Dane Pinell

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, Dane Pinell graduated from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in 2024 with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Music Education. During his time at the University of Hawai‘i, Dane performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Brass and Woodwind Quintet, as well as the “Rainbow Warrior” Marching Band and Color Guard, where he served as Head Drum Major for two years.

In 2024, Dane became one of the music directors at Mililani High School in Mililani, HI. He is the Assistant Director of both the Mililani High School “Trojan” Marching Band and Color Guard, which has earned consistent high recognition at local festivals, and the Scholastic World Indoor Winds program. He also directs the school’s Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Band. In addition to his work at Mililani High School, he has also served as an instructor, adjudicator, and clinician for multiple concert, marching, and chamber ensembles across the island of Oʻahu.

Dane’s DCI 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 Jim Ott Best Brass Performance Award and claimed its 7th DCI World Championship. He also received the bronze medal when the corps finished 3rd in 2019. Dane taught at the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps from 2024 to 2026, and served as the Lead Mellophone Technician for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Dane has been serving on the brass team for Phantom Regiment since 2024.

Rudy Ruiz

Rudy Ruiz is a Los Angeles-based video editor and camera operator who has been active in the Southern California marching arts community for many years. He has taught visual at numerous high school programs throughout the region, including Alta Loma, Arcadia, and El Dorado, and currently serves on the instructional staffs at South Hills and Charter Oak. Rudy also works as a judge and clinician, providing instruction and feedback to band programs throughout Southern California.

As a performer, Rudy marched with Pacific Crest in 2008 and 2009 and The Cavaliers in 2010 and 2011. He returned to Pacific Crest as a visual instructor from 2012 through 2021, serving as Visual Caption Head from 2018 through 2021. His drum corps instructional experience also includes serving on the visual staff of The Cavaliers from 2013 to 2015 and Phantom Regiment from 2022 to the present.

Outside of the marching arts, Rudy works full-time in Los Angeles as a video editor and camera operator.

Liam Adcock

Justin Daly

Justin Daly, originally from Newington, CT, is currently the Assistant Director of Athletic Bands and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Connecticut. In this role, Mr. Daly assists with all facets of the UConn Athletic Band program, including the “Pride of Connecticut” UConn Marching Band and the university’s basketball and hockey pep bands. His responsibilities include supporting rehearsals, performances, game-day operations, student leadership development, as well as the broader instructional and administrative work of the UConn Band program.

Mr. Daly has more than 15 years of experience in the marching arts and drum corps as a performer, educator, consultant, and adjudicator. He was a five-year member of the UConn Band program, serving as trumpet section leader, drum major, director intern, and spending multiple summers working in the UConn Band Office. He performed as a lead trumpet player and flugelhorn soloist with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps in 2019, as well as performing with the Bluecoats 50th Anniversary Alumni Corps in 2022. From 2022 to 2025, he was on the brass staff of the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps of Sacramento, CA, contributing to a period of historic growth and competitive success for the organization’s brass program. He has also served as an instructional staff member or consultant for the 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, the Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps. Additionally, he serves as a music adjudicator for US Bands/BD Performing Arts.

Mr. Daly is active as a teacher-scholar, clinician, and presenter. He has been invited to teach, lecture, and present at colleges and universities, conferences, clinics, and professional development opportunities across New England and online. His professional interests include equity in music education, instrumental music education, marching arts education, popular music education, competition and collaboration, student and teacher self-efficacy, and advocacy and policy in arts education.

Mr. Daly holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Music, and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Music Education from UConn. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Music Education at Boston University. He has studied trumpet with Dr. Louis Hanzlik, Derek Gipson, Ricardo Brown, Andrew Sorg, and Kenneth Bell. His instrumental conducting teachers include Harvey Felder and Dr. Vu Nguyen. He has further developed his conducting through participation in wind band conducting symposia and workshops throughout the United States, working with nationally recognized conductors. Mr. Daly received the 2023 Outstanding Emerging Music Educator Award from the Connecticut Music Educators Association and the 2024 Outstanding Potential Award from the Connecticut Chapter of the American School Band Directors Association.

