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.

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.

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.

Nadya is a proud alumnus of our percussion and conducting programs, who marched with Genesis ‘20 - ‘22. She recently graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in Child Learning and Development & Psychology. Her goals for the season include improving mental health awareness and building efficient food management procedures. Currently, Nadya spends her time with family, traveling, and working. In the fall, she will return to school to obtain a MA counseling degree specializing in trauma and international populations.

Sarah is a graduate student at The University of Texas at Austin, working toward her PhD in Religious Studies. Her time with Genesis supports her dissertation research, which explores music and ritual as well as spiritual and embodied experiences in secular musical communities. Sarah is also a trained educator, with a master's degree in adolescent special education and eight years of teaching experience from her time in New York. Sarah lives in Austin with her daughter, their dog, and two cats. She enjoys being a Girl Scout leader and playing mellophone in the local band Blowcomotion.

Joe is a proud alumnus of Genesis DBC. He served 6 years in the U.S. Navy as an Electronic Warfare Technician and during this time led a photographic intelligence collection team onboard USS Mount Whitney operating out of Gaeta, Italy. After separating from the military in 2020, Joe went on to pursue more creative endeavors. He currently serves as a photographer for the UTRGV Pep Band Drumline and Indoor Drumline and is constantly searching for opportunities to create art in the marching arts and music space.

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.

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.

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 has been active in the drum corps community most recently serving as Program Consultant for Genesis. As the Brass Caption Head for the Crossmen from 2014 to 2015, 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.

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.

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.

Luke Zamprelli is a resident of Houston, Texas where he works full time as a visual designer and program coordinator within the marching arts. He currently serves as the Visual Caption Head of the Blue Stars Drum Corps as well as the Visual Coordinator of Monarch Independent Percussion. Luke also works as a consultant and adjudicator for programs across the United State and Europe. Luke was a performer with the Phantom Regiment in 2011 and 2012. Upon aging out, Luke joined the visual staff of the Boston Crusaders from 2013 - 2014. He then joined the Blue Stars visual staff in 2016 becoming a caption head in 2021. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Luke moved to Houston in 2015 to start his career as a band director, most recently holding a position with Paetow High School in Katy ISD. He transitioned to full-time design and consultation work in 2022. As a designer, Luke’s ensembles have competed on circuits such as Bands of America, Winter Guard International, Drum Corps Europe, and Colorguard Netherlands. His clients have earned numerous recognitions such as BOA Regional Class Champion, UIL State Finalist, WGI Finalist, and various state champions.

Jacoby Taylor’s marching arts career started at Klein Collins high school in Spring, TX. Following graduation, Taylor continued to develop his education and pursue his passion for the activity by performing with various independent groups. He also spent four summers with the Madison Scouts. Jacoby has worked with various programs as a director, designer, choreographer and clinician. He currently is the colorguard director at Pearland. He is also the founder and director of Undaunted an independent open colorguard based in Houston.

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.

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.

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 has been active in the drum corps community most recently serving as Program Consultant for Genesis. As the Brass Caption Head for the Crossmen from 2014 to 2015, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Paul Jensen is excited to be joining the Genesis Brass Team in 2024! Paul is currently in his sixth year of teaching, and serves as the Associate Director of Bands at Sonia Sotomayor High School in San Antonio, TX, a school that opened in 2022. At Sotomayor, Paul directs the Symphonic Band, the Jazz Ensemble, and co-directs the Marching Band. For the first four years of his career, Paul was an Assistant Director at Wills Point High School, where he directed the Non-Varsity Band, Jazz Ensemble, and also co-directed the Marching Band. In addition, he assisted at the Junior High and Middle School levels, helping the bands prepare for contest as well as teaching the high brass beginning band students. Paul’s experience extends heavily into Drum Corps International, where he spent five years as a marching member and three as an educator. From 2013-2015, he was a member of the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, where he played flugelhorn, lead trumpet, and was a section leader in 2015. In 2016 and 2017, Paul was a member of the Santa Clara Vanguard, where he played lead trumpet and aged out as a DCI Silver Medalist. Following his marching experience, he served as a brass instructor for the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps from 2018-2020. Paul is a graduate of Texas Lutheran University, where he graduated with concurrent degrees in Music Education and Trumpet Performance. During his time at TLU, he was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Orchestra, and multiple small ensembles, including brass quintets and jazz combos. Paul held leadership positions in many of these groups during his time there, including principal trumpet in the Wind Ensemble/Orchestra, lead/improv chair in the Jazz Band, and student conductor of the pep band.

