Donnie Ross

Executive Director / Program Coordinator / Front Ensemble Arranger

Donnie Ross has proudly been involved with Cap City since its inaugural 2012 season, and currently serves as the Front Ensemble Arranger and Program Coordinator for Cap City and Cap City 2, along with contributing to the Visual Design package. His performance experience includes the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2007-2009) and Matrix Percussion (2006-2010). He then returned to be on staff for both organizations - Glassmen in 2012, and Matrix in 2012-2013, and was a member of the percussion staff at Phantom Regiment Drum And Bugle Corps. Donnie has performed as a clinician across the Midwest and Europe. Highlights include performing at the 2007 PAS Convention and 2008 IPE Championships in Europe.

From 2013-2019, Donnie served as the Educational Sales Director for Columbus Percussion, proudly serving the percussion education community. He is the Front Ensemble Coordinator for the Madison Scouts Drum And Bugle Corps, and is the Percussion Director and Arranger for Central Crossing High School in Grove City, Ohio.

Donnie served on the Ohio Indoor Performance Association (OIPA) Board of Directors from 2014-2019, 2021-2022, and again for the 2024 season. He has also been on the Percussion Advisory Board for WGI since 2017. Donnie is an active marching percussion judge, educator, arranger, sound designer, and program coordinator throughout the Midwest. He is proud to be an artist and endorser of Innovative Percussion sticks and mallets, Remo drum heads, Zildjian cymbals, and Pearl/Adams Instruments.

Garrett Lind

CC2 Director

Garrett Lind is a percussion instructor from Columbus, Ohio. He started his marching career at Bishop Watterson High School and began teaching percussion after his graduation in 2014. Since then he has taught many schools around Columbus including Westland, Grove City, Central Crossing, and Bishop Watterson.

Garrett graduated with a bachelors degree in Music Education from Otterbein University where he spent four years studying under Dr. Michael Yonchak and Dr. Jack Jenny.

Garrett marched with Cap City from 2016 through 2018. He returned to Cap City after his age out season to teach the front ensemble and help out with logistics. This will be his fourth year directing and coordinating CC2. He is excited to get the season underway!

Justin Clifton

Operations Director

Justin is from Grove City, OH where he attended Central Crossing High School. He played trumpet during marching and concert band. During his 3 seasons with the Central Crossing indoor program, he also played cymbals and marched with the visual ensemble.

Since graduating in 2017, he has returned for every marching band and indoor percussion season to help Central Crossing’s Pit Crew while the ensembles are traveling. He has also started learning more about electronics over the past few seasons.

Coming into this season as the new Director of Operations is super exciting for Justin. He’s looking forward to working with all the amazing and talented performers at Cap City this season, and hopes he can meet the same high standards they have, with everything he does. He can’t wait to get his second season underway. LETS GO CAP CITY!!

Aaron Vranekovic

Assistant Director

Aaron has been involved with the marching arts activity since 2003 where he participated and taught Amherst Steele High School for 13 years. He was a WGI finalist with Matrix Percussion in 2007 and 2008 where they travelled to Europe to hold clinics and compete at IPE Championship. Aaron holds a BA in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University, and returned to Columbus in 2016 to join up with Cap City as he reconnected with his friend Donnie Ross.

Outside the marching activity, he enjoys attending many sporting events throughout Ohio and raising his Golden Retriever (Oliver Barry). Aaron looks forward to returning for his eighth season with Cap City and bringing his best friend Oliver around for all of the good boi vibes.

Brandon Smith

Choreographer / Movement Coordinator

Originally from Lexington, KY, Brandon has been an instructor in the performing arts for over 15 years. Brandon was a member of the Madison Scouts color guard from 2003-2006. Afterwards, he performed with the Pride of Cincinnati, Juxtaposition Winter Guard, and the inaugural cast of the Pride of Cincinnati Dance Ensemble. His stage performance experience includes ensemble and principal roles in Rent, HAIR, The Nutcracker Ballet, and Hairspray.

After graduating from Miami University, he served as a musical theater dance instructor for Kentucky Conservatory Theatre. While pursuing his M.A. in Arts Administration from the University of Akron, Brandon was the Director of Dance Education at the Olmsted Performing Arts Center and also taught classes in jazz, contemporary, and ballet.

Brandon has been a designer and choreographer for groups in the Kentucky and Ohio region including Paul Laurence Dunbar HS, North Hardin HS, Madison Central HS, Connexus Percussion, and Phoenix Independent Winter Guard. For six seasons (2015-2020), Brandon was a Designer and Movement Choreographer for Juxtaposition Winter Guard. He served as the Color Guard Caption Head and Designer for the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps from 2012-2017. Following those seasons, he was a Movement Designer and Choreographer for The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018 and 2019.

This will be Brandon’s third season as a choreographer and designer for Cap City Percussion. Brandon also serves as a movement judge for the MEPA, TCGC, and AIA circuits. He is a designer/choreographer for Central Crossing HS and a choreographer / visual instructor for the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps. He currently lives in Columbus, Ohio where he is an Undergraduate Admissions Advisor for Franklin University.

Geoff Schoeffel

Audio Designer

Geoff Schoeffel is an audio engineer, designer, and educator from Sarasota, Florida. He graduated from the Blackbird Academy with an emphasis in Studio Engineering. Currently, Geoff is a Sound Designer, Consultant, and Recording Engineer for distinguished music programs across the country.

