Shane is a Program Coordinator, Visual Designer, and Battery Arranger in the Music and Visual Arts. He was a charter member of Music City Mystique Indoor Percussion Ensemble and has been instrumental in the group's success for 28 years. Shane has arranged and worked with ensembles in DCI, such as Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps, Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, and Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. His inspiration and motivation comes from the kids and programs that allow him to be involved. Currently, Shane is the Program Coordinator/Battery Arranger/Visual Designer at Music City Mystique, the Program Coordinator at Music City Drum and Bugle Corps, teaches and designs at Ravenwood HS, along with working with several High School and Independent WGI ensembles across the country. He is a proud artist and clinician for Innovative Percussion, Pearl Drums, Evans Drum Heads\Planet Waves, and Zildjian Cymbals.

You can contact Shane at shanegwaltney@syncedupdesigns.com.

Jason attended Middle Tennessee State University studying Music Education and Construction Management. He was a marching member of Music City Mystique from 1999-2000 and The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps in 1999. After marching, Jason spent 19 years in production and operations management while also performing as a professional bass player with many local and touring acts. Out of the necessity for marketing materials for his earliest rock band, Return To Self, Jason dove headfirst into learning graphic design. These skills enabled opportunities as a freelance designer creating marketing material for many artists and businesses. Jason currently manages the day to day operations while also designing uniforms and graphics for Synced Up.

You can contact Jason at jasonhunt@syncedupdesigns.com.

Dan is a Nashville, TN based music educator, performer, recording artist, and designer in both the marching arts and commercial music. He has been a member of the Music City Mystique educational staff since 2017, and has previously taught at successful programs such as Rhythm X, Father Ryan High School (TN), Adair County High School (KY), and Spring-Ford High School (PA). Since discovering Drum Corps and WGI in the early 2000s, Dan has remained heavily dedicated and involved. Dan has proudly participated in several segments of the activity including DCI World Class, DCA World Class, and WGI Independent A, Open, and World Classes. As a performer, Dan was a member of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps Drumline, The Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps Drumline, Rhythm X Drumline, Aftermath Indoor Percussion Drumline, and the University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hend Marching Band Drumline.

As a percussion performing and recording artist, Dan has been able to perform and record with artists such as Dr. John, Lucinda Williams, Billy Gibbons, Orianthi, Frankie Ballard, ZZ Ward, Taimane Gardner, Dynamo, Roots of a Rebellion, and MELD.

Dan studied percussion at University of Delaware under Jim Ancona and Orlando Cotto, and at Eastern Kentucky University (Bachelor of Music Industry Studies) under Dr. Jason Koontz.

Dan is a proud endorsing Artist for Pearl Drums, and Innovative Percussion.

You can contact Dan at dantwiford@syncedupdesigns.com

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Nick Mason is a native of Nashville, Tennessee and has been involved extensively with Audio Production and the Pageantry Arts for over a decade.

Nick’s pageantry background includes 6 seasons of WGI and 2 seasons of DCI. He spent three years at Chattanooga Independent Percussion Ensemble (Cleveland, TN) on snare drum from 2014-2016. His next three years were at 8 time WGI World Champions, Music City Mystique (Nashville, TN) from 2017-2019 on snare drum where he won the PIW Gold Medal in 2017 and the PIW Bronze Medal in 2019. Additionally, Nick has marched 2 years of Drum Corps at 7 time DCI World Champion, The Cavaliers (Rosemont, IL) from 2018-2019 on snare drum. Nick has also been a member of the MTSU Band of Blue Drumline (Murfreesboro, TN) from 2017-2018, where he served as the percussion section leader for the 2018 season.

Since graduating college, Nick has worked on numerous projects including The Cavaliers 2020 PASIC Clinic, Virtual Arts’ Drum and Bugle Corps and Marching Band productions, California Orchestra Directors Association’s Virtual Performance, California All State Virtual Performances, and many post-production projects for individual artists. He has also worked with numerous clients where he’s provided pageantry, live sound, and broadcasting audio services, including Timber Creek HS (FL), Clarksville HS, (TN), Audio Theater (TN), Music City Drum Corps (TN), FloMarching (TX), The Nashville Public Library (TN) and The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps (IL). Along with developing and building MAS, Nick also works as the Audio Specialist at Synced Up Audio and Synced Up Designs.

