Cavalcade of Bands Association, Inc.

Education Through Musical Involvement

Jazz Judges Bios

Allen, Mark
Saxophonist and multi-woodwind player Mark Allen has been an active member of the Philadelphia music scene for over a decade. Upon graduating with his Master’s Degree from the University of the Arts, Mark was asked to join the faculty, where he currently teaches saxophone, jazz history, and theory. He has had the privilege of studying with Joel Frahm, Ben Schachter, Chris Farr, and Ron Kerber. In addition to co-leading several ensembles, Mark is an active member of The Philly Pops, The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Fresh Cut Orchestra (Ropeadope Records), and several other Philadelphia/New York ensembles. He has shared the stage and/or recorded with luminaries such as Jimmy Heath, Benny Golson, George Garzone, Marcus Belgrave, Wycliffe Gordon, Dick Oatts, Orrin Evans, R Kelly, Lady Gaga, and Tony Bennett, among others. Mark is also active in the Philadelphia theater scene as a woodwind player, performing on saxophones, flutes, and clarinets.
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Brumbach, Glen
Dr. Brumbach recently received his PhD in Music Education from the University of Maryland. His dissertation entitled “The Effects of Practice-based and Theoretical-based Pedagogical Approaches on Jazz Improvisation Performance Achievement by High School Musicians” is accessible through Google Scholar. Currently he supervises student teachers for UMD. He has given presentations on jazz improvisation and performance pedagogy at the National Association for Music Education’s National In-service Conference, Research Conference, PMEA Annual In-service conference, the Society for Music Teacher Education Biennial Conference and the American Educational Research Association Conference. Prior to teaching at UMD he taught at Boyertown, Muncy, Muhlenberg, and Reading school districts. Dr. Brumbach’s Jazz Ensembles, consistently have been awarded Superior ratings and many section awards. Among most prestigious awards and honors include being selected to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educator’s convention in 1997 and 2001 and 2011, NAFME All Eastern 2009 Conference, seven times winner of the Winchester Cup outstanding overall Jazz band award at the Shenandoah Apple Blossom festival, Winner of the Inaugural Steel Stacks Festival and the first jazz band to perform in the Piazza del Signora in Florence Italy as well as Prague, Czech Republic and Salzburg and Vienna Austria. His bands have opened for the Count Basie, Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton Alumni Band, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, as well as performed with Wynton Marsalis, Terrell Stafford, Jim Snidero, Dave Stahl, Chris Vadala, Randy Brecker, Al Chez, Leigh Pilzer, and Larry Kerchner. Mr. Brumbach is a graduate of Mansfield University receiving a Bachelor’s in Music Education and a Master’s in Music. Additional studies include Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Band Director Academy and the IAJE teacher training institute. He previously served as the original Jazz Vice President of the Music Educators of Berks County and was responsible for forging the relationship with the County All Star Jazz Band and the Berks Jazz Fest. As a performer He has been a past member of the Dave Stahl Big Band as well as serving as co-director of the Boyertown Director’s Big Band which was formerly known as the Arlen Saylor Big band. Awards include Cavalcade Band Director of the year in 1999 and Reading Buccaneers Hall of Fame. He also has been published in the PMEA Journal, the Maryland Music Educator’s Journal, the Connecticut Music Educator’s Journal and the Vermont Music Educator’s Journal.
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Cain, Bill
Bill Cain is a percussionist in the Philadelphia area who performs with many local ensembles and artists who visit the area. He has 35 years of experience as a middle school band director at the Wissahickon Middle School where he started and developed the jazz band and the marching band programs. Some of his students have gone on to become professional musicians and teachers and it makes Mr. Cain very proud to call them colleagues. Mr. Cain has had the opportunity to perform with many great musicians in settings such as the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia and the Lincoln Center and Radio City Music Hall in New York City to name a few. He lives in Willow Grove with his wife Debbie and their two golden retrievers. Mr. Cain has always enjoyed working with young musicians and is happy to be here to share this musical event.
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Capolupo, Dr. James
This is Dr. Capolupos’ 43rd year celebration with Cavalcade. He started as a band director in the organization then was the Music Caption Chief for two terms then he was the Judging Coordinator for two terms. Dr. Capolupo started his jazz music career by playing Lead Alto in the West Chester Criterions Jazz Ensemble. He went on to perform from New York to South Carolina with various jazz bands. He directed several award winning high school jazz ensembles and was director of the Cabrini College Jazz Band; the Lincoln University Jazz Band and the Princeton University Jazz Band. He will also be conducting the America Music Abroad Bronze Tour of Europe this summer for the 32nd year. Dr. Capolupo was the co-founder of the Pennsylvania All State Jazz Band. He served as the President of the Pennsynsyvai Chapter of the National Association of Jazz Educators. Besides his career in Instrumental Music, Dr Capolupo has served as a Coordinator of Fine Arts, Principal, Director of Elementary Education, Director of Teaching and Learning and Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Capolupo was named the 2014 National Superintendent of the Year by The National Association of School Superintendents and named the 2015 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators. Dr Capolupo has recently co-authored a book on school leadership and is presenting workshops in several State Conferences and National Conferences around the country. In addition to judging jazz festivals, he also judges Marching Band festivals, the Miss America Pageant Parade and the Mummers Parade in Philadelphia. Over his career, he has judged over 1000 musical events.
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Darrohn, Jeff
Mr. Jeffrey Darrohn is a composer, arranger, recording artist, saxophonist, conductor and educator in both the United States and United Kingdom. In 2006 he was signed to Jazzed Media Records which recorded and released his album Jeff Darrohn, T-Bird ’60 featuring his jazz compositions and arrangements for six saxophones, piano, bass and drums. Released in 2007, it aired on jazz radio stations throughout the US and BBC Radio in the UK for four straight months and now is gaining airtime throughout Canada, Australia and New Zealand. As a bandleader, his group SAXON-UK and SAXON-USA have performed in both the US and UK, including the 2007 International Saxophone Symposium-Washington DC and the 2008 London International Jazz Festival. As a saxophonist and woodwind player he has freelanced in the UK with the famed BBC Radio Jazz Big Band, Pete Cater Big Band, Buddy Rich Tribute Big Band, Glenn Miller UK Orchestra, Miles Davis Project Band, Jacqui Dankworth, Kanye West, and the Ronnie Scott Big Band. In the US he has performed with Phil Woods, Urbie Green, Buddy DeFranco, Lou Rawls, Mel Torme, and Robert Merrill. Mr. Darrohn’s compositions for school jazz bands have been published by Alfred Music’s Belwin Jazz division since 2007. He also composes and arranges music for school bands, universities, professional organizations and various vocalists. He has delivered workshops, clinics and lectures concerning instrumental music instruction, jazz improvisation, composition and orchestration. Mr. Darrohn has taught for over twenty years in both the US and the UK including the Richmond Adult Community College Jazz School and Roehampton University. He has a Bach. of Music and Music Education from the University of the Arts and a Master of Music Education from Boston University.
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DiDonato, Ron