As a performer, Geoff had the pleasure of being a part of the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps front ensemble (2013-2015) and Infinity Percussion (2013, 2015).

As an educator, Geoff has been a part of the audio team at Carolina Crown, the Marines DBC, Music City Mystique, and numerous other high school bands, indoor groups, and drum corps. Currently, Geoff is on staff with the Blue Devils.

Geoff currently lives in Dallas, TX with his wife Alexandra. While not on the road, he loves all things tech, coffee, and travel.

James Sparling

Battery Arranger / Battery Coordinator

James Sparling received his degree in Music Education with a minor in Architecture at Miami University. He was heavily involved in the world music ensemble, Global Rhythms, where he served as Percussion Coordinator and Arranger. This ensemble led him to perform across the globe and work with Grammy winners Glen Velez and Jamal Mohammed, Ghatam Khartick's heARTbeat, Musafir, Jeff Queen, Michael Burritt, Anthony Cirone, A.R. Rahman, Nelly Furtado, and Lenny Kravitz. He has been a featured clinician at the North Alabama Day of Percussion, the Illinois PAS Day of Percussion, and the North Carolina Percussion Symposium.

James has served as the Director of Percussion at Bellbrook HS/MS, Assistant Band Director at Baker MS/Fairborn HS, Director of Percussion at Kettering Fairmont HS, Director of Percussion at Seminole HS, Director of Percussion at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park and Percussion Specialist in the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools District. He was also the 20-21 Vice President of Percussion & Winds for the Michigan Color Guard Circuit and is a founding member of the Michigan Alliance for Performing Arts, a non-profit organization that serves Percussion & Winds ensembles across Michigan.

He marched tenors with Trinity Indoor Percussion Ensemble, Music City Mystique, Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps, and Rhythm X. He has served in various roles, including technician, Battery Coordinator, Ensemble Specialist, Visual Designer, Program Coordinator, and Percussion Director/Arranger for: Alchemy Independent, the Carolina Crown, Eastside Fury, the Glassmen, Infinity Percussion, Madison Independent, the Madison Scouts, Redline Percussion, the Phantom Regiment, RhythmX, and Spirit Winter Percussion.

James currently works with Cap City Percussion as a Designer (20-present) and World Battery Coordinator (19-21, 23), the Cadets as Asst. Battery Caption Manager (23-present), and as Director of Percussion at Rouse High School and Wiley Middle School (22-present).

Thomas Sparling

Visual Designer

Thomas Sparling is a full-time visual designer and percussion educator based out of Cincinnati, Ohio.  He received degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, Music Composition and a minor in Arts Management from Miami University in 2009.  Since graduating, he has served as a percussion instructor at William Mason HS, Centerville HS, Bellbrook HS, Kettering Fairmont HS, and Percussion Director at Northmont HS, and La Salle HS.  He currently teaches percussion at Kings HS in Cincinnati.

He has worked on the percussion staff at the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2012), Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (2015-2016), Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps (2019-2022), Matrix Performing Arts (2013-2023), and Cap City Percussion (2013-2014, 2019-2022 and present) where he currently serves as the Visual Designer.  Since pursuing full-time design in 2016, his influence has expanded to organizations in Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Italy.

Thomas marched bass drum with the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2006), and Rhythm X (2006-2009).  He has given clinics on show design and rehearsal techniques across the Midwest as well as Taiwan and Italy.  Thomas is an endorser of Mapex & Majestic percussion, Remo drum heads, and Vic Firth sticks and mallets.

Andrew Novak

Battery Coordinator

Andrew Novak dedicated to the art of percussion and the pageantry arts. With over a decade of experience in teaching and an extensive background in the field, Andrew is passionate about fostering musical growth and inspiring students to reach their full potential. He has had the privilege of working with several renowned organizations within the pageantry arts. Some of the notable groups include Legends Drum & Bugle Corps, Notre Dame Indoor Percussion Ensemble, Burning River Percussion, and Cap City Percussion’s open and world class ensembles.

At the core of Andrew’s teaching philosophy is the belief in empowering students to become independent learners. By guiding students to understand how they think about musical concepts and techniques, he aims to equip them with the tools and mindset necessary to teach themselves. Andrew is excited to be returning to Cap City for his 4th season as a battery coordinator.

Jimmy Caupp

Cymbal Coordinator

Jimmy began his marching career at Kettering Fairmont High School (2011 - 2015). After graduation he joined the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (2015 - 2018) and Rhythm X (2016 - 2019).

He began teaching cymbals at Cap City for the 2020 season. Before that, he worked with Dayton/Cincinnati area high schools such as William Mason, Lebanon, and Centerville.

Jimmy graduated from Wright State University with a degree in Computer Science and currently works as a Programmer Analyst.

John McFarland

Ensemble Consultant

John Max McFarland is an active composer/arranger in WGI, DCI, and BOA. He is currently the Program Coordinator for Legends Drum and Bugle Corps from Kalamazoo, Michigan, a position he has held since the 2016 season. From 2013 to 2015 he was the percussion composer/arranger for Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 2018 he was the percussion caption head and arranger for the Erie Thunderbirds Drum and Bugle Corps in Erie, PA. In WGI, John has composed and arranged for many ensembles ranging from Scholastic A Class all the way up to Independent World Class. Many notable clients include Eastside Fury (2012-2014), Notre Dame Indoor Percussion Ensemble (PIA Finalists 2012, 2013) Ferndale Independent Percussion (2015 PIA Silver Medalists), Farmington United Percussion (2017 PIA Silver Medalists), and Decatur Central Indoor Percussion (2018 PSCA Gold Medalists). John also composes marching band shows for high schools and colleges all over the country.

