Staff

Chris Magonigal was born in Killeen TX and is the product of being a true military brat. After graduating from Ellison HS Magonigal chose to pursue drum corps prior to attending college and thus began the crazy journey to Genesis.

A member of the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps from 1992-1994, Magonigal saw first hand the enriching benefits and life lessons that drum corps can provide young people. It was during these summers that Magonigal made a promise to himself that, if given the opportunity, he would dedicate his lifes work to bringing a championship caliber drum corps organization to the state of Texas.

A budding entrepreneur during his time at Texas Tech University, Magonigal was always seeking the ability to create his own path. While working for the newly formed Cingular Wireless as Director of Sales from 2001-2006 Chris founded his first business, Magonigal Photography in 2001, specializing in the field of event and sports photography.

During this time Magonigal also invested in the mobile technology field through a chain of retail locations throughout West Texas. Upon sale of those investments Magonigal began working with Sony Mobile Communications as Director of Marketing and investing in small business opportunities. In 2004 he was asked to consult with the then Texas based Revolution Drum Corps in the areas of business and educational content. This experience rekindled his love and passion for the drum corps activity and the desire to return to his lifes dream of bringing a quality drum corps organization rooted in Texas. After working with several drum corps organizations over the next 5 years the opportunity arose in 2009 for Magonigal to make a choice... get out of the activity and focus on his career or give up everything and start a nonprofit drum corps organization. He, of course, chose the latter and thus began the story of Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps.

Chris Magonigal is the driving force behind the Genesis brand and the position of the organization in serving the arts community of Austin. In 2013 Magonigal was awarded Director of the Year by his DCI peers and continues to be focused full time on the Genesis organization.

Edward F. Gobbel - he/his Armed with a two-valved, key-of-G mellophone bugle, Ed walked into his first drum corps rehearsal in 1989. Since June of 1990 when he got on that Glassmen tour bus for the first time, and ending in his 1994 age-out year with The Cadets of Bergen County, the performing and pageantry arts have been at the center of Ed’s professional and personal life. Mr. Gobbel studied music education at Wayne State and Michigan State Universities before beginning his professional journey. All across the US, Ed served as an instructor, wind arranger, drill designer, and/or clinician for more than 50 high schools and universities. Most notably, Ed spent almost 20 years as an educator and consultant for BOA finalist American Fork High School in Utah. He works with band programs to increase their rehearsal efficiency, mentor drum majors and leaders, and assist with staff training and show design. Over the last 28 years in DCI, he served as a brass educator for The Cadets of Bergen County and the Blue Knights as well as brass caption chair and brass arranger for the Troopers. Ed traveled to Medellin, Colombia as a guest clinician to work with the Gran Banda Drum and Bugle Corps. Joining the Genesis team in 2011, he served as brass arranger, brass caption chair, staff coordinator, long-haul red-eye truck driver, and Director of Education. Edward worked as an Educational Sales Rep for Summerhays Music in Salt Lake City, Utah before working as the Wind Instrument Product and Brand Manager at Jupiter Band Instruments in Austin, Texas. During his tenure at Jupiter, Ed led the team that designed and launched their debut line of marching brass instruments. Ed also served as the international manager of Altus Flutes, a Japanese hand-made professional flute company. At age 15, Ed was hired by the Boy Scouts and spent years teaching young kids about the outdoors and firearm safety. His career as a marching arts clinician began a few years later. As an amateur radio operator and electronics hobbyist, Ed uses his skills as an educator to teach certification classes and is an FCC endorsed licensing examiner. For a short time, Ed even homeschooled his middle school son. Since 1987, Ed's prolific and diverse experience as an educator and performer has maintained one common theme: creating experiences for students to discover themselves through performance.

Ms. Analisa Zuniga received her BBA in Accounting from Texas State University-San Marcos in 2004 and moved back to her hometown soon after. She began her career working as a Staff Accountant at a small accounting firm in McAllen, Texas and later accepted a position as an Internal Auditor at a locally owned bank. While doing so, she worked on her graduate degree and in 2008 earned her Master's of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Texas - Pan American in Edinburg, Texas. A year later, she left industry and began her teaching career at PSJA Memorial Early College High School in Alamo, TX. Analisa taught business and accounting courses, including dual credit courses though South Texas College. In 2009, Analisa was reintroduced to the world of drum corps though a friend and began working as a volunteer for a new group from the Rio Grande Valley called Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps. She has been hooked ever since and worked ancillary jobs for the group including, grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking, driving vehicles, and tracking finances. In 2013, Analisa accepted a teaching position with HaysCISD in Kyle, TX and followed Genesis DBC as they transitioned out of the Valley and into Central Texas. She couldn't be more proud of the organization and its humble roots. Analisa is grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with Genesis and can't wait to see what's in store in the years to come. Analisa heads up the Administrative Team and has served as Board Treasurer since 2011.

Frank Solis is a Founding Member of Genesis DBC serving as our first ever Brass Sergeant in 2010. He has been instrumental in building the Genesis education program and brand. His contributions to our culture has been invaluable. Frank has served as part of the Brass and Visual teams as both a general educator and Caption Head for both captions over the years. In 2025 Frank will be utilizing this experience building and managing both the Brass and Visual captions to continue to help build our culture and process. As a full time Aquatic Engineer, Frank has been in the aquatic industry for almost 20 years. Recently having moved to Denver CO, Frank enjoys playing trombone and hiking with his dog Pepper.

