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.

Charles Aguillon began his tenure as the 12th Director of the SMU Mustang Band on July 1, 2022. In addition to directing the university's athletic bands, he is responsible for the spirit programs. An educator for 30 years, he most recently served as Director of Fine Arts and Academic Enrichment for the Lake Travis Independent School District in Austin, Texas. His previous positions as a band director and administrator were in the Georgetown (TX) and San Marcos (TX) school districts. Mr. Aguillon is a graduate of Texas Stae University-San Marcos where he received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music Education. While at Texas State, he was Drum Major of the Bobcat Marching Band and Assistant Conductor of the Wind Ensemble. Additionally, he holds a Master of Arts in Educational Administration as well as having completed all coursework for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. As an educator, Mr. Aguillon's Georgetown High School Band program was recognized on the state and national levels and appeared at the UIL State Marching Band Championships and the Music for All National Concert Band Festival. He is in frequent demand as an adjudicator and clinician throughout the state. His resume includes being on staff for the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps from Casper, Wyoming and his current position as Corps Director for Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps from Austin, Texas. Mr. Aguillon has served on the faculties of Texas State University-San Marcos and Southwestern University, teaching in the field of the marching arts.

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.

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.

Em Soriano (they/he) is a proud alumnus of the Genesis hornline. During the 2022 DCI season, they volunteered with Genesis and are excited to return to the team. They are currently an undergraduate music education student studying at Collin College.

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.

Pranav is a proud alumnus of Genesis DBC who hails from the Rio Grande Valley region in South Texas. Upon graduating from Sharyland High School, he attended the University of North Texas in Denton, TX to pursue an electrical engineering degree. During his time in college, Pranav spent 3 seasons (2011, 2013, 2014) as a member of the Baritone section. After finishing his age-out season in 2014, he completed his bachelor’s degree at UNT and went on to begin a career in software development.

Pranav currently resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex where he is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration while working as a senior software developer for a security technology company. In his free time, he enjoys listening to and creating music, watching sports, making art through different media, and working on Genesis alumni-related projects.

Key Poulan is a composer and arranger with an expertise in the marching arts. He has composed and/or arranged for the world’s most famous drum corps including the Santa Clara Vanguard, Mandarins, Genesis, Glassmen, Spirit of Atlanta, Cascades, Spartans, Fusion Core, Hurricanes, Caballeros, Sunrisers, Raiders, Millennium (Italy), Juliana (Netherlands), Siamyth (Thailand), Star United and the Mass Brass Mini Corps.

He is currently on the design team for the Virtual Arts Indoor Winds Program through WGI and was the wind arranger for the WGI group Chromium Winds (The Cavaliers) and won back-to-back Gold Medals in their first 2 years of existence.

As the owner of Key Poulan Music, he has been recognized as one of the country’s top arrangers and composers in the area of contemporary marching band, has several concert band works to his credit. His marching band arrangements have won several national titles at the Bands of America Grand Nationals Championships. His works have won many state titles throughout the United States and have been performed around the world.

Key Poulan graduated from Marshall High School in Marshall, Texas in 1980 after starting band in Lindale Texas. Key received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from East Texas State University (currently Texas A & M – Commerce) in 1985 and had the opportunity of studying under many fine educators including: Gary Hill, Dave Ward, Dr. Robert Houston, and Dr. Gene Lockhart. Key studied trombone under the late Dr. Neill Humfeld and composition with Dr. Ronald Yates and Dr. Margaret Wheat at ETSU. Key also credits his success to his mentors: Philip Geiger, Bill Watson, Eddie Green, Dr. Lawrence Sutherland, Dr. Gary Gilroy, Dr. Jerry Payne, Melvin Reddic, Hubert “Butch” Almany and the person who started him on trombone in the 5th grade – Jasper Huff.

Mr. Michael Huestis has been involved in music education since 1991 and has taught at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, American Fork High School in American Fork, Utah and The Colony High School in North Dallas. In 2016 Mr. Huestis accepted a position teaching the Prosper Mighty Eagle Band in Prosper, TX. Throughout his career Mr. Huestis’ bands, percussion ensembles and drumlines have performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Music for All National Percussion Festival, MENC Biennial Conference, Bands of American Grand National Championships, President Bush’s inaugural parade in Washington D.C., the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Drum Corps International World Championships. Mr. Huestis was featured as one of the “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” by “School Band and Orchestra Magazine in 2008. Mr. Huestis earned his Bachelor of Music Degree was from the University of North Texas and a Masters in Percussion Performance from B.Y.U.

A highly sought after composer and arranger, Mr. Huestis has served as the percussion arranger for Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps from Diamond Bar, CA and Genesis Drum & Bugle Corps in Austin, TX. His compositions are published by JKS Music, Rowloff, Key Poulan Publications and HuestisMusic Publications. Michael is the author of the classroom method, “Developing the Percussionist-Musician” which was developed for middle school and high school students.

Mr. Huestis has presented clinics and master classes at numerous state music education association conventions and universities. His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, Jazz Educators Network and the Percussive Arts Society, where he served one term as a chapter president.

