James DeFrancesco is in his 24th year of teaching and his 14th year as Co-Director of Bands at Worthington Kilbourne High School. His responsibilities include directing the Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Pep Band, and Marching Band.

A native of Findlay, Ohio, Mr. DeFrancesco earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from The Ohio State University in 2002 and his Master of Music in Music Education from Capital University in 2008.

Prior to his appointment at Worthington Kilbourne, he served as Director of Bands at Westerville South High School, where he led the growth of the program from 39 to over 150 students during his seven-year tenure. Under his leadership, the bands became consistent Mid-States Band Association finalists and earned numerous Superior ratings at the OMEA State Marching Band Finals. His concert ensembles also received consistent Superior ratings at regional and state adjudicated events.

Since joining Worthington Kilbourne, Mr. DeFrancesco and his colleague, Alex Brough, have expanded the band program from approximately 65 to more than 170 members. The program has earned recognition as consistent Bands of America regional finalists, and the concert ensembles have been featured twice in the past five years at the Ohio Music Education Association Professional Development Conference, as well as at the Capital University Band Festival.

Mr. DeFrancesco is an active member and adjudicator for the Ohio Music Education Association and a member of the National Association for Music Education. He resides in Worthington with his wife, Jenny, an elementary music teacher in Upper Arlington, and their daughters, Molly and Nora, who are entering the Worthington Kilbourne band program. In their free time, the family enjoys spending time with their dogs, Maggie and Millie, and sharing a love of cruising and camping.