Ron DiDonato is a graduate of West Chester University. Over his 30 year teaching career, he served as Director of Bands at both the high school and middle school levels. He has had award winning ensembles and musicians in many of the organizations under his direction. He has also directed several district, conference and honors ensembles as well as the All Region jazz band. As the conductor of those groups, he worked with then student musicians Adam Blackstone, Nick Marchione and Earl Phillips. Mr. D has been an active member of SJBODA, NJAJE, NJ Percussive Arts Society and others. Ron was also involved in the planning and preparation of a series of jazz festivals and clinics serving thousands of local music students over the last 20 years. He is recently retired from public school education but continues to work with music students through his affiliation with Music and Arts as an instructor and through his adjudication of local jazz festivals including Cavalcade of Bands events Mr. D has performed in the tri state area for over 40 years. He has played drums and percussion for the Lakewood Jazz Ensemble, now Wilbur Wittemann Big Band for the past 27 years. Ron has also been a part a concert series affording him the opportunity to work with legendary jazz musicians such as Arturo Sanduval, Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Lou Tabackin, Bill Watrous, Phil Woods, Louis Bellson, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Dave Wekle, Dennis DiBLasio, Wayne Bergeron and others. . He has also performed with great local jazz musicians such as John Allred, Doug Elliot, Kai Hansen, Bob Gravener and others. Performing with and working in clinic with those musicians was an invaluable experience and helped to shape Ron as a musician and educator. He continues to share his experiences through his performances, clinics, lessons and adjudication
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Drobish, Mike