Hunter Dorman

Gabriella Mathews

Boston Crusaders 23’ 24’

Origins 23’ 24’ 26

Rhythmic Force 25’

Taught at SCV 26’ and currently teaching at Vandegrift HS and Leander HS

C Entrekin

C is a band director and choreographer based in Lubbock, Texas. They graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelors of Music Education and a Master of Music education. C’s drum corps experience includes membership in the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Santa Clara Vanguard, and visual staff appointments at the Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps (2024) and Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps (2025, 2026). C is a avid runner and Crossfitter, and enjoys spending time with their wife, Bayleigh, and their three dogs, Einstein, Granger, and Remy.

Meaghan Wilkinson

Meaghan Wilkinson is a visual instructor based in Colorado Springs, CO. Originally from Southern California, she began her drum corps career with Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps, marching baritone from 2014 to 2015. She performed with The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps from 2016 to 2017 and aged out with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps in 2019.

Meaghan has over a decade of experience as a visual instructor and has had the opportunity to work with highly competitive programs across the SoCal region, including Vista Murrieta HS and Etiwanda HS. Her previous drum corps teaching experience includes Gold, The Blue Knights, and The Mandarins.

Meaghan earned a B.A. in English from the University of California, Riverside in 2019 and an A.A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant Studies from Arapahoe Community College in 2024. She currently works as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in assisted living and memory care communities throughout Colorado Springs.

Christian Luke (He/him)

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Christian earned a degree in Secondary Education in Biology from UH West Oʻahu after graduating from Kamehameha HS. His performing career includes his time with the Bluecoats (2014), Blue Knights (2015–2016), Blue Devils (2017), and the Pride of Cincinnati Winter Guard (2021–2022). Complementing his marching experience, Christian danced at the PlayGround Dance Studio and 24Vii DanceForce from 2014-2016.

An active educator, Christian serves as Director and Designer at Kamehameha HS and Choreographer for the Mililani High School Color Guard since 2014. He has also instructed movement for Mililani’s Marching Band and World Winds program since 2018. Christian also teaches at clinics locally in Hawaii, and had choreographed for the Mason and Campbell County HS Color Guards (2022), Kaikalino Independent (2018-2019), and Phantom Regiment (2019–2021). In 2024, Christian returned to Phantom Regiment to teach Movement for the Corps. Beyond traditional competitive seasons, Christian has produced projects that have led his performers to be featured in local short films and collaborations with 24Vii DanceForce. Outside of the marching arts, Christian is a Data Team Lead and Science Teacher at Mililani Middle School.

Christian is thrilled to continue his work on staff with Phantom Regiment for the 2027 season!

Darren Van Derpoel

Darren Van Derpoel resides in Glendora, CA and works throughout Southern California as a music educator. After graduating from Vista HS in 2005, he went on to perform with Esperanza Drum and Bugle Corps, Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, Black Knights Indoor Percussion, Riverside Community College Marching Band, and RCC Indoor.

Darren earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Management from Cal Poly Pomona in 2013. He currently serves as the co-director of Sidle Entertainment, the provider of drumline entertainment all throughout California, including the Los Angeles Charger’s “Thunderbolt Drumline” who perform at all Charger home games and other special events throughout the year.

Darren has been an active percussion instructor in Southern California since 2005, working with several high schools and independent groups. He currently works with Ayala HS, El Dorado HS, Dark Sky Percussion, and RCC.

Clayton Wachholz

Mr. Wachholz currently serves as Director of Bands at Annie E Keller Regional Gifted Center in Chicago, Ill. He is also the proprietor of WachholzMusic L.L.C. where he offers group and individual instruction. Mr. Wachholz taught at Cedarburg High School in Cedarburg, Wisconsin for eight years. Before his position at Cedarburg Mr. Wachholz held positions at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park in Canton, Michigan and the International School of Belgium in Brussels, Belgium.

