic designer and choreographer originally from Long Island, NY. She has a B.S. in Mathematics from Molloy College.

Rachel was introduced to the marching arts activity at Mineola High School, where she participated in both the marching band and winterguard programs from 2008-2012. Her performance career continued outside of high school with The Long Island Sunrisers from 2009-2011, The Connecticut Hurricanes in 2012, The Cadets from 2013-2015, Alter Ego IW in 2013, 2017-2018 and Fusion World in 2019.

Although Rachel’s passion for performing came first, she has been able to pass on her love for the activity through teaching. She’s had the pleasure of teaching and choreographing for various scholastic and independent programs around the country since 2012 - most recently with Dartmouth HS, Boswell HS, Vigilantes Indoor Percussion, the Madison Scouts and the Spartans.

Outside of colorguard, Rachel enjoys making art, drinking craft coffee, and playing chess.

Brie Flint, Color Guard Tech

Brie Flint is currently pursuing a B.F.A in Interior Design at the University of North Texas. From 2019 to 2023, she attended Flower Mound High School, where she performed in the marching and winterguard seasons, contributing to the team's advancement to world class in 2023. Since graduating, Brie has brought her love for colorguard to Emerson High School, where she has taught for the past 2 years.

Outside of teaching, Brie enjoys cooking and singing with her school’s acapella group.