Krown, Dawn

Henderson, Joe
Joe Henderson is currently the band director at Kingsway Regional High School in Woolwich Township, NJ. He has taught instrumental music in the district for 12 years and has taught in the south jersey and Delaware areas for the past 18 years. During his tenure, he has directed high school marching band, concert band, symphonic band, jazz ensembles, and has also taught courses in music theory and electronic music. Mr. Henderson received a BS in Music Education from West Chester University in 1998 as well as a minor in jazz studies. During his time at West Chester University, he was a four year member of the criterions jazz ensemble and had the opportunity to perform with Ernie Watts and Matt Neiss. Mr. Henderson also studied jazz improvisation and arranging with Larry McKenna and Peter Paulsen. Following West Chester University, Mr. Henderson completed graduate course work at the University of the Arts studying under such notable educators such as Ed Lisk and Stephen Melillo. Mr. Henderson is demand as a marching band music arranger and has designed for fine programs in the tri state area as well as the mid-west. Most recently, Mr. Henderson has served as a marching adjudicator and is a consultant for marching bands and jazz ensembles in the greater Philadelphia area.
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Hood, Michael
Mr. Hood has been the Director of Instrumental Music at Wissahickon High School in Ambler Pa since 1997. While there, he has conducted and directed the Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, Pit Orchestra, String Orchestra and developed it’s Jazz program from 5 students and one Big Band in 1997 to 60 students, three Big Bands and two small groups in 2011. The Wissahickon Jazz Band has won the Cavalcade of Bands Championship in 2002 and 2008 with numerous superior ratings and soloist awards. In addition, Mr. Hood was elected Jazz Director of the Year in 2002. Mr. Hood holds a Bachelor of Music in Trombone and a Master of Teaching in Music from the University of the Arts as well as an Associates Degree in Korean Language and Culture. He is also a member of the 1989 Downbeat Magazine All-Star Band. While in the Service, he performed with the 7th Division Army Band, The 8th Army Band and the 307th Reserve Band. An active performer from the age of 14 until the present, Mr. Hood has performed and recorded with many national acts including, the Tempations, the Four Tops, Marah, Billy Paul, Bobby Rydell, The Captain and Tenille and Chuck Mangione. Locally, he has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Lars Halle Jazz Orchestra, The Tony Gairo-Gary Rismiller Jazz Orchestra, the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, the Bucks County Symphony and many other local acts. In 1996, he organized Philadelphia’s only Post-Modern New Orleans Brass Band; the Hoppin’ John Orchestra which performs original compositions, transcriptions and arrangements by Mr. Hood and can be heard regularly in our area.  Mike also has a Masters degree from Rutgers University.
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Jacoby, Marc
Dr. Marc Jacoby is an Associate Professor of Music at West Chester University of Pennsylvania where he serves as Jazz Studies Coordinator and teaches in the Applied Music and Music Education programs. He currently directs the Criterions Big Band and Latin Jazz Ensemble. Before joining the faculty at WCU, Jacoby was on the faculty of the VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL. While in Chicago, he played with many of the regions top salsa and latin-jazz groups including the Grammy nominated Orquesta 911 mambo big band. He also co-founded the Orquesta Dos Claves, a latin-jazz big band and workshop for Chicago area youth. The ensemble has performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival, Illinois Music Educator’s Association Conference, Hot House’s Jazz en Clave Festival, Chicago Historical Society, Harold Washington Cultural Center, and school jazz festivals around the region. Jacoby is the co-creator and contributor to TheMusicInteractive.com web site that distributes music games and activities designed for interactive whiteboards. In addition to his own titles, Jacoby has developed educational multimedia including games for Yamaha / PlayinTime Productions, Mark Wessels Publications, and CD-ROM’s for Rowloff Productions. Dr. Jacoby is a certified Apple Pro Apps trainer, an artist/clinician for the Yamaha Corporation and Vic Firth, Inc., a Sibelius Ambassador, and is on the Educational Advisory Committee for Latin Percussion, Inc. He holds degrees from the Berklee College of Music, New England Conservatory, and Northwestern University.
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Kapralick, Randy
Randy received a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from the University of Miami School of Music and a Master of Fine Arts in Music Composition from Vermont College of Fine Arts. After completing his undergraduate degree, he was hired to play lead trombone for the legendary Motown group, the Four Tops. Randy toured the United States for 5 years playing with the Four Tops, the Temptations, the Spinners, Aretha Franklin, Frankie Valli, KC & The Sunshine Band and Mary Wilson. Throughout his career, Randy has also had the chance to perform with Tito Puente, Wynton Marsalis, Jimmy Heath, Joe Henderson, Joe Lovano, Gerry Mulligan, Dave Liebman, Maria Schneider, and Bill Watrous. In addition to the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, Randy can currently be seen playing with a variety of exciting ensembles in Philadelphia including Norman David & The Eleventet, Slowburn, and The Larry McKenna Jazz Orchestra. Randy is Coordinator of Ensembles and Chair of the Trombone Department at University of the Arts where he also teaches Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Theory, and Musicianship. Randy directs the University of the Arts Rick Kerber Tribute Ensemble, which features diverse programming ranging from traditional big band repertoire to newly commissioned material.

