Michael Weber
Brass Caption Head

Michael Weber returns to The Academy for his second season as Brass Caption Head. Weber is an accomplished musician, educator, arranger, and drill writer, currently based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2016, followed by a Master’s in Trumpet Performance from the University of Utah in 2022, where he received a full-ride graduate teaching assistantship.

With over fourteen years of teaching experience, Michael has nurtured the musical development of students from kindergarten through college. His contributions have left a lasting impact on diverse music programs across multiple states, including Utah, Nevada, California, and Texas. In 2023, he became the Associate Band Director at Foothill High School in Henderson, NV. The Foothill Marching Band has achieved recognition as an 18-time Bands of America regional championship finalist and has participated in prestigious events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, and the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Waikiki, Hawaii.

Michael’s journey in the drum corps community includes marching with 7th Regiment in 2010 and 2011, followed by the Santa Clara Vanguard from 2012 to 2013. He was a pivotal member of the Blue Devils International Corps during their European tour in 2015. His expertise in brass instruction flourished during his tenure as a brass instructor for the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets from 2017 to 2022, leading to multiple Open Class Championships and “Best Brass” awards. In 2023, he joined the renowned Phantom Regiment brass staff.

Beyond his contributions to the marching arts, Michael remains an active performer with his brass quintet, Twin Peaks Brass. His talent has facilitated collaborations with distinguished ensembles and artists, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Henderson Symphony, Lady A, Eric Marienthal, and Allen Vizzutti, among others.

At the core of Michael Weber’s endeavors is a steadfast commitment to creating a safe and engaging musical environment where students can explore their talents and realize the transformative power of music in their lives and futures.

Christian Arteaga
Assistant Caption Head

Christian Arteaga lives and works in Houston as the Assistant Band Director at Summercreek High School. After growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, Arteaga earned a Bachelor of Music Education Degree as a trumpet player, and continued his education to earn a Master of Music – Conducting Degree both from Texas A&M University – Kingsville.

With a wide range of experiences, Christian Arteaga has helped foster a love and appreciation for Wind Band, Marching Band and Drum Corps at many levels and areas across South Texas.

Christian has seen success both teaching and performing in notable events, including the Ensemble division of the National Trumpet Competition, TMEA, and DCI marching with the Cavaliers in 2017, Brass Staff at Compass DBC in 2021 and on Visual Staff for Genesis in 2023.

Christian is passionate about showing students the power of music, and helping to spark the positive effects that music can have on their lives. Christian is a member of TMEA, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. 

Tori Kawasaki
Assistant Caption Head

Raised in both Oahu, Hawaii and Nara, Japan, Tori Kawasaki is a 2013 graduate from Moanalua high school and holds aBachelors of Music Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In fall 2017, he started as the head band director at’Ilima Intermediate school in Oahu, Hawaii, where the program grew from 120 to over 400 students in 4 years.

In 2021, he became the assistant band director at Mililani High School where he taught the Jazz Band, Marching Band, Indoor Winds, and 2 Concert Bands. At Mililani, he assisted in taking up the indoor winds in both 2020 and 2024 to compete in the world class division. Tori’s teaching experience also includes being a guest clinician and brass technician at numerous schools in Hawaii, a guest clinician at several schools in Japan, and will be returning as a staff member for the Academy Drum and Bugle corps.

His marching experience includes the Santa Clara Vanguard, where he played lead trumpet in 2015, and Aimachi marching band located in Nagoya, Japan, where he has been performing with them at a variety of gigs, shows, and competitions since 2017.

Buddy Deshler
Lead Trumpet Tech

Dr. Buddy Deshler is a distinguished trumpet artist who is celebrated for advocating the arts’ transformative power in fostering culture and community within musical environments. His career spans national and international stages, highlighted by a five-year tenure with the prestigious Dallas Brass. Dr. Deshler has performed with renowned ensembles such as the King’s Brass, The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, Foden’s Band, Vice City Brass, NewStream Brass, The Phoenix Brass Collective, Celtic Woman, Mannheim Steamroller, and numerous professional orchestras across the country.

Beyond his performances, Dr. Deshler is a dedicated educator and entrepreneur. He is President and Co-Founder of the Brass Institutes of America, Inc.. This nonprofit organization offers festivals and educational opportunities for young musicians across the United States. His active involvement with the International Trumpet Guild and the National Trumpet Competition, where he frequently serves as a clinician, adjudicator, and presenter, further demonstrates his commitment to advancing the field of music.