Rebecca McGarity is currently an Assistant Band Director at Cleveland High School in Cleveland TX. Originally from Kuntz TX, Becca is a recent graduate of Lamar University as well as a Mellophone Alumnus of Genesis DBC, performing in 2019 and 2021. This will be Becca's 4th year on our Admin Team and we are excited to have her as our Lead Admin.

Brandon Cream is currently pursuing a degree in Music Education and an age out with Genesis on Tuba in 2021. This will be Brandon's 4th season on the Touring Admin Team, managing the daily touring needs of the corps.

Em Valadez has been a part of the activity since 2021 serving as Drum Major for the Guardians DBC and entering her second season as the Genesis Kitchen Manager. A graduate of The Ann Richards School in Austin, Em is currently pursuing a Music Education degree and serves as an Educational Tech as Ann Richards and Bastrop High School.

Adrian Ortega is currently the Band Director at Lamesa Middle School in Lamesa TX. A recent graduate of San Angelo State University, this will be Adrians second season as part of our Tour Admin Team.

Demi is a 2023 age out of Genesis marching Mellophone. A native of Vidor TX, Demi is currently pursuing a music performance degree at Lamar University. This will be the second year for Demi as part of our Admin Team.

Daniel Sanchez is a live performance and session musician living in Austin, TX. His performance credits include work with Wynton Marsalis (Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra), Dan Nimmer (JLCO), Veronica Swift (Mack Avenue Recording Artist), Andre Hayward (JLCO), Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band), Rich Redmond (Jason Aldean), Alan Haynes (Texas Blues Legend), Douglas Lawrence (Count Basie Orchestra), Kenny Williams (The Lion King), Ron Wilkins (Birdland Big Band) and more.

Daniel attended The Texas Tech University School of Music where he performed with a number of ensembles including the Grammy nominated Jazz Ensemble 1, and The Goin’ Band From Raiderland from 1994 to 1997. He received degrees in Music Education and Music Performance and was a member of The Goin’ Band From Raiderland from 1994 to 1997. Additionally he marched with The 1997 Pioneer Drum & Bugle Corps from Milwaukee, WI.

Originally from Atlanta, GA and raised in Lubbock, TX, Daniel moved to New York City in 2001 and returned to Texas in 2009. He has served as a guest performer, clinician, and educator for a number of high schools and collegiate institutions while living once again in Texas. This includes working with Genesis Drum & Bugle Corps since 2013.

Additionally, Daniel works at The A&F Drum Company, and serves regularly at NorthPoint Church.

John Filippone is a proud alumnus of our brass and conducting programs. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in computer science, he started his career in Boston at IBM as a software engineer. He now works at a start up in the finance tech space called LiquidX as a software engineer specialized in blockchain technology.

John is currently involved in a number of initiatives that bring alumni back into the fold to expand the offerings of our organization. Most notably, he has spearheaded our conducting and leadership program, bringing in our drum major alumni to put together a curriculum for our conductor auditions and a series of conducting/leadership clinics for high school drum majors.

Timothy Leonelli, M.M., is a Boston-based composer, arranger, conductor, and educator. Leonelli currently serves the Boston College Band’s Program as the Marching Band Music Composer and Arranger, Pep Band Director, and Low Brass Coordinator and Instructor. Timothy as serves as Music and Brass Tutor for the Abington Public Schools. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory, Leonelli studied composition with Marti Epstein, Jan Swafford, and studied theory with Curtis Hughes. Previously, Timothy was on the faculty of the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps from San Antonio, Texas, serving as Lead Technician and Low Brass Coordinator. He also served as the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps from Boston, MA, serving as Brass Instructor and Interim Caption Head. In 2013, the Boston Crusaders were selected to perform at the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, DC and the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention. As a member of the Concord Blue Devils, Leonelli has won three Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championship titles (2007, 2009, 2010) and three Jim Ott Memorial Brass Performance titles (2007, 2008, 2010). Timothy Leonelli holds degrees in music composition from The Boston Conservatory (MM) and Berklee College of Music (BM). At Berklee, Leonelli was the Assistant Conductor and Principal Trombonist of the Berklee Contemporary Symphony Orchestra and recipient of the Richard Levy Scholarship Award. At The Boston Conservatory, he was the winner of the 2014-15 The Boston Conservatory Wind Ensemble Composition Contest and premiered an original work, “Uprising”, at Harvard University’s Sanders Theater. His principal conducting teachers were Sean Newhouse, former Assistant Conductor of the BSO, and Francisco Noya, M.A., Resident Conductor of the Rhode Island Philharmonic. Leonelli's principal composition teachers were Marti Epstein, Jan Swafford, Andrew List, John Bavicchi, and Yakov Gubanov, one of the last composition students of Dmitri Shostakovich. Originally from San Diego County, Leonelli now resides in Boston, MA where he serves on the staff of Boston College Bands Program since 2009. Timothy is a member of CBDNA, ASCAP, and a Music Adjudicator for USBands.

