Director of Bands at Satellite High School

Joseph Leites proudly serves as the Director of Bands at Satellite High School, where he directs the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Bands. His role also includes the primary direction of the Satellite High School Scorpion Sound Marching Band and all athletic band activities. The Scorpion Sound Marching Band acts as a musical ambassador for the school, engaging with the community at events like the Satellite Beach Founder’s Day Parade and the Light Up Viera Parade. In addition, he serves as the associate conductor for the Satellite Symphonic Orchestra with his colleague, Mr. Christopher Simons.

Under his direction, the Satellite High School Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform at different state universities and performing at national venues such as the University of Florida, University of North Florida, and most notably the Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall.  Additionally, the Scorpion Sound Marching Band is a staple of the Satellite Beach community, performing in the Satellite Beach Founder's Day Parade, Light Up Viera Parade, and more in the year.

Mr. Leites is an active conductor and clinician in the state of Florida, serving as a specialist in brass pedagogy, conducting pedagogy, and leadership development. He serves the Florida Music Education Association as a Conference Presentation Coordinator and assists with the logistics of the Florida All-State Honors Band. Satellite High School also serves as the annual host site for the FBA District 10 Jazz Music Performance Assessment.

Prior to his appointment at Satellite High School, Mr. Leites served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Louisville from 2021-2023; in this time, he earned the M.M. in Instrumental Conducting, while assisting in direction of the university concert bands, athletic bands, and music education curriculum. Mr. Leites primarily studied conducting with Dr. Frederick Speck, Dr. Amy Acklin, and Dr. Jason Cumberledge, and trumpet with Dr. Reese Land. Highlights from this time include performing with the University Wind Symphony at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference in Prague, Czechia in 2022, and the Kentucky Music Educators Association Conference in 2023. Mr. Leites also holds a B. M. in Music Education from the University of Florida, where he studied trumpet with Dr. Randolph Lee, and performed on tour with the Symphonic Band under direction of Professor Jay Watkins, and with the Wind Symphony under the direction of Dr. David Waybright. Mr. Leites’ professional affiliations include the Florida Bandmasters Association, Florida Orchestra Association, Florida Music Education Association, National Band Association, National Association for Music Education, and World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles; he is also an elected member of the Pi Kappa Lamba Music Honor Society. He resides in Melbourne, Florida with his partner Ms. Bailey Hatzell, Assistant Director of Bands at Southwest Middle School, and their dog, Layla.