John is also heavily involved with the Cleveland Browns Drumline acting as their Program Director, Music Composer, as well as a Game Day Performer. He began his tenure with the Browns in 2014 and continues in his current positions today.

John received his degrees in Composition (B.M.) and Percussion Performance (B.M., M.M.) from Western Michigan University. He studied percussion under Judy Moonert. John has performed as the principal percussionist and Principal Timpanist for the University Concert and Symphonic Bands, as well as the University Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the Kalamazoo Symphony and Battlecreek Symphony as a substitute percussionist. John was also a marching member of the Kiwanis Kavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps as well as the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps. John studied composition under Curtis Curtis-Smith, Dr. Richard Adams, and Dr. Robert Ricci. His compositions and arrangements have received international recognition with performances all over the United States as well as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia. His most recent piece, “5 Songs in the Age of Stupidity” for 2 percussion and mezzo-soprano, received 1st prize in the Ironworks percussion duo composition contest. John is also the owner and founder of Six to Five Productions, LLC, a marching arts music publishing company where many of his original shows for marching band, winter percussion, and concert percussion can be purchased. John resides in Medina, Ohio with his wife Sydney, his son Camden, his daughter Cadence, his 2 cats (Zoe and Minkah), and his Italian Greyhound, Sophia.

JJ Frederico

Battery Coordinator

JJ performed as a member of the snare line at Cap City in 2017 and 2018.  He also performed with the Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps (2015-2016), Notre Dame Indoor (2013-2015), and the Cleveland Browns Drumline (2018-2019).

JJ has worked with multiple groups in the state of Ohio, including Brunswick High School as a Battery Technician, Avon Lake High School as Percussion Director, Tippecanoe High School as Percussion Instructor, Matrix Open as a Snare Technician, and Kettering Fairmont High School as a Battery Technician.  He was a part of the Cap City visual staff in 2019, the CC2 Battery Coordinator in 2020, and is now returning as a Battery Coordinator for the upcoming season.

He resides in Dayton, Ohio and attends Wright State University for Music Performance and Education.

Tanner Catalogna

Battery Manager

Tanner is thankful to be teaching at the organization that started his Independent marching career. He has performed with Cap City since their first WGI finals appearance in 2017 through 2021, as well as with Pioneer Drum & Bugle Corp in 2017, Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corp in 2018-2019,  and with RCC in 2022.

Now shifted into the teaching role, Tanner currently works with Rock Hill High School teaching the percussion section and visual for the overall band. He is also pursuing his A.A.S in Network Administration at Mountwest.

Tim Martin

Battery Coordinator

Tim Martin grew up in Hilliard, Ohio where he graduated in 2009 from Hilliard Darby High School. He then went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Ohio University where he was a member of the Ohio University Marching 110, marching snare drum for 5 years. During that time, Tim performed with The Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps from Toledo, Ohio in 2012 and Matrix World Indoor Drumline from Akron, Ohio in 2013 and 2014.

After graduating, Tim traveled back to Toledo to become the Band Director at St. John’s Jesuit for 6 years. During this time, he also served on the Ohio Indoor Performance Association (OIPA) Board of Directors in multiple capacities from 2016-2021 and was a staff member with Matrix Open Drumline, from Akron, Ohio in 2016 and 2017.

Since moving back to Columbus, Tim has accepted the role as Director of Bands at Heath High School in Heath, Ohio. He is very excited to be back with Cap City for another great year!

Zac Jansheski

Ensemble Consultant

Zac Jansheski is a percussion performer, teacher, and arranger. Zac earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in music performance from Miami University. While an undergrad, Zac performed with independent marching groups, including 2012 DCI silver medalist Carolina Crown and 2013 WGI gold medalist Rhythm X. Zac is recipient of several awards including the Friends of DCI Scholarship, the Lacey/Striple Highland Band and Drum Scholarship, and KKΨ Most Inspirational Band Member Award. Zac was a founding member of the Cincinnati Bengals “Growl” Drumline as well as director/founder of the Dayton Dragons Drumline. Zac has a history of instructing high caliber ensembles, including The Colts, Spirit of Atlanta, Miamisburg High School, Centerville High School, Kettering Fairmont High School, and Miami University. This will be Zac’s sixth season working with Cap City.

In addition to instructing at Cap City, Zac works as a consultant for the music software company Muse https://mu.se/ He also performs regularly with professional orchestras and teaches private lessons out of his home percussion studio. This year Zac will be starting his first year as Adjunct Professor of Percussion at Central State University in Ohio.

To learn more about Zac, visit https://www.zacjansheski.com/

Cole Strietelmeier

Cymbal Technician

Cole started marching cymbals at Center Grove in 2016, 2017, and 2018. He continued his career at Cap City in 2019, ‘20, ‘21, and aged out in ‘22. He marched his DCI age out on cymbals at River City Rhythm in 2021.

Cole taught the Edgewood High School cymbal line in 2019, and Center Grove High School cymbal line in 2020, ‘21, ‘22, and ‘23. He taught River City Rhythm’s cymbals for the 2022 and 2023 summers. He is excited to join Cap City for the 2024 season!

Connor Smethers

Snare Technician

Connor Smethers currently lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He has marched seasons with Legends Drum and Bugle Corps, Genesis Indoor, Redline, and Cap City.