Clayton Wachholz has degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (BA) and the University of Michigan (MM). An active guest conductor and educator, he has given clinics to varied groups in England, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Brazil and Argentina. He has been the featured brass clinician at the British Youth Band Association Annual Band Camp in London, England and has twice been a clinician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Summer Music Clinic where he led concert and jazz bands. Clayton Wachholz has served as the music director for the Lakeshore Symphonic Band, a semi-professional wind ensemble based in southeastern Wisconsin and the Shorewood Summer Concert Band.

Mr. Wachholz has been involved in the drum and bugle corps activity as a performer and teacher since 1979. As a baritone player he marched with the Thunderbolts (1979), Pioneer (1980-1984), and Madison Scouts (1985-1989). He went on to teach the Madison Scouts for many years (1991-1997, 2001) and taught the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps brass from 2005-2007 and 2016-2017. In 2018 and 2019 Mr. Wachholz served as an educator with the Santa Clara Vanguard brass teaching staff. 2027 will be his 11th

​season with the Phantom Regiment brass staff.

Clayton Wachholz has been an active performer on trombone and euphonium for over thirty-two years. In the drum and bugle corps activity his awards include 1986 DCM I&E High Brass Score (scholarship), 1988 DCI Baritone Champion and 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 DCI Brass Ensemble Champion. As a Euphonium player Mr. Wachholz was a member of the Wisconsin Tuba Quartet that was selected as the first group of its kind as a Semi-Finalist for the Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition. He was a Semi-Finalist for the Falcone International Euphonium competition and was 1st chair in the 1991 T.U.B.A International All-Star Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble. As a Trombonist Clayton Wachholz has performed with the American Wind Symphony, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Racine Symphony Orchestra, Kenosha Symphony Orchestra, Madison Brass, Madison Jazz Orchestra, Milwaukee Brass Band, Knightwind Ensemble, Kettle Morainne Symphony Orchestra and numerous freelance groups.

In leadership positions Mr. Wachholz has served on the board of directors for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Youth Wind Ensembles, the National Band Association Northern Diversion and was an elected committee member representing all 3A

marching bands for the Wisconsin School Music Association. For two summers Mr. Wachholz served as Brass Coach for the Wisconsin State Honors Orchestra. He was a 2011 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Fellowship Award Recipient (Wisconsin Teacher of the Year Program).

Ben Stone

Originally from northern Virginia, Ben is looking forward to his second year on the Brass team. He is currently the Director of Bands at Woodmont High School in Piedmont, South Carolina. Ben received his Bachelors of Music with emphasis in Music Education from the University of South Carolina, while also attaining a performance certificate on the Euphonium. While studying at the University of South Carolina, he was a member of the USC Wind Ensemble, the Left Bank Big Band, the University of South Carolina Marching Band, and the Garnet and Brass Quintet. Ben also was a member of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle corps from 2022-2024, and was a featured soloist in each production. Outside of the band world Ben enjoys football, golf, and spending time with his family.

Anthony Mingus

Anthony Mingus is a visual educator based in the California Bay Area. He is passionate about helping performers develop confidence, consistency, and a strong understanding of visual fundamentals.

Anthony’s drum corps teaching experience includes serving on the visual staff of the Vanguard Cadets in 2022 and working with the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps from 2023–2026, where he served as Visual Caption Manager. Anthony has also taught at Lynbrook High School in San Jose, California since 2017 and currently serves as the Visual Caption Head for the Monta Vista/Lynbrook combined marching band.

Anthony’s performance career includes marching tuba with the Vanguard Cadets from 2013–2016 and the Santa Clara Vanguard from 2017–2018.

Thomas Vastine

My name is Thomas Vastine, and this will be my first year as a Visual Tech with Phantom Regiment! I marched with Phantom from 2021–2024, so I’m incredibly excited to come full circle and have the opportunity to teach the corps I loved being a part of. Outside of Phantom, I work at Northwestern University in research, where I get to combine my passion for science and animals with my goal of helping make a difference in the world. I’m beyond excited to be back with Phantom and can’t wait for another summer with the corps!