Currently, Nick holds a B.S. in Audio Production and Music Industry from Middle Tennessee State University and resides in Nashville, TN. He actively serves as the owner of Mason Audio Solutions, the Battery Instructor and Audio Specialist at Ravenwood High School (Brentwood, TN), Lead Audio Engineer at The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps where they won the Fred Sanford High Percussion Award in 2023, the Audio Department Manager at Synced Up Audio, the Audio Coordinator at Music City Drum Corps, and offers audio solutions and services to the greater Nashville area and other parts of the country. Nick is also a proud Innovative Percussion, Inc. artist.

You can contact Nick at nickmason@syncedupdesigns.com

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Haley, originally from Halls, TN, has been a Nashville resident for the past decade. Her marching career began when she was (literally) 12 years old, as a middle schooler performing with the high school marching band. From there, she marched Memphis Sound Drum and Bugle Corps from 2005 to 2007 and Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps from 2010-2012, where she aged out as one of the head drum majors.

Haley has taught at multiple schools and judged a number of band competitions across west and middle Tennessee. As an educator, her focus was developing leadership skills, adaptability, and work ethic in her students by sharing the knowledge she gained throughout her marching career.

Haley also has an extensive background in inventory management and operations and can not wait to apply that to her role as Office Manager for Synced Up Designs.

When she’s not working, she’s at home with her wonderful husband and 3 dogs, probably crocheting, definitely watching Law & Order: SVU.

You can contact Haley at haleyburks@syncedupdesigns.com

Kenneth is a Nashville based videographer, content creator, music arranger, and music educator. With a percussion performance degree from the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University and numerous years of competitive marching arts experience, Kenneth turns his passions for productionand performance into content creation for artists around the country.

After starting his degree track at Blair, Kenneth established and grew Continuous MotionProductions, LLC. Continuous Motion Productions specializes in capturing classically trained musicians in creative ways. Through this, Kenneth has worked closely with a wide range of clients likeJi Hye Jung, Jeremy Wilson, Icarus Quartet, The Boston Crusaders, Vic Firth, and many more.

Kenneth values his musical background, attributing his success as a videographer solely to his knowledge and experience as a performer. His performance background includes 2 years of WGI, 3years of DCI, and 4 years in a collegiate percussion ensemble. Kenneth performed with the BlueKnights Percussion Ensemble in 2017 and 2018 on percussion and marching bass drum. From there,he joined the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps from 2017-2019, where he played percussionand marching bass drum and currently works as a media staff member. Throughout his college career from 2017-2022, Kenneth was a member of the Vanderbilt Percussion Group, a collegiate chamber ensemble through Blair. Beyond performing, Kenneth is an educator and music arranger, currently writing and teaching for Highlands Ranch High School in Colorado. Kenneth also helps direct theVanderbilt Spirit of Gold Marching Band, where he has been the percussion director since 2019.Kenneth values using his musical knowledge as a way to better others through education content creation.

You can contact Kenneth at kennethswartout@syncedupdesigns.com

Christopher Yoshi Jacocks is an accomplished artist and designer who was born on April 21, 1992, in the United States. Currently based in Nashville, Tennessee, Christopher is a dedicated art department manager at Synced Up Designs, where he has worked for several years. With over 14 years of experience in graphic design, Christopher has developed an impressive portfolio of work that showcases his keen eye for detail and creativity.

When he's not working, Christopher can be found indulging in his hobbies, which include anime, clothing design, and golf. His passion for anime has been a lifelong interest that has inspired many of his artistic projects. Additionally, his interest in clothing design has led him to create unique and eye-catching designs that are both fashionable and functional. When he's not designing or creating, Christopher enjoys playing golf and improving his game on the course. Overall, Christopher Yoshi Jacocks is a talented artist and designer with a deep passion for creativity and innovation.

You can contact Chris at chrisjacocks@syncedupdesigns.com

Originally from Oklahoma, Joshua Menken is a Graphic Designer based in Woodstock, GA.During Joshua's junior and senior years of high school, he also attended Indian Capitol Technology Center in Muskogee Oklahoma where would graduate and receive a Certification in Graphic Communications. Joshua would start to use his Graphic Design skills for the performing arts in 2018 and has continued to do so ever since.Joshua's performing experience includes Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2012), the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps (2013, 2015, 2016), Eclectix Winterguard (2013, 2014, 2015), the Pride of Cincinnati Winterguard (2017), Blue Coats Indoor (2018), CGT Dallas Winterguard (2019), CGT Denton Winterguard (2020), Paramount Wintergaurd (2022 and 2023).

