Staff

Jeff Hastings – jhastings@altusps.com

Jeff Hastings began his tenure as a band director in Altus, Oklahoma in 1992. Mr. Hastings is the Director of Bands for the Altus Band program as well as Director of Fine Arts for the school district.. He directs the Altus High School Marching Band the Wind Ensemble, and co-directs the Beginning Band at the Intermediate School.

A 1986 graduate of Moore High School, Mr. Hastings earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree and Master of Music degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Mr. Hastings serves as a clinician, conductor, and adjudicator in Oklahoma and Texas. He has served as the chairman for the OkMEA All-State Honor Band, served on the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Bandmaster’s Association for three years including serving as President of the organization, served as President of the Beta chapter of the International Bandmasters fraternity, Phi Bet Mu, served as the Vice President of the Band Division of Oklahoma Music Educator's Association. and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Southwestern Oklahoma Band Director’s Association where he is the Executive Secretary. He has held this position since 1999.

Mr. Hastings’ professional affiliations include National Association for Music Education, Oklahoma Music Educator’s Association, Oklahoma Music Adjudicators Association, Oklahoma Bandmaster’s Association, Southwestern Oklahoma Band Director’s Association, Phi Beta Mu, Oklahoma Education Association, and a lifetime member of Kappa Kappa Psi. Mr. Hastings also serves as a reserve Deputy Sheriff for the Jackson County Sheriff’s office.

Jeff is married to Kathy Hastings, an elementary music teacher in Altus and has a son, Ethan who is enrolled at the University of Oklahoma majoring in Health and Exercise Science in preparation to becoming a Physical Therapist.

Blake DeLao – [email protected]

Blake DeLao is in his sixth year of teaching in Altus. A 2003 graduate of Altus High School, Mr. DeLao continued his education at the University of Oklahoma where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education with honors in the Fall of 2007. Currently, Mr. DeLao is pursuing his Master of Music Education in Instrumental Conducting at the same university.

While attending the University of Oklahoma, Mr. DeLao was selected as Outstanding Senior in Music Education, Outstanding Senior in the College of Education, and received the prestigious Colbert Hackler Award in Instrumental Music Education.

Mr. DeLao’s duties include overseeing the Altus Junior High and Intermediate School bands. This includes directing two concert bands and directing the beginning band. His duties also include overseeing the color guard, and assisting the high school marching band.

Mr. DeLao’s professional affiliations include Southwestern Oklahoma Band Director’s Association, Oklahoma Bandmasters Association, Oklahoma Music Educator’s Association, National Association for Music Education, MacDowell Club of Allied Arts, Professional Educators of Oklahoma, and Phi Mu Alpha.

During his free time, Mr. DeLao enjoys attending Sooner football and basketball games, working out, and spending time with his family and friends.

Jana Foster - [email protected]

Jana Foster is an assistant director for "That Altus Band" and teaches general Music for 5th and 6th grade at Altus Intermediate School.

Mrs. Foster is a 2000 graduate of a Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in Musical Arts and minor in Education. Her primary instrument is piano, but has played the flute as well. She earned her Masters of Vocal Music Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2022. She has taught private piano lessons for 15 years,

Mrs. Foster is married to Jay, Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Altus, Oklahoma. She and her husband have two daughters, Jaycee and Jenna, both musically talented.

Jacob Willing – [email protected]

Jacob Willing is in his first year teaching in Altus. After graduating from Jenks High School, he went on to pursue his bachelors in music education with a minor in mathematics from the University of Oklahoma where he graduated with distinction.

In his time at the University of Oklahoma, Mr. Willing was a part of numerous ensembles including the wind symphony, symphony orchestra, percussion orchestra, steel band, Brazilian percussion ensemble, and was a four-year member of OU's marching band, the Pride of Oklahoma. He also performed at PASIC, was a part of several commissioning projects from prominent percussion composers, and was the recipient of the Daniel C.R. Mendes Steel Band Award.

Mr. Willing's duties include overseeing percussion for all Altus bands, directing the intermediate band, and assisting with the junior high and high school bands.

Mr. Willing has professional affiliations with the national association for music educators, Oklahoma Bandmasters Association, and the percussive arts society.