Trevor Kay
Director of Bands
Trevor Kay is proud to serve as Director of Bands at Mesquite High School. Mr. Kay’s responsibilities include directing the Wind Symphony, the Mighty Maroon Marching Band, and team-teaching other ensembles at MHS. Throughout his career, concert and marching ensembles under Mr. Kay’s direction have consistently earned Superior ratings at UIL Contests and festivals.
Prior to his appointment at Mesquite HS, Mr. Kay spent three years as a Band Director in Rockwall ISD at Rockwall-Heath High School. During his time at RHHS, the program saw growth and advanced to the UIL 6A State Marching Contest for the first time in school history in the fall of 2025.
From 2011-2019, Mr. Kay taught in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, where he served as Director of Bands at Newman Smith High School. While at Newman Smith, he served as the Fine Arts Department Chair, director of the Wind Symphony, and was the primary director of the NSHS Trojan Marching Band. During his time at NSHS, the Trojan Marching Band was a consistent Area Marching Contest Finalist, and in 2013 made its third consecutive appearance at the UIL 5A State Marching Contest.
Mr. Kay holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Texas Tech University. While at Texas Tech, he studied horn with Christopher M. Smith, was a member of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Sarah McKoin, and performed with the award-winning “Goin’ Band from Raiderland“. From 2004-2005, Mr. Kay was a performing member with the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps from Madison, Wisconsin.
Mr. Kay is an active judge throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and his professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and the Texas Bandmasters Association. He currently resides in Garland, TX with his wife Ashley, who is also a band director. When he is not teaching music, he is either cycling or helping others buy or sell real estate, as he is a licensed Realtor® in the state of Texas.
Jacob Rodriguez
Associate Director
Jacob Rodriguez is excited to enter his sixth year at THE Mesquite High School and the Mighty Maroon Band. This will be his eighth year in education, all within Mesquite ISD. He taught at Agnew Middle School from 2019 – 2021 and at THE Mesquite High School since 2021.
Mr. Rodriguez leads the MHS Symphonic Band. Under his leadership, the Symphonic Band has earned consistent UIL Sweepstakes awards. He also leads the MHS Jazz Program, which has seen tremendous growth during his tenure including four members of the program earning spots in the Region 3 All-Region Jazz Ensembles for the first time in program history.
In addition to teaching in the Mighty Maroon Band Cluster, Mr. Rodriguez is actively involved in Drum Corps International. He was a marching member in the activity with Revolution DBC (2012), Genesis DBC (2013, 2014) and Blue Knights DBC (2015 – 2017) where he was a baritone soloist for the 2017 production, i. He continued his involvement as a brass staff member for Blue Knights from 2018 – 2022 and currently serves as a member of the CBrass Faculty at The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.
Mr. Rodriguez is a graduate of the University of North Texas, where he earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education in 2019. At UNT, he was involved in the Green Brigade Marching Band, the UNT Basketball Band, multiple Wind Studies ensembles, Jazz Studies Ensembles, as well as the Trombone Studio and Trombone Choirs.
His hobbies include reading, cooking, watching sports (Go Spurs!), and playing video games. When not doing these activities, Mr. Rodriguez loves spending time with his wife and dog in their Garland home.
Mr. Rodriguez is honored and excited to continue his part in the growth of the Mighty Maroon Band at THE Mesquite High School!
Omari Wiseman
Assistant Director
Omari Wiseman is entering his second year as an assistant director here at Mesquite High School proudly serving the MHS Concert Band. Prior to MHS, Mr. Wiseman has provided private instruction to students across the DFW Metroplex since 2022 and is excited to further serve the students at MHS!
Mr. Wiseman is a graduate of the University of North Texas, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 2024. At UNT, he studied bassoon under Dr. Darrel Hale, and performed in various Wind Studies ensembles, including Woodwind Quintets and Double Reed Choirs. He has even been involved in some percussion ensembles, including the UNT 8:00 and2:00 Steel Bands. He also played bass drum in the Green Brigade Marching Band.
Mr. Wiseman is also actively involved in Drum Corps International, previously serving as a marching member on bass drum with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps in the summers of 2022 and 2023. Currently he is on the percussion staff serving as a bass drum technician for the Battalion Drum and Bugle Corps based out of Salt Lake City, UT.
Mr. Wiseman currently resides in Farmers Branch, TX with his girlfriend Abbie and their cat Zorro. His hobbies include working out, cooking, and watching his favorite (sometimes successful) sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and Texas Longhorns).
Danyel Buentello
Director of Percussion
Danyel Buentello is in his second year at Mesquite High School. Prior to teaching in Mesquite ISD, Mr. Buentello was a student at East Texas A&M University. While attending ETAMU, he performed with the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble I, Panimation Steel Band, and the Pride Marching Band. In addition to his performance experience at East Texas, Mr. Buentello marched with the Troopers Drum & Bugle corps during 2021, 2022, and 2023 as a member of the Front Ensemble.
Mr. Buentello grew up in Nevada, Texas and still lives there today. He has two dogs, and spends his summers traveling the country with various Drum & Bugle corps as an Audio Technician. Outside of school, he spends his time reading, running, and drumming. He is excited to continue his work in the Mighty Maroon Band cluster!
James Thomas
Color Guard
With more than 30 years of experience in the marching arts, James Thomas has established himself as an award-winning color guard designer, director, and educator in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Known for his innovative visual design, commitment to excellence, and passion for developing performers, James has helped programs achieve success at the regional, national, and international levels.
Throughout his career, James has served as an instructor and designer for numerous respected programs, including Southlake Carroll High School, LD Bell High School, Coppell High School, Northwestern State University, and many other schools across Texas and the southwest.
His ensembles have earned an impressive list of achievements, including WGI World Championship Finalist appearances, WGI Regional Championships and Finalist honors, NTCA Championships and medal finishes, BOA Grand National Finalist appearances, BOA Regional Championships and Finalist honors, and UIL Texas State Marching Band Championship titles and finalist placements. In recognition of his impact on the activity, James was inducted into the North Texas Color Guard Association Hall of Fame in 2025.
Beyond the scholastic arena, James has worked with Memphis Sound Drum and Bugle Corps and Lone Star Drum and Bugle Corps, contributing to both organizations’ appearances as DCI Open Class Finalists. His diverse background also includes serving as a dance and drill team director, being recognized as a 1999 Top Ten Dance/Drill Team Director of America, and working with the National Cheerleaders Association.
James has also collaborated with WorldStrides Festivals as a choreographer for large-scale halftime productions, creating performances for nationally recognized events including the Sugar Bowl, Gator Bowl, Liberty Bowl, Camping World Bowl, and the Hollywood Christmas Parade.
Whether designing championship-caliber productions, mentoring young performers, or helping programs discover their unique artistic voice, James is committed to creating memorable performances that challenge, inspire, and leave a lasting impact on both audiences and students.
Aimee Boucher
Assistant Color Guard
Aimee Boucher is a graduate from Poteet High School where she played flute and was a member of their color guard. After graduating she went on to march in DCI, performing with the Troopers Drum And Bugle Corps in both 2019 and 2022. She has also competed in WGI with Black Gold Open in 2020 and 2021, as well as with Origins Open in 2024. Ms. Boucher has been working with the Mighty Maroon Guard since 2023 and has assisted with other programs in the district. In her personal life, Ms. Boucher enjoys reading, crocheting, and hiking.
Agnew Middle School
Brianna Compton – Head Director
Tyler Hudson – Assistant Director
Wilkinson Middle School
Ryan Locke – Head Director
Taylor Thompson – Assistant Director
Mesquite Mighty Maroon Band 