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Kaufman, Tonia
Tonia Asel Kaufman is the band director at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School and the Choral/Instrumental Coordinator in the Colonial School District, a NAMM Best Community for Music Education and Grammy Signature School Semi-finalist. She was awarded a Citation of Teaching Excellence from the Pennsylvania Music Educator Association and has been recognized as a Master Teacher by the Colonial School District. Under Kaufman’s leadership, the PW Band Program has won over 20 championships and is regionally acclaimed for being a highly creative band program. She has had groups perform at and has presented at the PA Music Educator Association State Conference. In addition to serving as high school band director, she has worked in a variety of roles including adjunct professor of music education, concert band guest conductor, jazz adjudicator, marching band consultant, show designer, drill designer and musical arranger and has taught a wide variety of music electives from elementary to high school. She was the Cavalcade of Bands Secretary from 1997-98 and Cavalcade Jazz Liaison from 1998-2009. Kaufman has a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and Music Performance from Slippery Rock University, a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration from Temple University and National Board Certification in EA/YA Music.
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Kenney, Dave
Dave Kenney is uniquely qualified by virtue of his talent, expertise, and experience to educate both students and teachers, and to evaluate the quality of their performances and programs. He has performed professionally on tenor saxophone and piano with the Glenn Miller Band, Jay and the Techniques, Marie Osmond, Shirley Jones, Clark Terry and Bobby Rydell. He has also recorded for NFL Films. Mr. Kenney studied piano with the legendary jazz artist, Jimmy Amadie. He currently directs his own jazz trio, and also freelances with many local artists in the greater Philadelphia area. For the last 18 years, Mr. Kenney has been the principal pianist for the Brian Pastor Big Band. He has also been featured with the Dave Stahl big band. Mr. Kenney holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and a Master of Music degree in Performance, both from West Chester University. Mr. Kenney retired from the Quakertown Community School District after a career in which he taught every grade level of instrumental music. He is recognized as the founder and ‘architect’ of the very successful Jazz Band program in the Quakertown School District. His Jazz and Concert bands were renowned for their consistently high levels of performance. Mr. Kenney is one of the founders of the Bux-Mont Intermediate Honors Band for students in grades seven and eight. His greatest legacy, though, may be the number of his former students who now direct successful music programs throughout the country.
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Kerber, Ron
Ron Kerber is one of Philadelphia’s first call musicians, with a career that has crossed genres and styles. He was formerly saxophonist, composer and producer for Blue Note recording artists “Pieces of a Dream”. He has also recorded with Jimmy Bruno, Phil Woods, Gerald Veasley, Jim Ridl, Melody Gardot, Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Williams, Lou Rawls and Teddy Pendergrass among others. He has toured with Burt Bacharach, Rod Stewart and Diana Ross and performed with Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Ben Folds, Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, Tony Bennett, Lang Lang, Manhattan Transfer, Randy Brecker, Rufus Wainright, Michael Buble, Jane Monheit, New York Voices, Kurt Elling, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations and Johnny Mathis to name a few. Ron has performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Orchestra 2001, The Royal Ballet, and The Russian National Orchestra. He is a member of The Philly Pops, and has played in the orchestras of the Forrest, Walnut Street, and Merriam Theaters, Ron is Associate Dean of Performing Arts at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He has served on the Board of Trustees of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and as President of the Philadelphia Chapter. He continues to be active in the Grammy process serving on several committees for the Academy. Ron is a D’Addario Woodwind Artist and plays Silverstein Ligatures.
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Kinsey, Alan

Alan Kinsey is in demand as a clinician, teacher and adjudicator. He has an in-depth and varied career in jazz performance and education as demonstrated by his engagements with Bob Brookmeyer, Phil Woods, Lee Konitz, Gary Foster, and Frank Mantooth. Alan has also worked in concert with Tori Amos, Joel Grey, Maureen McGovern, the New York Voices, Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Harry Connick, and Toni Tenille. He has also performed with road productions of the shows 42nd St, Chicago, and Cats. ! ! Mr Kinsey has directed many ensemble appearances and has presented clinic’s at music educator’s conventions, in Kansas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and jazz festivals, such as Notre Dame Jazz Festival, North Texas Jazz Festival, University of Northern Colorado Jazz Festival, and the University of the Arts Jazz Festival.! ! A native of Souderton Pennsylvania, Alan has completed both Undergraduate, and Master’s Level degrees from Temple University, Philadelphia PA both in percussion performance. Alan holds a DA in Jazz administration and percussion performance, from the University of Northern Colorado. He holds a certification to teach K-12 music in New Jersey public schools. Alan is currently advising several districts in New Jersey both in percussion and Jazz performance.! ! Alan Kinsey is active in Percussive Arts Society, Jazz Educator’s Network, New Jersey Music Educator’s Association and the Technology Institute of Music Educators.
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Kosmaceski, Frank
Frank Kosmaceski is a woodwind specialist who is in wide demand in the Greater Philadelphia area as a professional Broadway musical woodwind specialist. He has played for professional entertainers such as Liberace, Sergio Franchi, Sammy Davis and Nelson Sardelli. Kosmaceski was also the lead alto saxophone player and director of the jazz band for the 307th Army Band for 18 years and the lead alto saxophone and leader of a big band, “The 66er’s”, specializing in “Big Band” music from the 1930’s through the 1960’s. Mr. Kosmaceski holds a Bachelor’s Degree in performance/education from Temple University and is a retired instrumental music teacher from the Centennial School System.
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Dawn King Krown

Mrs. Krown was introduced to jazz at a very young age and is the product of the decade’s strong Quakertown Community School District music program.  During her public school years inspiration came from both vocal and instrumental music teachers; Henrietta Jahnson, Jack Rusin, Steve Rivera and David Kenney Jr. These dedicated teachers lead Dawn to pursue a music education degree which she studied at both West Chester University and Moravian College.  At West Chester University Dawn played lead tenor saxophone in the Criterions Jazz Band and was a founding member of the West Chester Vocal Jazz Ensemble. She credits Criterion’s director, Lee Southall, with her continued growth as a jazz musician. During her more than 25 years as a public school music teacher, Mrs. Krown has continued her education earning a Master of Education degree from Wilkes University and 48 post graduate credits from the University of the Arts.