You can contact Joshua at joshuamenken@syncedupdesigns.com

Geoff Watkins is a project manager, musician, choreographer, and educator residing in Nashville, TN. Born in Norwalk, CT, Geoff moved to the Nashville area in January of 2011 as a member of the indoor percussion ensemble, Music City Mystique.

As a performer, Geoff was a member of the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum & Bugle Corps from 2006-2009, the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps in 2010 and ’11, the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps in 2012, and Music City Mystique from 2011-2013. In 2014, Geoff joined Mystique’s educational staff where he still serves as a battery tech and lead choreographer. Other teaching experience includes Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps and Colts Drum & Bugle Corps, as well as a number of high school programs in CT and middle TN.

Throughout his professional career, Geoff has worked in a wide variety of roles ranging from furniture installation to project management and everything in-between. For several years he was the lead metal fabricator at Treeworks Chimes and before joining the Synced Up Audio team served as operations manager for The Craviotto Drum Company. His breadth of experience with logistics and manufacturing makes him a valuable addition to our team.

In 2014, Geoff received a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University with a focus in psychology and a double minor in philosophy and behavioral neuroscience. Geoff is proud to endorse Innovative Percussion drumsticks and mallets.

You can contact Geoff at geoffwatkins@syncedupdesigns.com

Originally a Nebraska native, Aaron has lived in Nashville since 2011. Over the years he has picked up many skills starting with a journey in woodworking and later on welding/fabrication. He started Red Shed Creations where he designs and builds furniture and art out of wood, metal and often a combination of the two. Aarons diverse portfolio of work expands from cutting boards to full scale museum exhibits and can be found nationwide from Maine to Washington. Aaron is also a student helicopter pilot and is currently working towards his commercial licenses. In his spare time he can be found on his motorcycle, enjoying live music, or more realistically, hanging with his 3 dogs. 

You can see more of Aaron's work on his Instagram, @RedShedCreations

Originally from Nebraska, Chris Nichols is currently living in Nashville, TN.

Chris is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and former member of the MTSU Band of Blue Drumline, where he served as the percussion section leader in 2019. Chris also has performed with the Spirit of Atlanta Drum Corps as a snare drummer for the 2017 season as well as 8-time WGI World Champions, Music City Mystique, as snare drummer from 2018-2022, where he won the Bronze Medal in 2019.

When Chris isn't crafting Audio Carts for Synced Up, you can find him playing with the Tennessee Titans Drumline, teaching at Music City Mystique, or cuddling with his cat, Biscuit.

CJ Barrow is a composer, musician, and educator, and currently serves as a music designer for Synced Up Designs and Fannin Musical Productions. In high demand as a marching arts designer, he regularly works with anywhere from 40-50 clients each year, most notably the 8-time WGI world champion ensemble Music City Mystique. He also currently serves as the music designer for Music City Drum Corps, and sound designer for the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps.Outside of the marching arts, CJ is an active composer for film, TV, and video games, having worked on a number of visual media projects around the country. He earned his MM in Music Scoring for Visual Media at Indiana University, where he studied primarily with Larry Groupé and Steven Wayne Thomas, both active professionals in the Hollywood film music industry.Before pursuing this career full time, CJ served as a band director in middle Tennessee. He completed his BM in Music Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he studied primarily with Julie Hill, John Oelrich, Bill Waterman, Johnathan Vest, and many other esteemed faculty.His world class marching experience includes two seasons with Music City Mystique, earning a gold medal with Mystique’s 2017 production, The Hand of Man.CJ currently resides in Bloomington, Indiana with his incredible wife Hannah and their dog Petey.

You can learn more about CJ and hear some of his work at cjbarrowmusic.com.

Michael J. Miller is a composer and arranger living in Nashville, TN. His works are circulated by several of the industry’s leading publishers and are performed internationally. Michael is the brass arranger for the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps from Dubuque, IA, and designs award winning acoustic and electronic musical scores and soundtracks for indoor and outdoor competitive pageantry ensembles. In addition to his design engagements, Michael serves as an adjudicator for competitive pageantry organizations at state and national levels including Music For All's Bands of America Championships.

