DMS Directors

Mr. Andrew LaRusch
Head Band Director

Mr. LaRusch is proud to be in his fourth year as Head Director of Dessau Bands and in his 17th year teaching. He currently teaches beginning Trumpet, Flute, Euphonium, Trombone, and Tuba,  and the Wind Ensemble at Dessau. Prior to teaching at Dessau, Mr. LaRusch was Head Orchestra Director at Bailey Middle School in Austin ISD, and spent 10 years as a High School Head Band Director in Phoenix, AZ. 

He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from San Diego State University (Fear the Spear!) and a Master's Degree in Music Education from Texas State University. Eat 'Em Up CATS!

​As a graduate student, Mr. LaRusch worked closely with the University Bands, directing both the Bobcat Basketball Band and the University Brass Ensemble. He also served the Music Education Faculty and undergraduates in Woodwind and Band methods courses, and developed undergraduate methods course curriculum.

As Head Director for Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix, Arizona, Mr. LaRusch renewed a struggling program, doubling it's membership not once, but twice. The Viking Pride Band made appearances at the State Marching Festival in 4 of his last 5 years, and at the State Jazz Festival with numerous recognized Jazz Soloists. His students also regularly earned spots in the Region, All-state, and NAfME National Honor bands. Additional recognitions include receiving the 'GUHSD Achievement Above All - Group' award and securing a $25,000 grant from The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.

Mr. LaRusch has served as a mentor teacher for PfISD and ABODA and has served as a cooperating teacher for Music Education majors at Texas State University.

He is a member of  Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, TMEA, TBA, Phi Kappa Phi, and an Honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi.

You can contact Mr. LaRusch at andrew.larusch@pfisd.net

Mr. Juan Carrera

Assistant Band Director

Juan Carrera is the Assistant Band Director at Dessau Middle School in Austin, Texas, where he leads the Symphonic Band and instructs the beginner saxophone, clarinet, horn, and percussion classes. Now in his tenth year at Dessau Middle School, Mr. Carrera brings more than 20 years of experience as a dedicated music educator.

Before joining Dessau Middle School, Mr. Carrera served as the Percussion Director at Leander High School from 2004 to 2015. There, he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of percussion for Leander High School and its feeder middle schools, Leander MS and Running Brushy MS. Under his guidance, the percussion studio garnered numerous UIL accolades, achieved high placements in drumline contests, and excelled in the all-state process and solo & ensemble competitions. His leadership helped the Leander HS marching band secure multiple top-three finishes in various competitions, including a bronze medal out of 63 bands and the prestigious high music award at the 2014 San Antonio Bands of America competition. Additionally, he had the honor of conducting the LHS Wind Ensemble at the Western International Band Clinic in Seattle, WA.

Mr. Carrera earned his Bachelor of Music from Texas State University, where he studied with Genaro Gonzalez, John Lopez, James Hudson, and John Stansberry. During his time at Texas State, he was an active performer in the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Bobcat Marching Band, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, and Salsa Band. He also taught the university drumline in 2003.

In addition to his teaching roles, Mr. Carrera has adjudicated and composed for various high schools across Texas and has presented a clinic at the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention in San Antonio.

Residing in Round Rock, TX, Juan Carrera enjoys spending time with his wonderful wife and beautiful daughter. His personal interests include coffee, sushi, personal finance, and spending time with family and friends.

For inquiries, Mr. Carrera can be reached at ​Juan.Carrera@pfisd.net.