Believing that performance enhances her teaching, she maintains an active performing career in addition to her position as Music Department Chair and 4-8 Band teacher in the Perkiomen Valley School District. Dawn considers herself a musician educator and performs in a wide variety of ensembles and genres including, pit orchestras, big bands, club bands, church choirs, Principal Flutist of the Schuylkill Symphony Orchestra, and Lower Merion Symphony to name a few.  Dawn has toured Germany and the Czech Republic and performed in Carnegie Hall as a member of Paul Miller’s Jazz Orchestra debuting, Mr. Miller’s Jazz Opera, “A Pick, A Candle and A Kiss.”   Mrs. Krown wishes the very best to all the students and directors who give their all to the music they make. Lives are changed for the better through this art.

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Marrella, Joe
Joe Marrella has over twenty-five years judging experience involving musical performers. He has been asked to adjudicate groups in all parts of the United States and Canada. Joe was an individual Snare Drum Champion and has also instructed five National Champion Percussion Ensembles. He has been engaged to consult on various musical groups and has conducted seminars for music educators throughout the country. Further, he has conducted training for judges associations and assisted in the evaluation of them. Locally, Joe has taught workshops at West Chester University for music educators as they earn credits for their advanced degrees. He is a former member of the Advisory Council for the University of the Arts, located in Philadelphia. He has also written articles for musical publications that have been distributed to 35,000 high schools in the United States. He has also been selected as a Hall of Fame Instructor, Arranger, and Judge. He was inducted into the Cavalcade of Bands Hall of Fame in 2006. In addition to playing, judging and consulting in the musical arena, Joe has directed 22 theatrical musicals as well as being nominated for Best Direction twice by the Perry Awards of New Jersey. Joe has served for three years as a television color commentator for the broadcast of various competitions involving musical groups and served as the Cavalcade of Bands Education Director for four years.
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Melton, Ken
Melton, Ken Ken Melton is an experienced and sought after jazz guitarist. He has played with such groups as Dave Stahl, and the Squib Pharmaceuticals Tonight Show Band. Melton is well known in the area for his performances in musicals, weddings and studio work. Mr. Melton received his Bachelor of Music with emphasis in Jazz Performance from Temple University’s Esther Boyer College of Music. Mr. Melton is a member of the International Association of Jazz Educators. He was formerly the Director of Instrumental Music at Harry S Truman High School where he directed a highly respectable jazz ensemble known for its unique adaptation of improvisational techniques. Melton wrote and arranges all or most of the music for his jazz and marching bands. He was also named Who’s Who of American Teachers numerous times during his tenure as music director. He was a guest conductor for the American Music Abroad Tour. He now serves as the Assistant Principal of Neil Armstrong Middle School located in Fairless Hills, PA. Outside of school he teaches trumpet and guitar at Music and Arts and he is the lead guitarist at Cavalry Church of Marlton, in NJ.
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Meyers, Edward
Edward Meyers studied Bass Trombone at the Peabody Conservatory of Music and the Juilliard School. His private teachers include members of the Philadelphia, Boston, Metropolitan Opera, Baltimore Symphony Orchestras as well as the New York Philharmonic. He has also studied arranging and composition with Hank Levy. Instructor, arranger, and drill writer for many marching bands and drum and bugle corps competing in the Drum Corps International, Drum Corps Associates, Cavalcade of Bands, Tournament of Bands, and USBands marching circuits. After a freelance career in both the United States and Europe Mr. Meyers is currently a band and orchestra director for Baltimore County Public schools in Maryland.
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Muller, Danny
Danny Muller is an accomplished saxophone performer who has played with the Philadelphia Boys Choir, pianist Joanne Brackeen, trumpeter Randy Brecker, saxophonist Michael Brecker, Ralph Bowen, guitarist Jimmy Bruno, drummer Greg Fields, singer Wayne Newton, alto saxophonist Greg Osby, singer Dennis Rowland, trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, trumpeter Bobby Shew, bassist Gerald Veasley, saxophonist Grover Washington Jr, as well as performances in the Philadelphia, Atlantic City and New York areas. Danny Muller attended the University of the Arts and received a Bachelors Degree in Music Performance and a Masters Degree in Music Education Danny was the 2001 Philadelphia High School Grammy Band Assistant Director and was with LaSalle College High School for Boys teaching jazz improvisation and woodwinds since 2002. He has also been at the University of the Arts teaching saxophone since 2003.
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Pursell, Dr. John
Dr. John Pursell is retired from his position as the Senior Ceremonial Trumpeter with the United States Air Force Band in Washington, D.C. Today he performs nationwide as a trumpet artist and clinician for the Yamaha Music Corporation. He has performed with artists such as Ann Jillian, Lou Rawls, Peter Nero, James Earl Jones, and Roy Clark. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in trumpet from the University of Maryland and has published numerous articles on trumpet pedagogy in national journals. He is the author of “What I’ve Learned- The Freelance Trumpeters Guide to Professioanl Music.” Dr. Purcell is currently the Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Gettysburg College.
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Pusey, Bill
Bill Pusey is a graduate of the Philadelphia Musical Academy in 1974 ( U. OfArts) with a Bachelor of Music. He has toured with the Glenn Miller, BuddyRich Thad Jones/ Mel Lewis Big bands along with headliners Burt Bacharach, Anthony Newley & Ben Vereen.Pusey has also toured Europe, Australia & South America in the ’80’s with various European big bands performing, recording and tv performances with Dizzy Gillespie,Dave Holland, Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman & Howard Johnson. Bill Pusey has been first trumpet in Philadelphia, NY & Atlantic City performing for Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Doc Severinsen, Johnny Mathis, Louie Bellson, Natalie Cole. Mr. Pusey has performed on broadway as well as Philadelphia.theatres with shows such as: Grand Hotel, Cats, Meet Me In St. Louie, Fosse, Saturday Nite Fever A Chorus Line, Kismet & Bubblin’ Brown Sugar. He was First Trumpet with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops for 3 yrs.He is co-producer,arranger & contractor for the Musical Christmas Tree performing in phila. for 12 yrs. He is presently lead trumpet & house contractor for Caesars Hotel in Atlantic City and teaching privately at the NJ School of Music.
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Rodgers, Kevin
Kevin Rodgers has performed as an accompaning musician with Johnny Mathis, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Nancy Wilson, The Temptations and a wide variety of notable performers. His compositions and arrangements have been performed by the Ocean City “Pops” Orchestra, The United States Army Brass Quintet and Brass Ensemble, Abstract Truth, and the Jazz Ensembles of Temple University and University of the Arts. As an Educator, he has conducted Jazz and Concert Ensembles at The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, St. Joseph’s University and Swarthmore College. He is currently serving in his tenth year as a Cavalcade of Bands adjudicator.
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Shah, Minesh 