Jacob Kline

Jacob is a percussion performer and educator based in Fort Worth, TX. He is currently the Percussion Director at Haltom High School in Haltom City, TX. 2027 will be Jacob’s 5th summer teaching with the Phantom Regiment. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in Percussion Performance from the Peabody Conservatory. He spent the 2018 and 2019 summers as a member of the snare line for the Santa Clara Vanguard. In his time outside of music, Jacob enjoys watching soccer, attending metal and hardcore shows, and spending time with family and cat.

Darian Sanders

Darian Sanders is a singer, actor, author, conductor, educator, and arts advocate whose career spans as a solo artist, Broadway, drum corps, worship, and the performing arts.

A native of Kentucky, Darian began his musical journey as a trumpet player. He performed with the Phantom Regiment in 2005 as a lead trumpet player before serving as the corps’ head conductor in 2006 and 2007. After aging out, he returned to Phantom Regiment as an instructor from 2008 through 2012 and has continued serving the organization as a conductor consultant, performance coach, clinician, and mentor since 2023.

Darian’s performing career includes his role as Simba in Disney’s The Lion King National Tour, as well as regional theatre performances in Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hairspray, Dreamgirls, and Legally Blonde. His work also includes film, television, concert performance, songwriting, and worship leadership.

Throughout his career, Darian has remained deeply connected to the arts education community. He regularly works with students, performers, musicians, and emerging leaders, sharing lessons in conducting, performance, leadership, discipline, and artistic expression. His journey from the Phantom Regiment field to the national stage reflects the transformative power of the arts—and his commitment to helping others discover their own voices within it.

Alex Gorman

Alex is in his first year on staff at Phantom Regiment. He was born and raised in ST Louis Missouri and currently teaches and arranges for multiple high schools in the area during the fall and winter seasons.

Aside from teaching, Alex spent his marching performance career with the Academy DBC in 2023, Phantom Regiment 2024-2026, and Rhythm X 2026-2027.

Key Poulan IV

Key is a 5th and 6th grade beginning band director in Fresno, California, and greatly enjoys instilling the attitude, skills, and knowledge required to inspire students to become great people through music education. He holds a music education degree and teaching credential from California State University, Fresno.

Key marched at the Sacramento Mandarins from 2017-2019, was contracted with the Santa Clara Vanguard for 2020/2021, and returned to the Mandarins as the trombone soloist in 2021 for his concurrent age-out with the two corps. He taught on the brass team at the Mandarins from 2022-2025, and the Blue Knights in 2026. He was a cast member of the Blue Devils International corps in 2026 that toured throughout Central Europe.

Outside of teaching, Key loves to read, smoke meats on the Traeger, and play trombone in the Wind Symphony of Clovis. He spends his time with his wife, Alea, and their high-energy dachshund, Atreides.

Joshua Jenkins

Joshua Jenkins is the Director of Bands at Ramsey High School in Ramsey, New Jersey. His responsibilities include directing the Ramsey High School Wind Ensemble, the Ramsey “Big Blue” Band and Guard, and teaching instrumental lessons for grades 9-12. Previously, he was the assistant band director in the Vernon Township school district and the band director at Brooklawn Middle School. Joshua holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Ithaca College, where he studied French horn with Professor Alexander Shuhan, and he also holds a master’s degree from Montclair State University in Wind Conducting and studied with Dr. Thomas McCauley.

Joshua is heavily involved in the marching arts. He was the brass caption head of the Hawthorne Caballeros from 2019-2025 and the mellophone technician for the Sacramento Mandarins from 2022-2025. He is currently the ensemble coordinator for the Hawthorne Caballeros as well as the mellophone technician for the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. Joshua was a marching member of the Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps from 2008 to 2012 and the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps in 2013 and 2014.

Joshua’s professional affiliations include the MEBCI (Music Educators of Bergen County Inc.), the New Jersey Music Educators Association, and the National Association for Music Education. He is an active performer, having performed with the New Jersey Wind Symphony and being a member of the Sussex County Brass Quintet. He is currently the music director for the Waldwick Community Band in Waldwick, New Jersey.

