The Phantom Regiment would like to take a moment to introduce a little about each of our conductors and guard captain. Each of whom have the awesome responsibility to help lead the corps throughout the entire year, on and off the field.
Dean Patterson, Conductor
Dean Patterson is a 19 year old from Lawrenceville, GA. He is a freshman attending the University of Georgia majoring in Music Education with his primary instrument being trumpet. Dean spent two years as drum major at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, GA. This is his first drum corps experience. One thing he is very proud if is the fact that he is an Eagle Scout. Dean is honored to be a conductor of the prestigious Phantom Regiment and is excited for a great 2011 season!
Greg Benson, Assistant Conductor
Greg Benson is a 21 year old from Worthington, OH, just outside of Columbus. He is a junior attending Otterbein University in Westerville, OH, majoring in Music Education whose primary instrument is alto saxophone. While attending Thomas Worthington High School he marched four years with the Pride of Cardinal Country Marching Band, serving as a section leader for two years and as a drum major his senior year. At Otterbein, Greg was the drum major this past year with the Cardinal Marching Band. Greg is currently serving as the Vice President of the Gamma Omicron Colony of Kappa Kappa Psi, as the chapter is being re-chartered. He is also tremendously grateful for the wonderful support and inspiration he has received from the many music teachers and professors throughout the years. Greg is looking forward to meeting all of the Phamily and to an outstanding season with Phantom Regiment!
Stephen Cook, Assistant Conductor
Stephen Cook is 20 years old and a native of Novi, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. He is a sophomore at Michigan State University, where he is a music education major and a member of the MSU Wind Symphony. Stephan attended Novi High School where he was the head drum major. As a clarinet player, he has played principal clarinet in the Michigan Youth Arts Festival Orchestra and Interlochen All-State Band and Orchestra, where he was the soloist for Rhapsody in Blue. This past summer, he attended clarinet master classes and performed concerts in Todi, Italy, as well as taught at local band camps. His favorite hobbies include tennis and traveling. Stephen is looking forward to an exciting year with the Phantom Regiment!
Kelly Mitchell, Guard Captain
Kelly Mitchell is 21 years old from St Louis, MO. She is currently pursuing an associates degree at St Louis Community College as she works towards her goal to transfer and study Modern Dance. She has been participating in performing arts activities all of her life. Kelly learned dance and figure skating as a child and was a competitive figure skater for 10 years. She discovered her love for color guard when she was in eighth grade in 2003 and continued to participate in the color guard activity throughout high school. She has been a member of various winter guards including: The Pride of Missouri State Winter Guard; Capella Winter Guard; and currently Onyx Color Guard. Kelly is proud to say that she s had the honor and privilege to be a member of this incredible organization, and that being a Phantomette is her Pride, Joy, and Passion. This will be her fifth and final season with the Phantom Regiment.