Minesh Shah is a professional Music Educator and Conductor from the NY/NJ area. Minesh Holds a Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. During his time at UML, Minesh studied Trombone with Mark Cantrell & Willis Traphagan and Conducting with Dan Lutz and David Martins. Minesh Focused his education on Brass Pedagogy extensively while being Professor Traphagan’s final Trombone student. Currently Mr. Shah is finishing his Master’s of Arts with a concentration in Trombone Performance from Montclair State where he studied Trombone with R. Clyde Wigness and James Markey while also completing his Master’s in Educational Leadership.

After College Mr. Shah began teaching in NJ and found success teaching with diverse populations from the inner city to Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon Schools. In Elizabeth, Minesh was the Music Caption Supervisor for the Elizabeth HS Marching Band in which time the band won State and National Championships for 5 consecutive year. While at Elizabeth Mr. Shah worked with some of the country’s top names in education, pageantry and composing including Wayne Dillon, Dennis Argul and Jim Prime Jr. Currently Mr. Shah is the director of instrumental music at The Borough School in  Morris Plains NJ.

When he is not a Public School educator, Minesh is the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Ramsey Wind Symphony. This month marks the beginning of his 3rd season with the Community band from Bergen County NJ. In the short time he has been with The Ramsey Wind Symphony the group as seen extensive growth in the membership, musicianship and overall morale of the ensemble. One of the major focuses has been to cultivate new Wind Band Literature. This includes the commissioning of a new piece by Patrick Burns. Prior to Ramsey Wind Symphony, Minesh was the Athletic Band director for Manhattan College where he started the Symphonic Winds ensemble. This Spring Minesh will be conducting the newly formed Wind Ensemble for the Wharton Arts Institute which provides music education for Home School children from pre – k to college.

Minesh is currently developing a supplemental series called Bursts of Band. Bursts of Band is a resource for young educators that are in time sensitive rehearsal situations. Using the knowledge that new teachers posses after graduation, Minesh guides teachers to use their College Experience and apply that to a shortened rehearsal times, unique rehearsal spaces and situations where band directors do not see the students as often as necessary and still be able to foster achievement towards excellence.

Minesh lives in Lake Hopatcong NJ with his wife Kara, two cats Bailey and Peanut and two dogs, Straxx and Davross.