Manuel (Manny) Rabell is originally from Orlando, Florida. Starting as a percussionist in high school, Manny found his passion his senior year with Colonial High School's Color Guard, as the group fundraised their first trip to Dayton, Ohio where they became the 2008 WGI Scholastic A world champions. Manny continued his performance career alongside Fahrenheit World, Orlando Visual, Pegasus World, as well as Spirit Drum and Bugle Corps and Phantom Regiment. Within the last decade, Manny has worked as a visual arts consultant specializing in technical program performance, technical enhancement and performance development. He taught a variety of performing art programs including: Clear Brook High School, Klein High School, Winter Park High School, Liberty High School, William R. Boone High school, Olympia High School, McKinney High School, Garland High School, Celina High School and Pegasus World. He also served as the 2019 Color Guard Caption Manager for the Troopers Drum and Bugle corps. Manny's hobbies includes video games, poetry readings, and anything comic book/anime related. He and his wife Alicia spends the rest of their time with their 3 dogs Harley, Ellie, and Cooper. Manny currently resides in McKinney, Texas and is serving his second year as the Color Guard Director for McKinney Boyd High School.

Chris Cook is a performing arts educator and consultant with experience in program design, choreography, and technique development. Maintaining a hands-on teaching approach, Chris believes that all performers have the potential to achieve greatness in the visual arts community and it is the job of educators to help inspire and guide students towards their goals. Chris has worked with a variety of visual arts programs and notable events including Carolina Crown, Phantom Regiment, Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, Reverie, Cypress Independent, UCF Pegasus, Orlando Visual, Lyman High School, and the Super Bowl LI Half Time Show. His performance experience includes Carolina Crown, Orlando Visual, and Pride of Cincinnati. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Business and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration with a Concentration in Data Analytics. He currently lives in Frisco, Texas where he is the Color Guard Director at McKinney High School.

Brooks Andersen has been involved in music and the marching arts for over 20 years; first at Mustang High School, near Oklahoma City, while competing with the Blue Knights, then studying music at the university level, and finally in his current career as a visual designer and instructor. Brooks also has experience in teaching various marching movement styles, full band choreography, performer fitness, and color guard. His creative, logical, and clear designs are both impressive and fun to watch and perform. Brooks’s innate understanding of how to entertain while also paying close attention to technical details help his drill and other visual designs continually stand out. His drill designs have allowed over 4000 students from coast to coast to compete at the highest levels and steadily improve their scores, as well as achieve consistent finalist positions and caption awards. Brooks is inspired by the world around him, and he is able to draw inspiration from the geometric and high-velocity shows that came before, as well as incorporate the more nuanced and artistic designs required to be competitive today. His skill at blending these styles, while managing to push into new areas of creativity are what makes his show designs stand out. Brooks has many hobbies that allow him to explore art and engineering, including programmable lighting technologies, woodworking, 3D modeling, and other hands-on art. These outlets allow him to step outside of the common, and act as a catalyst for his visual design creativity.

Shawn Glyde’s approach to modern percussion writing for both indoor and outdoor competition (USA and Europe), has led to 100+ jr. high, high school, independent, university, and drum corps drumlines performing his arrangements and compositions every year since 2002. He composes percussion and custom drumline arrangements independently, as well as for XtremePercussion.com, GPG Publications, Key Poulan Music, and Jair Klarfeld Music.

Glyde has authored six drum method books, judges for WBA, CVGPC, PCJA and SCPA. Shawn is the percussion arranger and/or music coordinator for several marching music programs throughout the United States and Europe. He is currently Director of Percussion Studies at the newly constructed Clovis North HS Educational Center in Clovis, Ca. Shawn balances his musical life by teaching private drum lessons and recording cds as a contemporary jazz solo artist. For more info, check out http://www.shawnglyde.com

Frank Solis is originally from La Joya Texas and has been with the Genesis program since our first season in 2010. As a founding Performer with our program, and most recently having served as Assistant Brass Caption Head, Frank has been a leading force behind moving the Genesis brass and visual programs to new levels. Working alongside Art Cano, Frank has been the voice of the Genesis membership and serves as the liaison between our staff teams and alumni. Currently Frank serves as a Foreman and team lead for an aquatic contractor in Austin TX and works with various bands in the Austin area in his spare time.

Arturo Cano is entering his 13th year as a staff member at Genesis DBC. Serving in several roles since our organization was founded including taking on the role as Brass Caption Head during our World Class transitional season in 2016 and as an Assistant Director and Staff Coordinator in 2021. Art has been a key member of our organization and its growth. Art is currently the Head Band Director at Stephen F. Austin Middle School in the PSJA school district, having served in that role for the past 10 years. A native of the Mission Texas, Art holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Texas A&M Kingsville and has been influential in the jazz programs all across the valley. Art is recognized as a valued trombone teacher and player in his community and continues to pursue opportunities to perform and teach at various levels. Art and his wife Cathy recently welcomed their first son Roman into the world in October and and enjoy spending time with their family including thier three dogs, Murphy, Eddie and Bella.

