Sketchbook with Daniel Montoya Jr.
By General Effect Media
Sketchbook with Daniel Montoya Jr.Mar 22, 2022
00:00
01:35:01
"Perpetual Motion" - Ronald Reagan High School (2000), with Mark Chambers (Director of Bands, 1999-2006)
In 2019, the Ronald Reagan High School Marching Band from San Antonio, TX won the Bands of America San Antonio Super Regional for the third time with a record score of 97.30 winning outstanding visual performance and outstanding general effect with their show, ‘Secret World.’
After bursting onto the scene in 2000, the Reagan Rattler Band has won countless contests & Bands of America Regionals and placed in finals 5 times at the BOA Grand Nationals Championships in Indianapolis, IN., including two second-place finishes and one class AAA championship.
The Reagan marching band has also been a consistent UIL State Marching Band finalist since 2004 and was selected to march in the 2018 rose parade in Pasadena, CA, and the 2019 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
In 2005 the Reagan Band was the recipient of the prestigious International Sudler Shield.
The wind ensemble has also been a consistent TMEA state honor band finalist and was invited to perform at the 2018 Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL.
In 1999 Ronald Reagan High School opened, splitting from the nationally-known Winston Churchill High School in the North East Independent School District, and the Ronald Reagan marching band began competing in the year 2000.
Their 2000 production featured Smetana Fanfare by Karel Husa, Molto Ritmico & Lento for Brass, from Dance Movements by Philip Sparke, & original music by Mark Higginbotham. On October 7th in San Antonio’s Alamodome, the band placed 3rd in prelims and 3rd in finals at their very first BOA regional. And on November 4th at Alief Stadium in Houston, TX, the Reagan band placed 2nd in prelims winning their first caption in school history, outstanding general effect, and finished in 5th place in finals.
Joining me today is Mark Chambers who was the director of bands for Ronald Reagan HS from 1999-2006, where he and his team became arguably the single largest driving force in spearheading a change in sound, visual, aesthetic, flow, design, and theatrics within TX marching band.
On this episode of Storybook, we discuss The Ronald Reagan High School's 2000 production, “Perpetual Motion.”
Feb 28, 202301:38:32
William Pitts (William Pitts Music, Inc.)
William Pitts (b. 1986) is a composer, conductor, and arranger from Atlanta. Growing up in Carrollton, Georgia, Pitts graduated summa cum laude from Emory University, where he studied saxophone, conducting, and composition. He has completed graduate study in Music at North Georgia University and the University of Michigan.
Pitts most recently served as the Brass Arranger for the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps of Rockford, Illinois. As a member of the corps, Pitts served as a Conductor for three years (2005, 2007-2008). He was a finalist for DCI's Jim Jones Leadership Award all three years. In 2008, the Regiment took first place honors as World Champions at the Drum Corps International Finals. Will was also honored as Regiment's 2008 Mark Glasscoe Member of the Year. In addition to his role as arranger, he has also served on Regiment's management staff, and as the Brass Arranger and Composer for the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps.
Pitts is active as a music designer, adjudicator, and instructor for high school band programs throughout the country. Marching ensembles performing his arrangements have been recognized as State Marching Band Finalists and Champions, along with Bands of America Regional Finalists, Regional Champions, and Grand National Finalists. His concert compositions and arrangements have been commissioned and performed across the world. He has written works for and been commissioned by the Boston Pops, the University of North Texas, the Canadian Staff Band of the Salvation Army, Wake Forest University, the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, the Atlanta Trumpet Ensemble, the Vega String Quartet, the Atlanta Saxophone Quartet, the Northwinds Symphonic Band, french hornist J.D. Shaw, tubist Christian Carichner, and numerous other high school and collegiate wind and chamber ensembles. He has also served as a production consultant and talent for Tom Blair, Inc., Drum Corps International, and MTV. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony Foundation.
As a music educator, Pitts has served on the faculties of Duncanville High School in Duncanville, Texas, and Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in instrumental music, conducting, and music theory.
Pitts most recently served as the Brass Arranger for the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps of Rockford, Illinois. As a member of the corps, Pitts served as a Conductor for three years (2005, 2007-2008). He was a finalist for DCI's Jim Jones Leadership Award all three years. In 2008, the Regiment took first place honors as World Champions at the Drum Corps International Finals. Will was also honored as Regiment's 2008 Mark Glasscoe Member of the Year. In addition to his role as arranger, he has also served on Regiment's management staff, and as the Brass Arranger and Composer for the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps.
Pitts is active as a music designer, adjudicator, and instructor for high school band programs throughout the country. Marching ensembles performing his arrangements have been recognized as State Marching Band Finalists and Champions, along with Bands of America Regional Finalists, Regional Champions, and Grand National Finalists. His concert compositions and arrangements have been commissioned and performed across the world. He has written works for and been commissioned by the Boston Pops, the University of North Texas, the Canadian Staff Band of the Salvation Army, Wake Forest University, the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, the Atlanta Trumpet Ensemble, the Vega String Quartet, the Atlanta Saxophone Quartet, the Northwinds Symphonic Band, french hornist J.D. Shaw, tubist Christian Carichner, and numerous other high school and collegiate wind and chamber ensembles. He has also served as a production consultant and talent for Tom Blair, Inc., Drum Corps International, and MTV. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony Foundation.
As a music educator, Pitts has served on the faculties of Duncanville High School in Duncanville, Texas, and Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in instrumental music, conducting, and music theory.
Feb 28, 202302:02:57
"Remembered" - Vandegrift High School (2009), with Jeremy Spicer (Director of Bands, 2009-2014)
In 2019, the Vandegrift High School Marching Band from Austin, TX won the Bands of America Grand National Class 4A Championship sweeping all captions and was named Grand National Champion with a score of 97.18 winning the award for Outstanding General Effect with their show, ‘Aria: Queen of the Night.’
After bursting onto the scene in 2010, the Vandegrift Viper Band has won countless contests & Bands of America Regionals and has also been a consistent UIL State Marching Band finalist winning bronze in 2018, silver in 2015, and gold in 2013. In 2019 the Vandegrift Band was the recipient of the prestigious International Sudler Shield.
The wind ensemble has also been a consistent TMEA state honor band finalist culminating in being named the 2018 TMEA 6A Honor Band. The Vandegrift wind ensemble was also invited to perform at the 2020 Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL.
In 2009 Vandegrift High School opened, splitting from the nationally-known Cedar Park High School in the Leander Independent School District, and the Vandegrift marching band began competing in their first year as a school. Their 2009 production featured "Finale, The Promise of Living from The Tender Land," and "Third Symphony" by Aaron Copland. On October 24th at Hays High School, the band placed 5th in prelims and 5th in finals, earning State Alternate, at their very first Area D Marching Contest.
Joining me today is Jeremy Spicer who was the director of bands for Vandegrift HS from 2009-2014 and prior to his appointment at Vandegrift, he spent eight years as a member of the staff at Cedar Park High School.
On this episode of Storybook, we discuss the Vandegrift High School's 2009 production, “Remembered.”
Feb 28, 202301:30:23
"Niagara Falls" - The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps (2000), with Bret Kuhn & Erik Johnson (Percussion Composers & Arrangers)
After winning their 2nd DCI world championship in 1995 with their show ‘The Planets,’ The Cavaliers drum & bugle corps fell to 4th in 1996 and dropped to 7th place with their 1997 production, “The Firebird.” The lowest the corps had finished since finishing 8th in 1984.
The Cavies then moved back up to 4th place in 1998 and then received the bronze medal in 1999 with their show, “Classical Innovations.” That 1999 show also saw The Chicago Cavaliers taking home their fourth High Percussion Award in the history of the corps, all in the 1990s.
In the year 2000… a design team came together that would come to dominate DCI for the better part of the next decade. Led by program coordinator Scott Koter, Michael Gaines designed the drill, Richard Saucedo composed & arranged the brass book, and Bret Kuhn & Erik Johnson composed & arranged the battery & front-ensemble books.
The 2000 production, “Niagara Falls,” featured music from and inspired by Niagara Falls by Michael Daugherty, and Waves, from Soundings by Cindy McTee as well as original music by Saucedo, Kuhn, & Johnson.
The 2000 season ended with The Cavaliers of Rosemount, IL winning their 3rd DCI world championship, in a tie with The Cadets, as well as winning the John Brazale Best Visual Performance Award, the George Zingali Best Color Guard Performance Award, and the Fred Sanford Best Percussion Performance Award.
Joining me today are future DCI Hall of Famers Bret Kuhn and Erik Johnson. Bret served as Caption Head and Percussion Arranger for the Cavaliers who won 6 World Championships and 5 High Percussion Awards during his tenure. From 1995 to 2005 and 2008 to 2010, Erik Johnson was on the instructional staff serving on the design team as the front ensemble arranger and coordinator.
On this episode of Musicbook, we discuss The Cavaliers’ 2000 production, “Niagara Falls.”
Feb 28, 202302:17:38
"A Drum Corps Fan's Dream" - Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps (1995), with Scott Boerma (Brass Composer & Arranger)
“Proud, Loud, and Pleasing the Crowd.” This is the mantra of the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle corps. And it’s safe to say that since 1938, the Scouts have consistently brought audiences to their feet with their entertainment-focused programs.
And while the corps had won two DCI world championships, in 1975 & 1988, for some, it was the shows of the 1990s that really solidified the Madison Explorer Scouts as one of, if not the favorite corps in all of DCI. Whether you were an alum of the corps, had a friend or family member that marched the corps, or just a normal fan with or without ties to other drum corps, the Scouts of Madison, Wisconsin was the corps you were always excited to see. Fans didn’t leave their seats to get a hot dog or go to the restroom when the Green & White took the field.
After winning their 2nd DCI world championship in 1988 with Latin music by Paul Hart & Ernesto Lecuona, the corps spent the next few years exploring music from musicals, big band, jazz, & jazz fusion before finding their way back to Latin and Latin jazz music in 1994.
This untitled production featured Santos by Louie Bellson, Cuban Overture by George Gershwin, & Malaga by Bill Holman.
The corps had slowly been creeping up the finalist rankings since their 9th place finish in 1990 and finished the 1994 season in 6th place.
For the 1995 season, the Scouts once again turned to Latin music by Joaquín Rodrigo, Bill Holman, and original music by Scott Boerma, brass composer & arranger, Jeff Moore, battery composer & arranger, and Taras Nihirniak, front ensemble composer & arranger.
The Madison Scouts have had many crowd-pleasing shows throughout their history; we could fill an entire season of episodes focusing on each and every one of these shows. But perhaps no Scouts’ production is more loved than the 1995 production. This show has widely been considered one of the most entertaining drum corps shows of all time and for some, is the hands-down favorite. This opinion was in fact proven scientifically accurate with fans and alums voting the 1995 show as the winner of the 2020 Virtual Drums Along the Parade, with the 1988 championship show coming in 2nd.
The 1995 DCI season ended with the Madison Scouts finishing in 4th place with a score of 95.40, and winning High Brass in a three-way tie.
Joining me today is composer and arranger Scott Boerma, who was the brass composer & arranger for 20+ shows over a span of 4 decades! And who without a doubt I consider to be one of the "Four Horseman of DCI Arrangers.” If there was a Mount Rushmore for DCI Music Arrangers, his face would be one of the first 3 carved.
On this episode of Musicbook, we discuss the Madison Scouts’ 1995 production, “A Drum Corps Fan’s Dream: A Day in the Life of a Bullfighter.”
Feb 28, 202301:48:28
"Spin Cycle" - The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps (2003), with Michael Gaines (Drill Designer & Visual Coordinator)
In 2002, The Cavaliers went undefeated for the season and won their third DCI title in a row, a feat that had only been accomplished by the Garfield Cadets in 1983, 1984, & 1985, with a record-high score of 99.15 From 2000 to 2002, the Green Machine took home caption awards for Best Color Guard in 2000 & 2002, Best General Effect in 2001 and 2002, Best Visual Performance in 2000 and 2002, Best Brass Performance in 2002, and Best Percussion in 2000. When it came time to design their 2003 production, The Chicago Cavaliers once again turned to original music. The 2000 production, 'Niagara Falls,' had existing source material to build and work from, and 'Four Corners,' the 2001 production, seemed to have some subtle and not-so-subtle musical influences. The 2002 production, 'Frameworks,' seemed to be all from the mind of Richard Saucedo. The 2003 DCI season ended with The Cavies placing 2nd with a score of 97.250 Joining me today is DCI Hall of Famer Michael Gaines who was the drill designer and visual coordinator for The Cavaliers from 1998-2011, and served on the design team for all 7 of their Drum Corps International World Championship titles. On this, the first episode of Dotbook, we discuss the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps 2003 production, 'Spin Cycle.'
