SHANE GWALTNEY

OWNER | DESIGNER

Shane Gwaltney is an accomplished Program Coordinator, Visual Designer, and Battery Arranger in the Music and Visual Arts. As a charter member of Music City Mystique, Shane has played a pivotal role in the ensemble’s success for over 30 years, helping to shape its legacy in the indoor percussion community.

Shane has also contributed his talents to renowned ensembles in Drum Corps International (DCI), having arranged and designed for Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps, Spirit of Atlanta Drum Corps, and Phantom Regiment Drum Corps. His dedication to the art form is driven by the passion and energy of the students and programs he works with. Currently, Shane serves as the Program Coordinator, Battery Arranger, and Visual Designer for Music City Mystique, and also holds the roles of Program Coordinator and Battery Arranger for Music City Drum and Bugle Corps. In addition, he teaches and designs for Ravenwood High School and is the lead designer for Synced Up Designs, collaborating with various high school and independent WGI ensembles across the country.

As a founder and owner of Synced Up Designs, Shane continues to push creative boundaries in the marching arts, contributing to the company’s reputation as a leading production company in the music and visual arts community.

Shane is a proud artist and clinician for Innovative Percussion, Pearl Drums, Evans Drumheads/Planet Waves, and Zildjian Cymbals.

For inquiries, you can reach Shane at shanegwaltney@syncedupdesigns.com.

JASON HUNT

OWNER | DESIGNER

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 TWIFORD

SALES MANAGER

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

NICK MASON

AUDIO MANAGER

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 performance background includes 6 seasons of marching band, 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 (Editing and Mixing Engineer) and 2023 (Lead Mixing Engineer) PASIC Clinics, 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), Ravenwood 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) as the Lead Audio Engineer where they won the Fred Sanford High Percussion Award in 2023. Along with developing and building MAS, Nick also works as the Audio Manager and 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 Percussion Director at Ravenwood High School (Brentwood, TN), a Snare Technician at Audio Theater, the Audio Department Manager at Synced Up Audio, the Audio Coordinator at Music City Drum Corps, adjudicates and offers marching commentary, audio solutions and services to the greater Nashville area and other parts of the country. Nick is also a proud Innovative Percussion, Inc. educational artist.

You can contact Nick at nickmason@syncedupdesigns.com

Nic Milliner 

PRODUCT AND STRATEGY MANAGER

Nic Milliner is a lifelong percussionist with deep roots in education, performance, and the music industry. Originally from Louisiana, he performed with the LSU Golden Band from Tigerland and the Northwestern State University Spirit of Northwestern, where he also earned his undergraduate degree.

In 2000, Nic was a member of The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, helping the corps capture both the DCI World Championship and the Fred Sanford High Percussion Award.

For over a decade, Nic maintained an active freelance career—recording, touring with platinum-selling Nashville-based artists, and working as an ensemble consultant, instructor, and designer for competitive programs across Louisiana, Texas, and Tennessee.

Before joining Synced Up Designs, Nic spent nearly ten years at KHS America, contributing to the growth and evolution of Mapex Marching, Mapex, SONOR, and Majestic Percussion. His work spanned sales, marketing, artist relations, brand management, and product development support—providing him with a unique perspective on the intersection of instruments, performance equipment, and education. Collaborating with top artists and nationally recognized ensembles, including the Blue Knights, Sacramento Mandarins, Atlanta Quest, Matrix, Ayala High School, Coppell High School, Florida State University, and The Ohio State University, Nic consistently focused on delivering practical solutions and resources to support music educators.

Nic brings a performer’s ear, an educator’s instinct, and a strategist’s mind to the Synced Up team—blending field-tested experience with a passion for empowering artists and advancing the marching arts.

You can contact Nic at nicmilliner@syncedupdesigns.com

HALEY BURKS

OFFICE MANAGER

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

JOE FANT

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

After living in places like Atlanta, Denver and Nashville, Joe returned home to Fairhope, AL on the beautiful Gulf Coast in 2011. Joe studied percussion at the University of Alabama with Larry Mathis and Jacksonville State University with Clint Gillespie and Tracy Tyler. While at Jacksonville State, Joe wrote for the Marching Southerners including their PASIC drumlines.