Dr. Deshler’s academic journey reflects his dedication and passion for music. He holds a B.M. in Instrumental Performance and an Artist Diploma from the prestigious Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. He further refined his skills with an M.M. from the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University and a D.M.A. from Arizona State University. He shares his extensive knowledge by teaching The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. He is the Assistant Professor of Music at Furman University in Greenville, SC, where he teaches applied trumpet to the Furman Trumpet Studio, chamber ensembles, and music entrepreneurship.

Dr. Deshler continues influencing and inspiring the music community as an endorsing artist for XO Brass trumpets, Denis Wick mouthpieces and mutes, and Smith Watkins cornets. Follow Buddy Deshler on social media for updates on his work and performances.

George Solis
High Brass Tech

Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, George Solis is an in demand musician in the San Antonio and greater Houston area. With expertise in classical and jazz styles, he has performed with orchestras, big bands, orchestra pits for operas and musicals, wedding bands, and British style brass bands. Musicals are one of George’s favorite genres to perform, and he has had the privilege to play nearly 20 musicals with Houston’s local high schools, colleges, and universities.

Currently George performs as a member with the San Antonio Brass Band and the Magnolia City Brass Band, Houston’s new all-professional British-style brass band under the direction of Houston Symphony Assistant Principal Trumpet, Robert Walp.

As an educator George has been teaching since 2011, with 5 years teaching as a band director. Solis has worked with Texas high school bands that have frequently competed in the UIL State Marching Contest. George marched in 2011 and 2012 with the Santa Clara Vanguard, and is excited to bring his expertise to The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps.

George is a graduate of the University of Houston where he studied with Mark Hughes of the Houston Symphony, and the University of North Texas where he studied with Rodney Booth.

In his free time George enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and camping.

Jacob Greer
Brass Instructor

Jacob Greer, originally from the east coast, is a distinguished band director based in Salt Lake City, Utah. He earned his degree in Music Education from The University of Utah, where he studied under trumpet professors Dr. Seretta Hart and Dr. Peyden Shelton. In 2017, he was a member of the Seattle Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps, and he has served as a hornline instructor for the past two seasons. In addition to freelancing as a trumpet player and running a large private studio, he coaches various marching bands throughout Utah. Beyond his musical pursuits, he is an avid golfer.

Joe Walczyk
High Brass Tech

Joe Walczyk has been involved in the marching arts since 2009 and joined the 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps in 2010 where he played trumpet and mellophone. During this time, Joe also performed with his high school indoor percussion group. He then went on to perform with the Bluecoats in 2015 where he was awarded Visual Rookie of the Year, and aged out with the Bluecoats’ first ever DCI Championship in 2016.

Since then, Joe has been performing with  Cinematic Brass, a virtual brass ensemble that recently recorded the theme for NBC’s Big Ten Saturday Night segment and the Seattle Kraken’s new theme song Into the Deep, the Southern Illinois Music Festival, and several other orchestras, chamber music groups, jazz ensembles, and rock bands. He also worked closely with the Southern Illinois University Marching Salukis as a graduate assistant.

Joe holds a Bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University, and a Master’s degree from Southern Illinois University in performance and a secondary focus in music theory/composition. He is currently getting his Doctorate at West Virginia University where serves as the Director of WVU’s Jazz Ensemble 2, teaches chamber music, and the WVU Trumpet Studio Graduate Assistant.

Dane Pinell
Lead Mello Tech

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Dane graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Music Education. During his time at the University of Hawaii, Pinell performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, scholarship brass, and woodwind quintet, as well as the Rainbow Warrior Marching Band and Color Guard, where he held the position of Head Drum Major for two years. During his collegiate career, Dane has also had the opportunity to assist with numerous concert and marching programs around the island.

In 2024, Dane became one of the music directors at Mililani High School, serving as the assistant director of the Mililani Trojan Marching Band, which has achieved notable success as a Bands of America Semi-Finalist and a WGI Scholastic World Winds Finalist. He also directs several concert bands and the jazz band at the school.

Dane’s marching experience includes three years with the Santa Clara Vanguard in 2018, 2019, and 2020, where he played the mellophone. In 2018, he was part of the corps’ first-ever recipient of the Jim Ott Best Brass Performance Award, and their 7th DCI World Championship. In 2024, Pinell joined the brass staff for both The Academy and Phantom Regiment.

Jezreel Sanchez
High Brass Tech

Jezreel Sanchez has been attending the University of Redlands since 2019, studying French Horn under Adam Wolf. She graduated with her B.M. in Music Performance in 2023, and will receive her M.M. in Music Performance in the spring of 2025. During this time, she has performed with the Redlands Symphony Orchestra for the 2023/2024 season as assistant horn and fourth horn, the Inland Master Chorale in 2023, and the California State University, San Bernardino Orchestra for their performance in South Korea in 2019. Along with her freelancing endeavors and aspirations to win an orchestral job, Sanchez has been honing in on her solo playing with numerous recitals and competitions, recently playing at the President’s Honors Recital in April 2024 and getting third place in the University of Redlands Concerto Competition.

