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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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!

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.

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.

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.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and residing in Orlando, FL, Ian is a color guard technician and choreographer whose work experience highlights a focus on training and excellence as well as the pursuit of creativity and youth development. He has worked with groups such as William R. Boone HS, East River HS, Horizon HS, Windermere HS, Lowndes HS, and the UCF Pegasus Open and World guards as a choreographer and equipment technician. After being initially contracted in 2020, he aged out with the 2022 DCI World Champions, The Concord Blue Devils. He also attends the University of Central Florida, contributing to the school law journal as a writer and editor, conducting research for the sociology department, and studying finance and philosophy. He now looks for opportunities to develop his creative and technical palette on the educational side of outdoor and indoor Color Guard.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.