Luke (he/him) is excited to be returning to Genesis in 2024! Luke is currently an assistant band director at Jersey Village High School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, located in Houston, Texas. At Jersey Village, Luke conducts the Symphonic Band, directs the marching band visual program, and teaches trombone class at Cook Middle School. Prior to teaching at Jersey Village, Luke was an assistant band director for three years at Bleyl Middle School. While working at Bleyl, Luke helped the bands secure their first UIL Sweepstakes trophies in over a decade. Luke is a graduate from Miami University (OH) with Bachelor's degrees in Music Education and Marketing, and completed his student teaching with the Centerville High School bands. While working with Centerville, the “Centerville Jazz Band” 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 he marched for five years from 2013 to 2017 and served the corps as a drum major during his age-out season. 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 video games with his wife, Jessie, and his two cats, Tiger and Sean Bean.

Adam Mothersole is currently in his 7th year of teaching as the Assistant Band Director at Lago Vista ISD in Lago Vista, Texas. At Lago Vista, he is the primary instructor for the High School Jazz Ensemble and Middle School Symphonic Band. He also assists with the High School Marching Band and Middle School Beginning Band. Before working for his current position, he was the Assistant Band Director at A&M Consolidated High School in College Station for two years. Adam is an Austin native where he was born and raised before leaving to attend Baylor University, receiving a Bachelor of Music Education Degree. During his youth, he marched DCI with the Santa Clara Vanguard in 2009, 2011, and 2013. After he aged out, Adam went on to teach at Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps from 2015 to 2017. Adam began his Genesis experience in 2020 as a Brass Technician and has been having a blast ever since!

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!

Joshua is originally from San Antonio, TX where he maintains a full low brass studio. He has worked with many high school marching bands, currently in a faculty position with the Band of Warriors of Pieper High School in San Antonio. In addition to his teaching experience, Joshua marched with the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 2014, and with the Jim Ott High Brass achieving hornline of the 2015 Cadets. In 2016, he finished his DCI marching career as a member of the 2016 Bluecoats. Joshua is a graduate of Texas Lutheran University with degrees in Music Education and Tuba Performance. He was a multi-year member of the TLU Wind Ensemble, helped the formation of many small ensembles, and was a student leader. He is excited to be back with the Genesis brass team in 2024!

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.

Ryan Manders is entering his 6th year as a music educator and currently serves as the Associate Director of Bands at Hutto High School in Hutto, Texas. His roles include leading the Marching Band, Non-Varsity Concert Ensemble, and Co-Directs the Sub-Non Varsity B Concert Ensemble. Prior to Hutto High School Ryan began the first 4 years of his career at Hutto Middle School. Ryan received a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education All-Level Instrumental from Sam Houston State University. While in attendance at SHSU he performed with the Bearkat Marching Band, Angry Orange Basketball Band, Old Main Brass Choir, Symphonic Band, and various trumpet ensembles. Ryan spent two summers marching trumpet with the World Class Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps aging out as a DCI silver medalist respectively in 2017. He has served as a marching technician for Hendrickson High School, and Klein Oak High School. From 2019- 2020 he served on the visual staff for the World Class Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps. This will be Ryan’s 1st summer working alongside the Genesis brass staff, and is looking forward to a memorable summer!

Ms. Laque is in her first year of teaching band at Highlands High School in San Antonio. Ms. Laque is a proud alumna of Texas State University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Music Studies. Throughout college she taught in the greater-Austin area; holding marching technician and clinician positions at James Bowie, Jack C. Hays, and Dripping Springs High School. Ms. Laque has worked closely with the directors at Barton Middle School since 2020 through summer band masterclasses, region masterclasses, lessons, and instrument selection events. Since Fall 2021, Ms. Laque has been on judge panels in regions 12 and 18 for middle school and high school district and region auditions. During the majority of her college career, Ms. Laque played tuba in the Symphonic Wind Band at Texas State University under the direction of Dr. Kyle Glaser. Beyond concert ensembles, Ms. Laque was involved with the university’s marching and basketball bands where she took on leadership roles as sousaphone section leader and head band manager. Outside of performing with Texas State University Bands, Ms. Laque is a member of the Heart of Texas Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Mark Rogers, for the 2023-24 season.