To learn more about Michael, please visit www.michaeljmillermusic.com.

Andrew Miller is a performer and educator who draws on a wide scope of musical and educational influences. Currently, Andrew is working to receive his bachelor’s degree in music education from Middle Tennessee State University.

Andrew first discovered his passion for music and teaching during his time with the various programs associated with The Franklin Band from Franklin Tennessee; the most influential of the programs was the nationally recognized percussion ensemble and marching band. Throughout his musical career, marching percussion has been a key area of interest. After his time with the highly successful Franklin marching band, Andrew went on to compete with multiple independent marching ensembles participating in WGI/DCI including Music City Drum and Bugle Corps in 2015, The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from 2016-2019, and Rhythm X Indoor drumline in 2018. During this time Andrew had the opportunity to learn from world-class educators such as David Aydelott, Michael Holland, Rob Pastor, Dr. Andrew Lynge, Dr. Eric Willie, Michael McIntosh, Brett Kuhn, Alan Miller, Erik Johnson, Dr. Ryan Kilgore, and Lane Summerlin.

In recent years, Andrew has shifted the majority of his focus from performance in the marching percussion idiom to his improvement and broadening of his skills as a concert/solo percussionist, educator, and arranger. Since he has been at MTSU, he has had the opportunity to study with Julie Davila, Lalo Davila, Russell Wharton, and Dr. Brian Mueller. Since 2018 he has taught the percussion section at Ravenwood HS under Shane Gwaltney.

You can contact Andrew at andrewmiller@syncedupdesigns.com

Graphic Designers

Ivan Fees is a graphic designer based out of Denver, CO. He has been involved with WGI percussion since 2003 in a variety of roles with ensembles. As a performer he earned the 2004 PSCW bronze medal with Gateway High School of Aurora, CO, as well as a number of finalist placements as a cymbal player for the Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble. He also spent a season marching cymbals for the University of Colorado Golden Buffalo Marching Band.

Ivan has served as a designer, instructor, consultant, or cymbal technician for a variety of programs around the country including GMU Indoor Drumline, Norwalk HS, BKPE, Rise Percussion, and more. Most notably he spent 7 years with Dakota Ridge High School from Littleton, CO. Dakota Ridge earned 6 RMPA Championships in 5 straight seasons, the 2018 WGI Concert Class Fan Favorite Award, the 2017 WGI PSCO silver medal, and were the 2016 WGI PSCO World Champions.

He holds a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Master’s in Sports & Entertainment Management from the University of Colorado Denver. He is very passionate about the WGI activity, is a huge advocate for concert class ensembles, looks to enter into judge training, and very much enjoys networking with amazing instructors, designers, performers, judges and staff all across the country.

Ivan has an online portfolio of work samples at www.ivanfees.com.

Liz graduated from Murray State University in 2008, with her Bachelor’s Degree in studio art. Drawing, design, and photography have always been a passion that translated perfectly into design for the marching arts. Her areas of expertise are uniforms, guard costumes, warm-up apparel, flags, props, and overall show concept. She has a comprehensive understanding of the design process from conception to final print. Currently, she lives in Kentucky with her husband Jon and daughter Marijka. Please visit her at Liz Revis Ray Design, modern art for modern marching!

Rachel Montañez is a freelance graphic designer and colorguard director originally from Long Island, NY now living in Fort Worth, TX. She is currently the Colorguard Director at Boswell High School in Saginaw, TX and a member of the colorguard staff at both the Madison Scouts and the Spartans.

Rachel was introduced to the marching arts activity at Mineola High School in 2008 and hasn’t looked back since. Her performance career continued independently with The Long Island Sunrisers in 2009, 2011, 2013-2014, The Connecticut Hurricanes in 2012, The Cadets in 2013-2015, Alter Ego IW in 2013, 2017-2018 and Fusion World in 2019.

Aside from marching, Rachel has had the opportunity to teach, choreograph and design for programs all over the country and continues to feel very grateful for the doors that this activity has opened her. Rachel is happy to be joining the Synced Up team as a Graphic Designer!