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Shanefield, Drew
Drew Shanefield currently serves as both an instrumental music teacher for the School District of Haverford Township, where he directs the Jazz Ensemble, and as a faculty member in the Department of Music and Dance at Swarthmore College where he teaches jazz theory, history, jazz composition as well as directs the Jazz Ensemble. Drew maintains a busy schedule as a composer and arranger for ensembles across the United States, Europe and Japan. He is a frequent presenter of sessions at annual conferences across the country. Recent sessions and premieres include the 2008 Midwest Clinic, the Bands of America Summer Symposium, numerous state MEA conferences, the Texas Band Masters Association, well as clinic appearances with ensembles across the country. Recent commission projects include compositions for the University of Houston, Eastern Kentucky University, Swarthmore College, the Vivace Women’s Brass Band of Tokyo as well as numerous public school commissions. His compositions are published by Northeastern Music Publications Inc., the Neil A. Kjos Music Publishing Company, and Marching Show Concepts Inc. Drew graduated from New York University in 1992. He received a Masters in Music Education degree from Queens College and a Masters in Music Performance from West Chester University. He is currently pursuing doctoral studies at Widener University. He is a member of the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). Additionally, Drew is a performing artist/clinician for Yamaha band instruments
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Stimson, Ed
Tabulator – Ed has been developing the Cavalcade tabulators recap programs for many years since Cavalcade started using lap computers. He retired from the Colonial School District (Plymouth Whitemarsh HS) after 32 years. Currently is web master of Cavalcade of Bands.
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Twiford, Jeff
Mr. Twiford served as director of the Methacton High School Jazz Band, Fairview Village, Pennsylvania, from 1973 to 1984. The band won many awards in local, national and international festivals, including first place in the 1979 International Music Festival in Toronto. The ensemble was also honored by being selected to perform at the 1979 conference of the National Association of Jazz Educators (now IAJE). Presently, Mr. Twiford performs regularly with the Jazz Duo “Joyful Noise” throughout the Philadelphia area. He served as Army Bandmaster, director and trombone soloist of the 276th Army Band, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, from 1971 to 1984 and was recognized as an “Outstanding Jazz Educator” in 1979 by the National Association of Jazz Educators. Mr. Twiford received his jazz education at Penn State University, Beaver College, the United States Navy School of Music, and with Hank Levy and Dick Shearer at the Stan Kenton Jazz Clinic. From 1984 to 2007 Mr. Twiford was a school administrator in the Souderton Area, North Penn, and Boyertown Area School Districts. He is now retired from public schools and is the Preschool Director at Storehouse Church in Plymouth Meeting. He has judged high school jazz festivals since 1980 and served as the Cavalcade of Bands Association Jazz Judging Coordinator 2007-2015.
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Uibel, Steve
Bio – Steve Uibel Steve Uibel has been an educator and free lance musician in the New Jersey/Pennsylvania for the last 35 years. Upon graduating from Towson University (Md) where he studied in the jazz program under Hank Levy, Mr. Uibel served for13 years as a high school band director in the Willingboro and Lenape Regional School Districts in New Jersey. His high school duties included jazz, concert and marching band. He directed jazz bands that participated in NJ state finals on multiple occasions. For the past 23 years he has served as the Haddonfield (NJ) Middle School instrumental music teacher and as thedepartment chair for the district music program. He has served as a jazz band adjudicator at both the local and state level in New Jersey for the past 20+ years and completed a Masters in Education Administration at Rider University in 1990. Mr. Uibel’s free lance trumpet experience includes a wide variety of ensembles throughout the tri-state region over the past thirty years. He has performed with a wide range of artists and performers including Manhattan Transfer, Allen Vizzutti, Phil Woods, Patti Austin, Linda Eder, Bill Watrous, Marvin Hamlisch, the rock group YES, Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops and the Lakewood Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Wilbur Wittemann. He resides with his family in Marlton, New Jersey.
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Villella, Dr. John
Dr. John Villella is the Chief of Staff and Executive Deputy to the President at West Chester University of Pennsylvania where he has been a member of the administration or faculty for over thirty years. Prior to this appointment served seven years as the Associate Dean for the College of Visual and Performing Arts. During his teaching tenure Dr. Villella directed the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Marching Band. His other duties included working in the music education department as a supervisor of student teachers and instructor of instrumental methods and techniques. His jazz performance experience includes membership in the Criterion Jazz Ensemble at West Chester University and at one time he was the student director of the second jazz ensemble the Statesman. In addition, he serves as an adjudicator for jazz festivals in the Mid-Atlantic region and as an adjudicator of instrumental ensembles for Festivals of Music and Music in the Parks. Dr. Villella holds a B.S. and M.M. in Music Education degrees from West Chester University and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Widener University. Dr. Villella is also the President of Vivace Productions, Inc. The national leader of summer camps including Band Leadership Training and the Marching Band Workshops. He frequently serves as a guest conductor, adjudicator, guest lecturer, and director of music festivals in the United States, Canada, and Europe. In addition, he reviewed new band music for each issue of the Pennsylvania state music education magazine, PMEA News from 2006 to 2015. His professional affiliations include membership in the National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, Music Educators National and State organizations, Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Tau Beta Sigma, and Sigma Alpha Iota.
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Wagner, Bob
Over the past 25+ years, Bob Wagner has maintained an active schedule as a freelance trumpet performer, recording artist, and bandleader. In addition to his music career, Bob has a degree in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University and spent the first 18 years of his career traveling the globe in sales and marketing roles for fortune 500 technology companies. In 2011, Bob set aside corporate life and decided to concentrate full-time on music. Since then, Bob and his piccolo trumpet have traveled the country and performed to standing ovations at the nation’s most prestigious concert halls including Los Angeles’ Disney Hall, & New York’s Carnegie Hall. This past year, Bob released the critically acclaimed solo recording: Toot Suite for solo trumpet and jazz trio, a collection of six elegant and jazzy pieces written by french composer Claude Bolling. Locally, Bob is the director and trumpet soloist for the 18 piece Jump City Jazz Orchestra, as well as crossover chamber ensemble The Hickory Brass. With his unique professional experience, Bob frequently serves as a guest speaker and clinician to secondary, collegiate, and professional audiences covering a broad range of topics in music, business and career guidance. Bob maintains a strong commitment to service by volunteering with Bugles Across America an organization dedicated to providing live performances of Taps for the families of deceased veterans.