Evan Magill

Evan Magill is a producer, composer, percussionist, audio engineer, and educator from Suwanee, Georgia. He graduated from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater & Dance in 2026 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Technology (percussion performance concentration), and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Music for Technology and Applied Composition at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

As a composer, Evan works predominantly in hybrid-scored electroacoustic music, both as standalone music and for fixed media in video games and film. He has extensive experience as a producer and audio/recording engineer, and has consistently published music under the moniker “Magoose” since 2019. As a percussionist, he has performed in countless orchestral and contemporary contexts, including most recently with the University of Michigan Symphony and Concert Bands, as well as the University of Michigan Percussion Ensemble.

As a performer in the marching arts, he marched with the Phantom Regiment for three years from 2023 to 2025, and with Redline Percussion (WGI Independent World) in Michigan in 2023, 2025, and 2026. In November of 2025, Evan was the winner of the PASIC I&E Collegiate Solo Tenor competition. As an educator, he has worked with various high school programs in both Georgia and Michigan, and runs a robust private lesson studio for aspiring performers at a wide variety of skill levels. Evan joined the Phantom Regiment as a staff member in 2026.

Alec Shilling

I am in my fourth year as the Assistant Band Director at Homestead High School in Fort Wayne, where I lead the Spartan Alliance Marching Band, and also teach both the jazz and concert ensembles.

Will Wells

Will Wells is a full-time wind & percussion arranger and drill designer from Columbus, Ohio. He previously served as a band director at Port Isabel HS in Port Isabel, Texas, where his concert bands received UIL Sweepstakes awards each year in addition to the marching band qualifying for the UIL State Competition in every eligible season.

Will studied music performance (tuba & euphonium) and education at The University of Akron. He has also earned a B.S. in Journalism from Kent State University and an M.Ed from The Ohio State University. In addition to teaching, he has also designed drill and arranged music for programs in Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, Virginia, New Mexico, Arizona, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Tennessee, as well as Lithuania.

2027 will be Will’s fourth year with the brass staff at Phantom Regiment. He previously spent eight seasons with the Blue Stars, and has also worked with the Troopers.

His performance experience includes five seasons with the Bluecoats on tuba and baritone. During his time with the corps, he served as tuba section leader and was a soloist on both instruments. From 2023 to 2025, he was a designer and consultant for the launch of the Bluecoats’ Rhythm in Blue Soundsport ensemble, which has captured the gold in every year of its existence. He has also worked as percussion arranger for the corps’ various alumni ensembles. Outside of the marching realm, Will has performed with the Billboard-charting band Company of Thieves on trombone, and can be heard on their live music video for the song “Talulah.”

Scott Simon

Abby MacLeay

Abby MacLeay is an active movement choreographer, clinician, and educator based in Massachusetts. Her color guard career began in Miami, Florida at G. Holmes Braddock High School, leading to an extensive performing background with Braddock Independent World (2005–2009, 2011), Magic of Orlando (2005–2006), and The Cadets (2007–2010), where she aged out.

As an instructor and choreographer, Abby has built a broad teaching portfolio across both scholastic and independent pageantry programs. Her instructional career includes positions with Cypress Bay High School, Somerville High School, and Alter Ego. After relocating to New England, she directed the movement program at Billerica Memorial High School for a decade from 2014 to 2024. Today, she actively works with Northwest Guilford, Tampa Independent, and her local program at Reading Memorial High School.

In the drum corps activity, Abby served on The Cadets Color Guard staff from 2014 through 2019, and served as a movement technician on the visual staff for Santa Clara Vanguard from 2024-2026.

Abby holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Salem State University. Outside of pageantry, she works professionally as a People Data Specialist.

Sean Stuller

Sean Stuller is an active percussion performer and educator based in the Central Texas area. He is slated to graduate in Spring 2027 with a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from Texas State University. Sean has performed and taught across a diverse array of classical, marching, and Latin ensembles at multiple levels throughout Texas, and played marimba at Phantom Regiment in 2023.

Benji Baker

Benji Baker is an active performer, educator, and arranger in the percussive community throughout United States and Internationally. His performance career has seen multiple appearances at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC). As a music arranger he works with numerous decorated programs across the United States.