In his free time, he enjoys video games, teaching percussion, and visual design. He is currently on staff with Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, Homestead High School, Carroll High School, and East Noble High School.

Connor is excited to return to Cap City and teach some of the top students in the country at the highest competitive level!

Jaden McCallum

Snare Technician

Jaden hails from the Capitol area of Michigan, graduating from Mason High School in the class of 2017. He currently resides in Allendale, Michigan, where he is finishing his bachelors degree in Music Education with a percussion focus from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan.

Jaden has found himself heavily involved in the marching arts since he began marching in 2016 with Motor City Percussion (PIO) out of Detroit, Michigan. Since then, he has marched a total of 13 marching seasons on snare drum, with MCP, Genesis Percussion (PIW), the Laker Marching Band (GVSU), and the Phantom Regiment, where he aged out in 2021.

Outside of performing, Jaden has been actively instructing various groups and ensembles around West Michigan since 2017. He has served on the percussion staffs of Hudsonville High School, Spring Lake High School, and currently works with Rockford High School. He has also been on the battery staff of Motor City Percussion, leading them towards two finalist finishes in 2022 and 2023, and worked as a battery tech for Legends Drum and Bugle Corps in 2022. Jaden is currently the Drumline Coordinator/Director for the Grand Valley State Drumline, a position he has held since 2022.

JD Mezger

Cymbal Technician

This is JD’s fourth year teaching cymbals at Cap City. He has been actively teaching around the central Ohio area being involved in many groups including Kent State University, Central Crossing High School, and Triple Crown Percussion as a visual and cymbal technician.

JD fell in love with the marching arts in Omaha, Nebraska with his first years in Dojo Percussion (2015, 2016). He then joined Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps in 2016 and 2017. After Pioneer, he decided to continue chasing his dream of playing cymbals by moving to Columbus, Ohio and marching Cap City Percussion in 2018. The two seasons to follow he marched the 2018 Colts and finished his marching career with 2019 Rhythm X. Through the diversity of his experiences marching drum corps and indoor ensembles, he has a deeper understanding of how to pass down the knowledge of intricate east coast cymbal playing.

JD currently lives in Columbus, OH, running a substance use disorder rehabilitation facility as a chemical dependency counselor and case manager.

Jon Buchanan

Bass Technician

Jon is originally from Central Pennsylvania and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He was a member of “The Legend” marching band and the IUP Percussion Ensemble while in college. He marched independently at Nomad Indoor (2018-19) and Cap City Percussion (2020-21).

Jon has been teaching at Homer-Center Jr./Sr. High School since 2020, and started teaching at 4th Wall Performing Arts, Nomad Indoor, and Cap City Percussion since aging out.

Kyle Miller

Tenor Technician

Kyle Miller started his marching career playing quads at Troy High School for 4 years (2014-2018). He was involved in their inaugural year of indoor in 2017 and has fallen in love with the activity ever since. He went on to march 2 years at the University of Cincinnati (2019-2020) and marched independent for the first time with Triple Crown (2020). After that he marched and aged out with Cap City (2021-2022) and aged out of his first year of DCI with Phantom Regiment (2021).

Kyle is excited to start his journey as an educator and has already worked with a few bands around the Dayton area including his alma mater, Troy High School. He is looking forward to give back to the organization that he aged out with.

Mark Foster

Tenor Technician

Mark has been involved with the marching arts since 2012, and has performed and taught with numerous ensembles in a variety of capacities. He attended Indiana University Bloomington, where he recieved dual bachelor's degrees in history and computer science. He marched quads with the IU Marching Hundred (2017-2020), the Phantom Regiment (2020-2021), and Cap City Percussion (2021-2022). Mark has worked with a number of Indiana high schools, both as a marching percussion educator and arranger, and is excited to be involved with Cap City again.

Mason Ferrantelli

Cymbal Technician

Mason has had a passion for cymbal playing since he started in 2014. His marching career started at Gold in 2014 and 2015, followed by Breakthrough Indoor Percussion 2015 out of California and Arizona. He relocated to the Midwest and marched Colts 2016 - 2019, along with Redline 2017 and Rhythm X 2018 - 2020.

Through the years, he has taught at Vista Grande High school in Arizona, Novi and Southgate High School in Michigan, and Centerville High School in Ohio. Mason has also taught at the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, Cap City Percussion, CC2 and was a tour assistant/Cymbal technician for the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps.

Nate Fought

Tenor Technician

Nate Fought has been involved with the marching arts since 2011, his freshman year at Olentangy Liberty High School. He started off playing bass drum but quickly found a love for playing tenor drums and was able to make the switch for his first season of WGI in 2012.

His involvement continued beyond high school and into college, performing with Legends Drum and Bugle Corps (2014-2015), The Ohio Univeristy Marching 110 (2015-2018), Matrix Open (2016-2017) and ConneXus (2019).

Nate currently works and resides in the Columbus area where he also serves as a percussion instructor for Heath High School Marching Band.

Nate is very excited to be working with Cap City for his fourth year this upcoming season!

Robert Hinkle

Tenor Technician

Robert Hinkle has been an active marching percussion instructor for just over 10 years. He began by playing tenors for his high school marching band, and went on to teach and write for various high schools in the central Ohio area. Along the way, he became a founding member of Cap City, and marched with the ensemble for 5 years. He is excited to return for another season with the organization!

Outside of the band world, Robert is a wedding photographer serving the greater Columbus area, and loves spending time outside and volunteering in his local community.