Feb 28, 202301:43:56
"007" - The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps (2004), with Scott Koter (Program Coordinator)
From 2000 to 2009, no drum corps was more dominant than The Cavaliers from Rosemount, IL.
During that span, they won 2 bronze medals, 2 silver medals, and 5 world championships. They also took home awards for Best Color Guard Performance in 2000, 2002, 2004, & 2007, Best General Effect in 2001, 2002, 2004, & 2006, Best Visual Performance in 2000, 2002, 2004, & 2006, Best Brass Performance in 2002 & 2006, and the Best Percussion Award in 2000.
After winning three straight championships in 2000, 2001, & 2002, a feat that had only been accomplished by the Garfield Cadets in 1983, 1984, & 1985, The Cavies placed 2nd in 2003 with their show ’Spin Cycle,’ featuring original music once again by Richard Saucedo, Erik Johnson, & Bret Kuhn.
For their 2004 production, The Chicago Cavaliers were inspired by the cool demeanor of Ian Fleming’s fictional MI6 special agent, the suave and debonair James Bond. The music marked a departure of three years of all-original music by Saucedo, Johnson, and Kuhn.
The 2004 DCI season ended with The Green Machine winning their 6th DCI title, edging the Blue Devils by just .175 points and winning Best Color Guard, Best General Effect, and Best Visual Performance.
Joining me today is DCI Hall of Famer Scott Koter who was the program coordinator of The Cavaliers from 1999-2015, where he spearheaded the visual and musical design process among staff members and provided the leadership and direction for how the corps’ productions were put together and taught to young corps members every year.
On this, the first episode of Storybook, we discuss The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps 2004 production, “007."
Feb 28, 202302:08:05
"Frameworks" - The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps (2002), with Richard Saucedo (Brass Composer & Arranger)
In the fall of 2001, The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps had just won their second consecutive world championship and 4th to date with their show, ‘Four Corners.’ After winning in 2000 with their show “Niagara Falls” which included music from and inspired by the piece of the same name by composer Michael Daugherty, the Cavies turned to original music from their composer & arranger, Richard Saucedo for their 2001 championship show.
When it came time to design their 2002 show and chase after the hallowed “three-peat,’ a feat that had only been accomplished by the Garfield Cadets in 1983, 1984, & 1985, The Cavaliers of Rosemount, IL once again turned to original music. While "Niagara Falls" had existing source material to build and work with, and "Four Corners" seemed to have some subtle and not-so-subtle musical influences, "Frameworks," the 2002 production, seemed to be all from the mind of Richard Saucedo. Well… except for two very obvious rhythmic influences!
The 2002 DCI season ended with a record high score of 99.15 with The Cavaliers going undefeated for the season and winning their third DCI title in a row, and fifth overall.
Joining me today is world-renowned and award-winning composer & arranger Richard Saucedo. Who not only won 5 DCI world championships with The Cavaliers, but won three straight titles out of the gate, and never placed lower than 3rd during his tenure with the Cavies.
On the first episode of Musicbook we discuss The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps 2002 production, “Frameworks: The Elements of Music & Design"
Feb 28, 202301:25:03
Ryan George (Fornine Music & Boston Crusaders D&BC)
RYAN GEORGE currently resides in Austin, Texas where he is active as an arranger and composer. His work, ranging from music for the concert stage to music for marching ensembles is performed regularly throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Ryan completed his first work for concert band in 2007 and since then his works have received performances at the American Bandmasters Association Convention, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, W.A.S.B.E., the Music For All (Bands of America) Concert Band Festival, PASIC, Carnegie Hall, the National CBDNA Conference, the CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference, and the MidEurope Festival in Schladming Austria. Many of his works, which are aimed at developing performers, have frequented the repertoires of All-State, Region, Inter-Collegiate, and Honor's ensembles throughout the U.S. and Canada. Recent notable performances of Ryan's music have included The "Presidents Own" United States Marine Band (National Tour), the Hiroshima Wind Orchestra (Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic), The Texas Christian University Percussion Orchestra (PASIC National Convention), The United States Air Force Band (A.B.A. Convention), The Lone Star Wind Orchestra (WASBE), and the Finnish Navy Band. He has received commissions for various ensembles including works for the T.C.U. Percussion Orchestra, The Consortium for the Advancement of Wind Band Literature, The Lone Star Wind Orchestra, and the Wan Quan School in Beijing China.
As a specialist in music design for marching ensembles, Ryan's work has been performed by some of the nation's elite programs at the state, region, and national venues. His roster of clients includes perennial Bands of America (Music for All) regional champions, regional finalist, and Grand National finalist. Some of his clients include Leander HS (Leander TX), Cedar Ridge HS (Round Rock TX), and the 2018 UIL 6A State Champion Vista Ridge HS (Cedar Park TX). Within the realm of drum corps, Ryan is returning for his 8th year as the brass arranger/composer of the Boston Crusaders from Boston MA. He also was for the Academy Drum & Bugle Corps from Tempe AZ.
Ryan is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. He is an ASCAP artist, a member of TMEA, and the American Composer's Forum. His wife Sarah is a producer and talent buyer for internationally recognized music festivals and they are the proud parents of Sophia, Nyla, and Teller.
(b. 1978)
Feb 28, 202301:35:07
Mike Bishop (Mike Bishop Music)
http://www.mikebishopmusic.com/
Do you remember Sledgehammer, by Peter Gabriel, Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins, or Nasty (Nasty Boy) by Janet Jackson? What about three of my favorite movies of all time; The Transformers: The Movie, One Crazy Summer, or Flight of the Navigator? Can you recall who won the 73rd Tour de France that year? It was Greg LeMond.
The most popular male name of 1986 was Michael and it just so happens on a beautiful 74-degree day in San Diego, California, Michael Edward Bishop came screaming into the world like an eagle attacking its prey. Go Birds!
You might know Mike from his work with The Blue Stars… Rhythm X… Carolina Crown… The Crossmen…Cedar Park HS, just to name a few. Mike also creates soundtracks for podcasts, commercials, dance teams, color guards, as well as sound design for the marching arts, or “Pageantry.” And stay tuned because Mike will be appearing with United Percussion and The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps!
He is a big fan of Yamaha, Vic Firth, Zildjian, & Remo. And he is a brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America.
Feb 28, 202301:42:10
Geoffrey Sperling (SperlingDesigns - Coordination, Programming, & Design)
On Monday, November 27, 1989, George H. W. Bush was president. In that special week of November people in the US were listening to Blame It On The Rain by Milli Vanilli. In the UK You Got It (The Right Stuff) by New Kids On The Block was in the top 5 hits. Christmas Vacation starring Chevy Chase was one of the most viewed movies and Alien Nation was one of the most popular TV series of the year. And in Southfield, Michigan, home of the “mixing bowl,” Geoffrey Aron Sperling was born.
Geoffrey Sperling graduated from Indiana University-Bloomington with a Bachelor of the Arts. Geoffrey has been a performing member, and currently is an alumnus of Interplay, Zydeco, and The Pride of Cincinnati Winterguards. In 2011, Geoffrey ended his 8 year DCI career as a performing member with the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps where he was a part of the George Zingali "Best Color guard" award-winning cast. Prior to that, Geoffrey was a marching member with the Cadets, Bluecoats, Hawthorne Caballeros, Capital Regiment, Racine Kilties, and The Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps.
Geoffrey was an integral part of the design staff at Cedar Ridge High School. During his time at Cedar Ridge, the marching band made its inaugural appearance in the Bands of America Grand National Finals. The Winterguard received a Scholastic A bronze medal in the Texas Colorguard Circuit (TCGC), and made finals at all WGI regional appearances. He served as the Director of Colorguard at New Braunfels High School and in 2015, the winter guard was named the WGI San Antonio Regional A Class Champion and were Regional A class silver medalists within the Texas Educational Colorguard Association (TECA).
Outside of his involvement with scholastic programs, Geoffrey has served as choreographer for The Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps, The Louisiana Stars Drum & Bugle Corps, and Genesis Drum & Bugle Corps. Geoffrey has also choreographed for White Gold, Industry Independent, and Spirit Independent Winterguard. Geoffrey has been a U.S. Bands Adjudicator since 2013 in the caption of Colorguard. Presently, Geoffrey serves as a co-director for Origins Colorguard, an Independent Open Class winter guard based out of Austin, Tx. and leads SperlingDesigns, a one-stop show for custom marching band, color guard, and winter guard design.
Feb 28, 202301:41:12
Jen Barton (Rouse HS)
It was Thursday, under the sign of Leo. The US president was Ronald Reagan, the actor! And no, the Vice President wasn’t Jerry Lewis. In that special week of August people were listening to Endless Love by Diana Ross & Lionel Ritchie and watching The Cannonball Run at the local picture house. And in the sleepy little town of Indianapolis, IN (the Crossroad of America), Jennifer Nicole Barton was born into this world on August 20, 1981.
Jen Barton is currently the color guard director at Rouse HS in Leander, TX. Previously she was the color guard director at James F. Byrnes HS in South Carolina managing a consistent program of 80+ students both logistically and creatively. While under her direction, the Byrnes Guard program was a 5-time WGI World Championships Finalist and multiple WGI Regional Finalist and Regional Champion. She has worked with numerous programs throughout her career, including multiple scholastic guard programs, The Cast and Etude Independent winter guards, Pacific Crest (2011-2013, 2016-present), and Spirit of Atlanta (2014-2015).
As a performer, Jen has appeared with the Santa Clara Vanguard and Northeast Independent Winter Guard (Florida). She has also performed with the Florida State University Marching Chiefs, ad astra per ASPERA Winter Guard (GA), and CrownGUARD (GA).
Jen attended Center Grove HS in Greenwood, IN where she was a part of the Bands of America Grand National Champion marching band in 1995, and she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumental Music Education from The Florida State University in 2004.
Feb 28, 202301:26:19
Jude Boughton (Visual Designer & Coordinator)
On July 20, 1976, the Viking 1 lander touched down on Mars and set back the first close-up photographs of the rust-colored Martian surface. Hank Aaron hits his last big league home run, his 755th and establishes the all-time major league record for career home runs. And in the town of Pittston, PA, The Quality Tomato Capital of the World, Jude Joseph Boughton burst into this world with all the splendor and majesty worthy of a debut.
Attending Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with a focus in Theater & Dance and additional studies in Movement for Non-Dancers & Dance in the Musical Theater Boughton has long been a student of dance and musical theater history in America and movement education to non-dancers.
Jude’s previous drum corps experience includes Phantom Regiment (Visual Coord. 2014; Color Guard Instructor & Caption Head 03-04), Spirit of Atlanta (Color Guard Coordinator 10-13), The Colts (Program Coordinator 05-09), The Glassmen (Movement Instructor 05), & The Reading Buccaneers (Color Guard Designer 98-99).
Boughton has taught extensively around the country as a designer, choreographer, dance educator, and program consultant working with many groups including WGI medalists Mechanicsburg High School, and most notably with 12-time WGI Independent World Class finalist The Black Watch Color Guard (03-12).
Jude moved to Austin, TX in 2010 and has instructed and designed for such nationally known programs as Round Rock HS, Vandegrift HS, & Leander HS.
Feb 28, 202301:01:48
Evan VanDoren (VanDoren Music & Santa Clara Vanguard D&BC)
vandoren-music.com/
Evan Christopher VanDoren is a freelance arranger, composer, designer, and educational consultant living in the greater Austin, Texas area. After graduating with honors from Butler University in Indianapolis, Evan joined the band staff at Cedar Park High School. During his tenure, Cedar Park’s marching band was named a UIL Texas State Marching Champion three times, as well as a BOA Grand National Finalist twice.