Sanchez’s mission throughout her school career and beyond is to bring more attention to underrepresented composers. Being based in Southern California and a proud Chicana, Sanchez noticed the lack of French horn repertoire by Latino composers. With the love of her culture and drive to add to the horn community, Sanchez has been working to network and find ways to encourage more Latino composers. A future goal is to create a database of Latino-composed works, for horn and more. 

During her school career, Sanchez has marched with Pacific Crest in 2019, Santa Clara Vanguard in 2022, and aged out with Pacific Crest in 2023, all on mellophone. Her passion for the marching arts continued on after aging out, inspiring her to teach for the Grand Terrace High School Legacy Regiment and the San Gorgonio Marching Spartans, both in music and visual technique. Sanchez is super excited to join the Academy and help them find the same passion as her. 

John Sharp
High Brass Tech

John Sharp, originally from Ottawa, Kansas, is a dedicated musician and educator with a passion for music, teaching, and composing. Aspiring to become a renowned Sound Alchemist, Sharp’s journey reflects his commitment to both creating music and nurturing the talents of future musicians.

Sharp brings a wealth of experience and expertise to The Academy. His achievements include marching with the Colt Cadets in 2017, followed by joining the Phantom Regiment from 2018 to 2019. He joined the Blue Devils in 2020, returning to Phantom Regiment in 2022 and 2023. While marching in the 2023 Phantom Regiment, Sharp was the Soloist, Prop Crew Captain, and was nominated for the Mark Glasscoe Member of the Year Award. Although freshly aged out, these experiences allow him to mentor and inspire young musicians in the world of drum corps.

Sharp’s ultimate goal as an educator is to inspire and guide the next generation of musicians through his teachings. He strives to instill a deep appreciation for music in his students, touching their hearts and minds, and preparing them for their own life’s journey.

Jason Vazquez
Lead Euphonium Tech

Jason Vazquez, originally from Flushing, Queens, NY, is a dedicated trombonist and an accomplished figure in the world of music education. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with an emphasis on Jazz and Commercial Music from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he honed his musical skills and deepened his understanding of the art performing alongside renowned artists such as Joe Alessi, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Rampton, Allen Vizzutti, and Elliot Mason.

During his time at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Jason showcased his musical prowess as an active member of the acclaimed UNLV Jazz Ensemble I and the Latin Jazz Ensemble, earning several prestigious Downbeat Music Awards and winning first place in the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival. Additionally, he contributed his talent to the Grammy-nominated UNLV Wind Orchestra, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and versatile musician, performing on both trombone and euphonium within the ensemble.

As a low brass instructor in Las Vegas for over 10 years, Jason emphasizes a positive and encouraging learning environment for his students, making his dedication and proficiency a valuable asset to the world of brass instruction and performance. Jason currently serves as the Assistant Brass/Visual Caption Head at Foothill High School, utilizing his experience from performing with several independent winter guards and Gold Drum and Bugle Corps to bring expertise in conceptualizing performances, design, and providing valuable feedback to aspiring musicians and performers.Passionate about nurturing the musical talents of aspiring brass players, Jason is committed to fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment aiming to elevate the standards of brass performance within the drum corps community. Through his studies, performances, and dedication to excellence, Jason Vazquez continues to make a lasting impact on both his students and the world of marching arts, jazz, and commercial music

Hannah Peterson
Low Brass Tech

Hannah Peterson is a music educator originally from Highlands Ranch, Colorado and currently serves as Associate Director of Bands at Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins, Colorado. Previously, she was one of the band directors at Liberty High School in Colorado Springs. Hannah received her Master of Music Education degree from the American Band College of Central Washington University and her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Colorado in Boulder.

Hannah spent her drum corps career marching baritone with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps in 2017 and the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018. She served on the brass staff at the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 2022 and the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps from 2023-2024.

In her free time, Hannah likes to go camping, play board games, read, and play video games. She lives in Loveland, Colorado with her husband, Tristan, and cats, Mist and Freya.

Hannah is excited to be joining The Academy team this year!

Skyler MacKinnon
Low Brass Tech

Skyler MacKinnon is thrilled to be joining the brass staff for The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. Originally from Southern California, he is currently based in the Detroit metropolitan area where he performs as Principal Trombonist of the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra. Skyler holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Performance from San Diego State University, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Trombone Performance and Chamber Music from the University of Michigan.