Dan Meehan

Front Ensemble Coordinator

Dan has been involved with indoor percussion since his senior year of high school, when he played drum set as a founding member of the Notre Dame Indoor Percussion Ensemble from Cleveland, Ohio. After moving to Columbus to pursue a degree in computer science, he began performing with Cap City, earning an Open Class gold medal as a rack player with the group at the 2013 WGI World Championships.  Dan picked up mallet percussion the following season and played xylophone/glockenspiel at Cap City until he aged out in 2015.

Dan has continuously worked with Cap City’s admin team and front ensemble staff since 2016, including serving as the assistant director and front ensemble coordinator for the World ensemble. He worked with the Phantom Regiment front ensemble in 2022, and currently serves as percussion director at Westland High School in Columbus, Ohio. Outside of band, Dan holds a masters degree in computer science from The Ohio State University and works as a software developer in Columbus, Ohio.

Stewart LeVan

Front Ensemble Coordinator

Stew LeVan is a native of Kings Mills, OH, where he was introduced to the pageantry arts in 2009.

Stew started performing with Cap City in 2015 for their first full year in Independent World Class through 2018. He also toured with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps in 2016 and 2017, having become co-section leader for the front ensemble in 2017. He also performed with Rhythm X for his age-out season in 2019.

Stew works independently as an automotive photographer for Jeff Wyler, Jake Sweeney, Kenwood, and Joseph Auto Groups. Outside of his performing career, he has taught throughout the Tri-State area, having worked with Beavercreek HS, Loveland HS, Carroll HS in Ohio and Campbell County HS in Kentucky. Stew now spends his time teaching The Kettering Fairmont Firebirds and can’t wait to kick off another indoor season with Cap City for 2024!

Jeremy Dover

Audio Coordinator

Jeremy has been involved with the marching arts and marching percussion since childhood. He was a founding member of Cap City and aged out in 2016 after 5 years in the front ensemble. He served as center marimba and front ensemble section leader for his final 3 years at Cap. Since joining the staff in 2017, he has transited into the role of audio engineer.

Jeremy is very active around the City of Columbus, performing with community bands and groups. Highlights include regular performances with the Worthington Civic Band and the Brass Band of Columbus. He was also a proud member of the Ohio State University Marching Band for four years and currently teaches percussion at Central Crossing High School.

Thomas Wharton

Front Ensemble Manager

Thomas is a percussion instructor and music arranger from Michigan, and he’s worked with competitive ensembles all around the country. He currently lives in Macomb, Michigan, where he is the Assistant Percussion Director at Dakota High School. In addition to instructing the Dakota Marching Band and Indoor Drumline, he arranges percussion and wind music as well as runs a thriving private lessons program at Dakota. Outside of Dakota, he is a front ensemble instructor at The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps and here at Cap City, two of our nation’s premiere world class performing ensembles.

His teaching history spans many programs. Notably, he directed Lake Orion Percussion from 2022-2023, helping the ensemble achieve their first ever state championship in the PSO class, as well as earning multiple MCBA medals with the Marching Band program. Additionally, he has taught at Redline Percussion, Apex Percussion, Hastings HS, Ferndale HS, Lamphere HS, Plymouth Canton Educational Park, and Southgate Anderson.

In his heyday as a performer in the marching arts, he marched at Lake Orion High School, Northcoast Academy (2015-2017), The Cavaliers (2015), Carolina Crown (2016), and Cavaliers Indoor (2018). He is forever grateful to the many wonderful people who have taught him at these organizations.

Thomas holds a BA in Philosophy from Oakland University. While at Oakland, he minored in music and performed with the Percussion Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Steel Band, World Music Ensemble, and Oakland Symphony Orchestra. He also currently performs in local bands and orchestras when able!

Alexis Brammer

Audio Engineer

Alexis is excited to be back as an audio engineer for the upcoming 2024 season. Growing up in a family that has been heavily involved in her local music community inspired her to start pursuing music by taking piano lessons at the age of 8.

Since then, Alexis’ love for music has only continued to grow. She joined her school marching band playing clarinet, which allowed her to partake in multiple community groups and several honor bands throughout her school career. After taking a brief break from the marching arts, she decided to take a chance in the indoor percussion experience with Cap City, where she was a member for the 2020-2022 seasons playing synth.

Outside of Cap City, Alexis resides in Ironton, OH and attends Shawnee State University. During this time she is pursuing 3 degrees: Multi-age Visual Arts Education, Illustration, and Fine Arts, in which she is excited to start student teaching this upcoming fall.

Angelo Makropoulos

Front Ensemble Technician

Angelo Makropoulos is a music educator from the south Chicago suburbs where he teaches band, percussion, and music production at the Yorkville School District in Yorkville, IL.

Previously, he was an Assistant Band Director at Marian Catholic High School where he also taught jazz, music theory, percussion and was the percussion and sound designer for the marching band, bringing them to several BOA Finals appearances as well as a Class AA National Championship. He has been on the sound/percussion staff at the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps since 2018 and is also one of the audio engineers at the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. During the WGI season, he is on percussion staff with Cap City Percussion from Columbus, OH and is an adjudicator for the Midwest Color Guard Circuit. Angelo also is a music/percussion/audio arranger for multiple high school marching bands, winter guards and winter percussion programs.