Evan has been involved in the drum corps community since 2001, marching in the Lehigh Valley Knights from 2001-2003, and the Carolina Crown from 2004-2008, concluding his DCI experience as drum major in 2008.
Since then, he has served on the faculties of the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. This year, 2019, he was named the brass arranger for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. Additionally, Evan enjoys working as a leadership facilitator for SASI Leadership, based out of Leander, Texas.
Currently, he lives in Cedar Park, Texas, with his wife, Katherine, and their dog, Cooper.
Evan Christopher VanDoren is a freelance arranger, composer, designer, and educational consultant living in the greater Austin, Texas area. After graduating with honors from Butler University in Indianapolis, Evan joined the band staff at Cedar Park High School. During his tenure, Cedar Park’s marching band was named a UIL Texas State Marching Champion three times, as well as a BOA Grand National Finalist twice.
Evan has been involved in the drum corps community since 2001, marching in the Lehigh Valley Knights from 2001-2003, and the Carolina Crown from 2004-2008, concluding his DCI experience as drum major in 2008.
Since then, he has served on the faculties of the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. This year, 2019, he was named the brass arranger for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. Additionally, Evan enjoys working as a leadership facilitator for SASI Leadership, based out of Leander, Texas.
Currently, he lives in Cedar Park, Texas, with his wife, Katherine, and their dog, Cooper.
Feb 28, 202301:32:32
Wesley Sullivan (FloSports)
Wesley Sullivan currently serves as the Director of Legal Operations for FloSports. His focus is on change management, cross-departmental efficiencies, and legal support in music licensing, mergers and acquisitions, rights contracts, and customer-facing portions of the business. His time at the company has seen him in several roles, mostly in the legal department, but Wesley began his time at FloSports as the Senior Manager of Rights Acquisition for FloMarching.
Wesley has been active in the marching community his entire life. Prior to moving to Texas, he served as an assistant band director and director of percussion. He served as the percussion representative of the Eboard of NESBA, a WGI circuit partner, for a number of years. His groups have been WGI finalists, DCI champions, and USBands national champions. He marched and taught for a number of years, studying under Tom Aungst, Eric Ward, Thom Hannum, Nick Angelis, Colin McNutt, and Chris Dufault.
Wesley has a JD from Charleston School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Babson College. Wesley has launched a consulting company for start-ups and early-stage businesses and is actively looking for other ways to help serve the marching arts community such as board membership.
Wesley has been active in the marching community his entire life. Prior to moving to Texas, he served as an assistant band director and director of percussion. He served as the percussion representative of the Eboard of NESBA, a WGI circuit partner, for a number of years. His groups have been WGI finalists, DCI champions, and USBands national champions. He marched and taught for a number of years, studying under Tom Aungst, Eric Ward, Thom Hannum, Nick Angelis, Colin McNutt, and Chris Dufault.
Wesley has a JD from Charleston School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Babson College. Wesley has launched a consulting company for start-ups and early-stage businesses and is actively looking for other ways to help serve the marching arts community such as board membership.
Aug 15, 202201:47:07
Chelsea Levine (Seavine & The Cymbal Scholarship)
Chelsea Levine is an entrepreneur and cymbal technician based out of Nashville, TN. She’s dedicating her post-marching career to the advancement of marching cymbals through teaching, building her company Seavine, & co-founding The Cymbal Scholarship.
Chelsea has marched and taught in various groups around the world. She was fortunate enough to perform with Rhythm X, Crossmen, Jersey Surf, United Percussion & Gateway Indoor. Upon aging out, Chelsea has been a cymbal technician for Rhythm X since 2014, the Colts, Spirit of Atlanta, Centerville High School, Western Carolina University, & DrumSpirit. She has also promoted the art of cymbal playing in Europe and Asia with clinics in Belgium, Poland, Lithuania, China, and Thailand.
In 2010 Chelsea founded Seavine, a company that offers high-quality cymbal and hornline performance products such as The Cymbal Gloves. She founded The Cymbal Scholarship- assisting WGI & DCI cymbal players with their membership fees. Since 2012, they have given away over $26,000 to marching cymbalists fully funded by Seavine profits.
Building her company, she discovered the power of social media. She’s become an online marketing specialist and manages accounts for Seavine, Virtual DBC, and Rhythm X. She currently resides in Nashville, TN with her super cool quad tech husband Thomas and their energetic dog Rachel.
Aug 15, 202201:10:22
Chris Komnick (Executive Director, Madison Scouts D&BC), Part 2
Chris Komnick assumed the role of Executive Director in the fall of 2008 after previously serving on the Madison Scouts’ board of directors. He was a board member of Drum Corps International from 2012-2020 and served as the Vice-Chairman. At the conclusion of the 2012 season, he was selected as the DCI “Director of the Year”.
Before taking the role of Executive Director, Chris was a serial entrepreneur with a primary focus on technology startups. He was responsible for developing product and branding strategies and has over 20 years of experience working with various organizations, from startups to public companies. Chris has taught many MBA classes and has been a guest instructor and mentor at Miami University’s school of business.
Chris is an alumnus of the Scouts having marched mellophone in 1984, 1985 and in the 2006 Alumni Reunion Project.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s degree in business administration from Miami University.
Before taking the role of Executive Director, Chris was a serial entrepreneur with a primary focus on technology startups. He was responsible for developing product and branding strategies and has over 20 years of experience working with various organizations, from startups to public companies. Chris has taught many MBA classes and has been a guest instructor and mentor at Miami University’s school of business.
Chris is an alumnus of the Scouts having marched mellophone in 1984, 1985 and in the 2006 Alumni Reunion Project.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s degree in business administration from Miami University.
Aug 15, 202201:23:04
Chris Komnick (Executive Director, Madison Scouts D&BC), Part 1
Chris Komnick assumed the role of Executive Director in the fall of 2008 after previously serving on the Madison Scouts’ board of directors. He was a board member of Drum Corps International from 2012-2020 and served as the Vice-Chairman. At the conclusion of the 2012 season, he was selected as the DCI “Director of the Year”.
Before taking the role of Executive Director, Chris was a serial entrepreneur with a primary focus on technology startups. He was responsible for developing product and branding strategies and has over 20 years of experience working with various organizations, from startups to public companies. Chris has taught many MBA classes and has been a guest instructor and mentor at Miami University’s school of business.
Chris is an alumnus of the Scouts having marched mellophone in 1984, 1985 and in the 2006 Alumni Reunion Project.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s degree in business administration from Miami University.
Before taking the role of Executive Director, Chris was a serial entrepreneur with a primary focus on technology startups. He was responsible for developing product and branding strategies and has over 20 years of experience working with various organizations, from startups to public companies. Chris has taught many MBA classes and has been a guest instructor and mentor at Miami University’s school of business.
Chris is an alumnus of the Scouts having marched mellophone in 1984, 1985 and in the 2006 Alumni Reunion Project.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s degree in business administration from Miami University.
Aug 15, 202201:19:15
N-BEAM Consortium (Jim Mobley, Alex Shapiro, & Benjamin Taylor)
N-BEAM Consortium
Every day we hear and experience music that has incorporated music technology, through electronic components and instruments, to positively contribute to the listener's overall musical experience. Electro-Acoustic (EA) music is now widely accepted in music - in both production and performance - from scores created for screen and stage, to popular music, and even the professional classical orchestra stage.
As technology becomes a more important part of the daily life of our students and can create new palates of sound in our music, educators must embrace technology as part of our sound and our curriculum - much the same way as it already has been in most other areas of music. The New Band Electro-Acoustic Music (N-BEAM) consortium aims to add three new pieces of EA music to the school concert band repertoire.
In 2018, N-BEAM v1.0 released it's first composition to its members - TECHNO BLADE, by Benjamin Taylor. This was followed in 2019 with Daniel Montoya Jr.'s composition AXE TO GRIND. In 2020, the N-BEAM consortium met the goal of introducing three new pieces of EA music to the school concert band repertoire by the addition of Alex Shapiro's OFF THE EDGE.
With N-BEAM v2.0, the New Band Electro-Acoustic Music consortium project looks to build on this success with the addition of three more EA pieces to the wind band repertoire.
Beginning in early 2021, N-BEAM v2.0 consortium members will receive the first of three new pieces of concert band literature, graded between 2 and 2.5, each including an audio component. Those components may be live or interactive, using an electronic instrument or computer/tablet to create sounds; or may be fixed, like an accompaniment audio track that is played throughout the composition. Each of these compositions will be created in a way that will allow any school (and their director), the "plug and play" ability to perform each composition easily and effectively, regardless of their experience with technology, their level of access to sound reinforcement equipment or their technology/instrument budget.
At least 30 schools will have an opportunity to join a consortium that funds the creation of those three pieces. And each consortium member will receive performance benefits for being part of this project.
Every day we hear and experience music that has incorporated music technology, through electronic components and instruments, to positively contribute to the listener's overall musical experience. Electro-Acoustic (EA) music is now widely accepted in music - in both production and performance - from scores created for screen and stage, to popular music, and even the professional classical orchestra stage.
As technology becomes a more important part of the daily life of our students and can create new palates of sound in our music, educators must embrace technology as part of our sound and our curriculum - much the same way as it already has been in most other areas of music. The New Band Electro-Acoustic Music (N-BEAM) consortium aims to add three new pieces of EA music to the school concert band repertoire.
In 2018, N-BEAM v1.0 released it's first composition to its members - TECHNO BLADE, by Benjamin Taylor. This was followed in 2019 with Daniel Montoya Jr.'s composition AXE TO GRIND. In 2020, the N-BEAM consortium met the goal of introducing three new pieces of EA music to the school concert band repertoire by the addition of Alex Shapiro's OFF THE EDGE.
With N-BEAM v2.0, the New Band Electro-Acoustic Music consortium project looks to build on this success with the addition of three more EA pieces to the wind band repertoire.
Beginning in early 2021, N-BEAM v2.0 consortium members will receive the first of three new pieces of concert band literature, graded between 2 and 2.5, each including an audio component. Those components may be live or interactive, using an electronic instrument or computer/tablet to create sounds; or may be fixed, like an accompaniment audio track that is played throughout the composition. Each of these compositions will be created in a way that will allow any school (and their director), the "plug and play" ability to perform each composition easily and effectively, regardless of their experience with technology, their level of access to sound reinforcement equipment or their technology/instrument budget.
At least 30 schools will have an opportunity to join a consortium that funds the creation of those three pieces. And each consortium member will receive performance benefits for being part of this project.
Aug 15, 202231:35
Dr. Brad Kent (State Director of Music for UIL), Part 2: Marching Band
Dr. Bradley Kent serves as State Director of Music for the University Interscholastic League, where he oversees a system that provides educational competition for some 750,000 student participants in Texas. Prior to his UIL appointment, he held the position of Director of Fine Arts for the Richardson Independent School District, where he administrated all Band, Choir, Orchestra, Visual Art, and Theatre programs. Dr. Kent began his career as a band director in the Lewisville Independent School District and went on to serve on the faculties of Texas A&M University at Commerce and Lamar University. Ensembles under his direction have performed at the Midwest Clinic, the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention, the College Band Directors National Association Conferences, and the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention. He has presented guest lectures and clinics across Texas and at events such as the International Wind Music History Conference, the Midwest Clinic, the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention, the College Band Directors National Association Conference, and the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention. Dr. Kent also maintains an active conducting schedule, including serving as Conductor and Music Director of the newly formed Texas Youth Wind Symphony, a group comprised of high school musicians from throughout the greater Austin, TX area.
Dr. Kent holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree and the Master of Music degree from The University of Texas at Austin, as well as the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Louisiana State University. He enjoys serving as both a clinician and evaluator for ensembles of all levels and is active as an advocate for the arts and arts education.
Dr. Kent and his wife Laurie, along with daughters Sydney and Marin reside in Cedar Park.
