The Damonte Ranch Band Program is led by Director Matthew Kasper.
Matthew Kasper is originally from Kansas City, Missouri and
currently serves as the Director of Bands at Damonte Ranch
High School, Washoe County School District’s Signature
Academy Campus for the Performing Arts. Mr. Kasper directs
the DRHS Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Marching Band,
Jazz Band, Pep Band, and co-directs the Symphony Orchestra.
Previously, he taught middle school and high school band
classes in Savannah, MO and Farmington, MO. Ensembles
under his guidance have performed in Branson, MO and
Orlando, FL.
Mr. Kasper holds a Bachelor of Music degree in instrumental
music education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City
(UMKC) Conservatory of Music and Dance, graduating with
honors and being named a Presser Scholar for outstanding
undergraduate scholarship in music. Mr. Kasper also holds a Master of Music degree from
Colorado State University with a specialization in Wind Conducting. His primary
conducting teachers include Rebecca Phillips, Wes Kenney, Steve Davis, and Joe Parisi. Mr.
Kasper received additional instruction from Tim Robblee, Craig Kirchhoff, Daniel Schmidt,
Kevin Sedatole, and Gary Hill. As a saxophonist, he has performed at national and regional
conferences held throughout the Midwest, as well as performing in bands who have backed
up notable jazz artists such as Jeff Hamilton, Melissa Aldana, Sean Jones, and Michael
Dease.
Mr. Kasper’s professional affiliations have included the following organizations: National Association for Music Education, College Band Directors National Association, National Band Association, Colorado Music Educators Association, Missouri Music Educators Association, Missouri Bandmasters Association, and the North American Saxophone Alliance.
Mr. Kasper can be contacted at matthew.kasper@washoeschools.net
