Jeff Hastings – [email protected]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. He directs the Altus HS marching band, symphonic band, and the Altus High School jazz band as well as teaching beginning percussion 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 has been a clinician, conductor, and adjudicator in Oklahoma and Texas. He has served as the chairman for the OMEA All-State Honor Band, served on the Board of Directors of the Southwestern Oklahoma Band Director’s Association and Executive Secretary since 1999, served on the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Bandmaster’s Association including serving as President of the organization. He is currently the Vice President of the Beta chapter of the International Bandmasters fraternity, Phi Bet Mu and is the Vice President of the Band Division of Oklahoma Music Educator's Association. Mr. Hastings’ professional affiliations include Music Education National Conference, 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, Altus 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 and has a son, Ethan. 
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. 
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. |