Aug 15, 202201:02:46
Dr. Brad Kent (State Director of Music for UIL), Part 1: Personal Profile, Concert & Sight-Reading, and the Prescribed Music List
Dr. Bradley Kent serves as State Director of Music for the University Interscholastic League, where he oversees a system that provides educational competition for some 750,000 student participants in Texas. Prior to his UIL appointment, he held the position of Director of Fine Arts for the Richardson Independent School District, where he administrated all Band, Choir, Orchestra, Visual Art, and Theatre programs. Dr. Kent began his career as a band director in the Lewisville Independent School District and went on to serve on the faculties of Texas A&M University at Commerce and Lamar University. Ensembles under his direction have performed at the Midwest Clinic, the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention, the College Band Directors National Association Conferences, and the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention. He has presented guest lectures and clinics across Texas and at events such as the International Wind Music History Conference, the Midwest Clinic, the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention, the College Band Directors National Association Conference, and the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention. Dr. Kent also maintains an active conducting schedule, including serving as Conductor and Music Director of the newly formed Texas Youth Wind Symphony, a group comprised of high school musicians from throughout the greater Austin, TX area.
Dr. Kent holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree and the Master of Music degree from The University of Texas at Austin, as well as the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Louisiana State University. He enjoys serving as both a clinician and evaluator for ensembles of all levels and is active as an advocate for the arts and arts education.
Dr. Kent and his wife Laurie, along with daughters Sydney and Marin reside in Cedar Park.
Aug 15, 202201:32:48
Erik Kosman (Audio Engineer)
If you’re like me, you know Erik Kosman from his unfiltered Facebook posts about pageantry, Chicago sports, & longest marching band names (words & syllables). But Erik is also a highly sought-after designer, consultant, and educator in the marching arts. He has worked with many of the top ensembles in DCI, WGI, and BOA, including The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, The Woodlands High School Marching Band, and the Avon High School Indoor Drumline.
Erik is currently the head of audio for the Boston Crusader and previously, he was the Electronics Caption Head at the Bluecoats where he played an integral role in propelling their electronics program to the top of the activity. For the past three years, Erik has served as a consultant and audio engineer for FloMarching.
In addition to the marching arts, Erik has designed and installed audio, video, and lighting systems for many school auditoriums, churches, and restaurants throughout the Southeast. He most recently worked as the Technical Coordinator for the Bailey Performance Center at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA.
Originally from Park Ridge, IL, A Wonderful Place, Erik currently resides in Leander, TX just outside of Austin with his wife Erin and their two huskies, Sabre and Dakota.
Aug 15, 202201:36:49
Jeremy Spicer (SASí - The Leadership People, LLC & Program Coordinator)
The year was 1979. Jimmy Carter was president, Sony released the Walkman, and Margaret Thatcher is the first woman elected Prime Minister in the UK. And on May 1st, Jeremy Wayne Spicer was born in San Antonio, TX, “Military City, USA!”
Jeremy Spicer graduated from Texas State University and is the owner of SASI – The Leadership People, LLC., a student leadership consulting firm focusing on the empowerment of young leaders. Jeremy or “J-Spice” as he is known all over the known universe is the former Director of Bands at Vandegrift High School. The marching band was named the 2013 University Interscholastic League (UIL) 4A State Marching Band Champion. Prior to his appointment at Vandegrift, Spicey spent eight years as a member of the staff at Cedar Park High School. The marching band is the 2006 recipient of the Sudler Shield, an international award for marching excellence awarded by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.
Jeremy began his drum corps career playing mellophone in the Santa Clara Vanguard. Since his age-out year, Mr. Spicer has been on the brass staff of the Carolina Crown, Southwind, Boston Crusaders, Santa Clara Vanguard, and is a Program Consultant for the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps from San Antonio, TX. Jeremy Wayne is active in the United States as a clinician and adjudicator for Bands of America, and his professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He currently lives in Leander, TX with his beautiful wife Elizabeth, precious daughter, Coral Amber, and their handsome son, Aiden Joseph.
Aug 15, 202201:31:08
Dr. Andrea Brown (University of Maryland & Women Rising to the Podium)
Dr. Andrea E. Brown was appointed the Associate Director of Bands at the University of Maryland in 2018. In this position, she conducts the University of Maryland Wind Ensemble and serves as the Director of Athletic Bands. Brown is formerly a member of the conducting faculty at the University of Michigan where she served as the assistant director of bands and was a faculty sponsor of a College of Engineering Multidisciplinary Design Project team researching conducting pedagogy technology. Previously Brown was the director of orchestra and assistant director of bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. She is a frequent guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in the US, Europe, and Asia.
Brown completed a DMA in instrumental conducting at UNC Greensboro where she was a student of John Locke and Kevin Geraldi. While at UNCG, she was both guest conductor and principal horn on UNCG Wind Ensemble's fireworks! and finish line! CDs released on the Equilibrium label. Brown has also had several rehearsal guides published in the popular GIA Publications series, "Teaching Music Through Performance in Band" and has presented at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Music For All Summer Symposium, the Yamaha Bläserklasse in Schlitz, Germany, the International Computer Music Conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the College Music Society International Conference in Sydney, Australia, and multiple times at the College Band Directors National Association National Conference.
A proponent of inclusion and equity issues in the music profession, Brown is a frequent guest speaker on these topics. She currently serves on the CBDNA Diversity Committee and is a member of the Drum Corps International Women’s In Step Committee. Brown is the founder of “Women Rising to the Podium”- an online group of over 3600 members supporting and celebrating women band directors. Additionally, she also serves the chair of the Sigma Alpha Iota Women’s Music Fraternity Graduate Conducting Grant and an advisor of the SAI chapter at the University of Maryland.
Brown previously served on the brass and conducting instructional staff of the DCI World Champion Phantom Regiment (2004 – 2017). Other marching organizations she has instructed include the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band, Carolina Crown, and Spirit of Atlanta. Brown will serve a music judge for DCI for the 2021 season.
As a performer, Brown was a member of the AA Brass Quintet, which won the International Brass Quintet Competition hosted by Fred Mills at the University of Georgia. She performed with the horn sections of the Boston Brass All-Stars Big Band, North Carolina Symphony, Winston-Salem Symphony, and the Brevard Music Center Orchestra. Brown has studied brass performance and pedagogy with Abigail Pack, J.D. Shaw, Jack Masarie, Freddy Martin, Dottie Bennett, Randy Kohlenberg, Richard Steffen, and Ed Bach.
Originally from Milan, Tennessee, she is a graduate of Austin Peay State University and earned a master of music degree in horn performance and a master of music education degree with a cognate in instrumental conducting from UNCG. Prior to her position at Georgia Tech, Brown was the assistant director of bands at Austin Peay State University and taught public school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Dallas, Texas. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Lambda, NAfME, and CBDNA. She was awarded the Rose of Honor as a member of Sigma Alpha Iota Women's Music Fraternity and is an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.
Brown completed a DMA in instrumental conducting at UNC Greensboro where she was a student of John Locke and Kevin Geraldi. While at UNCG, she was both guest conductor and principal horn on UNCG Wind Ensemble's fireworks! and finish line! CDs released on the Equilibrium label. Brown has also had several rehearsal guides published in the popular GIA Publications series, "Teaching Music Through Performance in Band" and has presented at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Music For All Summer Symposium, the Yamaha Bläserklasse in Schlitz, Germany, the International Computer Music Conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the College Music Society International Conference in Sydney, Australia, and multiple times at the College Band Directors National Association National Conference.
A proponent of inclusion and equity issues in the music profession, Brown is a frequent guest speaker on these topics. She currently serves on the CBDNA Diversity Committee and is a member of the Drum Corps International Women’s In Step Committee. Brown is the founder of “Women Rising to the Podium”- an online group of over 3600 members supporting and celebrating women band directors. Additionally, she also serves the chair of the Sigma Alpha Iota Women’s Music Fraternity Graduate Conducting Grant and an advisor of the SAI chapter at the University of Maryland.
Brown previously served on the brass and conducting instructional staff of the DCI World Champion Phantom Regiment (2004 – 2017). Other marching organizations she has instructed include the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band, Carolina Crown, and Spirit of Atlanta. Brown will serve a music judge for DCI for the 2021 season.
As a performer, Brown was a member of the AA Brass Quintet, which won the International Brass Quintet Competition hosted by Fred Mills at the University of Georgia. She performed with the horn sections of the Boston Brass All-Stars Big Band, North Carolina Symphony, Winston-Salem Symphony, and the Brevard Music Center Orchestra. Brown has studied brass performance and pedagogy with Abigail Pack, J.D. Shaw, Jack Masarie, Freddy Martin, Dottie Bennett, Randy Kohlenberg, Richard Steffen, and Ed Bach.
Originally from Milan, Tennessee, she is a graduate of Austin Peay State University and earned a master of music degree in horn performance and a master of music education degree with a cognate in instrumental conducting from UNCG. Prior to her position at Georgia Tech, Brown was the assistant director of bands at Austin Peay State University and taught public school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Dallas, Texas. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Lambda, NAfME, and CBDNA. She was awarded the Rose of Honor as a member of Sigma Alpha Iota Women's Music Fraternity and is an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.
Mar 22, 202201:35:01
Alex Blue V, Part 2 - Black to the Future
Alex Blue V is a Ph.D. Candidate in Ethnomusicology at UC Santa Barbara, and the 2019-2021 Thurgood Marshall Fellow in African and African American Studies at Dartmouth College. He was recently appointed as Assistant Professor of Music at the College of William and Mary. In his new position at the College of William and Mary, Blue will teach courses on race and music, sound studies, and hip-hop production, and will continue his research in the areas of sound, race, identity, and urban space. His dissertation is an ethnographic study of hip-hop in contemporary Detroit, Michigan, that explores narratives of death and dying and illuminates numerous ways the creation, performance, and consumption of hip-hop is used for spatial reorientation, identity formation, and other means in a rapidly-changing city. He also served as a Fellow in the 2018-19 Ithaca College Predoctoral Diversity Scholars Program and has received a number of grants and fellowships in support of his research. Outside of his academic pursuits, Alex enjoys a very full life as a musical “jack-of-all-trades,” working as a performer, educator, arranger, clinician, designer, consultant, and more for a wide variety of ensembles across a litany of musical styles. He holds a Bachelor's in Trombone Performance from Texas Tech University, and a Masters in Jazz Pedagogy from the University of North Texas.
Instagram: blue_tha_fiff
Twitter: @alexbluev
aaas.dartmouth.edu/people
academiccommons.columbia.edu/doi/10.7916/D8DV32SN
Instagram: blue_tha_fiff
Twitter: @alexbluev
aaas.dartmouth.edu/people
academiccommons.columbia.edu/doi/10.7916/D8DV32SN
Mar 22, 202201:26:30
Alex Blue V (Ph.D. Candidate in Ethnomusicology at UC Santa Barbara & Assistant Professor of Music at the College of William and Mary)
Alex Blue V is a Ph.D. Candidate in Ethnomusicology at UC Santa Barbara, and the 2019-2021 Thurgood Marshall Fellow in African and African American Studies at Dartmouth College. He was recently appointed as Assistant Professor of Music at the College of William and Mary. In his new position at the College of William and Mary, Blue will teach courses on race and music, sound studies, and hip-hop production, and will continue his research in the areas of sound, race, identity, and urban space. His dissertation is an ethnographic study of hip-hop in contemporary Detroit, Michigan, that explores narratives of death and dying and illuminates numerous ways the creation, performance, and consumption of hip-hop is used for spatial reorientation, identity formation, and other means in a rapidly-changing city. He also served as a Fellow in the 2018-19 Ithaca College Predoctoral Diversity Scholars Program and has received a number of grants and fellowships in support of his research. Outside of his academic pursuits, Alex enjoys a very full life as a musical “jack-of-all-trades,” working as a performer, educator, arranger, clinician, designer, consultant, and more for a wide variety of ensembles across a litany of musical styles. He holds a Bachelor's in Trombone Performance from Texas Tech University, and a Masters in Jazz Pedagogy from the University of North Texas.