Peter is a visual designer, choreographer, and clinician for the pageantry arts. Currently living in American Fork, Utah, Peter works with some of the best ensembles in the area, including the American Fork High School Marching Band and Gold Spike Percussion. Born and raised in North Carolina, Peter completed high school at American Fork HS after moving to Utah in 2010. After graduation, he went on to perform with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. Peter marched for five years with the Phantom Regiment, where he aged out as the horn sergeant and was the recipient of the Mark Glasscoe Member of the Year award. After his time with the Phantom Regiment, Peter began spending his winters in Akron, OH to perform with Matrix in 2018 and continued to move every year to live in Ohio to teach with Matrix Performing Arts until 2021. He is still involved with Matrix as the lighting designer and creates and edits the videos for Matrix and Matrix Open. Peter served on the staff of the Phantom Regiment from 2019-2020 and has been on visual staff with the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps since 2022.

Ali Martinez is a graduate of New Braunfels High School and has been involved in the Color Guard activity for 20 years. She has had the privilege of teaching award winning and champion programs at the State and National levels. She has choreographed for and directed multiple programs who have made appearances in UIL State Marching Contest as participants and finalists. Her Winter Guards have earned finalist and medalist distinctions in both TCGC and WGI. Ali was named Texas Color Guard Circuit Director of the Year in 2017. ​ Ali graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas State University – San Marcos with a degree in Dance/Theatre and has taught and performed throughout the US as well as in Canada and Germany. She is very proud to have the privilege of having seen several of her former students also graduate from the Dance Division at Texas State University. Ali served as the Color Guard Director at Texas State University from 2008-2013. She is a founding staff member of Identity Independent Winter Guard, serving as movement supervisor and choreographer for multiple WGI World Championships Finalist productions, including the 2013 Independent Open Class Gold Medal. Ali’s passion is teaching and she believes in cultivating the whole performer -mind and body - to help uncover who they are meant to be. This activity that blends art and sport empowers young women and men and gives them a unique opportunity to express themselves and to find inner strength that comes from hard work, self-reliance, and a team that has your back.

Jaime Martinez served as TCGC Administrator from 2016-2021. Prior to his appointment, he served as TCGC President, Color Guard Vice President and Secretary. Jaime is the Special Events Coordinator for the Texas Division of Emergency Management charged with organizing the largest emergency management conference in the country, among other events. Jaime was founder of Identity Independent Winter Guard, the 2013 WGI Independent Open Class Champion. When not in rehearsal or at work, Jaime’s three kids keep him busy with silly stories and lots of love.

Jonathan Anderson began his musical adventure at age four. His father routinely encouraged him to improvise on the piano, leading him to develop an understanding of both musical form and the creative process at a very young age. By the time Jonathan was twelve years old he had already begun putting his ideas on the page. Throughout his formative teen-years he produced five separate albums and composed over three thousand unique works. During this time he received commissions for original compositions and his music could frequently be heard on the local radio station. After graduating high school, Jonathan continued his education at the University of North Texas. At UNT he wrote for many ensembles and through Innovative Percussion produced three major publications -- Banafrit, Dancing Shadows, and Charon --. He graduated in December, 2008, with a Bachelor's Degree focused on the fields of composition and percussion. In his time since, he has written three full-length albums -- Life Lessons, Marauder, and Welcome to Dendrick -- and has had his works performed by ensembles at major universities in the area, including: Texas Christian University, the University of Texas at Arlington, and the University of North Texas. His pieces have also been performed as Percussive Arts Society (PAS) "Call for Tapes" submissions, and at PAS showcase concerts Internationally, his works have been performed by such phenomenal ensembles as the Japanese group, One Marimba, and by Korogi artist Hiromi Kamiya and world class performer Noriko Tsukagoshi. Jonathan has twenty years teaching the marching arts at every level. He has fifteen years of experience writing and arranging for marching bands and his writing has won nearly every drumline trophy possible in the state of Texas over the years.

Tyler McClendon was born and raised in Leander, TX and attended Leander High School. Tyler is a 2015 graduate of Texas State University with a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education. While at Texas State, Tyler was active in many performing ensembles including the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Winds, Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Panoramic Steel Band, and University Percussion Ensemble. Tyler also performed 3 semesters with the Bobcat Marching Band, and served as Snare Captain in 2012. He also serves on staff annually at the Texas State University Percussion camps as the Drumline Coordinator. Tyler comes with both DCI and WGI experience, marching with Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps in 2011 and with the Texas State University WGI Indoor Drumline in 2012. In public education, Tyler has served as Assistant Band Director and Percussion Director at Canton High School in Canton, TX, Tivy High School in Kerrville, TX, and currently serves as Percussion Director at Pflugerville High School in Pflugerville, TX. His accolades include many “Best Percussion” awards as well as taking the Tivy Marching Band to State Contest in 2019. In WGI, Tyler has served as front ensemble staff for Monarch Independent in 2016 and 2017, and currently serves the battery staff at Rhythmic Force Percussion since 2018. Both groups have consistently made Open and World class finals in their respective years. His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Salyers Percussion, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Percussive Arts Society.

Emilio Pla is a graduate of the University of North Texas and currently serves as the Percussion Director at Irving HS. Prior to Irving High School, Mr. Pla was a drumline instructor for Northwest High School and Chisholm Trail High School. Mr. Pla has been a member of performing ensembles such as Vigilantes Indoor Percussion, Genesis, Phantom Regiment and the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps. His active memberships include the Texas Music Educators Association and Percussive Arts Society.