Mitchell is the band director at Ingersoll Middle School in Canton, IL. He received his BA in Music Education from Illinois State University. Mitchell has performed with the Blue Stars and the Bluecoats drum and bugle corps, winning the DCI world championship in 2016 and performing with the Bluecoats 50th anniversary Alumni Corps. Mitchell worked as a brass instructor with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps from 2018-2020. Mitchell currently resides in Morton, IL with his wonderful wife Helen, their two cats Cabbage and Oskar, and their dog June.

Ian Calhoun (he/him) is a freelance low brass musician and music educator in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Ian has experience performing in numerous wind bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, and chamber groups all across the country, including the Dallas Brass Band, the only British-style brass band in the Metroplex. He also marched baritone with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps in 2016 and 2017. Ian received his bachelor’s degree in bass trombone performance at the University of North Texas, where he performed in dozens of small and large ensembles, including the North Texas Wind Symphony, the U-Tubes Jazz Trombone Ensemble, and the GRAMMY-nominated One O'Clock Lab Band. As a member of the One O'Clock Lab Band, he participated in the inaugural Jack Rudin Jazz Championship and recorded four studio albums: "Lab 2019," "Lab 2020," "Lab 2021 (featured as soloist)," and "Lab 2022." As a member of the U-Tubes Jazz Trombone Ensemble, Ian won the International Trombone Association Kai Winding Jazz Trombone Ensemble Competition in 2021 and recorded their latest studio album, "The Plot Thickens." Last spring, as a member of the North Texas Wind Symphony, he performed at the annual Texas Music Educators Association Convention featuring the Barcelona Clarinet Players and Dame Evelyn Glennie. Ian is wrapping up his master’s degree in library science with concentrations in music librarianship, sound preservation, and digital content management, and plans to graduate in May 2024. He holds professional affiliations with the Music Library Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Jazz Educators Association, and Jazz Education Network. Ian currently resides in Denton, Texas, and is extremely excited to work with Genesis for the 2024 season!

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.

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.

Damien Waites was born and raised in Dallas,Tx! He studied music education at Tyler Junior College, General studies at Collin College, and is currently at Dallas College. Damien’s Color guard career began as a technician for Sachse High School a year after graduation. He then went on to Direct and tech at schools such as Plano East High school, Williams High School (Plano) MacArthur High School, Rockwall High School, Mansfield High School, Midlothian High School and is currently the Color Guard Director for Anna High School As far as his performance career goes, he went on to march with Insignia performing arts concepts 2018, Black Gold Open 2019, where they placed overall 9th in WGI finals, and Black Gold World 2020 Outside of Color guard, Damien enjoys movies, music, art, traveling with family and friends, and doing anything outdoo

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!

My name is Cesar Renteria-Caceres aka Cece! I’ve been teaching Color Guard since 2019, where I strive to create a warm welcoming environment allowing my students to open up and express themselves in ways that words can’t express. In terms of my background in this activity. I started my career off in San Jose, Ca at Santa Teresa High School where I then furthered my career, stepping foot into the drum corps/ independent winter groups. Since graduating in 2019, I’ve been apart of Inmotion Performance Ensemble, SCVC, SCV, and finishing everything off at Blue Devils.

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. Gabrielle has been the director at Ridge Point High School In Missouri City, Texas since 2020. She has been on the technical side of teaching for Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps for the 2023 season and Undaunted Winter Guard for the 2024 WGI season. She has previously taught at Clements High School, Cypress Ridge High School, Stephen F. Austin High School, and Iowa Colony High School. 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 and Origins World in 2023.

Alejandro Vivas is a Colorguard Performer and Educator from Cypress,Texas. He graduated from Cypress Ranch High School in 2020 where soon after he seeked more experience in the Professional World of Colorguard. Alejandro has taught at several High School programs in the Houston area such as Klein High School, Clear Springs High School, Cy-Fair High School, Cypress Woods High School, Seven Lakes High School and now serves as the Colorguard Director at West Fork High School. In Alejandro’s performance career he performed with several groups including Redemption Winterguard, Origins Open Winterguard, Origins World Winterguard, Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, and The Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. Alejandro is very excited to join this amazing staff and looks forward to an amazing summer!