Instagram: blue_tha_fiff
Twitter: @alexbluev
aaas.dartmouth.edu/people
academiccommons.columbia.edu/doi/10.7916/D8DV32SN
Instagram: blue_tha_fiff
Twitter: @alexbluev
aaas.dartmouth.edu/people
academiccommons.columbia.edu/doi/10.7916/D8DV32SN
Mar 22, 202201:57:00
Ogechi Ukazu (Graduate Teaching Assistant, The University of Texas at Austin)
Ogechi Ukazu is a doctoral candidate in wind conducting, under Jerry Junkin, at the University of Texas at Austin where she also serves as a teaching assistant for the UT band program. Prior to this position, she acted as Visiting Instructor of Instrumental Music at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. Ms. Ukazu spent 10 years as a Band Director in both middle and high schools in the Houston area. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Houston and a Master’s Degree in Conducting from Sam Houston State University. In 2011, the Claughton Middle School Symphonic Band, under the direction of Ms. Ukazu, performed at the Midwest International Band & Orchestra Clinic. Ms. Ukazu is an avid proponent of quality music education for all students and has presented on music education advocacy at workshops and clinics around the state of Texas.
Ms. Ukazu’s professional affiliations include College Band Directors National Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, Tau Beta Sigma, and honorary membership in Kappa Kappa Psi.
Mar 22, 202202:00:60
Shiree Williams (Graduate Teaching Assistant, The University of Texas at Austin)
Mr. Shiree Williams is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting at The University of Texas at Austin, under the tutelage of Professor Jerry Junkin. Prior to his enrollment, Mr. Williams served as Director of Bands at Faubion Middle School and the Associate Director of Bands at McKinney High School. A native of south Georgia, Mr. Williams holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree cum laude from Valdosta State University and a Master of Music in Conducting (Wind Emphasis) degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where he was the conducting student of Dr. Glenn Price.
Regarded to be an effective educator and conductor, Mr. Williams receives opportunities to teach and conduct in many settings. He is a frequent guest clinician for concert and marching bands and has guest conducted various middle school, high school, collegiate, and professional ensembles. Mr. Williams has also had the great fortune to work with and learn from masterful conducting teachers in H. Robert Reynolds, Craig Kirchoff, Richard Floyd, Mallory Thompson, Rodney Dorsey, Kevin Sedatole, Donald Schleicher, Mark Scatterday, Jamie Nix, and Colonel Timothy Holton.
Mr. Williams's professional affiliations include Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, the National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, World Association of Bands and Wind Ensembles, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmaster’s Association, National Association for Music Educators, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.
Regarded to be an effective educator and conductor, Mr. Williams receives opportunities to teach and conduct in many settings. He is a frequent guest clinician for concert and marching bands and has guest conducted various middle school, high school, collegiate, and professional ensembles. Mr. Williams has also had the great fortune to work with and learn from masterful conducting teachers in H. Robert Reynolds, Craig Kirchoff, Richard Floyd, Mallory Thompson, Rodney Dorsey, Kevin Sedatole, Donald Schleicher, Mark Scatterday, Jamie Nix, and Colonel Timothy Holton.
Mr. Williams's professional affiliations include Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, the National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, World Association of Bands and Wind Ensembles, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmaster’s Association, National Association for Music Educators, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.
Mar 22, 202201:43:26
Tony Lymon (Petal HS)
Tony Lymon is the former Assistant Director of Bands at Petal High School in Petal, Mississippi, and currently is the co-music arranger/show designer for the Petal High School marching band. Tony is the director show designer for the Petal Indoor Percussion Theatre, a national WGI Percussion Scholastic World Finalist. He has twice been awarded the Outstanding Junior High Director of the Southeast Mississippi Band Directors Association and the 2008 Mississippi Bandmasters Association AE McClain Outstanding Young Band Director Award. Tony currently serves as a Creative Designer for Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps.
Tony holds a Bachelors's degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Certification in 3D Architectural Rendering from The 3D Training Institute of New York. He was a member and principal percussionist in the world-renowned Southern Miss Wind Ensemble and Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra. While at Southern Miss, Tony was the percussion arranger for the Pride of Mississippi Marching Band and USM indoor percussion ensemble. Tony was also a member of the World Champion Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps (Bloomington, IN) from 1991-1993. In his three years of DCI experience, he won the DCI-Midwest Solo Timpani Champion and the 1994 Percussive Arts Society International Solo Timpani Award. Tony's original marimba composition "Of Thoughts and Thinking" has become a standard in percussion literature. The piece was most recently recorded by German percussion artist Cornelia Monkse on the CD "Marimba 2" and was featured in the French documentary film "Le Ciel."
After college, Tony pursued a professional performance career for eight years with the pop/rock band King Konga . While with King Konga, Tony toured the world selling out venues nationwide. The group did a post-September 11th USO tour for the US Military in Hawaii and South East Asia. The four-piece band gained critical acclaim reaching #81 on the AC Hot 100 Pop Charts with "Something Good." With a rare accomplishment by an independent band, King Konga captured the eyes and ears of many major record labels and the band went on to perform at Woodstock '99. Tony has also performed with The Mississippi Symphony, Mobile Opera, Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera, and The Meistersingers Orchestral/Choral Ensemble.
Tony recently wrapped up a season as the sound designer for The Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018 and is the owner of Eidetic Creative, a multimedia creative design solution business. He currently resides in Petal, Mississippi with his wife Emily and 13-year-old daughter Colette.
Tony holds a Bachelors's degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Certification in 3D Architectural Rendering from The 3D Training Institute of New York. He was a member and principal percussionist in the world-renowned Southern Miss Wind Ensemble and Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra. While at Southern Miss, Tony was the percussion arranger for the Pride of Mississippi Marching Band and USM indoor percussion ensemble. Tony was also a member of the World Champion Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps (Bloomington, IN) from 1991-1993. In his three years of DCI experience, he won the DCI-Midwest Solo Timpani Champion and the 1994 Percussive Arts Society International Solo Timpani Award. Tony's original marimba composition "Of Thoughts and Thinking" has become a standard in percussion literature. The piece was most recently recorded by German percussion artist Cornelia Monkse on the CD "Marimba 2" and was featured in the French documentary film "Le Ciel."
After college, Tony pursued a professional performance career for eight years with the pop/rock band King Konga . While with King Konga, Tony toured the world selling out venues nationwide. The group did a post-September 11th USO tour for the US Military in Hawaii and South East Asia. The four-piece band gained critical acclaim reaching #81 on the AC Hot 100 Pop Charts with "Something Good." With a rare accomplishment by an independent band, King Konga captured the eyes and ears of many major record labels and the band went on to perform at Woodstock '99. Tony has also performed with The Mississippi Symphony, Mobile Opera, Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera, and The Meistersingers Orchestral/Choral Ensemble.
Tony recently wrapped up a season as the sound designer for The Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018 and is the owner of Eidetic Creative, a multimedia creative design solution business. He currently resides in Petal, Mississippi with his wife Emily and 13-year-old daughter Colette.
Mar 07, 202202:05:48
Lauren Teel (Texas A&M University-Commerce & Troopers D&BC)
Lauren Teel is the Percussion Caption Head for the DCI World Class Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, Adjunct Instructor of Percussion for Texas A&M-Commerce, Director of Percussion for Mililani High School in Mililani, Hawaii, and an ensemble member of the Heartland Marimba Ensemble. She is actively involved in the percussive arts community as both performer and educator, serving on the PAS marching committee and acting as an adjudicator for several PAS international competitions, including the 2018 Percussive Arts Society International Chamber Ensemble Competition and the 2019 Percussive Arts Society International Solo Marimba Competition.
During the 2018/2019 academic year, Lauren served as the Interim Instructor of Percussion for The University of Alabama, and Adjunct Instructor for the Million Dollar Band Front Ensemble. Prior to this appointment, she was an Adjunct Instructor of Percussion at several universities, including The University of North Alabama, The University of Alabama- Birmingham, and The University of Montevallo. In addition, Lauren was a member of the percussion educational team “ Double Stop Percussion” based out of Birmingham, AL.
In 2012, Lauren had the privilege of traveling to Chennai, India to perform for an audience of over 75,000 people with Oscar-winning composer, A. R. Rahman. Lauren also appeared in the 2013 blockbuster, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, as an on-screen timpanist. While living in Atlanta, Lauren performed as a member of the NFL Atlanta Falcons Drum Line. In 2018, Lauren was invited to perform the solo marimba piece, Free Flight, by composer and pianist Muriel Roth, as part of the 2018 PASIC Focus Day events.
Lauren earned her M.M. in Percussion Performance at Indiana University in 2016 and a B.M. in Percussion Performance from the University of North Texas 2012. She was a member of the 2009 and 2010 DCI World Class Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps, and of the 2011 Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps.
In her spare time, Lauren pursues her other passion of working with animals by volunteering at the Georgia Aquarium, and with ICAN as a certified service dog trainer. She is an avid free diver, trained lifeguard, and certified scuba diver.
Mar 07, 202201:22:33
Adam Wiencken (Broken Arrow HS & Spirit of Atlanta D&BC)
Adam Wiencken is the Percussion Specialist for Broken Arrow Public Schools in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. As Director of Percussion and Battery Arranger for the Pride of Broken Arrow Marching Band, the ensemble is a consistent Bands of America (BOA) Regional Champion and Grand National Finalist.
In Adam’s tenure, The Pride of Broken Arrow is a 10-time Regional Champion, a 6-time Grand National Finalist, the BOA Grand National Runner-Up in 2012 and 2014, and the 2014 BOA Grand National Class AAAA Champion. In 2011 and 2015 The Pride of Broken Arrow was named the BOA Grand National Champion.
As Director and Founder of Broken Arrow High School Indoor Percussion, the program has received high accolades in its short history, capturing three Winter Guard International (WGI) Regional Championships; Broken Arrow Indoor was a WGI World Championship Scholastic World Semi-Finalist in 2017 and 2018. Also under Adam’s direction, the Broken Arrow High School Percussion Ensemble performed at The 70th Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois in December of 2016.
Adam currently serves as Battery Arranger for the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps. Previously, Adam was a percussion staff member at The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps from 2013-2016; in 2013, The Cadets were awarded the Drum Corps International (DCI) Fred Sanford Award for High Percussion Performance. He previously served on the instructional staff for the Santa Clara Vanguard, Troopers, Crossmen, and Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps. Adam is an alumnus of the Madison Scouts and The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.
Adam is an active percussion arranger for various ensembles throughout the country in addition to Broken Arrow HS, including BOA Grand National Finalist Dobyns-Bennett HS (TN) since 2016. In addition, he serves as an adjudicator for various indoor percussion circuits throughout the United States and serves as the Percussion Coordinator for Winter Guard and Percussion of Oklahoma.
Adam received his Bachelor's at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Throughout his studies at Indiana, Adam studied with John Tafoya, Kevin Bobo, Steve Houghton, and Craig Hetrick.
Adam is a Yamaha Performing Artist as well as an educational artist for Innovative Percussion, Inc., Remo Drumheads, Zildjian Cymbals, and MEINL Percussion.
https://bruxie.com/
Mar 07, 202201:45:23
Joe Hobbs (Vandegrift HS & Bluecoats D&BC)
Joe Hobbs is in his 4th year as the Director of Percussion at Vandegrift High school in Austin, TX. Under his direction, the Drum Line won the Dripping Springs Drum Line Contest in both 2016 and 2017 as well as the Lone Star Classic in 2018. The Vandegrift percussion ensemble was also selected to perform at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in 2017. Joe was previously the director of percussion at Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, TX. The Newman Smith drum line won both the Plano Drum Line Contest as well as the Lone Star Drum Line Contest. The Newman Smith Drum Line was also invited to present a Marching percussion clinic at the 2015 PASIC Convention.
Joe is currently the Battery Coordinator for the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps from Canton, Ohio. Joe previously served as the percussion caption head for The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from Rosemont, IL from 2015-2018. During this time the percussion section saw a radical change in placement going from 10th place in 2015 to 3rd place by 2017. The group also saw over a 95% retention rate during Joe’s time leading the caption. Before joining The Cavaliers, Joe served on the percussion staff for the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps and the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps from Atlanta, GA. Joe was also involved with Music City Mystique as a battery instructor from 2009-2011. He was a member of Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps from 2001-2003. During his time at Southwind, he was named the 2003 DCI I&E Snare drum champion. From 2004-2006 Joe was a member of the Cavaliers snare line. During his time with the Cavaliers, Joe won 2 DCI world championships, 2006 DCI I&E mixed ensemble championship, “Cavalier of the year” and the “Zildjian award” in 2006.
