Wesley DeSpain - Music Director and Conductor of the Delano Chamber Orchestra
Dr. DeSpain began his duties as Music Director and Conductor of the Delano Chamber Orchestra in the fall of 2011. He also serves as Director of Orchestras for the Derby Public School district where he teaches high school, middle school, and elementary orchestras, and Director of Music for MorningStar Community Church in east Wichita. He served as Music Director and Conductor of the Friends University Community Orchestra from 2010-2014.
Dr. DeSpain holds degrees from the University of Oklahoma (Doctor of Musical Arts – orchestral conducting, 2010), Wichita State University (Master of Music – wind band and orchestral conducting, 2007; Master of Music Education, 1984; Bachelor of Music Education, 1983), and Baptist Bible College (Bachelor of Arts, 1982). He was E-flat clarinetist with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra from 1984-2009 and Interim Director of Orchestras at Wichita State University from 2004-2006. He has studied conducting with Jay Decker, Michael Haithcock, Victor Markovich, Michael Palmer, and Jonathan Shames.
Bill Johnson - Music Director and Conductor of the Delano Chamber Brass
Bill Johnson is the current Musical Director for the Delano Jazz Orchestra, the Delano Chamber Brass, and the Senseney Music Community Band. Bill is a graduate of Hoisington High School where he first became interested in music under the tutelage of Lee “ebby” Dicks. Bill has both a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music degree from Pittsburg State University. Bill is a veteran having served 4 years in the United States Navy. After the Navy, he took his first teaching job in Cheney, Kansas. After seven years at Cheney, Bill joined fellow Band Director Denny Senseney as Vice President of the Band and Orchestra Division at Senseney Music Inc. in Wichita. Bill is a member of the Phi Beta Mu Honorary Band Fraternity and was voted an Outstanding Contributor to Bands by the Kansas Bandmaster Association. Bill recently retired after 30 years with Senseney Music. Bill, his wife Elaine, and their two dogs Louie and Lily live in Wichita.
James "Pepper" Oliphant- Music Director and Conductor of the Delano Wind Ensemble
James Oliphant is the Director of the Delano Wind Ensemble since its inception. He is a graduate of Wichita State University with a Bachelor and Masters of Music Education. After a career of nearly 20 years in public and private schools, he switched careers and enjoys a position as a Captain for a Federal Express feeder airline. He has performed with many of the Delano Chamber ensembles on trombone. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and close friends as well as a few hours in the air with his plane or out driving his classic Chevelle.
James Oliphant is the Director of the Delano Wind Ensemble since its inception. He is a graduate of Wichita State University with a Bachelor and Masters of Music Education. After a career of nearly 20 years in public and private schools, he switched careers and enjoys a position as a Captain for a Federal Express feeder airline. He has performed with many of the Delano Chamber ensembles on trombone. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and close friends as well as a few hours in the air with his plane or out driving his classic Chevelle.