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Anthony Denaro currently serves as the Director of Bands at Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Denaro taught at Pace High School from 2010-2022. Mr. Denaro has obtained a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio and a Master of Arts in Music Education from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
Current teaching responsibilities at Choctawhatchee High School include directing the Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, and the “Style Marchers” Marching Band, while assisting with the Concert Band. Past ensembles under Mr. Denaro’s direction have consistently earned all Superior ratings at district and state events. In addition to his daily teaching responsibilities, Mr. Denaro is an active adjudicator and clinician for both concert and marching ensembles throughout the Gulf Coast Region. Mr. Denaro also co-conducts and plays trumpet with the Pensacola Bay Concert Band.
Mr. Denaro currently holds membership within the Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, and the National Association for Music Education. Mr. Denaro has also been awarded membership into the American School Band Directors Association, Pi Kappa Lambda music honor society, and is an alumnus of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity.
Mr. Denaro strives to maintain high standards, and consistently create new and unique performance opportunities for all of his students. He believes that each one of his students can act as a leader in the band program, and they do not need a title to do so. Mr. Denaro operates the band program under the philosophy that a comprehensive music education will serve to develop and prepare students for a successful career after graduation, regardless of their chosen career path.
Daniel McAllister, Jr. recently graduated from Florida State University with a Master’s of Music Education. Before moving to Tallahassee, he completed a Bachelor’s of Music Education at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Primarily a euphonium player, Mr. McAllister has had opportunities to perform across the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, and Japan. During his undergraduate studies, however, he discovered his true passion was education. As an educator, Mr. McAllister has had opportunities to teach private lessons, sectionals, marching band, small ensembles, and masterclasses between both Florida and Mississippi.
Mr. McAllister currently holds professional memberships in the Florida Music Education Association (FMEA), Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and International Tuba and Euphonium Association (ITEA). He is also a proud member and alumnus of Pi Kappa Lambda music honor society and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity. During his undergraduate studies, he was also recognized as a Presser Scholar, one of the most distinguished titles a collegiate music educator may be awarded.
Mr. McAllister’s teaching philosophy includes offering equal access opportunities for children in his classroom, regardless of any potential physical, mental, or social restrictions. He is extremely excited and honored to join the Choctawhatchee High School band this fall, and looks forward to working closely with the students and Mr. Denaro to continue the band’s historical success.
Brooke Zagaruyka graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 2010. During her time as a Style Marcher, Brooke developed a strong passion for performance and precision through competitive performances at FMBC, WGI, and GCGPC regional competitions. As a member of the Choctawhatchee Winter Guard, Brooke earned the opportunity to perform in WGI World Championship Scholastic World Class Finals from 2007-2010. Now an alumna, Brooke looks forward to the opportunity to continue to share her passion and knowledge with her current and future performers.
DJ Rhodes graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 2010, where he was inspired with a passion for education and music. Since 2011, DJ has had the privilege of teaching at various schools across Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties, nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. In 2013, DJ returned home to Choctawhatchee High School as a battery technician, where he continued to hone his skills in teaching marching and concert percussion. DJ proudly assumed the role of Percussion Director in 2020, and has since continued to inspire and empower his students through the transformative power of music.
850-833-3614 ext 12653
110 Racetrack Road
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
anthony.denaro@okaloosaschools.com