With an eclectic career that transcends genres, Skyler recently completed four years of active-duty service with the United States Navy Band Northwest, where he performed as a trombonist and euphonium player in wind bands, brass quintets, jazz combos, and funk bands throughout the Puget Sound region. He has performed with Valhalla Brass, Everett Philharmonic, Brass Band Tacoma, Tacoma Concert Band, Opera NEO, San Diego Winds, La Jolla Symphony, City Ballet of San Diego, and Gaslamp Quarter Jazz Orchestra. Additionally, Skyler is passionate about performing trombone solo repertoire that highlights vibrant young composers from across the world.

Skyler spent four years marching with the Santa Clara Vanguard, aging out as part of the baritone duet from the 2018 Championship-winning production, “Babylon.” He went on to teach as part of the brass staff for the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets in 2019. Prior to joining the Navy, Skyler taught visual and low brass at several high schools throughout Southern California.

Outside of music, Skyler enjoys hiking, exploring, and trying the best food in town.

Ben Stone
Low Brass Tech

Ben Stone, originally from Leesburg, Virginia, is excited to begin his first season with the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music education at the University of South Carolina, with a performance certificate on Euphonium. At South Carolina, he has performed with the Wind Ensemble, Left Bank Big Band, and the USC Marching Band. Ben is also the principle euphonium in the South Carolina Brass Band, and a recent age-out of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps where he was a featured soloist in their 2022, 2023 and 2024 Productions. Outside of the world of music Ben loves to be outdoors and enjoys activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing. He is passionate about music education, and excited to experience drum corps from a new lense.

Aaron Price
Low Brass Tech

Aaron Price, originally from Louisville, Kentucky, is an aspiring conductor, music educator, arranger, composer, and dedicated marching arts advocate who is currently working in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Having earned his Bachelors in Music Education from Western Kentucky University in 2022 and being set to earn his Masters in Conducting from the same institution in Spring 2024, Price has already left his mark on the music scene in Bowling Green and the marching arts in Kentucky. A native double bassist, Price dedicates most of his time to the orchestral world, leading young bassists and college string players in their development as musicians.

As a brass player, he marched Phantom Regiment on euphonium from 2020-2022, and seeks to bring his orchestral ear to the marching arts through his teaching and arranging. Having built a record of experience in a short time, he has already served time with Phantom Regiment’s administrative staff and as Arranger and Music Coordinator for the high school band where he was first introduced to the marching arts. Aaron Price is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space where marching members feel encouraged to grow out of their comfort zones alongside their closest friends.

Daniel Larsen
Lead Tuba Tech

Daniel Larsen is excited to return to the drum corps scene to join the 2024 brass team of The Academy. His previous corps experience includes being a member of the Santa Clara Vanguard for three summer tours, an international tour to Taiwan, and the Rose Parade. He will be working with The Academy tuba and low brass sections throughout the summer season.

After finishing his B.M. in Instrumental Performance from CSU Fresno, Daniel picked up a private studio of low brass lessons in the Dallas Fort-Worth area, teaching lessons and teching for Timber Creek HS in Keller, TX. Following several years of teaching experience, he received his M.M. in Instrumental Performance from Texas A&M University – Commerce.

Daniel performed as a freelancer in the Dallas area, and was the Principal Tubist for the Sherman Symphony Orchestra. He regularly performs with groups including the Allen Philharmonic and the Highland Park Chorale. As an avid orchestral auditionee, he routinely prepares for and attends regional orchestra auditions across the United States. Most recently, Daniel was appointed to the position of Adjunct Professor of Tuba/Euphonium at CSU Stanislaus, where he teaches lessons and lectures on music history. 

Alessandro Peña
Low Brass Tech

Alessandro Peña will be assisting this year’s 2024 contra line for Academy. He is currently finishing up his undergraduate in music education this year at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas. He will also be graduating this Fall of 2023. He’s also a fraternity member called Kappa Kappa Psi at the Mu Chi Chapter. He was a part of the Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble at UTRGV, which got many opportunities to travel across the world and even get a chance to perform at international conventions. Alessandro is finishing up his student teaching at Pioneer High School in Sharyland, Texas, now a five-time state qualifier in the Texas All-State Marching Competition. He plays in a local brass ensemble created for musicians who still want to continue playing on their instruments.

Alessandro’s background in the world of DCI includes marching with Genesis 2018, Crossmen in 2020, and aged out with Phantom Regiment in 2022. He’s super excited to get this opportunity to continue his learning/teaching as an educator and help as much as possible, passing on the knowledge of being a performer/tuba player.