Anthony Cruddas is a Texas-based Designer, Arranger, Instructor, Adjudicator & Clinician of high school, college, and world class marching bands, drum corps, and indoor percussion ensembles. Anthony most recently served as Educational Director and Staff Coordinator for the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps from Casper, Wyoming. He started with the Troopers in 2016 as a low brass instructor and served as Brass Caption Head for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. From 2014 – 2015, Anthony held the position of Brass Caption Head for the 25-time DCI World Class Finalist Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps from San Antonio, Texas. While on the Crossmen faculty, the corps returned to DCI Finals competition for two consecutive years, earning the highest 12th place score in DCI history in 2014 and an 11th place finish in brass performance in 2015. From 2011 – 2013, Anthony served as Lead Technician and Low Brass Instructor on the Brass Staff of the 15-time DCI Finalist Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps from Boston, Massachusetts. In 2013, the Boston Crusaders were selected to perform at both the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, DC and the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Additionally, Anthony taught the brass section of the DCI Open Class Finalist Revolution Drum & Bugle Corps from San Antonio, Texas in 2010, and has been on the Instructional Staff of Imperial Percussion Theater, a WGI Independent World indoor percussion ensemble from Houston, Texas. As an adjudicator, Anthony has served as an Ensemble and Individual music judge for marching bands in all classifications throughout the United States. Since 2014, Anthony has been named to the adjudication panels for the US Bands National Championship events. Anthony resides in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area where he works as a Project Manager and also maintains an active designing and teaching schedule. He holds an Associate of Arts in Music from Blinn College, has completed additional studies at Stephen F. Austin State University and is a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, the Texas Music Educators Association, the International Tuba-Euphonium Association and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Bill Hawkes is excited to return to the Genesis Brass instructional team after serving as a Brass Consultant in 2016 before joining the team at the Troopers DBC. A three-time DCI champion with the Garfield Cadets in 1983, 1984 and 1985, he was on the staff of the Crossmen from 1986-1991, and served as a brass caption leader, visual tech, recruiter, instrument repairman, and, unfortunately, occasional bus driver. During that time, the corps climbed from 21st place(1986) to 8th(1991). After a 21 year hiatus from DCI, Bill rejoined the Crossmen brass staff for the 2013-2015 seasons, closing his time there as assistant caption head. Starting in 2016, he has been a part of Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps in Austin Texas, serving as brass caption consultant. Bill’s other experience in marching arts and music instruction includes 9 years as music and visual instructor for the North Penn Marching Knights in Lansdale, PA and 30 years of brass teaching from the private studio to large church ensembles. He is currently conductor of the orchestra, wind ensemble and brass choir at Custer Road UMC in Plano, TX, where he lives with his wife and too many cats.

Amanda Stevenson is the Director of Bands at Winston Churchill High School. Throughout her career she has instructed various students in music ranging from beginners to collegiate members. Her instructional experience extends throughout Texas including William H. Taft High School, Texas State University, Georgetown High School, Bowie High School and student teaching at Winston Churchill High School. Ms. Stevenson was the Director of Bands at Taft High School and served as Conductor of the Wind Ensemble, Director of Jazz Studies, Director of the Raider Marching Band and instructor of Instrumental Ensembles since Fall 2015. Prior to her time at Taft, Amanda was the Associate Band Director at Georgetown High School since 2007. Amanda has a strong affiliation with Drum Corps International (DCI). Formerly on the Brass Staff with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps and has served on Brass Staff for the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, the Phantom Regiment and Visual Staff with Revolution Drum and Bugle Corps. Though her primary instrument is Saxophone, Ms. Stevenson played Euphonium with Capital Regiment and started her drum corps career on Baritone with Revolution Drum and Bugle Corps. Through these experiences, she has worked with many top educators throughout the country. Ms. Stevenson received her Bachelor’s Degree in All-Level Music Education from Texas State University in 2007. She studied Wind Conducting with John Stansberry, Howard Hudiburg and Dr. Rod Schueller. Amanda has continued a close relationship with the School of Music as the Texas State Summer Band Camp Coordinator for about a decade. Since her time at Texas State, Ms. Stevenson has had continued success with Superior Ratings at the University Interscholastic League Concert, Sightreading and Marching Contests. She has been a Texas Music Educator Association Clinician, has been the recipient on numerous grants for her programs and has achieved the Mark of Excellence in National Jazz Honors Award. Mrs. Stevenson is an active clinician, performer and adjudicator in the United States. Her professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters. Association, Texas Jazz Educators Association, and Sigma Alpha Iota. Amanda currently lives in San Antonio, Texas where she continues to educate and instruct students of all levels.

Shaka Hawkins is in his third year as Director of Bands at Victoria West High School. His duties include directing the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, assisting with the Symphonic and Concert Bands, and assisting with the middle school bands in the West cluster. The Band of Warriors has earned: 1st Place Class 5A Bay Area Marching Festival, Grand Champion Bay Area Marching Festival, First Division UIL Marching Contest, and 8th place UIL Area G Marching Contest Finals. The Band of Warriors Jazz Orchestra was awarded best HS Jazz Band Day 1 at the University of Houston Jazz Festival. Previous to Victoria West he spent two years as Assistant Director at Palmview High School and 5 years as Director of Bands at Shelbyville High School. Mr. Hawkins spent 5 seasons as a brass instructor for the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, and also was previously a brass staff member for the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps. Mr. Hawkins received his Bachelor of Music Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2008. While at SFA, he studied Tuba under Dr. Jefferey Schultz, Dr. David Kirven, and Dr. J,D, Salas. He also performed as principal Tuba in the Wind Ensemble under the direction of Fred. J Allen, principal in the Orchestra of the Pines under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Jacobson, and marched in the Lumberjack Marching Band under the direction of Dr. David Campo, performed at the regional ITEC conventions in Lubbock and Austin, TX, won the SFA Orchestra of the Pines Concerto Competition. He was an All-State Musician, and was awarded the UIL Outstanding Soloist award 2 times. Mr. Hawkins is a member of Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, US Bands Adjudicator, UIL Sight Reading Committee, and TMAA Ad-Hoc Marching Band Committee.