Christian Pitre is a percussionist and educator based in North Houston. He presently serves as the Director of Percussion and Assistant Director of Bands at Cypress Creek High School. Before moving to Houston, Christian was the Percussion Director for La Grange ISD, where he programmed the school’s first percussion ensemble concert and founded the school’s indoor percussion program, which earned placements at state in their second year of competition. A native of Lafayette Louisiana, Christian holds a Bachelors in Music Education from Louisiana State University. While at LSU, he was a bass drummer with the Golden Band from Tigerland and a regular performer with the Percussion Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and New Music Ensemble. He simultaneously kept a busy teaching schedule, working with several high schools in south Louisiana and serving as the Front Ensemble Coordinator at Dutchtown High School. Christian’s extra-curricular performance experience includes several community organizations, such as the Lafayette Concert Band, Acadian Wind Symphony, Austin Symphonic Band, and the Louisiana Stars DBC. Christian’s professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Percussive Arts Society.

Kody Wayne Jones is currently the Percussion Teaching Assistant at the University of Texas at El Paso where he runs the drum line under the direction of Dr. Andrew P. Smith. At UTEP, he has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and has been involved in the Percussion Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Dinner Theater, and the Marching Miners, both as a member and on staff. He also leads the UTEP steel pan group Pantastics. Kody has experience in DCI in both open and world class with The Guardians, Phantom Regiment, and The Boston Crusaders. He is continuing his career in DCI as a teacher at Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps as a battery technician and at Arsenal Drum and Bugle Corps as Percussion Caption Head.

Jackson “Z” Miner is a bass drum instructor at Genesis DBC for the 2023 season. His previous marching experience includes Legacy Indoor Percussion Ensemble (2018), Veritas PIW (2019) Connexus PIW (2020), and the Madison Scouts (2019). Z currently works with Veritas PIW (Indianapolis, IN) in his second year as a bass drum instructor and also with Hamilton Southeastern HS as their battery coordinator. Z graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Secondary Science Education, and Zoology, and also did 4 years with the Pride of Mid-America Marching Band! As well as teaching drums, during the day, Z teaches 8th Grade Science at Noblesville West Middle School.

Larsen McFadden is a music educator, performer and arranger, currently serving as Percussion Director at Manor Senior HS in the Austin, TX area. He received two Bachelor Degrees in Music Education & Bassoon Performance at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in May 2023, just before his first season on the Genesis percussion staff. He previously served on staff at Veritas (PIW) and River City Rhythm DBC as a bass drum technician, as well as Edgewood HS (IN), Lebanon HS (IN), Bedford HS (IN), and Damonte Ranch HS (NV) in Battery Coordinator and Technician roles. His recent performance experience includes Cap City Percussion (2022), Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps (2021) and most recently a member of the Indianapolis Colts Drumline. Larsen was a 4-year member of IU’s Marching Hundred, and during his time he was given the opportunity to arrange the drumline score for two halftime show tunes, and served on the Undergraduate Staff his final year. He grew up in Reno, NV with his dad, mom, brother, and two dogs.

Jesus Perez (JP) is a percussionist and educator in the El Paso area. He graduated from UTEP with a Bachelor’s of Music education and a Masters in Music Performance. He is currently an assistant band director at Eastlake high school where he focuses on percussion. His Marching experience includes; Horizon DBC (SoundSport) and Sun City Independent on snare drum. Jesus has been on the audio and front ensemble staff of Arsenal for 3 years, as well as 2 years with WGI open class group Sun City Independent.

Michael Ollman is the Percussion Para-Professional at Panther Creek High School in Frisco ISD. He has taught percussion for the past five years. He began his career as the Director of Percussion at Wheeler High School and East Cobb Middle School in Marietta, Georgia. He moved to Houston, Texas, in 2020, where he was a percussion clinician and lessons teacher for several schools in Katy, Fort Bend, and Lamar Consolidated ISD. Michael joined the Panther Creek High School staff in 2023 as part of the inaugural band staff. Outside of teaching high school and middle school, percussion Michael has been involved with DCI and WGI for over a decade as a performer and educator. Michael has recently worked as a front ensemble instructor with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps and Rhythmic Force Percussion. Michael enjoys watching soccer and spending time with his dog Loki!

Matt Allman is an educator, performer, and arranger based out of Indiana. He holds two Bachelor Degrees in Music Education and Percussion Performance from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Currently serving as the percussion director for Concord Community Schools in Elkhart, IN, Matt is very passionate about the marching arts. His performance experience spans across 5 years of DCI and independent WGI as both a front ensemble and battery member. Matt has performed as a member of the front ensemble with Shadow DBC (2017), Legacy Indoor Percussion (2018), and the Madison Scouts (2019-2021). This included earning a silver medal at I&E in 2020 when he premiered his self-composed drum set/multi-percussion solo “Full Circle.” He also marched snare drum with Pioneer DBC in 2018. Outside of DCI and WGI, Matt was a five-year member of the Indiana University Drumline, where he spent his final years as center snare of the drumline and student director of IU’s volleyball drumline. He has also studied with globally renowned percussionists Kevin Bobo, Joseph Gramley, John Tafoya, Sean Dobbins, and Michael Spiro. As an educator, Matt worked with several high school marching programs in southern Indiana including Bedford North Lawrence HS, Bloomington HS South, Columbus North HS, and Columbus East HS. Before assuming his current role as the percussion director of Concord HS, he was a student teacher and percussion instructor for three seasons at Franklin Central HS, a PSW program located in Indianapolis, IN. As an arranger, Matt has arranged for Concord Community Schools, the Indiana University Marching Hundred, and Bedford North Lawrence HS. He grew up in Columbus, IN and is an avid fan of Indiana basketball.