Micaiah Barnett, an Arkansas native, is a percussion instructor and graphic designer currently residing in Fort Smith. An educator for three districts in the state, his ensembles have had successful performances in both concert and marching idioms. After finding a particular interest in movement, he teaches marching fundamentals, choreographs, and stages visual design for marching programs in indoor and outdoor settings.Micaiah attended the University of Tulsa majoring in graphic design. There, he performed with the university percussion ensemble and took lessons under Cole Williams. Prior to that, Micaiah played snare with Resistance Indoor Percussion in their 2018, 2020, and 2022 competitive seasons.

Visual Designers and Choreographers

Originally from Wisconsin, Heather Graham currently resides in Miamisburg, Ohio. Heather has been involved in the marching arts since the age of three, beginning with a successful career in baton twirling and rhythmic gymnastics, before joining her HS color guard. While continuing to be a consistent member of the activity, she graduated from the University of Milwaukee with a degree in Communications and a minor in biology. Heather is a proud alumni of drum corps, performing with Phantom Regiment 2010 and Carolina Crown 2011/2012. She marched five years with New Berlin Eisenhower HS, six seasons with Velocity Winter Guard and five seasons with the Pride of Cincinnati 2013-2017.

Heather currently serves as the Director of Miamisburg Color Guard and Choreographer for the University of Cincinnati. She has instructed various marching programs across the country, including Eisenhower HS, Franklin HS, Friendswood HS, Marcus HS, Miami University, Northmont HS, Origins, Westerville HS, Phoenix Independent, Calgary Stampede, INspire, Carolina Crown and is currently the Vice President of the Mideast Performance Association. Currently, Heather is the caption manager of the Boston Crusaders Color Guard and has been a member of the BACCG staff since 2017.

Jason Palmer has been involved in the creation and instruction of the pageantry arts since 2001. Being the son of a musician and artist, he has always had a knack for music and design. Jason has been a successful music designer, drill writer, and body movement choreographer, for programs all across the country. Jason's goal is to create beautiful works of art musically, visually, and conceptually. Jason is currently the percussion director at Mt. Juliet High School and has been leading the percussion program for the last twelve years. Groups I have been involved with include: "The Commandment's Own" The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps(Drill Designer), Music City Drum Corps (Drill Designer); Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps (Drill Designer), Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps; Colts Drum and Bugle Corps; Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps (drill designer); Music City Mystique; Gateway Indoor Percussion Ensemble; Middle Tennessee State University Drumline and percussion ensemble; University of Northern Alabama Drumline; and was previously director of percussion of Fred J. Page High School 2001-2010.

David has been involved with the WGI and DCI activities since 2011. Prior to beginning his teaching career, David marched four seasons with the Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps, aging out as a drum major and a two-time Spirit Award recipient. He has also performed with the WGI Finalist Atlanta Quest Independent Indoor Drumline (2013–2015) on the cymbal line and has continued teaching the group since the 2016 season.Residing in Atlanta, Georgia, David has had the privilege of working with numerous high school marching bands and indoor programs across the metro-Atlanta area- including Forsyth Central High School, West Forsyth High School, Roswell High School, and Lambert High School. He currently works with Alpharetta High School’s Raider Band and Indoor Drumline as a visual caption head/choreographer/cymbal instructor, as well as with the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps as a visual instructor.

Jacob Taylor currently resides in Richfield, Ohio where he teaches and designs for several local high school marching bands, independent indoor percussion ensembles and winter guards including Revere High School, Norton High School, Matrix, Matrix Open, and Rangerettes Winter Guard. After marching Baritone in 2009 with Capital Regiment and 2010 and 2011 with the Glassmen, Jacob began teaching and choreographing in 2013. He now stages and designs for indoor and marching bands throughout the country. Jacob began teaching drum corps at Phantom Regiment in the summer of 2018 and most recently served as the Visual Caption Head for the 2022 season. He currently serves as the Visual Caption Head for Music City Drum Corps.

Additionally, Jacob has been a staff member with Matrix Performing Arts since the winter of 2017 teaching both the World (perennial finalist) and Open (2018 gold medalist, 2019 silver medalist) ensembles and started assisting with design in 2019 and now primarily working with and staging the World ensemble. In his spare time he spends time cooking and and trying out recipes with home grown produce.