Luke (he/him) is excited to be returning to the Genesis for the 2023 season! He is entering his third year as an assistant band director at Bleyl Middle School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, located in Houston, Texas. Since beginning his career at Bleyl, the bands brought home their first UIL Sweepstakes trophy in over a decade. Prior to moving to Houston, Luke was a sought-out musician and educator in Southwestern Ohio. He is a graduate from Miami University (OH), with Bachelor's degrees in Music Education and Marketing, and completed his student teaching at Centerville High School under the direction of Brandon Barrometti. At Centerville, he worked with multiple high school and middle school ensembles, as well as The Centerville Jazz Band, who were 2019 Bands of America Muncie Regional Champions and Grand National Semi-finalists. Luke is a proud alumnus of The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, where marched for five summers from 2013-2017 and served the corps as a drum major. The 2023 season will mark his eleventh consecutive season of participation in Drum Corps International. He holds professional affiliations with Texas Music Educators Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. When he’s not teaching, Luke loves to spend time playing Terraria with his fiancé, Jessie, and his two cats, Tiger and Sean Bean.

Mr. Alex Cavazos is excited to be back on the brass staff for the 2023 season! He is on his 13th year of teaching and 1st year as Associate Director of Bands at Port Isabel High School. He is the director of the high school Symphonic Winds and is one of the brass educators in the Point Isabel ISD. He has been associated with multiple state marching bands and has performed at International music conferences. Mr. Cavazos received his Bachelor of Music Education in 2010 from Texas A&M University-Kingsville where he graduated Cum Laude and studied trombone under Dr. Paul Hageman and Dr. Oscar Diaz. While studying at TAMUK, he performed with the wind symphony, Jazz Band 1, and trombone choir - all of whom were invited ensembles to various music conferences such as the Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association, and Eastern Trombone Workshop. He also marched baritone with The Cavaliers' Drum and Bugle Corp in 2007. He started his career off in 2010 at Harlingen South High School where he had multiple All-State musicians in jazz and classical as well as a Texas State Marching Contest appearance in 2012. He then moved to Donna High School in 2014 where they also advanced to the State Marching Contest in 2016. In 2018, Mr. Cavazos moved to Harlingen High School where not only did they go on to the State Marching Contest in 2018, 2020 & 2021 but the Honors Jazz band was an invited ensemble to The Midwest Clinic in 2021 and the Texas Music Educators Association in 2022 where he assisted with the band. Mr. Cavazos has stayed an active performer within the Rio Grande Valley playing in several musicals and brass ensembles. He is currently the lead trombonist for the Rio Grande Valley Jazz Orchestra which has performed at The Midwest Clinic, TBA, TMEA, and various jazz festivals throughout Texas. Over the years, he has had the honor and privilege of premiering music written by Gabe Musella at the Texas Bandmasters Association and has played alongside professionals such as Andre Hayward, Wycliff Gordon, Ken Ebo, Terell Stafford, and Wayne Bergeron to name a few. Mr. Cavazos is happily married to his wife, Giselle Cavazos, of 9 years and has an 8-year old son named Alex, a 6-year old daughter named Emma, and a newborn son named Ezra.

Mr. Junkin is currently in his 2nd year as an Assistant Band Director at Alvin High School in Alvin, Texas. His responsibilities there include directing the Symphonic Winds and assisting with the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic, Concert, and Yellow Jacket Marching Band. He also teaches the AP Music Theory course. Mr. Junkin grew up in Pearland, Texas, just southeast of Houston, attending Glenda Dawson High School. He then attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, receiving Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Education as well as Music Composition. His primary instructors were Professors Will Strieder and Richard Harris as well as Doctors Joe Vandiver, Peter Fischer, Joel Pagan, and Eric Allen. At Texas Tech, Mr. Junkin served as a Trumpet Section Leader and Drill Instructor for the Goin’ Band from Raiderland, receiving the Outstanding Senior Award in 2019. He also served as the President of the Epsilon Pi chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon from 2018-2020. Mr. Junkin was also a recipient of the TMEA Collegiate Music Educators Award in the Spring of 2020. This will be Mr. Junkin’s 7th year involved with Drum Corps International. His first four years were as a trumpet player with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps in the 2015-2018 seasons. He then joined on to the Genesis staff in 2019 as a visual instructor and returned in 2021 as a brass instructor. He is incredibly excited to return for his 3rd year with Genesis!

Aaron Sanderson is an educational technologist and learning and development associate based in Houston, Texas. Aaron Is also an active clinician and consultant for bands in the greater Houston area. Prior to his career as a technologist, Aaron was a band director in Texas and served districts in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, and West Texas. His bands were recognized as UIL Area and State Marching Finalists, Superior UIL ratings in Marching and Concert & Sight Reading, BOA Regional Class Champions, WGI Winds National Finalists, and NAMM Best Communities for Music Education. Aaron was a Drum Major for the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps and was previously on the brass staff with the Crossmen, Colts, and Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps.