Armando Torres is an El Paso, Texas native percussionist and music educator. He will be completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education at the University of Texas at El Paso this school year. While at UTEP, he has performed in many ensembles, including the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Pantastics steel band, the UTEP Dinner Theatre and the UTEP Marching Miners, both as a member and Undergraduate Teaching Assistant. His performance experience includes two years at Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, one year at Monarch Independent, and two years at Sun City Independent all on snare drum. As a proud advocate of the marching arts, Mr. Torres has taught at numerous high schools throughout West and Central Texas and is currently on staff at Arsenal Drum and Bugle Corps as a battery specialist and is serving as the percussion arranger for the Eastlake High School marching band.

Cole Crofton is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music education from the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston where he studies percussion with Dr. Blake Wilkins. While at the Moores School of Music, Cole has performed with the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and percussion ensemble one. In addition to this, he also enjoys time in the gym, and teaching music lessons in the greater Houston area. After completing his degree, Cole plans to pursue a career as a high school band dIrector and percussion instructor.

Freddy Morales is a first-year Graduate Teaching Assistant with the Pride of the Southland Band and Drumline. A native of El Paso, TX, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at El Paso, studying under the guidance of Dr. Andy Smith and Dr. Andrew Hunter. Freddy is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Percussion Performance.

Abraham Baños is a bass drummer that hails from Miami, Fl. He is currently an aircraft ground unit mechanic and is training to become a certified master technician. He has a major passion for the marching arts, having marched 8 years at multiple organizations, and now wishes to pass down all of the knowledge and wisdom he has learned from his time to the younger generation of performers. He is currently teaching at Hialeah Gardens HS outdoor and indoor. Mr. Baños is excited to join as a bass drum technician as our newest edition to the Genesis battery staff.

Allen Benton is an accomplished percussionist and music educator, holding a B.M. in Music Education from Miami University, class of 2023. With a rich marching background that includes experiences with INOV8 Winter Percussion, 4th Wall Performing Arts, and Cap City World Percussion, Allen brings a wealth of performance expertise to the Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps. Currently based in Dallas, TX, Allen maintains a lessons studio composed of students in grades 6-12. He is eager to contribute his passion and skills to Genesis!

Tyler Bogard’s marching career includes Pioneer 2013 and 2014, Gateway indoor 2015 and 2016, Spirit of Atlanta 2015, Cavaliers 2016 and 2017, and Music city Mystique in 2017 and 2018, winning the WGI Independent world class championships in 2017 with Music City Mystique. After aging out in 2018, Tyler graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s in Liberal Studies and a Minor in History, also being part of the IU marching hundred drumline from 2014 to 2018, serving as section leader from 2016-2018. Tyler has taught various groups including Edgewood High School, Lawrence Central High School, INov8 winter percussion, Audio Theatre percussion, Music City Drum corps, and 4th wall percussion. As a Barista and freelancer, Tyler currently resides In Muncie, Indiana and is making his mark in the Indiana metal scene. Tyler has drummed for many Indiana metal bands, and is now the drummer for the alternative metal band Mantra of Morta. Tyler is exited to back on board the Genesis staff!

Damian Hernandez is a current Music Education major at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK. At OU, he has been involved with the Percussion Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Bands, Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, and a section leader in the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band. Mr. Hernandez has also performed at the Oklahoma Percussive Arts Society Convention with the OU Percussion Orchestra. Damian currently serves as the Percussion Director at Noble High School, in Noble, OK. His world class experience includes performing and serving as a section leader with Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps.