He received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a minor in Music Business from Western Illinois University where he served as the drum major of the Marching Leathernecks, and principal percussionist of the WIU Bands and Orchestra. Angelo earned his Master’s in Music Education from The Vandercook College of Music. Angelo is an alumnus of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and is endorsed by Innovative Percussion, Mapex/Majestic Percussion, Remo Drumheads, and Zildjian Cymbals.

Ben Moloci

Audio Intern

Ben is a music educator and audio designer from Grove City, Ohio. He is currently working towards a degree in music education at the Ohio State University. At Ohio State, he has participated in numerous musical ensembles, including the Ohio State Wind Symphony and the Ohio State Symphony Orchestra.

He attended Central Crossing High School, where he participated in his school’s marching band and indoor percussion ensemble. He was also a member of Cap City from 2021-2023.

Currently, Ben serves as a sound designer, audio consultant, and instructor for schools and organizations throughout the central Ohio area. He also has served as an audio engineer for different community events in Columbus, including the Columbus African Festival and the United States Conference of Mayors.

Outside of school, Ben has a love for travel and hiking. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in live sound engineering, with an emphasis in musical theatre.

Bryan Afadzi

Front Ensemble Technician

Bryan is from West Chester, Ohio and has been involved with the marching arts since 2016. Throughout his marching career, Bryan was a member for the Miami University (Oxford) Front Ensemble (2018-2022), INOV8 (2019 and 2020), 4th Wall (2022), and most recently performed with Cap City in 2023.

Bryan teaches as a front ensemble instructor in band programs throughout Ohio and Kentucky, teaching at Conner High School and Lakota West High School in 2019, and Lebanon and Sycamore High School in 2021, and currently works on percussion staff for Westland High School in Columbus, OH, and is excited for his first year on staff with Cap City!

Outside of the marching arts, Bryan has a bachelor’s degree in software engineering from Miami University (Oxford) and now works as a software developer in Columbus, Ohio.

Hunter Mays

Front Ensemble Technician

Hunter currently resides in Dayton, Ohio where he is attending Wright State University, pursuing a degree in Percussion Performance. In between rehearsals and classes, you can find him either gigging around the Dayton area or serving/drinking coffee at the coffee bar he works at.

He started his marching career with Cap City in 2017. He eventually made his way to, DCI aging out with Carolina Crown in 2022. He was a performer with Cap City for 7 years until his age-out in 2023, where he served as center marimba and ensemble leader.

As an educator, Hunter has worked with several high school programs in the Dayton Area. Currently, he is the Front Ensemble Coordinator at Kettering Fairmont HS, a PSO Finalist (2023), and has worked with other programs such as Tippecanoe HS, Fairborn HS, and Lebanon HS. He is excited to come back to Cap City with a new role in the organization!

Domenic Santini

Front Ensemble Technician

Domenic Santini currently resides in Perrysburg, OH where he teaches elementary music at Airport Community Schools. He has previously studied under Dan Maslanka and Mark Stone. Domenic marched with NorthCoast Academy (2014) Redline Percussion (2015-2016), and Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (2014-2016) where he worked with Nick Pourcho, James Sparling, Alex Klutz, and many other accomplished educators.

As an educator, Domenic has worked with many groups in southeast Michigan. Currently, Domenic works with the Cap City and the Madison Scout front ensembles. He most recently worked with both Plymouth Canton Educational Park and Redline Percussion as their front ensemble caption head. His past includes Floyd Central High School, Walled Lake Central, Grand Blanc High School, Lakeland High School, Lake Orion High School, Lamphere High School, Novi High School, Sarah Banks Middle School and many others.

Shelby Dalton

Front Ensemble Technician

Shelby is from Ironton, Ohio and has been involved with music since the age of 2. She was in the front ensemble and drumline for marching band and in various honor bands throughout high school.

Shelby performed with Cap City from 2019-2022 and was on the leadership team. She marched with Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps in 2017, and Seattle Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps in 2019.

Shelby has been teaching percussion since her high school graduation in 2016. She has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Mathematics, both from Shawnee State University, and currently works as a Sales Analyst.

Rachel Martin

Front Ensemble Technician

Rachel Martin is an active music educator in the Central Indiana area. She holds a Bachelors of Music Education from Messiah University and a Masters of Music Education from Texas Tech University. She currently serves as the Percussion Director at Terre Haute North High School in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Rachel has been involved in the marching arts for over ten years, as a marching member of Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps, The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, and George Mason University Indoor Drumline. During her time as a marching member, she served as section leader at The Cadets, also earning Rookie of the Year in 2018 and the Distinguished Service Award in 2019. She has recently taught percussion at Mechanicsburg High School, Northview High School, Jersey Surf, and 4th Wall Performing Arts and currently teaches the front ensemble at Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps and Greenwood High School.

She is excited to return to the team and help inspire members to perform at their highest level!

Taylor Williams

Front Ensemble Technician

Taylor has her bachelor’s in Music Education from Wright State University. Throughout those four years she taught at multiple schools in the Dayton area. She served as the Percussion Director at Stebbins High School, as well as working on percussion staff with marching bands such as Fairborn HS, Piqua HS, Greenon HS, and Valley View HS. She taught indoor percussion at Troy HS, Fairborn HS, Beavercreek HS, and Carlisle HS. Currently, Taylor is co-directing percussion at Westland HS for the marching band, and teaches Central Crossing Indoor Percussion during the winter in Columbus, OH.

