Marc Whitlock
Ensemble Coordinator

Marc Whitlock has spent thirty years as a band director and is currently a school principal. As an music educator, his prior appointments include being a band director for Marian Catholic High School in Illinois, Hebron High School in Texas, and for Discovery Middle School and the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park in Michigan. During his time as a band director his bands earned consistent superior ratings at band festivals, commissioned several new band compositions, was awarded the Mark of Excellence from the Foundation of Music Education, earned the Texas UIL Sweepstakes Award, fourteen state marching band championships, eight Bands of America national class championships, and three times was named the Bands of America Grand National Champion. His bands were also selected for multiple performances at the Music For All National Concert Band Festival and for the Presidential Inauguration.

Mr. Whitlock was formerly the music manager for the Broadway production of Blast!, which won a Tony award and an Emmy award. He also served as the first Chief Judge for WGI Winds and for decades has been involved with many award-winning ensembles as an instructor, designer, and consultant.

Mr. Whitlock has been actively involved with many award-winning ensembles for over four decades and has been in demand as an educator/designer/consultant/ for many groups, including the Blue Stars, The Cadets, Carolina Crown, The Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Phantom Regiment, Santa Clara Vanguard, Star of Indiana, and the Troopers. Many of the drum corps he has worked with have been DCI Finalists, recipients of the Jim Ott High Brass Award, and have been crowned the DCI World Champions. Most recently, he served as the Music Coordinator and Brass Consultant for the Cadets.

Mr. Whitlock has also started his own company to service the design, consultation, and educational needs of bands and other marching ensembles.  His company, “On The Marc”, strives to help concert and marching programs reach that next level of achievement and is accepting clients for this upcoming season.

Marc is excited and honored to return to the staff for the 2025 edition of The Academy! Here’s to a great season!

Jim Ragsdale
Ensemble Specialist

Jim Ragsdale began his DCI marching career at The Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, where he was a member of the snare section in 1997 and 1998. In 1999 and 2000, he was a member of The Santa Clara Vanguard snare section, serving as section leader in 2000. Jim’s DCI instructional career includes The Santa Clara Vanguard (2001-2005, 2009-2010) and The Cavaliers (2006-2008). From 2005 – 2015 he was a Texas high school band/percussion director at Winston Churchill HS, Alamo Heights HS, and Douglas MacArthur HS in San Antonio. Currently, he works as a real estate consultant in San Antonio and the surrounding areas.

In his free time, Jim enjoys spending time with his wife, Kelly, their two children, Avery and Kaylynn, and their two schnauzers, Charlie and Layla. Additionally, he enjoys being outdoors, exercising, golfing, reading, and watching college and professional football.

Jim is excited about the opportunity to return to The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps for a second season, and to continue to learn. He hopes to provide a great educational experience that the students will appreciate, remember, and enjoy.