Dwyane (Bix) Hollenbach - Is a lecturer of Trumpet and Brass at Utah Valley University and formerly at the University of Nevada Reno. Currently a trumpet performer with Orchestra at Temple Square and Utah Premier Brass, as well as a being a freelance trumpet in the Salt Lake City area with Ballet West Orchestra, Utah Symphony, Funk Studios and others. Bix has been Principal Trumpet with the Reno Baroque Ensemble, trumpet with the Reno Philharmonic, Reno Chamber Orchestra, Nevada Opera, Toccata Lake Tahoe Orchestra, and freelance trumpet in Reno, and San Francisco; he is a native of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, a small town a few miles north of Philadelphia, PA. After completing his Bachelor's and Master of Music degrees in trumpet performance at the Manhattan School of Music, Mr. Hollenbach began an eclectic career in performing, starting in Nashville, TN, playing for Opryland and the Grand Ole Opry. After moving back to New York City, Mr. Hollenbach played with the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, the Philadelphia Baroque Trumpet Ensemble, and began a series of Broadway show tours starting with The King and I and continuing for the next five years on the road with Meet Me in St. Louis, Mystery of Edwin Drood, Me and My Girl, Singing in the Rain, and others. After these tours, Mr. Hollenbach began his Doctoral studies at the University of Kentucky with trumpeter Vince DiMartino. Mr. Hollenbach then returned home to Philadelphia to play and tour with the Chestnut Brass Company and to teach at Temple University. Bix (a nickname given to him in college) continues to have a great passion for the excellence of music education through teaching and adjudicating students of all ages in band programs throughout the US. Bix has been an adjudicator for USBands since 1996 and has been a clinician and adjudicator for band festivals and competitions throughout the US. He has taught for The Cadets, Glassmen, and Crossmen in DCI, and the Brigadiers and Bushwhackers in DCA and now super excited to be joining the Genesis team! Continuing in the marching arts he teaches at American Fork HS in Utah as a part of the Design Team and Brass Caption Head. Mr. Hollenbach is married to Emily, a horn player, and educator. They live in American Fork, Utah with their 4 children, Julianna (19), Gabriel (18), Rebekah (16), and Benny (14).

Mr. Junkin is in his 3rd year as an Assistant Band Director at McCallum High School Fine Arts Academy in Austin, TX. His primary roles include leading the Marching program, conducting the Symphonic Band, and team-leading the Non-Varsity Orchestra, while also assisting the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and MAC Jazz Band. Prior to his time at McCallum, Mr. Junkin spent two years as an Assistant Band Director at Alvin High School in Alvin, TX, where he conducted the Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, oversaw the Mighty Yellowjacket Marching Band, and instructed the AP Music Theory course. Mr. Junkin holds Bachelor of Music degrees from Texas Tech University in Music Education with an emphasis in Trumpet as well as Music Composition. His primary instructors there were Professors Will Strieder and Rich Harris as well as Doctors Joe Vandiver, Peter Fischer, Joel Pagan, and Eric Allen. He is currently pursuing his Master of Music Education degree at Texas Tech. Mr. Junkin is no stranger to DCI or Genesis. He served on the Visual staff for Genesis in the 2019 season, then joined the Brass staff for the 2021-2023 seasons, and is excited to return for 2025. Mr. Junkin also marched four seasons with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from 2015-2018. A native of Pearland, TX in the Houston area, Mr. Junkin is an avid Houston sports fan. In his spare time he enjoys reading, exercising, and traveling. He is an active choreographer and clinician, and maintains an active approach in learning about new teaching methodologies. Mr. Junkin is excited to be returning to the Brass team of Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps.

Dr. Ryan Lovell is currently the Director of Bands at Hueytown High School, where he serves as the Director of the Hueytown High School Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Wind Symphony. He most recently held positions in Tarrant City Schools as the Band Director, and Samford University as the Director of Bands. Ryan’s educational background includes a Doctorate of Arts from Ball State University with a primary emphasis in Wind Conducting and a secondary emphasis in Music Theory/Composition. Ryan holds a Master’s Degree in Instrumental Conducting from Hardin-Simmons University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Degree from Baylor University. Prior to his time at Hueytown he taught in Indiana and public school in Texas for 6 years. Ryan has an extensive background in Marching Arts experience as both a member (Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps 07-10) and an educator. He has written drill and arranged for numerous collegiate and high school bands across the country. Ryan taught the Genesis drum and Bugle Corps from 2014-2022. Throughout that time he has served as a brass tech, visual tech, and assistant brass caption head. He is thrilled to be rejoining the team after a brief hiatus to finish his doctorate and establish his teaching career in Alabama. When Ryan is not teaching he enjoys spending time with his wife (who is pregnant with twins and due in February), playing video games, and enjoying a round of golf when the weather cooperates.

Art Cano is a Founding Staff member of Genesis DBC, having served on our Brass Team in various roles since 2010. Currently the Head Director at PSJA Austin Middle School in the RGV of Texas, Mr. Cano is a graduate of Texas A&M Kingsville. Mr. Cano has been a key factor in building the culture and environment for Genesis DBC through our our first 15 years.

Robert Flores is a Founding Staff member with Genesis DBC and served as our originals Brass Caption Head and Arranger in 2010 and 2011. A Band Director with 15 years of experience with grades 6-12. My mission is to help students become leaders of their community, through self-respect, self-control, responsibility all while using music and band as the tools to get there. A trumpet player with over 20 years of performance experience as a lead trumpet player in big band jazz, salsa, and Tejano work from Austin to the Rio Grande Valley. I perform with passion and energy and leave nothing behind.

Dallas has been teaching instrumental music in public schools since 1998 serving in Great Bend/KS, Cache/OK, McAllen/TX, Wichita Falls/TX, Burkburnett/TX, and Melissa/TX. He holds a Bachelors degree in Music Education from Cameron University in Lawton, OK and a Masters degree in Music Theory/Composition from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS. Dallas has served on the design team for Racine Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps, the instructional staff with Forte Drum & Bugle Corps, and both the instructional staff and design team for Genesis Drum & Bugle Corps. Dallas is currently the Head Band Director for Lubbock High School where his band is fresh off qualifying for the Texas State Marching Band contest.