After graduating college, she served as the 5-12 Band Director at Preble Shawnee Jr/Sr High School (2020-2021), and the Assistant Band Director at Stebbins High School (2021-2022). She is now taking a break from classroom teaching to pursue her Master’s in Business Administration at The Ohio State University.

As a performer, Taylor played rack in Cap City 2019 and vibraphone in the 2020/2021 seasons. She also performed in DCA with Cincinnati Tradition on marimba/xylophone in 2019 and trumpet in 2021.

David Funke

Visual Coordinator

David is from Cincinnati, Ohio, where he got his start in the marching arts at Colerain High School. David marched baritone with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps from 2018-2021. Since aging out, he has worked with several marching bands and indoor programs in the Cincinnati area, currently working with the Forest Hills Marching Band.

David graduated from Miami University with a bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education. David is currently the band director at New Miami Middle and High School. He is very excited to return to the Cap City team this season!

Jeremy Oliver

Visual Coordinator

Jeremy is excited to be returning to Cap City for his third season with the organization and second as World Visual Coordinator. Jeremy currently serves as the Visual Caption Head at Lakota East High School, and has previously taught, designed, or choreographed for several notable programs including Rhythm X Winds, Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, Seattle Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps, Walled Lake Marching Band/Percussion, Kettering-Fairmont High School, and Divergent Performing Arts Winds and Percussion Ensembles.

Jeremy currently resides in Dayton, Ohio. Outside of the marching arts, he works as a Lead Barista at Ghostlight Coffee.

Kayleigh Hind

Movement Coordinator

Kayleigh’s involvement in the performing arts started when she took her first dance class at the age of 3, and her marching arts career began through color guard with Carmel High School (2005-2007) and New Hartford High School (2007-2009). She then went on to perform with The Empire Statesmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2008-2009), Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps (2010-2012), Zydeco Winter Guard (2014), Pride of Cincinnati Winter Guard (2015), and Juxtaposition Winter Guard (2017). She has also performed with Cornell’s Rise Dance Group (2011-2013) and Columbus Modern Dance Company (2013-2016).

As an educator, Kayleigh is currently the Color Guard Director at Thomas Worthington HS and Heath HS. She has also worked with Juxtaposition Winter Guard, the Pickerington North HS Color Guard, and the New Hartford HS Color Guard. This will be her third season on staff at Cap City, and she looks forward to the upcoming 2024 season.

Outside of the marching arts, Kayleigh holds a bachelor’s degree in Operations Research & Information Engineering with a minor in Dance from Cornell University and works in corporate retail in Columbus, Ohio.

Matt Hixenbaugh

Visual COORDINATOR

Matthew Hixenbaugh is from Dayton, Ohio and is currently a student at Wright State University, where he studies mathematics and physics. He is planning on attending graduate school for mathematics.

Matt has a passion for the marching arts and music, and continues to pursue that passion by marching and teaching. He was a founding member of Rhythm X Winds and has been a member of the ensemble for the 2015-2020 indoor seasons. Additionally, he marched trumpet with the Blue Knights in 2018 for his age-out.

Matt has taught high school bands in the Dayton area since 2015, including Sycamore HS (2015), Carroll HS (2015-2016), Kettering Fairmont HS (2016-2018), and Centerville HS (2019-present). He was also on the brass staff with the Crossmen (2019) and joined the visual team at Cap City during the 2021 season. He is extremely excited to return to Cap City and be a part of the team and organization!

Nikki Ross

Visual Ensemble Coordinator

Nikki is originally from Maumee, OH and received a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Math and Science Education from Bowling Green State University. Nikki’s marching experience includes The Glassmen (‘10-’11), The Academy (‘13), The Cadets (‘14-’16), and Juxtaposition Winterguard (‘13-’15). As an instructor, Nikki has taught numerous high school programs in Ohio, as well as several years of drum corps.

Residing in Columbus Ohio, Nikki is a 6th grade Science teacher, and Color Guard Director at Central Crossing High School and loves spending time with Donnie and Buddy!

Daniel Kane

Visual Technician

Daniel Kane is honored and enthusiastic to join the visual staff for Cap City this year. Daniel has been playing music since he was around 10 or 11 and always sought after new and challenging music/ performance opportunities. Daniel was first introduced to marching band in 2015 at Kettering Fairmont High School. In 2018, Daniel joined Rhythm X Winds where the ensemble broke the WGI visual scoring rubric and received a perfect score. Shortly after, Daniel joined Miami University's marching band and was a member for 2 years. Most recently, Daniel marched with Phantom Regiment for their “No Walk Too Far,” 2022 season. Throughout his years in marching band, Daniel has always taught his peers the importance of personal technique and accountability and is looking forward to inspiring others and growing together during the 2024 season. 

Outside of performing, Daniel is a 2023 graduate of Miami University where he earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in Finance, where he is working in economic development in the broader Dayton market. He spends his free time boating, writing/ singing country music, and hanging out with friends and family. Daniel is excited to be on visual staff this upcoming season, and couldn’t be more thrilled for this opportunity!

Garrett Sitko

Visual Technician / Choreographer

Garrett Sitko is a visual instructor from Grand Blanc, Mi. He started his DCI career at Legends in 2016, where he continued to march for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. He later joined the Boston Crusaders for their 2019 season on baritone/trombone. Garrett graduated from the University of Michigan - Flint with his bachelors in Health Science and a concentration in Physical Therapy during the winter of 2022.

