MR. miles denny
Mr. Miles Denny joined the Basha Bear family in 2017. He is currently the head director of bands, teaching such ensembles as symphonic band, jazz band, percussion ensemble, marching band, and winter drumline. Mr. Denny graduated from Arizona State University in 2016, where he received his B.M. in Music Education. During his time there, he received the Gary Thornton Extra Distance Award in 2013 for leadership & service, in addition to teaching at various ensembles throughout the valley such as Dobson High School, Basha High School, and Poston Butte High School. Upon graduation, Mr. Denny became the director of bands at Smith Jr. High School and Stevenson Elementary before joining Basha in 2017. In 2020, Mr. Denny was awarded the Winter Guard Arizona Percussion Director of the Year award for his continued contributions to the winter guard activity. In addition to his position at Basha, Mr. Denny currently serves as Vice President for Winter Guard Arizona, Member-At-Large for the Arizona Marching Band Association, and is the tenor percussion specialist for Vision Percussion Ensemble. He remains passionate about expanding and enriching the educational experiences for student musicians in Arizona. Mr. Denny's favorite things |
MR. Alex defrances
Mr. Alex DeFrances joined the Basha Bear family in 2024 as the Visual Caption Head for the Basha Bear Regiment and stepped into the role of Assistant Director of Bands in 2025. A proud graduate of Arizona State University, Mr. DeFrances earned his B.M. in Music Learning and Teaching in 2023. During his time at ASU, he was an active member of the Sun Devil Marching Band, serving as trumpet section leader in both 2020 and 2021. While in college, he taught at several East Valley schools, including Eastmark High School, Highland High School, and Greenfield Junior High School. Mr. DeFrances also performed with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps from 2022 to 2023, leading as trumpet section leader in his final year. After graduating, he served as Director of Bands at Greenfield, Towne Meadows, and Finley Farms Elementary Schools. He is passionate about music education and is thrilled to continue inspiring and supporting the next generation of Arizona musicians. Mr. DeFrances favorite things |
