History

The Early Years of the De Soto High School Band
De Soto, Missouri

The De Soto High School Band traces its roots back to the summer of 1936, a time when the echoes of the Great Depression still lingered across the country, and yet the town of De Soto looked ahead with hope and ambition. On July 7, 1936, the De Soto Board of Education took a significant step in enriching the cultural life of the school and the community by hiring Mr. Loyal Shelton to organize and lead a new musical ensemble: the De Soto High School Band.

Mr. Shelton brought with him not only musical expertise but a vision for what a school band could be—both a source of pride and a unifying force for students and townspeople alike. Under his leadership, a group of eager students began meeting regularly, many of whom had never held an instrument before. In those formative days, band rehearsals were a blend of instruction, camaraderie, and discovery. Instruments were scarce, and students often had to borrow or share, learning through repetition and patience.

After nearly a year and a half of preparation, their efforts culminated in a landmark event. On the evening of January 27, 1938, at 8 p.m., the De Soto High School Band gave its first public performance. The concert was a major event for the community, drawing a crowd of families, educators, and local citizens.

Post WWII

Following World War II, Mr. Frank Iddings took the reins of the De Soto bands from 1944 to 1946.  Iddings was instrumental in revitalizing the town’s musical spirit after the war.  He not only led the high school band but also organized the De Soto Municipal Band, using talented students as the core.  Under his leadership, the Municipal Band rehearsed during the summer months and performed a weekly concert series, offering the community a vibrant source of live music and civic pride.

Mr. Byron Munson stands as a seminal figure in the musical heritage of De Soto, Missouri. Serving as the band director at De Soto High School from 1946 to 1972, his influence extended beyond the classroom, nurturing a community-wide appreciation for music.​

Early Life and Musical Foundations

Born in the small town of Union Star near King City, Missouri, Mr. Munson's affinity for music was evident from an early age. Taught piano by his mother, he later self-instructed on his first band instrument within the King City town band, an ensemble comprising musicians of varying ages. After graduating high school in 1930, he pursued higher education at Park College in Parkville, Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1935. Though he considered law school, his passion for music education prevailed.​e-yearbook.com

A Distinguished Teaching Career

Mr. Munson's teaching journey began in Breckenridge, Missouri, followed by a four-year tenure in Memphis, Missouri, where his band achieved top ratings at state contests and participated in national festivals. He then spent four years in Odebolt, Iowa, before enlisting in the United States Navy during World War II. During his two years of service, he taught fundamental subjects to fellow sailors.​e-yearbook.com

In 1946, Mr. Munson commenced a three-decade-long career at De Soto High School. There, he taught both vocal and instrumental music, directing bands from fifth through eighth grades, and leading high school ensembles. His comprehensive approach to music education fostered a robust program that emphasized both technical proficiency and a deep appreciation for the arts.​e-yearbook.com

Community Engagement and Legacy

Beyond the school, Mr. Munson conducted the De Soto Municipal Band's summer concert series, enriching the town's cultural landscape. His commitment to community music-making provided residents with accessible performances and inspired local participation in the arts.​

In recognition of his enduring impact, the De Soto High School band program established the annual Byron Munson Award. This honor is bestowed upon students who exemplify exceptional leadership within the band, reflecting the values and dedication that Mr. Munson championed throughout his career.​

Mr. Munson's philosophy on music's role in life was encapsulated in an editorial he penned during his time in Iowa:​e-yearbook.com

"To live successfully is to appreciate everything in the world around us. Music, as one of the arts, perhaps adds as much to the enjoyment of living as any one single thing could."​e-yearbook.com

This sentiment continues to resonate in De Soto, where his legacy endures through the thriving music programs and the countless individuals he inspired.

Expanding the Vision

Following in the footsteps of previous directors who built a strong foundation of excellence, Mr. Darrell Boyer was appointed Director of Bands at De Soto High School in 2016. Bringing a new energy to the program, Mr. Boyer continued the Dragon Pride legacy while expanding opportunities for students beyond traditional performance ensembles.

Under his leadership, the De Soto Bands have maintained a strong tradition of success in marching band, concert band, and jazz band while also introducing innovative programs that have broadened the musical experiences available to students. Mr. Boyer placed a strong emphasis on music creation and leadership development, encouraging students to engage with music not only as performers but also as composers and arrangers.

During his tenure, De Soto Bands began offering students opportunities to learn the fundamentals of composition and arranging. Selected student works were performed publicly, giving young musicians the unique experience of hearing their own creations brought to life by their peers. In addition to fostering student composers, Mr. Boyer led the program in commissioning several original works from professional composers, giving students the rare opportunity to premiere brand-new music written specifically for De Soto ensembles.

Another significant addition under Mr. Boyer’s leadership was the founding of the Fountain City Jazz Festival, an annual event that brings in professional jazz artists and educators from across the country. The festival quickly became a highlight of the program year, offering students the chance to perform, learn from master clinicians, and deepen their understanding of jazz through workshops, masterclasses, and concerts.

The program also expanded its outreach and enrichment opportunities, hosting events like the Solo and Ensemble Night and the De Soto Middle School Band Festival. Students were encouraged to pursue independent musical growth through performance and creative projects, further strengthening the program’s reputation for excellence and innovation.

Through a combination of tradition, creativity, and a commitment to developing well-rounded musicians, Mr. Boyer has continued to move the De Soto Bands forward, ensuring that the Dragon Pride spirit thrives for generations to come.