Texarkana’s John ‘Bass’ Deese Returns to Lead Texas High Band

Texarkana ISD has named John "Bass" Deese as the new Director of Bands for Texas High School, marking a homecoming for the 2011 graduate.

Deese, a former member of the Texas High Tiger Band, returns with more than a decade of experience in music education. He most recently served as Director of Bands at Chaparral High School in Killeen and Pleasant Grove High School in Texarkana. His programs have earned consistent UIL Sweepstakes Awards in both marching and concert performances. He has also helped students achieve All-Region, All-Area, and All-State recognition.

“It’s a true homecoming,” said Deese. “As a former student who found my passion in the Tiger Band, I’m honored by the opportunity to give back.”

Deese holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus on trumpet performance and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies, both from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. In addition to teaching, he has experience composing and arranging for marching bands, concert ensembles, and jazz groups.

He plans to build on the band’s strong tradition while fostering student growth and leadership. “We want to make band a fun, enriching experience that becomes a highlight of each student’s high school journey,” he said.

Deese and his family are excited to rejoin the Tiger community as he leads the next chapter of the Texas High Band program.