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West, Tom
Thomas J. West is an active music teacher, composer, adjudicator, and clinician in the greater Philadelphia area. He has over twenty years experience as a concert band director, marching band director, jazz band and jazz improvisation instructor, choral director, orchestra director, private instructor, and freelance composer/arranger. He is currently the instrumental music teacher and online fine arts learning coordinator at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts, a unique school which is part of the innovative Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School. Thomas has a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from The Pennsylvania State University. He holds a teaching certificate in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has taught at the secondary level in both states. He is a member of NAfME, PMEA, the Jazz Education Network, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
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Whittemann, Wilbur
Director of Bands at Georgian Court University for 24 years. In 2001 Georgian Court University named Wilbur as its Director of Jazz Studies. Conducted bands and performed on trumpet with many world famous musicians and orchestras: Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, Arturo Sanduval, Urbie Green, Slide Hampton, Louis Bellson, Bill Watrous, Allen Vizzutti, Steve Turre, Clark Terry, Phil Woods, Bob Mintzer, Lew Tabackin, Randy Brecker, Red Rodney, Dave Weckl, Jose Feliciano, Little Anthony, The Platters, Shari Lewis and the Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras. Wilbur is conductor of orchestras with the string sections from the Philadelphia Orchestra, Trenton Symphony and the Philly Pops. Ranging in size from 3 to 40 musicians, Wilbur Wittemann Orchestras perform all styles of music. Wilbur performs on cornet, trumpet, and flugelhorn with his Bourbon Street Dixieland Band, Musicology, Wilbur Wittemann Revue, and The Lakewood Jazz Ensemble. He has been arranging and coordinating various concert series and jazz festivals for over 25 years. Wilbur has received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the NJ International Association of Jazz Education. Selected as Teacher of the Year two times. Recently he has been selected as Citizen of the Year by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and elected to the Alumni Hall of Fame. Wilbur is one of the tri-state areas most requested clinicians and festival judges. In the month of July Wilbur directs a very successful summer music camp for musicians of all ages.
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Wolfe, Tim

TIM WOLFE, JR. keeps a busy schedule as a performer, recording artist, and educator based out of Philadelphia. Equally comfortable on double bass and electric bass, Tim has played in a variety of settings and styles all along the Eastern seaboard and internationally. Tim has performed with Tim Warfield, Odean Pope, John Swana, Bill Goodwin, Jimmy Bruno, Andrew D’Angelo, Denis DiBlasio, George Rabbai, Ron Thomas, Steve Rudolph, The Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, The Electric Farm, Berks Opera Company Orchestra, and many others.

Tim holds a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from The University of the Arts and a Bachelor’s degree in music from Lebanon Valley College. In addition to keeping a busy performing schedule, he is an Adjunct Professor of Music at Lebanon Valley College. Working with students of all ages, Tim teaches workshops, clinics, and master classes at high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey as well as keeping a busy private teaching studio. As a bandleader and composer he self-produced and independently released his debut CD, Topics of Conversation, in 2014. A new album with his brother, guitarist Matt Wolfe, titled DUETS, VOL. 1 is out now.

Yataura, Brian

Brian received his Bachelor of Arts in Education and Percussion performance from the College of New Jersey. Following his undergraduate studies, he continued his education at the College of New Jersey receiving a Master of Arts in Education. Brian has over 35 years of professional musical experience as a music educator and performer. Having studied with local professionals such as Tony DeNicola (Harry James Band) and Joseph Nero (University of the Arts) he began performing professionally while in college as a drummer and vibraphonist. Performing in his own jazz combo and playing in area big bands he continued working throughout Philadelphia, Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore circuit. After college, he spent a decade teaching in public school education while maintaining a large group of private percussion students and continued to perform with a diverse group of professional players in a variety of music genres including Jazz, Rock, Funk, and Latin.  Brian’s career has brought him to the national music company “Music & Arts Centers” where he works as a School Services District Manager throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Known for his versatility as a performer he has been closely involved with New Jersey music educators as an adjudicator and clinician for their jazz ensembles. Over the years Brian has given numerous workshops on percussion repair and clinics in percussion performance. Highly regarded as a drummer and percussionist when time allows he continues to perform with a diverse group of musicians ranging from vibraphone duos and horn bands, through to combo and big band jazz.

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