Mr. John Benton, B.M./M.A. Mr. Benton is in his 5th year as Director of Bands for the Pride of Pampa and his 10th year teaching overall. Mr. Benton serves as the Conductor of the Pampa High School Band and Director of the Pride of Pampa Marching Band. Mr. Benton's primary instrument is percussion and he coordinates the district's percussion program as well as teaches beginning horn, percussion, and clarinet classes. Mr. Benton has a B.M. in Music with All-Level Certification from West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) and a M.A. in Music with an emphasis in Conducting from WTAMU. He is often joined in instruction by his wonderful wife, Sharon Benton, who graciously volunteers her time to work with the band on a regular basis.
Mr. Dakota Lancaster, B.M./M.A. Mr. Lancaster is a recent graduate of West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) and joining the Pride of Pampa for his 1st year of teaching. Mr. Lancaster serves as the Assistant High School Director under Mr. Benton, where he assists with the Pampa High School Band and Pride of Pampa Marching Band. Mr. Lancaster’s primary instrument is Tuba and teaches beginning flute and brass.Mr. Lancaster has a B.M. in Music with All-Level Certification, as well as a B.M. in Music Composition from West Texas A&M University (WTAMU). In his time in college, he also participated in DCI alongside the Crossmen from 2016-2018 and the Concord Blue Devils from 2019-2021. Mr. Lancaster is very excited to become a part of the Pampa Band family!
Mr. Andrew Sedlacek, B.M./M.A. Mr. Sedlacek is in his 5th year as Junior High Head Director for the Pride of Pampa and his 10th year teaching overall. Mr. Sedlacek serves as the Conductor of the Pampa Junior High Symphonic Band. Mr. Sedlacek's primary instrument is tuba and he is well versed in all brass and woodwind pedagogy. Mr. Sedlacek brings his drum corps experience to the Pampa band, both as a former performing member of the Madison Scouts and the Blue Knights, and as a past low brass tech for the Blue Knights. Mr. Sedlacek has a B.M. in Music with All-Level Certification from West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) and a M.A. in Music with an emphasis in Tuba Performance from WTAMU.
Mr. Daniel Stout, B.M. Mr. Stout is in his 3rd year as Assistant Band Director for Pampa Junior High School and is in his 3rd year of teaching. Mr. Stout’s primary instrument is the alto saxophone and he is a woodwind specialist. Mr. Stout comes from Texas Tech University where he was a member of the Goin’ Band from Raiderland as well as Court Jesters, the indoor athletic band. He received his Bachelor of Music degree and graduated in December of 2018.