Gregory Cowee has been passionately pursuing his career in the marching arts for the last 34 years as a band director, visual caption head and drill writer, focusing on servant leadership and equipping his music students to pursue their dreams. A native of Reno, NV, his marching career includes five years playing trumpet and mellophone at the University of Nevada, five seasons at the Freelancers Drum & Bugle Corps and aging out his last year in 1995 with the Blue Devils A Corps. During his teaching career, he’s been collaborating with ensembles such as Edward C. Reed, Robert McQueen, and Damonte Ranch that have won multiple Nevada State Championships, high marching and visual design awards. Pursuing his degree in music education, he moved to Southern California receiving a degree from California Baptist University in 2014. Greg was visual caption head and drill writer for the Velvet Knights Drum & Bugle Corps in 2011. Since graduation, he’s been working in Temecula with Rancho Christian HS, Chaparral HS, and as band director at Temecula Valley HS since 2017, whose ensembles have received Superior ratings at festivals, and he directs the winter drumline and colorguard. He is currently the co-conductor of the Valley Winds Community Band and in their Swing Band since 2020, hosts his own concert band and orchestra festival, and is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and attends TMEA. Mr. Cowee has a musical family, married to his wife Jessica for 25 years, and has one daughter Abbie both who play in the community band, with The Orchard Church wind ensemble, and Abbie marched Blue Devils B colorguard in 2022. Greg has served in church worship teams for almost 30 years and holds a degree in Theology from Summit Bible College and enjoys time with his hound dogs and playing golf.

Alyson Downs is a graduate of Casper College with an Associates's degree in Dance and the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor's degree in Dance. She worked in the Oklahoma City Metro for five years teaching dance with the Arts Council of Oklahoma City and color guard with Yukon High School before moving to Texas in 2019. Alyson was a member of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps color guard for eight seasons, aging out in 2015. She served as a captain from 2013-2015 and received the Troopers Member of the Year award in 2013. Alyson also performed with Eclectix Independent Winter Guard in 2015. Alyson has worked with programs across Oklahoma and Texas, most recently working as the Color Guard Director at Guyer High School in Denton, TX. She taught the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps color guard from 2016-2018 and has been on staff at Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps since 2019 in various roles. She is excited to return for the 2025 season!

Leo Navarro will be rejoining Genesis for his 4th year. Leopoldo Navarro is a graduate of Texas A&M University of Kingsville and a current graduate student of Grand Canyon University. His marching background includes, Texas A&M University Pride of South Texas, United Independent Winterguard and Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps. His career in colorguard education includes choreographer/designer/tech for Kaufer High School (2015-2017), Carrizo Springs High School (2018-2021), and Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps (2019-2022), has served as the colorguard director for Pearsall High School (2022-2024) and is the current colorguard director for the Bastrop High School Colorguard.

Omero "OJ" Reyes has been a part of the Genesis program since 2015. Having served as Educator, Caption Head and Consultant, OJ has played a major role in the building of our guard program and culture. Originally from Brownsville TX, OJ currently serves as an AV Teacher for Pearsall HS having served as Guard Director and Theater Director in the past.

Errian is from Hondo, Texas and is currently a Senior at Texas State University pursuing a BFA in Dance Education for grades 6-12. While at Texas State University, he has performed and choreographed for the Texas State Division of Dance Choreographers Showcase. Errian was a member of the Texas State Bobcat Marching Band where he did color guard and played trumpet and was also a member of the Texas State University Concert Band Ensemble where he played trumpet. Errian has been a member of performing ensembles such as Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps (‘19-‘21), Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps (‘22), and Origins (‘24) where he made WGI Open Class Finals. Mr. Morin has choreographed and been a technician for Hondo High School, Pearsall High School and is currency serving as the Color Guard Instructor for Lytle High School.

Miguel Zacarias has been teaching since 2019 in Houston, Oklahoma City, and the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He recently graduated from Oklahoma City University with his Bachelor of Music Education in 2024. Miguel is passionate about integrating his extensive music background into his color guard instruction, creating a well-rounded learning experience for his students. His marching experience includes performing with Undaunted, Genesis, and Ménage, with plans to continue marching WGI in 2025. He is excited to join as a guard technician and contribute to the growth and success of the program.

Skyler Carter is currently the Director of Bands at Lake Mountain Middle School in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Skyler is a graduate from American Fork High School with an undergraduate degree from Utah Valley University and a Masters Degree from Central Washington University. During his teaching tenure at Lake Mountain Middle School his groups have qualified for the Utah State Jr High Concert Band and Jazz Band State festivals and have received consistent superior ratings. In 2023, his symphonic band performed at the Utah Music Educators Conference in St. George Utah. Skyler has been able to be a part of many performing ensembles, but is most proud of his participation in the Utah Premier Brass and The Phantom Regiment from 2007-2008. In 2013 Skyler was on the visual staff for the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps. He has been a clinician and teacher in the marching arts around Utah and the country for the past 17 years. Hobbies include board games and mountain biking. He resides in Saratoga Springs with his wife and three children.