Joe received his Music Education degree from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. Other teaching experience includes George Rogers Clark High School, Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps, Murray State University, Austin Peay State University, Mt. Juliet High School, Marshall County High School, and Murray High School. Joe is endorsed by Pearl Drums, Innovative Percussion, and Evans Drumheads.
Mar 07, 202201:29:59
Hector Gil (Vista Ridge HS)
Hector Gil is in his 18th year of teaching and joined the staff at Vista Ridge High School and Henry Middle School as the Director of Percussion in 2008. He attended Texas A&M University-Commerce where he received his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2001, and he completed one year of graduate work at Texas Christian University. While at A&M – Commerce, and TCU, Mr. Gil performed in various ensembles including the Texas A&M University-Commerce Wind Ensemble, the Texas A&M University-Commerce Drumline, the Texas A&M University-Commerce Steel Band, the Texas Christian University Wind Symphony, the Texas Christian University Symphony Orchestra, the Texas Christian University Percussion Ensemble, and the North East Texas Symphony Orchestra. He was a member of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps in 1997 and 1998 and was also a member of the 2000 Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition winning collegiate ensemble with the Texas A&M University-Commerce Percussion Ensemble under Dr. Brian West. After college, Gil began his teaching career at United High School in Laredo, TX. After 3 incredible years, he moved to Fort Worth to teach at Texas Christian University as the Drumline Instructor for the TCU “Horned Frog” Marching Band. After leaving TCU in 2007, he moved to Austin and is now in his 11th year as a music educator in Leander ISD. Hector’s students and ensembles have achieved numerous accolades that include being named The Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition Winners in 2014 and 2018, The TMEA Honor Band Winners in 2010, 2014, and 2018, The Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic Performers in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016, The Black Swamp Percussion Ensemble Showcase Winners in 2017, The Western International Band Clinic in 2008 and 2013, the Texas State Marching Band Championship in 2008, 2013, 2015, and 2016 and The Winter Guard International World Championships in 2006 and 2007. He has been extremely fortunate to study from some incredible teachers that include Mr. Carlos Gil, Dr. Brian West, Mr. Bobby Francis, Mr. Bill Bachman, Dr. Jim Yakas, and Mr. Matt Savage. Gil is an active composer/arranger for many Texas high school programs, adjudicates for many competitions, and has served as a clinician for numerous percussion programs throughout the state. His professional affiliations include The Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and is a proud Education Artist with Innovative Percussion Inc. He is happily married to his beautiful wife Brandy and they have two beautiful daughters, Makayla and Elena. Hector is extremely lucky to have been able to experience so many incredible moments in his career and he recognizes that those moments were not achieved alone. He feels the individuals that have impacted him the most in his life have been his mom and dad, Carlos and Grizelda Gil.
Mar 07, 202201:34:31
Matt Ehlers (McCallum HS)
Matt Ehlers just finished his thirteenth year at A.N. McCallum High School and Lamar Middle School Fine Arts Academies in Austin, Texas where he serves as Associate Band Director/Percussion Director. Originally from Seward, Nebraska, he graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas. As Associate Director of Bands at McCallum High School, Ehlers conducts the Beginner and Advanced Steel Bands, high school and middle school percussion ensembles, the marching percussion ensemble, 6th-grade beginning percussion class, and co-directs the JV Full Orchestra. Ehlers was awarded McCallum High School’s “Teacher of the Year” award for the 2010-2011 school year.
In 2006, Ehlers founded the annual “Knight of Percussion Benefit Concert” with the intent to raise money and awareness for a different local charity each year through a percussion concert performed by McCallum High School and Lamar Middle School percussion sections. Ehlers served as board president of the Small Victories Foundation, a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries through participation in the arts from 2014-2017.
In 2013, with the help of a Creative Classroom grant, Ehlers founded the thirty-piece Brazilian Samba School, known as the “Samba Knights,” at McCallum High School and created a community partnership with the Austin Samba School. During the summertime, Matt co-directs two annual youth steel band camps in Austin that he helped create in 2007. You can find many of his original steel drum compositions and arrangements at BoxFish Music and Drop6 Media/Row-Loff Productions.
Matt and his wife Katie live in north Austin with their daughter Lily. They enjoy spending time outside, a good BBQ, and attempting various renovations on their house
In 2006, Ehlers founded the annual “Knight of Percussion Benefit Concert” with the intent to raise money and awareness for a different local charity each year through a percussion concert performed by McCallum High School and Lamar Middle School percussion sections. Ehlers served as board president of the Small Victories Foundation, a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries through participation in the arts from 2014-2017.
In 2013, with the help of a Creative Classroom grant, Ehlers founded the thirty-piece Brazilian Samba School, known as the “Samba Knights,” at McCallum High School and created a community partnership with the Austin Samba School. During the summertime, Matt co-directs two annual youth steel band camps in Austin that he helped create in 2007. You can find many of his original steel drum compositions and arrangements at BoxFish Music and Drop6 Media/Row-Loff Productions.
Matt and his wife Katie live in north Austin with their daughter Lily. They enjoy spending time outside, a good BBQ, and attempting various renovations on their house
Mar 07, 202201:56:01
Paul Pape (Georgetown HS, Cedar Park HS, Vandegrift HS, & On Leaving the Profession)
In 2016, Paul Pape completed his 6th year as the Percussion Director at Vandegrift High School in Austin, TX. During his tenure at VHS, the percussion section has been highly successful in many areas of percussion performance including solo, percussion ensemble, and marching percussion. The VHS Drumline, under the direction of Mr. Pape, has received numerous awards and honors across the state, including first-place finishes at several drumline contests, numerous band festival caption awards, and three finalist appearances at the prestigious Lone Star Drumline Contest. In 2015, the VHS Drumline also won 1st Place and was awarded the “Caldwell Cup” at the Lone Star Drumline Contest. In addition to his percussive responsibilities, Mr. Pape has been an integral part of the success of the VHS Concert and Marching Bands helping the group earn several accolades including numerous TMEA Honor Band State finalists placements, BOA Regional Class Championships, San Antonio BOA Super Regional Finalist placements, BOA Super Regional Class Championships, the Silver Medal at the 2015 5A Texas State Marching Band Championship, and were named the 4A Texas State Marching Band Champions in 2013.
Before coming to VHS Mr. Pape served as the Percussion Director for Cedar Park HS from 2008-2010 where his students earned numerous individual and group awards including the 2008 PASIC Championship and the 2009 Lone Star Drumline Contest Championship where they were also awarded the prestigious “Caldwell Cup”. Prior to his time at Cedar Park High School, Mr. Pape began his career as an Assistant Band Director and Percussion Director at Georgetown High School from 2002-2008 where his bands received superior ratings and his percussion sections were consistently successful. Under the direction of Mr. Pape, the GHS Drumline was awarded 1st place at the Central Texas Drumline Invitational in 2003, 2004 and 2006, 1st Place at the 2007 Plano Drumline Contest, the 2006 PASIC Championship & Fred Sanford Award, as well as the 2006 Lone Star Drumline Contest Championship.
Outside of his primary teaching position, Mr. Pape founded, organized, and conducted the Region 26 Percussion Ensemble, was on staff for the 2004 High Percussion Teal Sound Drum and Bugle Corps, and has served as a clinician/consultant to programs throughout Texas.
Paul is a 2001 graduate of Southwest Texas State University, earning a Bachelor of Music degree. As a performer, Paul has performed with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Austin Lyric Opera and several bands around the Austin/San Antonio area. Paul currently lives in Austin, TX with his wife Jennifer and two dogs, Abby and Parker.
Mar 07, 202201:29:11
Richard Kearns (Burleson Centennial HS)
It was Monday, January 21, 1985. In that special week of January people in US were listening to "Like A Virgin" by Madonna and in the UK, "I Want To Know What Love Is" by Foreigner was in the top 5 hits. "The Breakfast Club", "Witness," & "Heaven Help Us" were popular movies of the year. And on the day of the second inauguration of President Ronald Reagan took place, Richard Kearns was born unto this world in Greenville, TX, the “cotton capital of the world!”
Richard Kearns serves as an Assistant Director, Percussion Instructor at Centennial High School in the Burleson Independent School District in Burleson, TX. He was previously the Percussion Director of Azle High School in Azle, TX where the Azle Drumline and Percussion Section won numerous awards including Lonestar Classic Champions, NTCA Champions, the 2014 TCGC Perc Scholastic Open Champions and were Open Class Semi-Finalists at the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. His abilities as a conceptual and visual designer for Marching Band and Indoor Drumline has turned out many crowd-pleasing productions, including the 2016 WGI Perc Ind Open Gold Medalists, Vigilantes Indoor Percussion, and the 2017 Perc Scholastic Open Gold Medalists and the 2018 & 2019 Perc Scholastic World 6th place Finalists, Burleson Centennial High School.
Prior to Azle, Richard was the Percussion Director at Palestine High School, as well as Battery/Drumline Coordinator at Tyler Junior College. Upon joining the Palestine Band Staff in 2008, the PHS Percussion Program received numerous awards in the TCGC & NTCA Indoor Drumline Circuits, Lonestar & Plano Drumline Competitions. In 2011, the Palestine Indoor Drumline was the TCGC Open Class Champion. His instructional contributions for TJC helped lead the group to their WGI PIO World Championship in 2008, promotion to WGI World Class, and becoming consecutive Finalists at the WGI World Championships.
Richard attended Tyler Junior College and was section leader for the TJC Drumline. After attending TJC, Richard continued his studies at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas where his focus was Music Education. Richard’s drum corps performance experience was with the Capital Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps and Magic of Orlando. He later returned to the staff of Capital Regiment as the Snare Technician.
Mar 07, 202201:07:07
Mark Hoskins (Wheeler HS & DCI Judge)
Mark Hoskins is in his 18th year as Director of Bands at Wheeler High School in Marietta, GA. He teaches and oversees the entire band program, consisting of 3 concert bands, marching band, jazz ensemble, jazz combo, woodwind and brass choirs, winter guard, and percussion ensembles. Prior to accepting the band director position at Wheeler, he was Director of Bands at South Cobb High School in Austell, GA from Jan. of 1999-May 2003. A graduate of East Tennessee State University, he is in constant demand as an adjudicator, clinician, and conductor in the marching band, jazz, and concert band arena. His program at Wheeler is regionally and nationally recognized in those fields as well, consistently receiving superior ratings and best in class awards.
While at ETSU, Hoskins had the opportunity to perform with many of the jazz greats of our time, including Jon Faddis, Ed Shaughnessy, Allen Vizzuti, Dick Oates of Flim and the BBs, and Ernie Watts. He was also a four- year member and featured mellophone soloist with the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, in Atlanta, GA. He later became the visual caption head for the corps in 2001, under the guidance of drum corps legend and mentor, Freddy Martin, and was brass caption head for the 2005 Magic Of Orlando Drum and Bugle Corps. He is now a brass adjudicator for Drum Corps International. He is a member of the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), NAfME (National Assoc. for Music Education, formerly MENC), JEN, and a founding member of MBDNA, the Minority Band Directors National Association. He was born in Norton, VA and grew up in Big Stone Gap, VA, attending Powell Valley High School. He is happily married to Maggy Hoskins and they have two children, Tamia Marie, and Miles Anthony. They reside in Marietta, GA.
While at ETSU, Hoskins had the opportunity to perform with many of the jazz greats of our time, including Jon Faddis, Ed Shaughnessy, Allen Vizzuti, Dick Oates of Flim and the BBs, and Ernie Watts. He was also a four- year member and featured mellophone soloist with the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, in Atlanta, GA. He later became the visual caption head for the corps in 2001, under the guidance of drum corps legend and mentor, Freddy Martin, and was brass caption head for the 2005 Magic Of Orlando Drum and Bugle Corps. He is now a brass adjudicator for Drum Corps International. He is a member of the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), NAfME (National Assoc. for Music Education, formerly MENC), JEN, and a founding member of MBDNA, the Minority Band Directors National Association. He was born in Norton, VA and grew up in Big Stone Gap, VA, attending Powell Valley High School. He is happily married to Maggy Hoskins and they have two children, Tamia Marie, and Miles Anthony. They reside in Marietta, GA.