Benji currently serves as the percussion director for the Lebanon Trail High School Band and it’s cluster middle schools in Frisco, TX. Under his direction the percussion ensemble received an invitation to perform at the 78th Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in 2024.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas and a Master of Music Degree from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. He is an alumni of the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps (2009-2011) and the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps (2012-2015) He currently resides in Frisco, TX with his wife, Aly, and their dog, Kekoa. Benji is endorsed by Innovative Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, and Dynasty Percussion/Titan Field Frames.

David Miranda

David Miranda is a percussion educator, arranger, and designer with over twenty years of experience in the marching arts. Originally from Southern California and currently based in El Paso, Texas, David serves as Director of Percussion at Pebble Hills High School. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for Pulse Percussion Inc. and serves as the Percussion Representative on the Board of Directors for the West Texas Color Guard Association (WTCA). David holds a BA in Music Education from Cal Poly Pomona and an MA in Education from the University of Texas at El Paso.

David’s DCI instructional career began with The Troopers in 2010, followed by Santa Clara Vanguard in 2011 and Blue Stars from 2013–2016, where he worked primarily with the bass drum sections. From 2017–2019, he served as Percussion Caption Head and Battery Arranger for Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, contributing to one of the most significant periods of competitive growth in the organization’s history. He is proud to continue his DCI teaching career as a member of the percussion staff with Phantom Regiment.

In WGI, David taught with Pulse Percussion from 2011–2013 and later helped lead Gold Indoor to WGI Finals during the ensemble’s inaugural season in 2019. He has also arranged for Velocity Independent and is the co-founder of Desert Vox Percussion, which earned promotion to Independent Open during its inaugural season.

As a high school educator, David has worked with programs throughout Southern California and Texas, including seven-time WGI PSW World Champion Chino Hills High School, Rancho Cucamonga High School, Upland, Colony, Alta Loma, Warren, Del Valle, and Pebble Hills. Since relocating to El Paso in 2021, he has continued developing competitive percussion programs throughout the region while writing and designing for ensembles across California, Texas, and New Mexico.

As a performer, David marched bass drum with Pacific Crest, Santa Clara Vanguard, and Phantom Regiment, as well as four seasons with Pulse Percussion from 2007–2010, culminating in a WGI World Championship during his age-out season. Throughout his career, he has studied under educators and designers including Paul Rennick, Murray Gusseck, Brian Mason, Glen Crosby, John Mapes, Ian Grom, and Eric Shriver.

David proudly endorses Vic Firth, Zildjian, and Remo.

Lauren Weber

Lauren Elizabeth Weber is passionate about teaching performing arts to students of all ages, from 3-year-olds to senior citizens. She marched euphonium at The Academy in 2017 & baritone at the Santa Clara Vanguard in 2019. Her first instrument is piano, & she has experience with band, choir, & orchestra. Lauren graduated from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at CSULB with a Bachelor of Music degree in Choral Music Education, a Single Subject Credential in Music, & a minor in Spanish; she also obtained a Master of Education degree in Educational Technology & Instructional Design from Western Governors University. Currently, Lauren is ecstatic to be working in Irvine Unified School District as a primary music teacher at 2 elementary schools, as well as being the vocal music director & collaborative pianist for Northwood High School’s musical theater program. Since 2022, she has been spending her summers as a drum corps visual instructor, & in her remaining free time she enjoys hanging out with her husband (who she met in marching band) & their 2 cats!

Gabe Sanchez

Gabe Sanchez is a percussionist and educator from McAllen, Texas. He currently resides in Miami, where he is pursuing a Doctorate in Percussion Performance at the Frost School of Music.

During the 2022 and 2023 seasons of DCI, Gabe played drum set with the Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps. In 2024, he had the opportunity to teach the front ensemble for the Mandarins. Currently, he works with the Blue Knights front ensemble.

Throughout high school and college, Gabe has performed in various ensembles at events such as PASIC and TMEA. As a solo performer, he has competed in state and international competitions, receiving several recognitions, including 1st Chair at the 2020 Texas All-State competition, 2nd place at the 2018 PASIC marimba competition, and 3rd place at the 2025 Modern Snare Drum competition. Gabe has been part of various jazz bands, wind ensembles, and percussion orchestras throughout his career. In his spare time, he teaches private percussion lessons.

