Director

Mr. James Yaques

James Yaques was appointed Director of Bands at Palm Beach Central High School in the summer of 2005. Mr. Yaques received his Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from the Florida State University and a Master of Music in Conducting degree from Florida International University. His teaching responsibilities include the Wind Ensemble, Concert Winds, Marching Band, Jazz Bands, Percussion Techniques, and AP Music Theory.

Since arriving at Palm Beach Central, Mr. Yaques has increased the size and quality of the Bronco Band. The program has almost doubled in size to over 130 students participating in the band program. The band has also achieved Superior ratings at District and State Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Concert Band festivals. The marching band has been crowned Grand Champions at the 2007 Port St. Lucie Tournament of Sound and at the 2008 North Port Music in Motion. The marching band was also a 2008 and 2009 FMBC AAA State Finalist. The Concert Jazz Ensemble, under his direction, was selected to perform at the 2010 Florida Music Educators Association Conference. Mr. Yaques has been named the Wal-mart Teacher of the Year in 2008, which he was nominated for by his students. He was also awarded the Tom Bishop Award by the Florida Bandmasters Association for “the remarkable impact he has had on his band program.”

Prior to his appointment at Palm Beach Central, Mr. Yaques served as Director of Bands at Taylor County High School and South Dade Senior High School. Mr. Yaques was also a Graduate Assistant Director at Florida International University where he assisted with the Golden Panther Band in their Inaugural season, and directed the Basketball Band and the University Symphonic Band. He is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps Band, serving for four years as the Principal Tuba player for the Second Marine Division Band.

Mr. Yaques is active as a guest conductor, clinician, performer, and drill writer for Marching and Symphonic Bands.  His professional affiliations include the Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, College Band Director National Association, Music Educators National Conference, International Tuba and Euphonium Association, and Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Fraternity. Mr. Yaques is an avid golfer and is STILL on a quest to break 80.  He also enjoys spending time with his family, wife Tatiana, and daughters Katie and Samantha.

                                The Quintet                                                                                 Katie                                                             Samantha

        You can contact Mr. Yaques in the band room at (561) 304-1033 or email to yaques@palmbeach.k12.fl.us