The Damonte Ranch Band Program is led by Director Daniel Barthel.
Daniel Barthel has been teaching band in the Reno area since 2004. He started teaching at Damonte Ranch High School in the 2026-2027 school year. Prior to that, he taught at Depoali Middle School from 2009-2026. During that time, the Depoali band program experienced consistent participation and success. Depoali bands consistently earned Superior Ratings in Concert Band Festivals in the Northern Nevada and Northern California areas. Barthel is also active in the band community, having served as the Washoe County School District Middle School Honor Band Coordinator. He has also served as the NMEA President, Zone Representative, and MS All-State Band Coordinator. In 2018, he was selected by NMEA as the Nevada Music Educator of the Year. In 2022, he was selected as a “Greater Heart of Washoe County School District” award recipient. He also co-directs the Lake Tahoe Music Camp every summer along with his wife, Amy. Barthel attended the University of Nevada, Reno earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education. Barthel has two children, is a Reno native, and a member of Phi Mu Alpha Men’s Music Fraternity and the National Association for Music Education.