Noah Aguillon is a trumpet player and private lesson teacher in the San Antonio Area. He is a recent graduate of Texas Lutheran University where he graduated with a degree in music. His drum corps experience began in 2016 with The Troopers Drum and Bugle corps which he returned back to in 2017. Most recently he was an intern for Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps for the 2019 season. He is very excited to be coming back for the 2023 season.

John Maxfield is a music educator and performer from Texas. Raised in Cedar Park, Texas, John graduated from Cedar Park High School in 2016. During that time, John was involved in Region Band, Solo and Ensemble, and became a TMEA 6A All-Stater in his senior year. In the Fall of 2016, John began college at Texas State University. He will be graduating in May 2021 with a degree in Music Studies (All-Levels Teaching Certification) with a Minor in Sports Psychology. While at Texas State, John maintained a performance career with groups such as: Texas State Symphony Orchestra, Texas State Wind Symphony, Texas State Symphonic Winds, Bobcat Brass Quintet, Starlight Symphony Orchestra, and the CBDNA Southwestern Conference Band. Marching Band and Drum Corps International (DCI) have also played a crucial role in John's driven passion for music. During his marching career, he has performed with groups such as: The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Bobcat Marching Band as a section leader. As a teacher, John has worked with the James Bowie Outdoor Performing Ensemble for three years as a marching technician. He also student taught at Blazier Elementary, Travis High School, and James Bowie High School. John is currently the Music Teacher at Bee Cave Elementary in Lake Travis ISD. While at Bee Cave, John teaches many instruments including voice, mallets, ukulele, and classical guitar, a program that he started this year. He also assisted as a marching technician for the Lake Travis Cavalier Band. Outside of work, John enjoys distance running, reading, and spending time with his fiancé and two cats, Callie and Moxie.

Victor Casas is currently an Assistant Band Director in the Jourdanton Independent School District where he serves as the Brass Specialist. Originally from Edinburg, TX, Victor obtained his Bachelors of Music Eduction from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. While completing his collegiate studies, he performed as a member of the UTRGV Indoor Winds in its inaugural year and year following. Victor continues to serve as a Music and Visual Educator for various programs in the South Texas area.

Manuel (Manny) Rabell is originally from Orlando, Florida. Starting as a percussionist in high school, Manny found his passion his senior year with Colonial High School's Color Guard, as the group fundraised their first trip to Dayton, Ohio where they became the 2008 WGI Scholastic A world champions. Manny continued his performance career alongside Fahrenheit World, Orlando Visual, Pegasus World, as well as Spirit Drum and Bugle Corps and Phantom Regiment. Within the last decade, Manny has worked as a visual arts consultant specializing in technical program performance, technical enhancement and performance development. He taught a variety of performing art programs including: Clear Brook High School, Klein High School, Winter Park High School, Liberty High School, William R. Boone High school, Olympia High School, McKinney High School, Garland High School, Celina High School and Pegasus World. He also served as the 2019 Color Guard Caption Manager for the Troopers Drum and Bugle corps. Manny's hobbies includes video games, poetry readings, and anything comic book/anime related. He and his wife Alicia spends the rest of their time with their 3 dogs Harley, Ellie, and Cooper. Manny currently resides in McKinney, Texas and is serving his second year as the Color Guard Director for McKinney Boyd High School.

Alicia Whipkey grew up in the Central Florida area. There she went to the University of Central Florida and received her Bachelors in Psychology. Alicia’s performance career includes Fahrenheit World (2011) and Spirit of Atlanta(2012). She is also a founding member of Pegasus winterguard, having performed 6 (2012-2015, 2017,2018) seasons and receiving a WGI gold medal in the WGI 2014 Independent Open class. Over the past decade, Alicia has worked with multiple high schools including: Palm Bay HS, Eau Gallie HS, William R. Boone HS, and McKinney Boyd HS. She also served on staff with Pegasus in 2019 and Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps in 2019. Currently, Alicia lives in McKinney, TX with her husband, Manuel Rabell, and their 3 dogs. She has also been the Colorguard director at Celina High School since 2020.

Chris Cook is a performing arts educator and consultant with experience in program design, choreography, and technique development. Maintaining a hands-on teaching approach, Chris believes that all performers have the potential to achieve greatness in the visual arts community and it is the job of educators to help inspire and guide students towards their goals. Chris has worked with a variety of visual arts programs and notable events including Carolina Crown, Phantom Regiment, Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, Reverie, Cypress Independent, UCF Pegasus, Orlando Visual, Lyman High School, and the Super Bowl LI Half Time Show. His performance experience includes Carolina Crown, Orlando Visual, and Pride of Cincinnati. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Business and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration with a Concentration in Data Analytics. He currently lives in Frisco, Texas where he is the Color Guard Director at McKinney High School.

Kara Matheny grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma starting color guard in 2013 with the Union Middle school guard joining the high school guard in 2015. In 2018-2019 she marched with Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps. In 2019 during her senior year, she spun with Black Gold Open winter guard and Black Gold World in 2020. Kara aged out with Santa Clara Vanguard in 2022! She currently teaches at Allen High School and is at her second year with McKinney Boyd!