Pat Geren

Patrick Geren is a freelance music educator, performer, and composer currently located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area where he teaches private lessons and masterclasses for the Coppell and Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School Districts. Before moving to DFW he did similar freelance work across many of the districts in Austin (TX). His students consistently place in All-Region and All-State ensembles. Patrick serves as the Director and Founder of the Lone Star Mock Audition, a series of high school mock audition experiences focused on accessible opportunities to prepare for All-State auditions.

Patrick has been involved in the DCI activity for over 20 years as a performer and educator, helping bring 2 DCI Championships to the 2016 Bluecoats and 2023 Blue Devils. He previously taught on the brass staff at the Blue Devils from 2023-2025 and Bluecoats from 2016-2022, specializing in baritone, euphonium, and trombone. In addition he worked on the brass staff at the Santa Clara Vanguard (2012-2014), Blue Stars (2011), and as a brass consultant for Pacific Crest (2018).

Bobby Frey

Bobby Frey is a music educator in Southern California. He has taught instrumental music for the last 10 years at Sierra Vista Middle School, where the bands have consistently achieved top marks at assessment.

Bobby received his Bachelor’s of Music degree from California State University Long Beach and the Bob Cole Conservatory of music. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Music Education from American Band College and Central Washington University.

Bobby’s experience in pageantry spans over 20 years, first as a performing member in DCI, and as an instructor for many high schools and drum corps, both visual and brass captions. He has been working with the Phantom Regiment visual staff since 2022 and is honored to be back at PR for another year!

Jibri Houston

Chris Alexander

Chris Alexander has served as an educator, clinician, and adjudicator for ensembles across the country for 20 years. His career in pageantry began at The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, where he performed as a member of the brass section from 2002 through 2005 and served on the brass instructional team at thru 2009 before accepting an offer to lead the visual team at Santa Clara Vanguard.

From 2010 through 2016, Chris served as Visual Caption Manager at Santa Clara Vanguard, leading both visual instruction and full-ensemble coordination. At the conclusion of the 2016 season, Chris stepped aside to start a family and take a larger role in his businesses outside of pageantry, but he has continued to engage with the marching arts as a clinician, adjudicator, and designer for ensembles throughout the United States.

Today, Chris serves as Managing Partner of Artha Capital, through which he leads business ventures in energy and hospitality. He resides in Edmond, OK with his wife Cassandra, and their two young children, Henry and Eleanor.

Joel Brannon

Keller Shelton

Keller Shelton teaches middle school band in Central Square, New York, and maintains an active schedule of marching band designing and adjudicating in his spare time. This is his fourth season as an instructor for the Phantom Regiment.

Keller performed with the Phantom Regiment from 2013-2015, and in the 2026 Phantom Regiment Alumni Corps. He previously taught bands in Missouri and in his home state of Texas. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri and Anderson University (South Carolina), with degrees in Music Education.

Ivan De La Cruz

Ivan De La Cruz is a visual designer, educator, adjudicator, and clinician with more than two decades of experience in the marching arts. Throughout his career, he has worked with nationally recognized programs as a teacher, designer, consultant, and educational leader, earning a reputation for developing innovative visual productions and helping ensembles achieve sustained excellence.

Ivan currently serves as a Visual Lead with Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps and has previously served on the instructional staffs of The Cavaliers and Santa Clara Vanguard, where he also held the position of Corps Director. His performance experience includes the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, and the New Mexico State University Wind Ensemble and Pride Marching Band.

Ivan’s educational career includes serving as Assistant Band Director at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale, Arizona, where he helped guide the program to a top three state finish in 2021 and contributed to Arizona state championships in 2022, 2023, and 2026. Before relocating to Arizona, he served as Associate Director of Bands and Visual Program Director at Dublin Coffman High School in Columbus, Ohio. During his tenure, the marching band earned consecutive Bands of America Outstanding Visual Performance Awards in 2016 and 2017 and captured the Class AAA Championship at the 2017 Bands of America Canton Regional. Earlier in his career, Ivan served as Assistant Director at The Woodlands High School in Texas, where the program was a consistent Bands of America Grand National finalist and earned the 2013 Grand National Championship.