George Theodoroulis is entering his first year as the director of bands at Sealy High School. Before his time at Sealy, he served as the Associate Director of Bands at Corsicana High School. His responsibilities included conducting the CHS Non-Varsity ensemble, leading the marching band, teaching the color guard, and teaching beginner classes at Collins Intermediate School. George also served as the school’s marching band show designer. His responsibilities included storyboarding the show, selecting and arranging the music, designing the props, writing the choreography, and assisting with the color guard costume and equipment design. George grew up in Athens, Greece, and moved to Katy, TX in the summer of 2010. While in secondary school he learned trombone and euphonium, and began composing his own music in high school. He attended the University of North Texas to study music composition, but switched his major after finding a passion for teaching. He was a founding member of the Beta Gamma Omega Beta Chapter, and holds memberships in the Texas Music Educators Association, Association of Texas Small School Bands, and Texas Bandmasters Association.

With over a decade of music education experience, Stan Renda has led Ogden High School’s band program for eight years, guiding it to five state marching band championships and nearly quadrupling student participation. He directs two concert bands, two jazz bands, a concert percussion ensemble, and a successful marching band, consistently earning Superior ratings and state festival qualifications. Stan’s background in the marching arts includes performing with Spirit of Atlanta and the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps. He is also Utah’s high school All-State Manager and an active member of UMEA, NAfME, and UBA. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, collecting vinyl records, and bold fashion.

Jose Antonio Montes III is a Visual Designer originally from El Paso, TX. He currently lives in the Raleigh, North Carolina area and works with multiple competitive Marching Ensembles in the State. Jose designs and writes drill and choreography, uniforms and props, program coordinates, teaches visual clinics and judges indoor and outdoor competitions across the country. Jose has an extensive dance background with an emphasis in hip-hop. Jose marched mellophone for the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps for three years. He is the Executive Director of Eva Independent in Raleigh, NC. The organization has a successful Open Class WGI Winds group and is in the process of starting an A Class Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion group under the same organization name. When he isn’t immersed in the Marching Arts, Jose is fighting for quality time between new dinner recipes and his four year old boxer/pitbull puppy named Charcoal.

Ms. Analisa Zuniga received her BBA in Accounting from Texas State University-San Marcos in 2004 and moved back to her hometown soon after. She began her career working as a Staff Accountant at a small accounting firm in McAllen, Texas and later accepted a position as an Internal Auditor at a locally owned bank. While doing so, she worked on her graduate degree and in 2008 earned her Master's of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Texas - Pan American in Edinburg, Texas. A year later, she left industry and began her teaching career at PSJA Memorial Early College High School in Alamo, TX. Analisa taught business and accounting courses, including dual credit courses though South Texas College. In 2009, Analisa was reintroduced to the world of drum corps though a friend and began working as a volunteer for a new group from the Rio Grande Valley called Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps. She has been hooked ever since and worked ancillary jobs for the group including, grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking, driving vehicles, and tracking finances. In 2013, Analisa accepted a teaching position with HaysCISD in Kyle, TX and followed Genesis DBC as they transitioned out of the Valley and into Central Texas. She couldn't be more proud of the organization and its humble roots. Analisa is grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with Genesis and can't wait to see what's in store in the years to come. Analisa heads up the Administrative Team and has served as Board Treasurer since 2011.

Dr. Levin is the Assistant Principal at Tays JH in Katy ISD. Previously he was the Director of Fine Arts for Victoria ISD where he supervised elementary art and music as well as 6-12 grade, band, orchestra, choir, theater, dance, visual arts, mariachi, and guitar. Before coming to Victoria, he was Director of Bands and the Fine Arts Department Chair at Lamar Consolidated High School, the Assistant Director of Bands and Fine Arts Department chair at George Bush HS in Fort Bend ISD, the Director of Bands and Fine Arts Department chair at Estacado High School in Lubbock, TX, and the Director of Bands at Crosbyton CISD in Crosbyton, TX. Under his direction, the Lamar Band was named a finalist at the UIL Area Marching Contest and was twice named an area finalist in the TMEA Honor Band Competition. The Mighty Mustang Band has performed at Bass Hall in Ft. Worth, the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, and Carnegie Hall in New York, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Orchestra Hall in Chicago, IL. In 2018, the Lamar Consolidated High School Band was the largest program in Lamar CISD at nearly 300 students and the 6-12 grade “Blue Track” band program had grown to almost 800 students. Under his direction, the Estacado band tripled in size during his five-year tenure. On January 1, 2003, the Matador Band was selected as one of twenty bands from across the country to perform at the Nokia Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana, and in 2004, his band represented Texas at the International Lion’s Club convention in Detroit, Michigan. While at Crosbyton CISD, he earned the first Sweepstakes Award in the 90-year history of the school and the concert band was selected as a state finalist in the Outstanding Performance Series, finishing ninth. He is also active in the community as a member of the Lions Club, the Katy Masonic Lodge, and the West Houston Shrine Club, where he served as the club’s president in 2008 and 2016.

John Filippone is a proud alumnus of our brass and conducting programs. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in computer science, he started his career in Boston at IBM as a software engineer. He now works at a start up in the finance tech space called LiquidX as a software engineer specialized in blockchain technology.

John is currently involved in a number of initiatives that bring alumni back into the fold to expand the offerings of our organization. Most notably, he has spearheaded our conducting and leadership program, bringing in our drum major alumni to put together a curriculum for our conductor auditions and a series of conducting/leadership clinics for high school drum majors.