Ian, originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, currently resides in Orlando, FL. He has an extensive background as a performer, having aged out in 2022 with the 21-time world champion Concord Blue Devils. As an educator, Ian has worked with various scholastic and independent organizations, participating in DCI, WGI, and BOA competitions. Notable accomplishments include serving as a choreographer and technician for William R. Boone High School, Pegasus Open, and Pegasus World, all of which were WGI finalists during his tenure. Additionally, Ian works with Horizon High School, which achieved a silver medal in A class at the FFCC in only their second year of operation. Outside of teaching, Ian is pursuing degrees in Economics, Philosophy, and Writing & Rhetoric at the University of Central Florida. He is actively involved in research with the sociology department and has contributed as a writer and editor for the school law journal. Ian also serves as a legal assistant, specializing in guardianship and probate matters in Downtown Orlando.

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.

Alejandro Vivas is a Colorguard Performer and Educator from Cypress,Texas. He graduated from Cypress Ranch High School in 2020 where soon after he seeked more experience in the Professional World of Colorguard. Alejandro has taught at several High School programs in the Houston area such as Klein High School, Clear Springs High School, Cy-Fair High School, Cypress Woods High School, Seven Lakes High School and now serves as the Colorguard Director at West Fork High School. In Alejandro’s performance career he performed with several groups including Redemption Winterguard, Origins Open Winterguard, Origins World Winterguard, Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, and The Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. Alejandro is very excited to join this amazing staff and looks forward to an amazing summer!

Ryan is living in South east Michigan where he is an independent visual coordinator, choreographer and educator. After aging out in 2018 Ryan joined the visual staff of The Blue Stars, where he continued working up through the 2023 season. He is looking forward to this new opportunity and Joining the Genesis team!

Ashton Franssen is very excited to join Genesis for the 2024 season! He spent his drum corps career at the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps for the 2014 and 2015 seasons. As a teacher in the activity, Ashton spent time with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps in 2019 and the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps from 2021-2023. Ashton currently resides and is a native of Houston, Texas, where he attends the University of Houston Downtown pursuing a degree in psychology. In addition to his school work, he is a marching band and indoor percussion instructor/choreographer and has worked with many programs in the Houston area. These programs include Monarch Independent Percussion, Seven Lakes High School, The Woodlands High School, and he is currently the Visual Caption Head at Cinco Ranch High School.

Jessie Stoner (they/she) is eager to be returning to Genesis for their 2nd season with the corps! Jessie 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. 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, and participated with the Bluecoats Alumni Corps in 2022. Their 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.

Marcus Cardenas is the Associate Director of Bands at MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas. Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, he began playing trumpet in the 5th grade. Marcus graduated with honors from the University of North Texas in May 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. While at UNT, he was a member of the Green Brigade Marching Band for three seasons, where he spent his final season with the band on staff as a field instructor. He also performed as a solo cornet player with the UNT Brass Band as well as lead trumpet in the UNT Basketball Pep Band for 3 years. Marcus worked with the Hebron High School Marching Band as a field instructor for their 2018 & 2019 seasons, assisting in their 2019 trip to the Bands of America Grand Nationals Competition where the band received the bronze medal. Marcus also marched five years of Drum Corps International. He marched as a trumpet player for Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps in 2015 & 2016, the Madison Scouts in 2017, the Cadets in 2018, and finished his marching career with Carolina Crown in 2019, earning the Jim Ott Award for Best Brass Performance. Marcus is super excited to be returning on the visual staff for Genesis. He maintains professional affiliations with the Texas Music Educators Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He currently resides in Keller, Texas with his wife Stephanie, a first grade teacher.

Eric is a visual educator and designer based out of the DFW area. After their age out in 2018 with the Madison Scouts, they have spent the last few years working in the South Texas area. Most notably teaching, choreographing, and performing with the UTRGV indoor ensembles (winds and percussion). Now working with the SMU Mustang Band after moving to the DFW, they are very excited to return to Genesis for year three on the visual team.

Bryce Cotner (he/him) is excited to return to Genesis for the 2024 season! Bryce is an engineer and visual educator based out of Austin, TX. He grew up in The Woodlands, TX and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Bryce's drum corps experience includes marching mellophone with Blue Knights 2014 and Santa Clara Vanguard 2015. While at UT, Bryce was also a member of various music groups including University Orchestra and Con Moto, an experimental brass movement group. As an educator he has worked with Round Rock Highschool from 2015-2016 and with James Bowie High School since 2020. As an engineer Bryce has been a Design Verification Engineer for Apple since 2019, but please don't ask him to fix your device. In his free time you can find him skiing (both water and snow) and cuddling with his cat Belle.