Gabrielle-Lyn Blanchard grew up in Providence, Rhode Island. She started her color guard career in 2014 as a freshman at Santa Fe High School, in Santa Fe, Texas, until she graduated in 2018. After the conclusion of high school she continued to pursue her passion in the arts, which led to her multitude of teaching and performance ensembles. In her DCI experience she was a member of the Oregon Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps in 2017. In 2018-2019, she marched with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps. Gabrielle aged out with The Cadets in 2022. In addition to her DCI experience, she carried on with a few WGI ensembles. She was a member at Spirit Independent Open from the University of Houston in 2019. In 2020, she performed with Black Gold Open from Dallas, Texas, in addition to their winter program, she was apart of the Black Gold Dance Company. In 2021, she joined Spirit Independent World. Lastly, she was member of Origins Open in 2022. Gabrielle has been the director at Ridge Point High School In Missouri City, Texas since 2020. She has taught at Clements High School, Cypress Ridge High School, and currently a technician at Stephen F. Austin High School.

Madison began her marching career in Bakersfield Ca. Graduating from tehachapi high school in 2018 this began their love for The marching activity. After graduation they moved and continued to March. Marching Gold DBC in 2018, Riverside city college 2018-19, Élan percussion 2019, Pacific Crest 2019, Fantasia A 2020, Fantasia world 2021-23, and Crossmen 2022. Madison has been an educator in Southern California since 2018. She is currently the director of Paloma valley high school since 2021, lakeside high school and Terra Cotta middle school since 2022. She also has taught San Gorgonio middle school from 2018 to 2020. Outside of teaching and marching Madison enjoys to make Colorguard and dance videos online. Showcasing and teaching tricks and choreography ranging in skill levels. Madison has worked in collaboration with DCI and UDB in the summer of 2020 She has taught virtual clinic and spin classes with spintronix.

Yair Santamaria is a seasoned performer and instructor with fourteen years of experience teaching programs like Pegasus World, Reverie Winter Guard, and The Troopers. Yair is thorough and analytical about his approach to teaching equipment fundamentals as well as knowledgeable of dance basics and more advanced techniques. He is a calming force in rehearsal and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Yair is a Senior Graphic Designer for Garfield Refining and resides in Florida with his husband and pet sugar gliders.

Hello my name is Hunter and I am very excited to be working with the Genesis Colorguard this season! I have been involved in the activity since I first joined my high school program in 2014. I also spent 3 years of drum corps spinning with Pioneer 2017, Phantom Regiment 2019, and Carolina Crown 2022! Outside of DCI, I also participate in WGI where I have spun with USF 2021, and Elevate 2022/2023. This is my 3rd year teaching in the activity and have worked with multiple schools in the Midwest area/Florida. However, I currently work as a designer/choreographer for Terre Haute South Vigo High School and tech/choreograph for Western High School! I am looking forward to what Genesis has to offer for my first year of teaching drum corps and can’t wait to meet the next generation of performers!

George Salinas rejoins the Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps visual team for his 6th season, serving as the Visual Caption Head. George is currently the Assistant Band Director at Edinburg North High School and serves as the Woodwind Specialist, Director of the ENHS Honor Band, and Assistant Director to the 2022 TCGC Winds Scholastic Open Class Champions. George is a former marching member of Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, and The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps. A native of La Joya, Texas, George received a Bachelor of Music degree from Texas A&M University - Kingsville, and is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, The Cavalier Alumni Association, and the Genesis Alumni Association.

Felix Hernandez is currently the director of bands WB Ray High School and resides with his wife, Virginia, and his 2 children in Corpus Christi, TX. In his 15 years as a music educator, Felix has taught at multiple schools in the South Texas area and has guided the band programs to multiple trips to the Texas State Marching Contest, countless Sweepstakes awards and to multiple runner-up positions in the State Honor Band process. Felix is a product of Roy Miller High School in Corpus Christi, TX and upon graduation, attended college at Texas A&M University Kingsville where he graduated with his Bachelors of Music Education and is currently working on his Masters of Music Education. His performance credits include performances with renowned jazz artists such as Maynard Ferguson, Bobby Shew, Ed Shaughnessy, Bob Mintzer, James Moody, Ernie Watts, Peter Erskin, and Lou Marini. Beginning his drum corps career with the Crossmen in 2002, Felix has been active in the drum corps community ever since. His previous teaching positions have been on the visual staffs of Revolution, the Blue Stars, the Crossmen, the Academy and the Boston Crusaders. During his career, Felix has been a sought after clinician and adjudicator in the South Texas area and his professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association and the Association of Texas Small School Bands.

Alyson Downs is a graduate of Casper College with an Associate'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 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.

Veronica Salinas is a native of South Texas, and a graduate of Texas A&M University - Kingsville. Currently, she is an Assistant Band Director and Color Guard Director at Edinburg North High School. Veronica has been a staff member of Genesis DBC since the 2017 season. She started under the color guard caption before transitioning to the visual caption, where she assists with and implements the dance program for instrumental marching members. Veronica has performed with ATX Winterguard, United Independent, and Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps.