His performance experience includes 3 years with Southwind and 4 with the Cavaliers. As a marching member, he earned a DCI Division 2 Championship and a DCI Division 1 Championship as well as 2 DCI High Percussion awards.

His teaching experience includes the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, the undefeated Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps in 2002, the Santa Clara Vanguard. He was staff member with Music City Mystique for 5 years and was the battery arranger/music caption head for the Blue Knights Winter Percussion Ensemble 06-08 as well as countless high schools in Colorado, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.

He has been a District Sales Manager for Make Music Inc, Pearl Corporation and KHS America while being active in the Gulf Coast music scene as a drum set player and continues to be an in demand adjudicator for Fall Marching Band in Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Mississippi and Florida as well as Winter Percussion with the Minnesota Percussion Association, FFCC, SCGC, WGAZ, CWEA, GCGC, TCGC, NWAPA, AIA and LCGPC Indoor Percussion Circuits

You can contact Joe at joefant@syncedupdesigns.com

BOBBY SPENCER

CONTENT | BRAND MANAGER

Originally from Northern Virginia, Bobby Spencer relocated to Nashville, Tennessee in 2016 to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. Prior to that, he earned his Associate's degree in Marketing in 2010 and launched a freelance design company that has served clients around the globe. Over the years, Bobby has contributed to a wide range of creative projects, including technical drawings for the 2014 Aston Martin V8 Vantage, designing licensed drinkware for the NHL, NFL, MLB, and top collegiate teams, producing a bumper ad for Nashville SC, and delivering branding solutions for musicians, radio personalities, and small businesses. His work spans logo design, album art, music videos, photography, and brand strategy.

Bobby’s passion for music began at a young age, nurtured by his parents’ diverse musical tastes, ranging from band's like Boston and Journey to classic country and Celtic styles. He started playing drums at age ten and has since performed in large production churches accompanied by Orchestras, and has played in various musical groups for hire and for fun. In addition to playing, he also taught drums, taking great pride in mentoring aspiring musicians. Since moving to Nashville, he has worked as a studio drummer for rock, country, and alternative musicians and groups, and has performed with several rock, punk, and metal bands. Today, he is the lead vocalist and a primary songwriter for the metalcore band Hollow Wake, using his platform to advocate for mental health awareness and share messages of hope and healing through music.

Outside of his professional life, Bobby is married to his wife, Zhaklina, an alternative artist, doula, and founder of Mental Health Songwriters Nights. Together, they share their home with two cats, Meeko and Dwight. In his spare time, Bobby enjoys refining his creative skills, experimenting in the kitchen, producing music, and seeking out new adventures. A dedicated Tolkien enthusiast, he also loves listening to cryptic and true crime podcasts, and dreams of cage diving with a great white shark, having already snorkeled with sharks in open water.

You can reach Bobby at bobbyspencer@syncedupdesigns.com.

thomas draper

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Thomas Draper is a marching percussion educator, composer, and graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Business and a minor in music. Thomas began his independent marching career in 2018 at Audio Theater, then went on to march in the Bluecoats front ensemble during the 2018 season, earning a bronze medal at the 2018 DCI World Championships. He then marched snare drum with the Blue Stars during the 2019 season, and lastly two winter seasons on snare with 8 time WGI World Champions, Music City Mystique in 2020-2021During his time at MTSU Thomas performed with the Band of Blue, the MTSU Wind Ensemble, and various percussion ensembles under the teaching of Julie Davila, Lalo Davila, and Dr. Brian Mueller. Thomas has taught and continues to teach high school programs and private lessons in Middle Tennessee, and has held the role of battery coordinator at Audio Theater since 2023. 