Mr. Matthew Edwards serves as an assistant band director at Wylie East High School in Wylie, TX. His responsibilities include conducting the Symphonic Band and Concert Winds; teaching AP Music Theory; team-teaching the Pride of the East Marching Band; and assisting with all other aspects of the band program. Bands under his direction have been awarded overall superior ratings in UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluations along with earning superior ratings at various music festivals in North Texas. Mr. Edwards holds a Bachelor’s of Music Education Degree from the University of Houston and a Master’s of Music Degree from Southern Methodist University. Before joining the Wylie East band staff, Mr. Edwards started his music educator career as an assistant band director at Otto Middle School in Plano, TX. Additionally, he taught on the brass staff for the Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps for five seasons, serving as the brass caption head for the 2018 and 2019 season respectively. His participation in the DCI activity first started as a trumpet player with the 2011 Revolution Drum and Bugle Corps followed by his age-out summer with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps in 2012. His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmaster Association, and Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity. He and his wife, Maria, reside in Plano, TX and are the proud parents of their beautiful baby girl, Macie.

Adam Germ is a pageantry arts educator and choreographer from Quakertown, Pennsylvania. His teaching career began in the fall of 2019 with Central Bucks South High School and is continuing his work through the upcoming 2024 fall season. He currently serves as the Visual Caption Head with Central Bucks and has since 2022. Adam has also been on staff with United Percussion and UP2 for their 2023 and 2024 WGI seasons where he teaches visual technique and choreography for the battery. Adam began his marching career at Quakertown High School, marching from 9th grade until he graduated in 2019. He first marched drum corps in DCA with the Cadets2 in 2018 as a trumpet player. Following his time with the Allentown corps, he auditioned for and marched with the Blue Stars in the summer of 2019 as a mellophone player. Adam then returned to the Blue Stars every year through 2022, where he served as the mellophone section leader during his age out season. Outside of the marching band world, Adam is currently an early childhood education student at Eastern University. Adam is very excited to spend his summer with Genesis for 2024!

Hello, everyone! My name is Tyler Gamble, and I reside in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently, I am attending Georgia State University in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Fraternity Inc., is a service-driven band fraternity, and I am a brother of the Nu Alpha Chapter. My 9 years of marching experience include being a 2x BOA Atlanta Super Regional Finalist, WGI Scholastic Open Silver Medalist, Tournament of Roses Parade Participant, and a member of the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps. I have had the privilege of teaching at four different high school programs in Georgia, currently serving as the Visual Caption Head of The Buford High School Band of Wolves. Regarding Drum Corps captions, I have taught Heatwave Visual, Crossmen Visual, and Spirit of Atlanta Brass. I could not be more excited about the 2024 season. Here we go!

Zachary Reynolds currently live in Houston, Texas, where he is an Assistant Band Director at William B. Travis High School in Fort Bend ISD. Former to THS, Zac was an Assistant Band Director at Jersey Village High School in Cy-Fair ISD. His experience with drum corps are being a member of the Santa Clara Vanguard for their 2016, 2017, and 2018 seasons. He is very excited to be joining the visual team at Genesis, and can’t wait for his first season on a drum corps staff.

Jenna Zelasko is excited to join the Genesis visual staff for the upcoming season. She has been on the Blue Stars visual staff since the 2023 season. She previously taught at Legends DBC, where she also marched her first two years of drum corps in 2018 and 2019. She became a member of Carolina Crown in 2020 and aged out in the summer of 2021. Jenna also has experience in teaching high school marching band; her most recent season was spent with Coppell HS on the visual staff. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, she now resides in Dallas, Texas where she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in trumpet performance at Southern Methodist University. She holds Bachelor’s of Science degrees in both Music and Psychology from Central Michigan University.

Cole Blount is currently the second Associate Band Director at Cinco Ranch Junior High in Katy, Texas. He graduated from Texas Lutheran University in 2023 with a degree in Music Education. Blount marched baritone with Genesis in 2018, and again with the Boston Crusaders in 2019, 2021, and 2022. He has been a visual educator for many high schools in the San Antonio and Houston region since 2020.