Chelsea Arenas is the Color Guard Director at Claudia Taylor Johnson High School. She is currently a choreographer and staff member for Origins out of Austin,TX as well as George Mason University from Fairfax, VA. Prior to her work at CTJ, she was the color guard director at Union High School from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Chelsea performed with the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps from 2008-2011, where she helped capture their 10th DCI national championship. Chelsea has also performed with the WGI World Class Champion Pride of Cincinnati during their 2010 and 2012 seasons. Most recently, Chelsea performed in Japan with “Blast, the Music of Disney” during the summer of 2016.

Nate Hughes currently serves as Assistant Director of Bands at South Forsyth Middle School in Cumming, Georgia, where he has been since 2019. During his tenure at South Middle, the SFMS Symphonic Band has been awarded the Georgia Music Educators Association’s “Exemplary Performance Award,” and has been invited to perform at the Music For All National Concert Band Festival, the Music For All Southeastern Regional Festival, the National Band Association’s Southern Division Regional Conference, the GMEA State Conference, and as a featured ensemble at the University of Georgia’s Middle School Honor Band Festival “MidFest.” While serving in this role, he has been awarded the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence on two occasions. A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Nate received his Bachelor of Music degree from Austin Peay State University. Nate was a member of the trumpet section of 7-time Drum Corps International World Champion The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from Rosemont, Illinois. He was also a cast member of Rhythm X Winds from Dayton, Ohio. Nate has served on the instructional staff of several high schools in Tennessee, Texas, and Georgia, as well as drum corps as Assistant Visual Captionhead at Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps and on the brass staff at Spirit of Atlanta. Currently, Nate serves on the visual staff of the WGI Percussion Independent World group Atlanta Quest and as the Assistant Brass Captionhead for Music City Drum Corps. Nate programs marching band shows for several bands throughout the Southeast, in addition to composing original music, writing drill, and staging winter guards. He is also an active adjudicator and can be found judging both performance and effect captions.

Robert Bowen has been working as a highly sought after percussion designer/ instructor since 1998. In his 25 years as a percussion designer/ instructor, he has worked with more than 60 percussion programs at the High School, Independent, and Drum Corps level. Robert currently teaches at Arcadia and Trabuco Hills High Schools. Robert mainly designs fall and winter drill for groups across the country as well as program coordination and battery arranging. Robert was also the Percussion Caption Head for the Sacramento Mandarins from 2013-2016 and was a Co-Founder of POW Percussion. Robert has worked with many groups including groups like George Mason University, POW Percussion, Civitas Independent, Arcadia High School, and has over 30 WGI/SCPA medals with the most recent being the 2022 WGI Independent Open Silver Medalist Civitas Percussion where Robert wrote the battery music and helped with the overall design.

Robert is also an adjudicator in the fall and winter seasons where he judges the Effect Visual Caption and Percussion Music for the fall and winter seasons. Robert has also been on the SCPA Classification Committee for the past 4 years and is endorsed by Promark Drumsticks, Evans Drumheads, Zildjian Cymbals and Mapex Drums. He resides in Ontario, California and is a very accomplished golfer and most importantly a Father to his son Logan.

Published Arrangers

Jeremy Thompson is a full time wind composer,arranger and electronic sound designer for the marching arts. He has been active in the pageantry activity for over 15 years. Jeremy was a marching member of the 2003 Blue Devils hornline. Since 2003 he has been active as a visual instructor, choreographer, clinician and adjudicator. He has composed and arranged for marching ensembles all over the United States and Canada. In addition to writing for marching ensembles he is also active as a voice actor and music producer for radio commercials and visual media projects. He currently lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife Kristanne and their three dogs Ava, Aspen and Sparrow.