Brendnn Tate
Low Brass Tech

Brendnn Tate is extremely active and involved in the marching arts, with consistent participation as a performer spanning over thirteen consecutive years. A resident of Washington DC, he is a sought after clinician and performer in the DMV area.

Originally a saxophone player, he began as a member of Ingram Tom Moore’s marching band in 2012. Upon discovering DCI, he switched to primarily playing tuba in order to be able to participate. He began his DCI career as a member of the Oregon Crusaders for the 2016-2018 seasons, and was a member of the Bluecoats for the 2019-2021 seasons. Additionally, he was a member of the Crossmen Indoor Winds in 2018.

He pursued Music Education at the University of Texas At San Antonio, studying tuba under Gary Poffenbarger, where he was a member of UTSA’s marching band, wind ensemble, orchestra, low brass ensemble, a cymbals player in their competitive indoor percussion, and a bass trombonist in their premier jazz ensemble. During this time, he was an active educator and clinician in the area, contributing to numerous programs, most notably Sandra Day O’Connor’s marching band for the 2018-2020 seasons.

Currently, he is a contrabass bugler in “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, where he has repeatedly been featured as a contrabass soloist and small ensemble performer. He is also currently a brass and visual technician for John Champe High School’s marching band, and a member of the Baltimore Ravens marching band.

Zach McCullough
Low Brass Tech

Zach McCullough attended high school in Riviera, TX where he was a four-time member of the All-State band on tuba. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Texas A&M University-Kingsville where he was a member of the TAMUK Wind Symphony, the principal tuba for the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra, and served as the drum major of the Javelina Marching Band. His principal teacher was Dr. Justin Benavidez. 

He began his drum corps career in 2007 as a member of Revolution Drum and Bugle Corps. Later he marched tuba and euphonium with The Cavaliers in 2012-2013.  Zach has also served as a member of the visual staff at Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps. He continues to be an active performer on tuba in the Corpus Christi Wind Symphony. 

Currently, Zach is in his 9th year of band directing and in his second year as the Director of Bands at A.C. Jones High School in Beeville, TX. He is the director of the Mighty Trojan Marching Band and conducts the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. Zach’s ensembles have received various accolades including recognition as a state finalist in the ATSSB Outstanding Performance series and participation in the UIL State Marching Band Contest.

Ryan Adamsons
Brass Consultant

A native of Springfield, Virginia, Ryan Adamsons is based in Chicago where he is an active performer, composer, and educator. His drum corps career began as a marching member of the Bluecoats from 1998 to 2002, and he continued with the organization as a brass instructor from 2003 to 2008 and again in 2011. In 2012 he joined the brass staff of the Santa Clara Vanguard, helping to build the brass program to their first DCI World Championship in nearly 20 years and their first ever Jim Ott High Brass Award in 2018. In addition to his duties with the World Class A corps, he joined the Open Class Vanguard Cadets as Brass Caption Manager and Brass Arranger in 2018, and continued his arranging duties in 2019 while taking over as Assistant Brass Caption Manager for the A corps. He joined the educational staff for the Phantom Regiment in 2020 and is now the Assistant Brass Caption Manager. Ryan is also an active instructor, adjudicator, and clinician, working with countless groups in the US, Canada, and Japan. In addition to writing for various marching ensembles, he has numerous works for jazz ensemble, with his educational charts published and available through Kendor. He is also the co-author of the book Rehearsing the Jazz Band published by Meredith Music.

He serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Jazz Orchestra developing their educational programs, is the Jazz Area Manager for The Midwest Clinic, and has several roles for the Jazz Education Network including as Conference Production Coordinator for their annual international conference. He plays Powell Custom trumpets and flugelhorns.

Kevin Ronan
Brass Consultant

Kevin Ronan is a graduate of Arizona State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Performance degrees. While a student at ASU, he studied with Sam Pilafian, world-renowned brass pedagogue and co-author of The Breathing Gym. Kevin also served on the instructional staff of the ASU Athletic Band Department for five years, under the direction of James G. Hudson.

From 2007-2018, Kevin was a brass instructor for The Concord Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. Prior to joining The Blue Devils staff, he marched in the hornline and served as tuba section leader. In 2019, Kevin joined the brass staff at Carolina Crown, a position he held until his departure after the 2024 season. 

In addition to teaching, Kevin works year-round as a music arranger, programmer, and consultant for the marching arts. On the field, bands performing his arrangements have been recognized as BOA Super Regional Champions and Grand National Finalists, as well as State Marching Contest Finalists and Champions. From 2012-2018, Kevin was a member of the instructional and creative staff for the Marcus High School Marching Band. In 2019, he joined the instructional and creative team at Hebron High School.