Mr. Alex Jett is currently the Assistant Band Director at Harlingen High School South. A graduate of Louisiana State University, he has experience teaching both concert and marching ensembles. While at LSU, Mr. Jett had the opportunity to perform with The Golden Band From Tiger Land from 2016 through 2021. In 2019, he participated and toured with World Class Drum and Bugle Corps, Genesis. Mr. Jett has remained on the visual staff with Genesis since the 2020 season. Mr. Jett is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association.

Marc is currently the Director of Percussion for Rio Hondo ISD, and resides in Harlingen, TX. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where he also served as the battery coordinator for the Pride of South Texas Marching Band and studied under Randy Fluman and Jason Kihle. While completing his collegiate studies, he performed as a member of the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps and Revolution Drum and Bugle Corps, TAMUK Marching band, Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Theater Orchestra and various other ensembles. Marc has been teaching marching percussion since 2007 with various award-winning programs around the South Texas area, including Weslaco East High School, HM King High School, Calallen High School, San Benito High school and Rio Hondo High School. He has served on the percussion and visual staffs of Genesis Drum and Bugle corps since 2019. Throughout his Drum Corps and teaching experience, he has learned from and worked with many great teachers such as Nathan Ratliff, Matthew Smith, Rachel and RobbieT Sitka, Carlos Botello, Joe Steeb, Jorge Mujica, Matthew Hernandez and many others.

Eric Saucedo is a South Texas based visual educator, eager to return for his second season with Genesis! Eric is currently a student at The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, pursuing a degree in computer science with a minor in music technology. His marching experience as a performer includes a season on trumpet with the Madison Scouts and two seasons with the UTRGV indoor winds. Earning a gold medal for the 2022 season. His experience on staff includes: several years spent helping teach visual to local marching programs. Serving as the props and equipment manager for the Madison Scouts after aging out, until the 2020 season was cancelled. Most recently he helped lead visual rehearsals for UTRGV winds in their 2022 championship season. With plans to continue in that role with the winds group and the newly established indoor drumline and color guard units at UTRGV for the 2024 season. For the 2022 drum corps season, he was a member of the visual team here at Genesis, helping guide the members toward a record breaking finish to the season for the corps. Eric holds affiliations with Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and The Madison Scouts Alumni Association.

Jordy Arevalo is currently a senior working on a Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in instrumental music from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He is a former marching member of the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018. In 2019 and 2020, he performed with the WGI World Class UTRGV Indoor Winds group where they placed 3rd in its inaugural year. Previously, he's been a music/visual consultant in the South Texas area with Robert Vela High School for two years and currently consulting at Edinburg North High School. Mr. Arevalo is also currently a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, the Texas Music Educators Association, and the International Horn Society.

Mr. Jerzain Bernal is currently the Assistant Band Director at Morris Middle School in McAllen, Tx. A graduate of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, he has experience teaching both concert and marching ensembles. While at UTRGV, Mr. Bernal had the opportunity to co-conduct the University Concert Band for three semesters with guidance from the Director of Bands, Dr. Saul Torres. In 2018, he participated and toured with World Class Drum and Bugle Corps, the Crossmen. Throughout the 2019 and 2020 indoor seasons, he had the opportunity to march with the WGI World Class Indoor Winds Group, UTRGV Winds. In addition, Mr. Bernal assisted a WGI Scholastic Open Indoor Winds Group during their 2020 season. Mr. Bernal is an active member of the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association, the Texas Music Educators Association, and the Texas Bandmasters Association.

Jessie Slaughter (they/she) is a Band Director at Vogel Intermediate in Conroe Independent School District, teaching beginning brass and percussion. Before moving to Houston, they grew up in Southwest Ohio and attended Miami University, graduating in 2020 with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. While attending Miami, they performed with numerous ensembles, most notably with the Miami University Marching Band, where they served the band as a Drum Major for three seasons, taking on a visual educator role while not on the podium. She also has additional visual experience working with local bands in the Southwest Ohio area. Jessie marched with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps in 2016, which was notably the corps' first season to earn the title of DCI World Champion. Jessie's professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association and Sigma Alpha Iota. When not teaching or performing, Jessie loves spending their time cross stitching, listening to DnD podcasts, and playing with their two cats, Tiger and Sean Bean.

Gentry is in his final year at Texas State University completing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Design. After coming from clarinet, he was a member of the baritone section at Genesis from 2013 through 2016 where he was a musical and visual soloist. He has also played marching percussion for 13 years and most recently performed with the Texas State University snare section. In 2020, he was contracted for the Blue Devils International corps on euphonium.

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.

Rosalinda Ramirez is a performer and music educator, from south Texas, who is currently finishing her Masters in Percussion Performance at Louisiana State University studying under Dr. Brett W. Deitz, Shawn Galvin, and Troy Davis. In 2020 she earned her Bachelors in Music Performance from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley where she studied with Dr. Joe W. Moore III, Dr. Mark Joseph Ramirez, and Dr. Marco Schirripa. Rosalinda marched Genesis Drum & Bugle Corps back in 2019 and has been an educator and consultant for the marching arts since 2016. Rosalinda has performed at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) showcase concert with the UTRGV percussion ensemble & Marimba Reyna Del Valle, The Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall, the Constantinides New Music Ensemble where they performed at Carnegie Hall, and the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) where they placed second with the Rio Bravo Percussion Ensemble in the Concert Chamber Ensemble Competition.