Feb 01, 202201:12:37
Amy Powers (Henry Sibley HS / Lakeville Public Schools)
From 2012 to 2020, Amy Powers was the Director of Bands at Henry Sibley High School where she taught the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Pep Band. She also administered the Private Lesson Program. Prior to Henry Sibley, Amy was a Band Director at Rosemount Middle School, Black Hawk Middle School (Eagan), St. Thomas Academy (Mendota Heights), and Crosswinds Middle School (Woodbury). In addition to serving as a Director of Bands, Amy served as the Orchestra Director at the University of Minnesota at Morris. She has also been active as a Color Guard Instructor and Caption Head for over 20 years, most notably serving the Sound of Sun Prairie (Sun Prairie, WI), Rosemount High School (Rosemount, MN), and Eastview High School (Apple Valley, MN). In the fall of 2020, Amy Powers will be a 5th Grade Band Director in the Lakeville Public Schools.
Amy is active as a clinician and adjudicator for marching bands and color guards throughout the country. She is a member of several judges associations but devotes the bulk of her judging time to the Central States Judges Association. Amy is a member of the Minnesota Music Educator’s Association and the National Band Association.
Amy is a graduate of Sun Prairie High School in Sun Prairie, WI. She earned her Bachelor’s in Music Education and her Bachelor’s in Bassoon Performance from the University of Minnesota at Morris. She also holds a Master’s in Education from Saint Mary’s University as well as 40 additional credits from the University of St. Thomas and Saint Mary’s University.
During her free time, Amy loves to spend time with her family and friends. She also loves to do interior design, be on the water, and foster dogs. Amy lives in Eagan with her husband, Chris, son, Max, daughter, Ellie, and dogs: Archie, Cody, and Benny.
Amy is active as a clinician and adjudicator for marching bands and color guards throughout the country. She is a member of several judges associations but devotes the bulk of her judging time to the Central States Judges Association. Amy is a member of the Minnesota Music Educator’s Association and the National Band Association.
Amy is a graduate of Sun Prairie High School in Sun Prairie, WI. She earned her Bachelor’s in Music Education and her Bachelor’s in Bassoon Performance from the University of Minnesota at Morris. She also holds a Master’s in Education from Saint Mary’s University as well as 40 additional credits from the University of St. Thomas and Saint Mary’s University.
During her free time, Amy loves to spend time with her family and friends. She also loves to do interior design, be on the water, and foster dogs. Amy lives in Eagan with her husband, Chris, son, Max, daughter, Ellie, and dogs: Archie, Cody, and Benny.
Feb 01, 202201:41:12
Kyle Young (Carmel HS)
Kyle Young is currently Associate Director of Bands at Carmel High School in Carmel, IN. His responsibilities include co-conducting seven concert bands, one of six jazz ensembles, and athletic bands. He also serves as an Assistant Director of the Carmel High School Marching Greyhounds.
The Carmel Marching Band is a 23-time Bands of America Regional Champion most and recently made its 24th consecutive appearance in Bands of America Grand Nationals Finals. They were also named 2016, 2017, and 2018 Grand National Champions. The Carmel Marching Greyhounds were recently awarded the John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Shield for the second time in the ensemble’s history.
Prior to arriving in Carmel, Kyle served as a band director in the Mason City School District in Mason, OH. During his tenure in Carmel and Mason, ensembles have been invited to perform at the IMEA and OMEA Professional Development Conferences, the CBDNA Regional Conference, and the Music for All National Concert Band Festival. Carmel Wind Symphony 1 was most recently named 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019 State Concert Band Champion. The Carmel Band Program was also a recipient of the National Band Association Program of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award in 2018.
Kyle received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Wright State University and his Master’s Degree from VanderCook College of Music. Kyle was named the 2013 Alumni of the Year for the Wright State University School of Music. Mr. Young serves nationally as a clinician for concert and marching bands as well as an active adjudicator for Bands of America, Drum Corps International, and other circuit organizations. Kyle also serves as an artist clinician for the Vandoren company. He lives in Westfield, IN. with his wife Kelly and their son Landon.
The Carmel Marching Band is a 23-time Bands of America Regional Champion most and recently made its 24th consecutive appearance in Bands of America Grand Nationals Finals. They were also named 2016, 2017, and 2018 Grand National Champions. The Carmel Marching Greyhounds were recently awarded the John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Shield for the second time in the ensemble’s history.
Prior to arriving in Carmel, Kyle served as a band director in the Mason City School District in Mason, OH. During his tenure in Carmel and Mason, ensembles have been invited to perform at the IMEA and OMEA Professional Development Conferences, the CBDNA Regional Conference, and the Music for All National Concert Band Festival. Carmel Wind Symphony 1 was most recently named 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019 State Concert Band Champion. The Carmel Band Program was also a recipient of the National Band Association Program of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award in 2018.
Kyle received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Wright State University and his Master’s Degree from VanderCook College of Music. Kyle was named the 2013 Alumni of the Year for the Wright State University School of Music. Mr. Young serves nationally as a clinician for concert and marching bands as well as an active adjudicator for Bands of America, Drum Corps International, and other circuit organizations. Kyle also serves as an artist clinician for the Vandoren company. He lives in Westfield, IN. with his wife Kelly and their son Landon.
Feb 01, 202201:19:16
Kat Willer (Henry MS)
Katherine Willer is in her second year as an Assistant Band Director at Henry Middle School. At Henry, Ms. Willer conducts the Symphonic Band and teaches the beginning flute, clarinet, and double-reed classes. She also assists with the Concert and Honors Bands.
Ms. Willer graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston in May 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. While at the University of Houston, Ms. Willer was a drum major for the Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band. She was also president of the UH chapter of the National Association for Music Education and a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity. She studied flute under Melissa Suhr.
Ms. Willer’s professional memberships include the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association.
During her summers, Ms. Willer is part of the brass staff at the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps.
Ms. Willer graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston in May 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. While at the University of Houston, Ms. Willer was a drum major for the Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band. She was also president of the UH chapter of the National Association for Music Education and a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity. She studied flute under Melissa Suhr.
Ms. Willer’s professional memberships include the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association.
During her summers, Ms. Willer is part of the brass staff at the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps.
Feb 01, 202201:37:52
Ryan Johnstone (Rouse HS)
Ryan Johnstone is currently the Associate Director of Bands at Rouse High School in Leander, Texas. Prior to his position at Rouse, Mr. Johnstone served as Director of Bands at Canyon Vista Middle School in Austin, Texas, for two years. Mr. Johnstone also served as Director of Bands of the Aledo (TX) Middle School Band program for five years and as an Associate Director at Aledo High School, 2006-2009. In addition to his graduate degree in Trombone Performance from Yale University, Mr. Johnstone holds a Bachelor’s degree in Trombone Performance from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, PA. In 2012, Mr. Johnstone was honored by the Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Mu as the “Texas Young Bandmaster of the Year.”
His bands at Canyon Vista and Aledo Middle School were consistent sweepstakes award winners at UIL and invitational festivals. Top groups at each school also advanced to the Texas Music Educator Association’s State Honor Band Competition three times under his direction, placing 4th in 2011, 2nd in 2013, and 6th in 2015 (his first year at Canyon Vista). Additionally, the AMS Honor Winds were invited performers at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in December 2013.
In addition to teaching at Rouse, Mr. Johnstone is active as a guest clinician and music education consultant for other public school music programs. He has also been a guest conductor/teacher for the Baylor University and TCU Summer Music Camps and has served on the brass staff for the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps in San Antonio, Texas. His professional affiliations include memberships in the Texas Music Educators’ Association and Texas Bandmasters’ Association.
Mr. Johnstone enjoys motivating musicians to reach their full potential on a daily basis. The cornerstone of his music education philosophy is the belief that the many lessons taught and positive habits learned through music serve as a catalyst for greatness and the foundation for each student’s success in life. He feels privileged and honored to have many fellow music educators, mentors, and friends who have influenced his teaching and career thus far, and he is grateful for the love and support of his family and wife, Rachel.
His bands at Canyon Vista and Aledo Middle School were consistent sweepstakes award winners at UIL and invitational festivals. Top groups at each school also advanced to the Texas Music Educator Association’s State Honor Band Competition three times under his direction, placing 4th in 2011, 2nd in 2013, and 6th in 2015 (his first year at Canyon Vista). Additionally, the AMS Honor Winds were invited performers at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in December 2013.
In addition to teaching at Rouse, Mr. Johnstone is active as a guest clinician and music education consultant for other public school music programs. He has also been a guest conductor/teacher for the Baylor University and TCU Summer Music Camps and has served on the brass staff for the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps in San Antonio, Texas. His professional affiliations include memberships in the Texas Music Educators’ Association and Texas Bandmasters’ Association.
Mr. Johnstone enjoys motivating musicians to reach their full potential on a daily basis. The cornerstone of his music education philosophy is the belief that the many lessons taught and positive habits learned through music serve as a catalyst for greatness and the foundation for each student’s success in life. He feels privileged and honored to have many fellow music educators, mentors, and friends who have influenced his teaching and career thus far, and he is grateful for the love and support of his family and wife, Rachel.
Feb 01, 202201:29:59
Robert Selaiden (Leander HS)
Robert Selaiden is the Director of Bands at Leander High School in Leander, Texas. Mr. Selaiden is in his 12th year at Leander and his 5th year as head director, and in that time the Leander Band has become one of the preeminent programs in the country. Most recently, the program has been named a bronze medalist at the UIL 5A State Marching Contest, a finalist at the 6A State Marching contest (earning 5th place and 7th place), was named a finalist and received 6th place at the Bands of America Grand National Championships, and was the champion of the BOA Austin Regional in 2015.
Before coming to Leander High School, Mr. Selaiden attended The University of Texas where he received his degree in Music Studies and Human Development, studied saxophone under Harvey Pittel, and served as Drum Major of The University of Texas Longhorn Band. During each summer, Mr. Selaiden has been active as a facilitator for the SASI Drum Major and Leadership Camps for the last eight years and remains active as a clinician and music arranger around the state.
Before coming to Leander High School, Mr. Selaiden attended The University of Texas where he received his degree in Music Studies and Human Development, studied saxophone under Harvey Pittel, and served as Drum Major of The University of Texas Longhorn Band. During each summer, Mr. Selaiden has been active as a facilitator for the SASI Drum Major and Leadership Camps for the last eight years and remains active as a clinician and music arranger around the state.
Feb 01, 202202:07:41
Jason Dimiceli (McNeil HS)
Jason Dimiceli arrived at McNeil in the Fall of 2004, originally serving as Associate Director. He teaches the Wind Ensemble and Marching Band, and he assists with the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band. He also serves on the campus Leadership Team as Fine Arts Department Chair. Mr. Dimiceli is on staff for the Texas Ambassadors of Music and he is an active concert and sight-reading judge for the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. Prior to coming to McNeil Mr. Dimiceli taught at San Marcos HS and Westfield HS (Spring ISD).
Mr. Dimiceli graduated with a degree in Music Studies from The University of Texas at Austin in 2002. The trumpet is his principal instrument and he was fortunate to have studied with the great Raymond Crisara and Dr. Joel Treybig. Mr. Dimiceli also studied privately with Dr. Kevin Sedatole in score study and conducting. He is proud to have graduated from Eisenhower High School in Houston.
Some of Mr. Dimiceli’s fondest playing memories are from his time in UT performing ensembles, his two years (1996-97) in the Longhorn Band and in his three years (1997-99) in The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.
Away from school, Mr. Dimiceli loves to spend time with his beautiful wife, Jennifer, and his lovely daughter, Emily. The Dimicelis reside in Round Rock and Emily is a junior clarinet player ain the McNeil Wind Ensemble. He loves college football, pro football, golf, and Major League Baseball and his favorite teams are the Houston Astros, Houston Texans, and Texas Longhorns. He also enjoys playing golf, cooking, and reading as much as he can. He also LOVES Summer Moon gift cards!