Dr. Matthew Jordan serves as the Assistant Professor of Percussion at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. He is also currently the front ensemble arranger for Music City Mystique, the Music Coordinator and Sound Designer for the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, and a Music Advisor for the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps. Prior to starting at JSU, Matt was the Concert Percussion Marketing Manager for Pearl Corporation/Adams Musical Instruments, and Assistant Director of Bands/Instructor of Percussion at Middle Tennessee State University. Matt has worked as a percussion instructor and arranger with a number of DCI and WGI groups, including the Phantom Regiment (2011-2014), Carolina Crown (2015), and Spirit of Atlanta (2007-2010, 2018). He is also very involved at the scholastic level as an arranger and sound designer for indoor drumlines and marching bands, having written for groups such as Max Percussion (Bangkok, Thailand), Bangkok Society Drumline, Franklin High School, Science Hill High School, McGavock High School, Dobyns-Bennett High School, and Father Ryan High School, among others. Matt completed the Doctor of Music degree from the Florida State University, a Master's Degree from the University of North Texas, and a Bachelor's Degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Matt is a proud artist and clinician for Pearl/Adams instruments, Innovative Percussion sticks and mallets, Evans Drumheads, and Zildjian Cymbals.

Matt Filosa is a freelance percussionist, composer, and arranger currently residing in Fort Worth, Texas. Owner of Sonus Designs and Publications, Matt writes, designs for, and teaches marching bands and indoor percussion groups all over the country. Matt is the sound designer and front ensemble arranger for several WGI and DCI finalist groups, most notably PIW group Music City Mystique (Music and Sound Design 2014/2020), the Cadets (Sound Design 2017/2018), and Spirit of Atlanta (2015, 2019/2020). In 2018, Matt was the Director of Percussion for Melissa ISD. Matt earned his Bachelors in Percussion Performance from the University of Florida (2007) and Masters in Percussion Performance from the University of North Texas (2009). While attending UNT, Matt wrote for and taught the Green Brigade Drumline. In 2011, Matt was accepted into the Florida State percussion studios doctoral program, where his responsibilities included teaching the Marching Chiefs Drumline (2011-2015). In 2019, Matt earned his Doctorate in Percussion Performance. Before starting work on his doctorate, Matt was the Assistant Band Director/ Percussion Specialist at Rider High School in Wichita Falls, Texas. During this time, Matt created the popular stage show “Electronica” and “Dreamscape”, which later turned into the professional stage show “Nebulas.” Matt has performed on several professional recordings, recently featured on Dr. Omar Carmenates new CD Gaia Theory, released by Rattle Records. He has also performed at WASBE in Singapore and Ohio, CBDNA, TMEA, FMEA, and the Percussive Arts Society National Convention on several occasions, including performances with the Florida State percussion ensemble (2011), Bluecoats percussion ensemble (2007), and clinic presenter with Music City Mystique (2016). Passionate about the marching arts, it is Matt’s continued goal to inspire, educate, and promote music education and participation in the arts. Matt is endorsed by Innovative Percussion, Pearl/Adams, Evans drum heads, and Sabian Cymbals.

For over 17 years, Brian has been in demand as a performer, teacher, composer and arranger based in the Southern California area. In that time, he has performed with internationally renowned artists such as Peter Erskine, Alex Acuna, Tom Scott and the late Ed Shaughnessy. Brian attended California State University, Northridge where he studied with John Magnussen, Karen Ervin-Pershing, and Jerry Steinholtz. In addition, Brian has had the privilege of teaching and designing for some of the most highly decorated programs in the world. Brian has been on the staff of Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps since 2009, and is currently the Front Ensemble Caption Head as well as Front Ensemble Arranger/Sound Designer for the 17-time DCI World Champion. Since 2004, Brian has worked at Riverside City College, in Riverside, California. Currently, Brian serves as the Front Ensemble Caption Head and Designer for the internationally renowned RCC Marching Tigers, and as the Front Ensemble Manager for five-time WGI World Champion - RCC Indoor Percussion. Brian resides in Chino, California and works primarily as a composer/arranger/sound designer for many highly decorated programs in Southern California and around the world. Additionally, Brian is the director of the Southern California Percussion Ensemble Festival, held annually in Irvine, California. Brian is a member of the Percussive Arts Society, and proudly endorses Pro-Mark, System Blue, Evans, D'Addario, Meinl & Zildjian.