You can contact Thomas at thomasdraper@syncedupdesigns.com

Kyle Guinn

MOVEMENT COORDINATOR

Kyle Guinn, originally from Houston, TX, moved to Nashville, TN in October of 2024 to start a new career as the movement coordinator for Synced Up Designs.

Kyle Started his pageantry background in middle school playing the clarinet. During high school, he shifted into performing with the color guard and studying dance. During the summer prior to his senior year, he began his Drum Corps career with the Phantom Regiment in 2019. Marching Phantom from 2019-2022, Kyle served as the head captain of the color guard his last year with the corp. He aged out in 2023 with the Blue Devils, placing 1st at DCI world championships and receiving the George Zingali Award for best color guard. Kyle was also an active participant in WGI marching with Spirit Independent World in 2021 and Origins Independent World 2022-2024. His most recent endeavor in the marching arts was teaching Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps color guard for the summer of 2024. He was a movement specialist, technician, choreographer, and a fill-in lead throughout various points of the summer.

During his time in the marching arts, Kyle continued his educational career at the University of Houston. He graduated in May of 2024 with a B.A. in Corporate Communications and a minor in dance. He’s had various performance opportunities with the university including “Emerging Choreographers Showcase” and Dance Source Houston’s “Mind the Gap”. During this time, he studied various styles and techniques of dance including aerial arts. Kyle is beyond thrilled to apply his past experience and knowledge to his position, and he looks forward to creating an innovative platform that supports and evolves the color guard community.

You can contact Kyle at kyleguinn@syncedupdesigns.com

DEREK BARNES

ART MANAGER | PRE-PRODUCTION

You can contact Derek at derekbarnes@syncedupdesigns.com

JP ANGEL

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jp Angel is an educator, graphic designer, and general creative based out of Nashville, Tn. He has experience in a wide range of disciplines, including the marching arts, graphic design, music composition and computer science. He currently serves as the Visual Coordinator for the WGI PIW group Audio Theater, and also teaches percussion at Summit High School and is a member of the Tennessee Titans “Blue Crew” Drumline.

After joining the high school band his 7th grade year in 2013, Jp knew he had a lifelong passion in music and the marching arts. He went on to perform with Vanderbilt School of Music’s Philharmonia and Curb Youth Symphony from 2015-2017, and then furthered his marching passions with Music City Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018 and Audio Theater from 2017 until 2022. Jp also composes music for the marching arts, He started his music writing career right out of high school writing the percussion music for his alma mater, Trousdale County High School, from 2018-2020 and then for Lebanon High School from 2022-Present.

You can contact JP at jpangel@syncedupdesigns.com

Natasha Kam 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Natasha Kam is a Nashville / Murfreesboro-based graphic designer, performer, and event planner with a passion for all things creative. A lifelong lover of the arts, she began in dance, learning jazz, ballet, hip hop, and tap. Transitioning to martial arts, and earning her first degree black belt in Wado-Ryu karate in 2016. Then being a part of the Riverdale High School Dance Team and choir, before falling in love with theatre, performing in productions like Addams Family, We Will Rock You, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

She holds a BFA in Graphic Design from Middle Tennessee State University, where she won “Best in Show” for her senior gallery. Natasha has worked with over 30 brands including Nissan, Nova Hearing, and local Nashville vocal artists, creating everything from branding and book covers to anime paintings and wedding montages.

When she’s not designing or performing, she’s likely reading, looking dramatically out of a window, or planning unique, memory-filled adventures with her friends.




Geoff Watkins 

SHOP MANAGER

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

Chris Nichols

WELDER

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

Chris Nichols started his marching arts journey at Spring Hill High School in Columbia, TN, where he participated in the marching band and indoor programs for 4 years. After High School, Chris marched Spirit of Atlanta for the 2017 season, The MTSU Band of Blue from 2017-2019, and Music City Mystique from 2018-2022. After aging out he joined McM’s staff as a snare tech and continues to teach the ensemble. Currently, Chris does welding, fabrication, and assembly for Synced Up.

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.