Mr. Dimiceli graduated with a degree in Music Studies from The University of Texas at Austin in 2002. The trumpet is his principal instrument and he was fortunate to have studied with the great Raymond Crisara and Dr. Joel Treybig. Mr. Dimiceli also studied privately with Dr. Kevin Sedatole in score study and conducting. He is proud to have graduated from Eisenhower High School in Houston.
Some of Mr. Dimiceli’s fondest playing memories are from his time in UT performing ensembles, his two years (1996-97) in the Longhorn Band and in his three years (1997-99) in The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.
Away from school, Mr. Dimiceli loves to spend time with his beautiful wife, Jennifer, and his lovely daughter, Emily. The Dimicelis reside in Round Rock and Emily is a junior clarinet player ain the McNeil Wind Ensemble. He loves college football, pro football, golf, and Major League Baseball and his favorite teams are the Houston Astros, Houston Texans, and Texas Longhorns. He also enjoys playing golf, cooking, and reading as much as he can. He also LOVES Summer Moon gift cards!
Feb 01, 202201:48:04
Kendall Stevenson (Cedar Park HS)
Kendall Stevenson is an Associate Director of Bands at Cedar Park High School in Cedar Park, TX.
Ms. Stevenson grew up in Flower Mound, TX and recently graduated from the University of North Texas with honors in May of 2018 with her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She began her college career at the University of Minnesota and later transferred to UNT to finish out her degree. Ms. Stevenson was a member of UNT’s Green Brigade Marching Band, led by Dr. Nicholas Williams, where she participated as the lead field technician for two seasons. During her time at UNT, she was the 2017 President for UNT’s Marching Arts Forum and a flute player in the UNT Symphonic Band under the direction of Dennis Fisher.
Ms. Stevenson has a passion for the marching arts that extends beyond high school as well. She joined The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps in 2012 and later performed with The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 2013-2016. After serving her third year as head drum major, Ms. Stevenson finished her marching career in 2016 as a Jim Jones Leadership Award Second Place Recipient (2015), Cadet of the Year (2015), and Cadet of The Decade (2016). In 2017, Ms. Stevenson joined the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps as Design Team Liason and is currently working with the brass staff. In January of 2018, Ms. Stevenson was invited to speak at the Drum Corps International Drum Major Leadership Summit as a group leader and presenter, and soon after joined the SASI Leadership Company as well.
Ms. Stevenson grew up in Flower Mound, TX and recently graduated from the University of North Texas with honors in May of 2018 with her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She began her college career at the University of Minnesota and later transferred to UNT to finish out her degree. Ms. Stevenson was a member of UNT’s Green Brigade Marching Band, led by Dr. Nicholas Williams, where she participated as the lead field technician for two seasons. During her time at UNT, she was the 2017 President for UNT’s Marching Arts Forum and a flute player in the UNT Symphonic Band under the direction of Dennis Fisher.
Ms. Stevenson has a passion for the marching arts that extends beyond high school as well. She joined The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps in 2012 and later performed with The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 2013-2016. After serving her third year as head drum major, Ms. Stevenson finished her marching career in 2016 as a Jim Jones Leadership Award Second Place Recipient (2015), Cadet of the Year (2015), and Cadet of The Decade (2016). In 2017, Ms. Stevenson joined the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps as Design Team Liason and is currently working with the brass staff. In January of 2018, Ms. Stevenson was invited to speak at the Drum Corps International Drum Major Leadership Summit as a group leader and presenter, and soon after joined the SASI Leadership Company as well.
Feb 01, 202201:25:00
Katie VanDoren (Vandegrift HS & Santa Clara Vanguard D&BC)
Katie VanDoren is currently a band director at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas. Originally from Cedar Park, Texas, Mrs. VanDoren graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education.
Katie joined the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps after spending 12 years with Carolina Crown. She joined the brass staff in 2013, after marching with the corps from 2008-2012. Katie also works with the SASI Leadership Faculty, a group of current and former teachers dedicated to developing student leaders. Since 2013, she has enjoyed getting to be a part of the “SASI Experience”, an uplifting and empowering environment for both students and staff.
Katie’s professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Association of Texas Professional Educators. She currently resides in Austin, Texas with her husband Evan and their dog, Cooper, where both enjoy being part of a wonderful community of outstanding music educators.
Katie joined the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps after spending 12 years with Carolina Crown. She joined the brass staff in 2013, after marching with the corps from 2008-2012. Katie also works with the SASI Leadership Faculty, a group of current and former teachers dedicated to developing student leaders. Since 2013, she has enjoyed getting to be a part of the “SASI Experience”, an uplifting and empowering environment for both students and staff.
Katie’s professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Association of Texas Professional Educators. She currently resides in Austin, Texas with her husband Evan and their dog, Cooper, where both enjoy being part of a wonderful community of outstanding music educators.
Feb 01, 202201:37:40
Mike Howard (Vandegrift HS)
Mike Howard is currently in his 11th year at Vandegrift High School and in his 17th year of teaching high school band. He was one of the founding directors of the band when VHS opened in 2009 and became Head Band Director in the Fall of 2014. While at Vandegrift, Mr. Howard’s bands have been consistent UIL Concert Competition Sweepstakes Award Winners. He has also been instrumental in several marching band high honors such as BOA Regional Champion, BOA Super Regional Finalist, BOA Super Regional Class Champion, multiple invitational marching contest championships, UIL State Marching Contest Finalist, 6A UIL State Marching Contest Bronze Medalist, 5A UIL State Marching Contest Silver Medalist, and 4A UIL State Marching Contest Champion. At Vandegrift, Mr. Howard is the director of the Viper Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. Aside from being the Director of Bands at VHS, Mr. Howard is an active Leadership Consultant and Workshop Presenter. He has been a facilitator for SASI for the last 11 years. In this time, Mr. Howard has had the opportunity to work with thousands of students and directors from around the United States. As a lead facilitator for SASI, he is heavily involved with the operations of all Drum Major camps as well as teaching several site-based workshops throughout the summer. Before coming to Vandegrift, Mr. Howard taught at James E. Taylor High School in Katy, Texas. As Associate Director of the JE Taylor HS Band, his responsibilities included directing the Jazz Program, assisting with the marching band, conducting the Concert Band, and coordinating and teaching the drumline. Mr. Howard, a native of Hondo, TX, started his teaching career at Morton Ranch High School, where he was a band director and helped open the school in 2004. At Morton Ranch, he taught the Concert Band, Jazz Band, assisted with the marching band. Before teaching at Morton Ranch, Mr. Howard was an instructor for the Cedar Park High School Band in Cedar Park, Texas and an instructor for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps from Madison, Wisconsin. As a performer, Mr. Howard has performed with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Austin Lyric Opera and several bands around the Austin/San Antonio area. Mr. Howard graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos, Suma Cum Laude, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. He lives in Leander with his wife Amber, his daughter, Madison and his son, Justin.
Feb 01, 202202:03:44
Jason Robb (Rouse HS & Madison Scouts D&BC)
Jason is a husband, father, music educator, musician, designer, and amateur foodie living in the suburbs north of Austin, Texas with his wife Jackie and son Joseph. After teaching middle school band in the Houston area for 5 years, Jason relocated to Cedar Park, Texas to join the band staff at Cedar Park High School, capturing a UIL Texas State Marching Championship in 2015. In 2016, Jason accepted the position of Director of Bands for Rouse High School in Leander, Texas. Since assuming his position at Rouse, the program has been a Bands of America Regional Finalist, Regional and Super Regional Class Champion, and 5A UIL State Marching Championship Finalist. Jason was named the Phi Beta Mu Texas Young Bandmaster of the Year in 2018.
He spent 8 summers teaching on the Brass Staff of the Madison Scouts from Madison, Wisconsin, serving mainly as a high brass specialist and is returning to Madison serving as the Program Coordinator for the 2020 season. He spends his non-drum corps summertime designing and coordinating marching band productions, writing marching band drills, and consulting with high school band programs around the country while also working as a leadership facilitator for the SASi leadership company based in Austin, Texas.
Jason's consultation approach—no matter the medium—is to find ways to help your program improve and provide a positive experience for your students. He maintains relationships with the best educators, designers, and innovators in music education and the pageantry arts today.
j•robb designs.
He spent 8 summers teaching on the Brass Staff of the Madison Scouts from Madison, Wisconsin, serving mainly as a high brass specialist and is returning to Madison serving as the Program Coordinator for the 2020 season. He spends his non-drum corps summertime designing and coordinating marching band productions, writing marching band drills, and consulting with high school band programs around the country while also working as a leadership facilitator for the SASi leadership company based in Austin, Texas.
Jason's consultation approach—no matter the medium—is to find ways to help your program improve and provide a positive experience for your students. He maintains relationships with the best educators, designers, and innovators in music education and the pageantry arts today.
j•robb designs.
Feb 01, 202258:18
Dan Morrison (Ronald Reagan HS)
Daniel Morrison is currently the Director of Bands at Ronald Reagan High School in San Antonio, TX. He manages and teaches the Ronald Reagan Marching Band and conducts the Wind Ensemble. In addition, he assists with the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and various chamber ensembles. In his time at Reagan, the concert bands have received superior ratings at the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest, and the Marching Band has been a consistent Bands of America Regional, Super Regional, and Grand National Finalist as well as a UIL State Marching Contest finalist. Under Morrison’s direction, the Marching Band is a two-time winner of the Bands of America Conroe Regional and was selected to march in the 2018 Rose Parade. The Wind Ensemble was a TMEA State Honor Band Finalist as well as a Mark of Excellence National Winner. Morrison attended Prospect High School in Mt. Prospect, Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Music Education. As a student at U of I, he was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, British Brass Band, Brass Choir and Brass Quintet and studied with James Keene, Joseph Manfredo, Ronald Romm, and Michael Ewald. He was also awarded the Daniel J. Perrino School of Music award for excellence in music education. Dan currently resides in San Antonio with his beautiful wife Ellie and their dog Pudge. "For me, being a band director is about helping create well-rounded, moral individuals of high integrity, while also fostering new generations of music lovers"
Feb 01, 202201:04:40
Zach Santos (Vista Ridge HS)
Zach Santos graduated from Round Rock High School in 2014. He attended the University of Texas at Austin where he received his bachelor’s degree in music studies in 2018. While attending UT he earned his trumpet performance certificate from the Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music, and his business foundations certificate from the McCombs School of Business.
Zach is currently one of the associate band directors at Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park, Texas. His responsibilities include choreographing for the marching band, assisting in rehearsal, and conducting the symphonic and concert bands. Zach's professional experience includes consulting for Rhythmic Force Indoor Percussion and The Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps as well as working as a visual technician for several world-class drum corps. Zach has given marching clinics in the central Texas area and choreographs for several high school programs throughout Texas.
Zach student taught in Leander ISD at Glenn HS with Ms. Kim Shuttlesworth and Running Brushy Middle School with Mr. Van Robison. While attending UT, Zach worked with several high school marching bands in the area including Leander High School, Cedar Ridge High School, and Austin High School.
His performance experience includes marching with the Guardians (2013), Crossmen (2014), Blue Knights (15-16), and most recently with the world championship Blue Devils (2017). He performed the UT Wind Ensemble under Jerry Junkin, as well as the UT Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Symphony Band.
In his free time, he enjoys trying new restaurants, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.
S a n t o s - GASINTHETANK
Zach is currently one of the associate band directors at Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park, Texas. His responsibilities include choreographing for the marching band, assisting in rehearsal, and conducting the symphonic and concert bands. Zach's professional experience includes consulting for Rhythmic Force Indoor Percussion and The Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps as well as working as a visual technician for several world-class drum corps. Zach has given marching clinics in the central Texas area and choreographs for several high school programs throughout Texas.
Zach student taught in Leander ISD at Glenn HS with Ms. Kim Shuttlesworth and Running Brushy Middle School with Mr. Van Robison. While attending UT, Zach worked with several high school marching bands in the area including Leander High School, Cedar Ridge High School, and Austin High School.
His performance experience includes marching with the Guardians (2013), Crossmen (2014), Blue Knights (15-16), and most recently with the world championship Blue Devils (2017). He performed the UT Wind Ensemble under Jerry Junkin, as well as the UT Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Symphony Band.
In his free time, he enjoys trying new restaurants, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.
S a n t o s - GASINTHETANK
Feb 01, 202201:22:32