Since 2017, Garrett has been working with Michigan marching bands that have been successful in both MCBA and BOA circuits. He has worked with the Grand Blanc High School band program since 2017 and became the Visual Caption Head in 2020. Garrett joined the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park visual team for the 2021 season as a visual instructor, and continues to work with both programs. In addition to both of these programs, Garrett has instructed and choreographed for multiple high schools within Michigan including: Troy Athens, Linden, and Walled Lake Central. Garrett continues to teach within DCI as a visual instructor for the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps.

During the winter season, Garrett continues to be a visual instructor and cymbal technician for Grand Blanc High School Indoor Percussion Ensemble and has since 2018. He has been a member of a few WGI Independent World Percussion ensembles including; Genesis Percussion based in Sparta, Michigan for the 2018 season; as well as Cap City Percussion based out of Columbus, Ohio for the 2020-2022 seasons; where he Aged Out in 2022.

Johnathon Bower

Visual Technician

Johnathon Bower recently completed his Master's Degree at Eastern Michigan University, where he also earned his Bachelor's degree in music education. While studying Music Education and Trombone Performance, his graduate research centered around trombone pedagogy used at the Paris Conservatoire during the nineteenth century. John is currently on staff at the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps, Plymouth Canton High School, and Clio Area Schools.

John marched Baritone and Euphonium at the Glassmen from 2009-2012. In 2017, John performed with RhythmX Winds, winning a WGI World Championship. Before returning to graduate school John spent time as a band director, freelance trombonist, lesson teacher, and visual tech at a variety of schools and WGI groups in southeast michigan.

Kobe Wilson

Visual Ensemble Technician

Kobe Wilson started his marching career in 2011 at Jeffersonville High School in Jeffersonville, Indiana. His WGI and DCI experience includes Allegoria WG 2017, Juxtaposition WG (18,19,22), Inspire WG 2020, and The Collective 2021. Kobe has also had DCI experience with Colts 2017 and Cadets 18-19.

Back where Kobe resides in Indianapolis, he has had the pleasure of teaching many high school programs in the Tristate area. Some groups include: Mooresville HS, Grant County HS, Franklin Central HS, Henryville HS, Pike HS, Louisville Male HS, Northview HS, Hinsdale HS, and Monrovia HS.

Kobe has been teaching since he graduated high school and he is excited to keep broadening his experience. Kobe is very eager and grateful for the opportunity!

Meredith Anderson

Visual Ensemble Technician

Meredith is from Lancaster, Ohio and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Fine Arts from Xavier University in 2012. She has participated in the performing arts since childhood as a member of dance studios, concert bands, marching bands, and winter guards.

Meredith has been involved as an educator, choreographer, designer, and director with numerous programs across the country in all facets of the marching arts (BOA, DCI, WGI) and at all learning levels (middle school - drum corps).

Residing in Central Ohio, Meredith is currently an Event Manager and part of the DCI Event Staff team. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Hailey.

Natalie Hickman

Visual Ensemble Technician

Natalie was a founding member of Cap City’s Visual Ensemble in 2018. She also marched Juxtaposition Winter Guard, winning an open class gold medal followed by a world class finals performance.

Natalie is a graduate of Central Crossing High School, where she still teaches the Color Guard. Natalie is a full time esthetician, and in her free time she loves to sing around Columbus with various performing ensembles.

Natalie is thrilled to be back with Cap City this season!

Natalie Brady

Visual Technician

Natalie is thrilled to join the team at Cap City this season! Natalie is a visual designer, choreographer, and educator in the Greater Cincinnati/Dayton areas, and is studying visual design and choreography as a 2023 Bluecoats Fellow with mentor Jim Moore. She has been teaching in the marching arts since 2015, and currently serves as the Visual Caption Head for Cincinnati Tradition Drum & Bugle Corps and Director and Visual Designer for the Oak Hills Indoor Percussion Ensemble. In addition, Natalie is the Visual Caption Head/Choreographer for the Oak Hills High School Marching Band and works on the visual/choreography teams for Miamisburg High School Marching Band, Miamisburg Winds, and Valhalla Winds.

Sam Jackson

Visual Technician

Sam Jackson is a music educator from the Cincinnati, Ohio area. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Miami University in 2022 and is currently the Assistant Band Director at Western Brown Local Schools. Sam has worked with several high school marching programs around the Cincinnati area including Colerain High School, Hamilton High School, and Sycamore High School. In the summer of 2023 he served as the Brass Caption Head for the Columbus Saints Drum and Bugle Corps. This will be Sam’s third season on the visual staff for Cap City and he is ready to get to work!

Buddy

Design Consultant

This will be Buddy’s 3rd season working with Cap City as a music and visual design consultant. He can often be found chasing after Oliver to discuss aspects of the ensemble’s aesthetic.

Outside of band, Buddy’s hobbies include chewing everything in sight and making a mess of the house.

Harper

Assistant Battery Arranger

Harper is excited to be back for her 3rd season with Cap City as the Assistant Battery Arranger. When not involved with the marching arts, Harper is an avid fitness fan, often going for long walks and runs outside.

Oliver

Assistant Support Admin

Oliver is entering his 6th season with Cap City. He brings the good boi vibes along with his best friend Bobo to rehearsal weekends. Oliver Barry specializes in receiving belly rubs, playing tug of war, and making sure everyone is a good boi just like him. Outside of drumline, Oliver enjoys swimming, going to the dog parks and trails, and getting spoiled every second of the day by his dad. You can follow his adventures on Instagram as @wgdoggo as he continues to push this good boi group forward.