Aidan Kane is excited to join the visual team at Genesis for the 2024 season! He aged out with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps in 2023 and also marched with the Madison Scouts in 2022. Aidan has taught marching ensembles in the DFW area for several years, most recently at Haltom High School. Aidan graduated from Texas Christian University in 2023; during his time at TCU, he performed in several concert and chamber ensembles in addition to serving as a mellophone section leader in the Horned Frog Marching Band.

Jose Montes is a Visual Designer originally from El Paso, TX. He recently moved to the Raleigh, North Carolina area to work with multiple competitive Marching Ensembles in the State. Jose writes drill, designs uniforms/props, choreographs, program coordinates and judges Indoor/Outdoor Groups across the country. He played mellophone with the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps for 3 years. Jose is the Co-Director of a competitive IA Guard in Kansas and a WSA Winds group in Wendell, NC. He is also the Executive Director of Eva Independent Winds in the Raleigh, NC. In their first year of existence, the group championed Independent A Class at WGI Winds World Championships. When he isn’t immersed in the Marching Arts, Jose is fighting for quality time between new dinner recipes and his 3 year old Boxer puppy named Charcoal.

Blake Bishop is excited to join the Genesis visual staff for the 2024 season. He most recently aged out with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps in 2023 where he spent two years marching trumpet, with his final year being featured as a soloist. Blake has had the privilege of working with several high school marching bands in the Houston area. His experience includes working with Tomball Memorial High School as a choreographer and visual technician and at The Woodlands High School as a visual technician. Blake currently attends Sam Houston State University where he has performed with the SHSU Wind Ensemble and SHSU Symphony Orchestra. He is set to graduate in the Spring of 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education.

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.

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!

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.

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.

A current senior at The University of Texas at Dallas for Animation. Marched at Pacific Crest for the 2021 and 2022 season while also marching at Pulse Percussion for the 2022 and the 2023 seasons. I have taught at multiple high schools such as Great Oak High School, Crescenta Valley High School and am currently teaching Elan Percussion for the 2024 season.

Natalie Ballew has been an active member of the marching arts community for over a decade. She spent 10 years as a performer on a variety of instruments including trumpet at Pioneer Drum & Bugle Corps in 2018 and INOV8 Winter Percussion from 2019-2022 on cymbals. After diving into the percussion world for WGI, she changed her schooling and ultimately graduated with a musical performing arts degree from Indiana University Kokomo with a focus on percussion. Natalie has been an educator in music since the summer of 2019. She has taught a multitude of high schools in Indiana, providing instruction in visual, woodwinds, writing choreography, and drill design. She was part of the staff team that brought together Music City Drum Corps’ first cymbal line in 2022 and continued on with them for the 2023 season. She spent the 2023 winter with the Audio Theater cymbal line in Tennessee, and is with Veritas in Indianapolis for the 2024 WGI season.

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.

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.

Abbey Trach is currently the Band Director at Dalhart Junior High School in Dalhart, TX, but she originally hails from West Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Grand Valley State University in 2023. Prior teaching experience includes two summers with River City Rhythm DBC, two winters with Hudsonville Winter Percussion, and a variety of fall marching band experience primarily teaching percussion and visual. Her cymbal performance experience includes Redline (2022), Genesis Indoor Percussion (2019-2020), River City Rhythm DBC (2019-2021), Grand Valley State University (2019-2021), and the Grand Rapids Gold NBA drumline. Abbey is a strong advocate for the value and growth of cymbal lines in the activity, and she is so excited to help bring the cymbal line back to Genesis this year. When she’s not teaching band, Abbey enjoys reading mysteries and thrillers, traveling across the country, and constantly taking apart her PC.

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.

Christian is from Mesquite, TX, currently pursing a BFA Design and Production, with an emphasis in Audio Design and Technical Direction. I will be working this season as a front ensemble technician!

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!

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.

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.

Austin lives in Norman Oklahoma and recently completed his bachelor's degree at the University of Oklahoma in music education. He currently teaches the battery at Resistance Indoor Percussion based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has also taught at Southmoore, Westmoore, Purcell, and Ponca City. His marching experience includes five years at the University of Oklahoma drum line, as well as marching with Resistance Indoor Percussion in 2018 and Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps in 2021.

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.