Ivan also serves as Regional Sales Representative for Stanbury Uniforms, partnering with music educators throughout West Texas and New Mexico. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in the marching arts, he works alongside directors to help bring their artistic vision to life through innovative uniform design, exceptional customer service, and long-term program partnerships.

Ivan remains active as a designer, consultant, adjudicator, and educational clinician, presenting sessions throughout Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Latin America as a Conn Selmer Educational Clinician. Whether working with first-year directors or nationally recognized programs, Ivan is passionate about sharing the knowledge and experiences he has gained throughout his career while helping educators build programs that inspire students both on and off the field. He also serves on the SASI Leadership Team, an organization dedicated to cultivating student leadership and strengthening educational programs.

Outside of his professional work, Ivan enjoys traveling with his wife, Alyssa, and their daughter, Hannah. Whether exploring a new city, spending the day at the zoo or a children’s museum, sharing a good book, or enjoying family movie nights at home, he values creating meaningful experiences and lasting memories with his family and their miniature dachshund.

Nico Lopez

Nico Lopez is a Marine Corps veteran, having served for 7 years in “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. Based out of Chicago, IL, Nico has been a part of the visual team at Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps since 2023, using his passion, dedication, and wisdom to elevate the experience of the organization’s performers.

Dave Cooksey

Dave’s involvement in the pageantry arts began 46 years ago. He is an alumnus of The Racine Kilties and The Madison Scouts and remains active internationally as a music adjudicator and brass instructor. His combined skill sets have allowed to him to work in a variety of settings with groups around the world. He is currently entering into his fourth year as the brass program consultant for Jubal Drum Corps in Dordrecht, Netherlands.

Of those years he has spent many of them adjudicating for Drum Corps International, Bands of America, Drum Corps Japan, and Drum Corps Europe. As an adjudicator, he has served as Recruitment/Training Coordinator for new judges; the Judge Coordinator for Drum Corps Midwest Judges Guild and in 2016/17 as the Drum Corps Europe Judges Education Advisor – Music Caption.

Following his years of judging for DCI, Dave returned to the instructional ranks where he has spent the past 17 years as a low brass instructor for several of America’s top corps: The Madison Scouts, Crossmen, Cavaliers and The Phantom Regiment, including the 2008 World Championships. Dave’s return to the Phantom Regiment marks his 10th year working low brass with the corps.

Dave studied music at The University of Wisconsin, The Royal College of Music, London and Baylor University, majoring in brass performance on Tuba / Euphonium. He has had the privilege to have studied privately with some the world’s great brass teachers, Arnold Jacobs, and John Fletcher.

Dave is a graduate of Indiana University’s School of Medicine – School of Applied Health Sciences majoring in Respiratory Therapy. He currently works for AMBU, Inc as a Clinical Training Specialist.

Brandn Lindsey

Brandn Lindsey is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based visual educator specializing in marching technique, ensemble uniformity, visual pedagogy, and content-based instruction. Born into a music and drum corps family, Brandn immerses himself in the marching arts activity alongside his career as a high school Business Educator, where he teaches Accounting, Personal Finance, and Business Solutions & Innovations.

Brandn spent eight years marching drum corps, culminating in his age-out season as Drum Major for the Santa Clara Vanguard in 2011. Transitioning to instruction in 2012, he has spent his summers working with students across various marching ensembles in both visual technician and caption head roles.

Brandn works as an adjudicator for high school marching band competitions, judging both Visual Performance and Visual Effect captions. In addition to staff instruction and adjudication, Brandn has served as a visual consultant for marching ensembles across California’s Bay Area, Southeastern Wisconsin, and Central Wisconsin, while contributing to show design for local programs.

Outside of drum corps and the classroom, Brandn enjoys golfing, movies, video games, and spending time with his wife and daughters. For Brandn, visual instruction is a meaningful way to give back to an activity that shaped his life, while collaborating with world-class educators, designers, and students to entertain crowds across the country.