Evan VanDoren is a freelance arranger, composer, designer, and educational consultant living in Austin, Texas. 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 has been 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, concluding his marching experience as the drum major of the Carolina Crown 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. Currently, he serves as the brass arranger for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. Additionally, Evan enjoys working as a leadership facilitator for SASI Leadership, based in Austin, Texas. Evan is an active clinician, presenting for Drum Corps International, the Music Educators National Convention, the Texas Bandmasters Association, the Texas Music Educators Association, and Music for All. He regularly consults with band programs around the country. Evan is also an active adjudicator with Bands of America and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. Before devoting his life to creating music, Evan was a band director at Cedar Park High School, in Cedar Park, Texas, during which time the band was awarded multiple marching state championships and national recognition. He received a Bachelor in Music Education with Honors from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Currently, he lives in Cedar Park, Texas, with his wife, Katie, and their dog, Cooper. Evan’s approach is to provide professional, effective, and educationally-sound arrangements and services. As a skilled band director, he understands the needs of directors and students alike, and aims to set programs on a trajectory of positive growth.

Cole Williams is a composer, arranger, and educator from Guthrie, Oklahoma. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Oklahoma State University, and a Master of Music in Music Performance from the University of Arkansas. Currently, Cole is the Adjunct Professor of Percussion at the University of Tulsa in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In this capacity, he works with the Sound of the Golden Hurricane Marching Band, teaches private lessons and percussion ensemble, and instructs a Percussion Methods class for Music Education majors. A diverse arranger noted for his musicality and professionalism, Cole writes for distinguished groups around the country. Working with top wind arrangers in the activity such as Will Pitts, Steve Vento, John Georgeson, Andrew Anderson, Luke McMillan, Ben Lee, Alex Thode, and more, his work has been featured by winning ensembles in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. As a performer, Cole has had the privilege of playing in several respected ensembles at Oklahoma State University and the University of Arkansas. He has performed at the Oklahoma Music Educator's Association Winter Convention, the College Orchestra Director’s Association Convention, the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the Collegiate Band Directors National Association Convention, and the Japan Band Clinic. Professionally, Cole has performed as a member of the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra and Opera Fayetteville. In addition to his activity in the concert percussion realm, Cole is also an avid marching percussion enthusiast, and spent two summers with The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps (2012-2013) as a quad player. Cole is a sought after educator in the marching percussion realm. He is the Executive Director of Resistance Indoor Percussion. In addition to Resistance, Cole has served as a Percussion Instructor for several high schools, including Alma High School, Guthrie High School, Stillwater High School, and Yukon High School. He has also served as the Caption Head of the Oklahoma State University Winter Drumline, a group designed to help high school and college students polish their rudimental skills. From 2014-2016, Cole spent three seasons as the Assistant Percussion Caption Head/Tenor Technician for the Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps. Most recently, Cole was the instructor for the University of Arkansas Razorback Drumline. Cole Williams is a Vic Firth Educator, Pearl/Adams Regional Educational Artist, Zildjian Education Artist, and a member of the Percussive Arts Society (PAS).

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Josh Torres currently serves as the Director of Percussion at Center Grove High Schoolin Greenwood, IN. He also serves as the Adjunct Lecturer of Percussion at Franklin College in Franklin, IN. Josh earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from The University of North Texas and his Master’s Degree in Percussion Performance from Butler University.

Center Grove Indoor Percussion is a consistent WGI Scholastic World Finalist and afour-time medalist. The Center Grove High School Marching Band is a past-BOA Grand National Finalist, the 2009 BOA Class AAA National Champion, and a participant in the 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Center Grove High School Percussion Ensemble has also received several awards and honors including performances at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and a PASIC Showcase Concert.

Josh currently serves as the director of the Indianapolis Colts (NFL) Drumline. In 2012, he served as the coordinator for the Super Bowl XLVI Drumline which performed the National Anthem with Kelly Clarkson and the Halftime Show with Madonna to over 113 million viewers. Josh serves on the WGI Advisory Board and is a Past-President of theIndiana Percussion Association and the Indiana Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society. He is proud to be an Innovative Percussion Artist, Pearl Educational Artist, Zildjian Artist, and a Remo Artist. Josh frequently travels across the country as a percussion adjudicator and clinician.

In 2012, Josh had the honor of being named Center Grove School Corporation’s “Teacher of the Year.” Josh was also named a “Top 10 Finalist” for the 2013 Indiana Teacher of the Year Award. In 2014, Josh was selected to receive a Teacher Creativity Fellowship from the Eli Lilly Foundation. Josh currently resides in Indianapolis, IN withhis wonderfully supportive wife Audrey, head band director at Hamilton Southeastern High School, and their two sons Cameron and Alden.