BRIAN FARRELL

WELDER

Brian was born and grew up in New York state, where he graduated high school in 2002. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he learned Korean and worked as an Intelligence Analyst at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA. After completing his enlistment, Brian spent time in Denver and Nashville bouncing around different jobs.

In 2017, Brian made a decision to attend Lincoln College of Technology, specifically their Welding and Fabrication course. It turned out to be a career defining decision. Over the past 7 years, he's worked on several multimillion dollar projects, including mobile Blackhawk Aircrew Training facilities, police and fire vehicles, and coal mining dump trucks.

Brian is a huge sports fan, specifically of the NY Jets, NY Yankees, NY Knicks, and (oddly enough) the Nashville Predators. He also dabbles in songwriting.

BERRY JOHNSON

FABRICATION | POWDER COATING

Andrew Miller 

MUSIC EDITOR | AUDIO ASSISTANT

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

Jason Palmer 

VISUAL | CHOREOGRAPHY

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.

CJ Barrow 

COMPOSER | ARRANGER | SOUND DESIGNER

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 

COMPOSER | ARRANGER | SOUND DESIGNER

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.

DESIGN PARTNERS

IVAN FEES

ARTIST | DESIGNER

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 Revis Ray

ARTIST | DESIGNER

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!

Micaiah Barnett

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.

David haven

CHOREOGRAPHY

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.

Chelsea Arenas 

CHOREOGRAPHY

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.

Robert Bowen 

VISUAL DESIGN | SALES REP

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 

COMPOSER | ARRANGER | SOUND DESIGNER

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 

COMPOSER | ARRANGER | SOUND DESIGNER

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 

COMPOSER | ARRANGER | SOUND DESIGNER

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.

Brian Dinkel

COMPOSER | ARRANGER

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.

Russell Wharton 

COMPOSER | ARRANGER

Russell Wharton (born 1990) is a percussion educator, performer, arranger, and composer living in Nashville, Tennessee. With a diverse background and a wide range of influences, Russell aims to make connections across disciplines to create meaningful musical experiences for audiences, performers, and students.

Writing music is Russell’s primary calling. His original compositions fuse expressive live performances, striking multimedia accompaniments, and a flair for the cinematic. Russell uses composition as a means of self-expression, so it brings him great joy that it has connected with audiences and performers. His music has been performed in countries all around the world, and is published by Tapspace Publications, C. Alan Publications, and Synced Up.

In the marching world, Russell has been an arranger since 2010. He has written for numerous high schools throughout the years, and his groups have received many accolades, including finalist placements at BOA Grand Nationals and Texas UIL State Marching Band Contests. Russell has also been the arranger for DrumSpirit (Belgium) since 2023.

As an educator, Russell enjoys working with high-level students and seeks to help them reach their full potential. He is the Percussion Caption Manager for The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, winners of the 2023 Fred Sanford Award for Best Percussion Performance. He is a staff member at Rhythm X, perennial medalist and 3-time champion in WGI Percussion Independent World. Russell is an adjunct member of the faculty with Middle Tennessee State University, and teaches part-time at Nolensville High School.

Russell is also an active clinician and judge. He has presented two full-length sessions on bass drumming at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), and is engaged with the PAS Marching Committee as a judge, clinician, and contributor to Percussive Notes. Russell is a regular judge in the Tennessee marching circuits, and has given clinics and masterclasses at schools in Texas, Tennessee, Michigan, Indiana, and Honduras.

Russell received his Master of Music degree from Indiana University in 2018, and received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Texas Christian University in 2013. At those institutions, he is grateful to have studied with John Tafoya, Kevin Bobo, Michael Spiro, Steve Houghton, P.Q. Phan, Aaron Travers, Brian West, Dave Hall, Joey Carter, Martin Blessinger.

Russell proudly endorses Pearl/Adams, Innovative Percussion, Remo, and Zildjian. More information can be found at russellwhartonmusic.com.

Evan VanDoren

COMPOSER | ARRANGER

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

COMPOSER | ARRANGER

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).

Josh Torres 

COMPOSER | ARRANGER

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.