Scott Lowe is originally from Rockport, Texas and graduated from Texas State University in 2015 with a degree in Music Performance. During his time there, he performed in various ensembles including the steel band, percussion ensembles, and the Texas State Wind Symphony. Scott’s marching percussion experience includes performing and serving as section leader with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, Texas State Indoor Drumline, and Teatro Indoor Percussion. He has also played drum set for groups at the Austin-based music festival, South by Southwest (SXSW). As an educator, Scott spent several years teaching private lessons in the Austin area and has assisted multiple programs in central Texas as a marching percussion instructor. He has also served as the percussion director at West Ridge Middle School and McCallum High School. Scott is currently the Director of Percussion at Pieper High School in San Antonio, TX and is on music staff for the WGI World Class group, Rhythmic Force Percussion.

Kayla Liptak is an active performer, educator, and arranger in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Prior to moving into the area, she received her Bachelor of Music degree in Performance from the University of Alabama and her Master of Music degree in Performance from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Her list of teachers includes people such as Paul Rennick, Sandi Rennick, Lauren Teel, Mark Ford, Brian Zator, Dave Hall, and Tim Feeney. Kayla has spent much of her career exploring the many facets of percussion. She has spent many years playing with independent orchestras around Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas while playing drum set and percussion for independent musical and opera companies. She has spent time teaching for Drum Corps International, as well. In 2019, she was the Front Ensemble Caption Head for Shadow Drum & Bugle Corps and a front ensemble instructor for Genesis Drum & Bugle Corps in 2022. Prior to her time with Genesis, she spent a summer at Interlochen Center for the Arts as a Percussion Coordinator, helping with logistics and teaching duties for Keith Aleo and the rest of the percussion department. Recently, she held the position of Adjunct Professor of Percussion at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX. Currently, Kayla is a Teaching Fellow for the percussion department at the University of North Texas where she is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Performance. There, she holds many teaching and performance duties and also assumes the role of Principal Percussionist for the UNT Wind Symphony, conducted by Eugene Corporon. She is also a front ensemble instructor for the three-time BOA Grand Nationals Finalist marching band, Flower Mound High School.

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.

David LaClair currently teaches percussion and jazz at Los Fresnos High School. He has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Percussion Performance degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Throughout his education, David has had the privilege of learning from Mr. Ken Green, KJ Stafford, Mark Eichenberger, Ralph Hardimon, Glen Crosby, Dr. Scott Harris, Dr. David Campo, Mr. Fred Allen, Dr. Jack Stamp, Dr. Michael Kingan, and Leigh Howard Stevens. David has been involved with the marching arts for over twenty years as a performer, teacher, clinician, judge and fan. On the rare occasion that free time presents itself, David loves spending it with his wife Kristi, and his kids Marco, Evelyn, and Liam.

graduated from Texas State University in the spring of 2018 with a Music Education degree, and is currently on staff at Rhythmic Force Percussion. Mr. Sheeran is a Round Rock native, being a member of the first graduating class at Cedar Ridge High School. He is a founding member and the first Percussion Captain of the Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps, and has also marched with Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, The Spirit of Atlanta, The Crossmen, Imperial Percussion Theater and aged out with Monarch Independent as the Ensemble Captain. Mr. Sheeran has helped great percussion programs across the state, including Cedar Ridge High School, Steele High School, Weiss High School, and Hendrickson High School. Mr. Sheeran is a proud endorser of Salyers Percussion Products.

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.

Kurt Swisher is in his first year teaching as the assistant band director/percussion director for Stephenville High School in Stephenville, TX. He is an alumni of Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in music education where he studied with Brad Meyer and Ben Tomlinson. Kurt began his DCI/WGI career with Tyler Junior College Indoor Percussion in 2017, followed by Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps in 2019. He then went on to play timpani for the Boston Crusaders in 2021 and Pulse Percussion in 2022, were they won the Gold metal at the WGI World Championships. Prior to Stephenville, Kurt taught schools in both Texas and California for marching band and indoor percussion, including Wylie High School, Hudson High School, and Millikan High School. He is currently on staff with Vigilantes Indoor Percussion.

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 studies Music Education & Bassoon Performance at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, planning to graduate in May 2023. He currently serves on staff at Veritas PIW (Indianapolis, IN) and Edgewood HS (IN). He previously served on staff at River City Rhythm DBC as a bass drum technician, as well as 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. Larsen plans on entering the public music teaching field in Fall 2023, and will continue to be involved with independent marching ensembles.

Eric Hinton Jr is a native of Pflugerville TX and specializes in snare drum. He has marched DCI with The Blue Knights (2019) with instruction from Brandon Hussey, Taha Ahmed, Veronica Wicks, and Mike Jackson. He also has marched WGI with UTSA Indoor Percussion (2019) with instruction from Eric Medina, and Ben Pyles. Eric currently is a battery instructor for Pflugerville HS Band (2019, 2021, 2022) and will be joining genesis as a snare tech for his first year.

Annelise is a 2022 age out of Genesis , where she has been a member since 2020. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in computer science at Indiana University, and teaches the battery at Edgewood High School in Ellettsville, IN. She is very excited to be around old friends and grind this summer!

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.