NJMBDA takes pride in the exclusive group of judges that have been selected to provide the highest level of musical & visual adjudication that ultimately fosters educational growth for our students, staff, and community at large. Our judges have been carefully selected to serve as experts in their field, while maintaining a strict focus on the mission of NJMBDA - educational growth for all bands regardless of size, budget, and resources.
Judging Coordinators: Marty Griffin & Sal Adamo
Sal Adamo
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Sal has over 40 years of involvement in the pageantry arts activity. He has designed and coordinated shows for Drum Corps, HS Marching Bands and Winter Guards.
He has been an adjudicator for over 35 years and is qualified to judge all visual captions. He has adjudicated for all the premiere pageantry organizations: • Bands of America (BOA), • Drum Corps Assoc. (DCA), • Drum Corps International (DCI) • ISSMA, NJMBDA, NYSFB. • Winter Guard International (WGI - Guard & Percussion) Sal has been a championship finalist’s judge for all these organizations. Sal is co-founder/Chief Judge - East Coast Judges Guild • In 2018 he was inducted into the New Jersey Drum Corps Hall of Fame. • 2016-Present, he is the Visual Judge Coordinator for the NJ Marching Band Directors Association In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, gardening and watercolor painting. |
Edward Argenziano
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Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Ed. from William Paterson University.
Masters of Arts Degree, Music Performance, from Montclair State University. Teacher of secondary school in New Jersey for 34 years. Director of Bands and Orchestra, Jazz Bands, A.P. Music ands I.B. Music at Morris Knolls High School in Rockaway, NJ from 1986 – 2014. Over those years, served as the North Jersey Area Honors Band President and Conductor as well as the New Jersey Allstate Percussion coordinator. During these years I was also the Music composition/theory Middle College teacher for Fairleigh Dickinson University. Before moving to Florida 2014, I served as the student performance coordinator for the NFL Super Bowl Half Time Show featuring Bruno Mars and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Fine Arts Department Chairperson & Director of Bands and Orchestras at Clearwater High School from 2014 – 2016. 2024 - Program Coordinator for Seminole High School. Seminole, Florida Since 2016, I have been the percussion director at Northside Christian School in St. Petersburg, Florida. 2023 - The FFCC Percussion Judge Coordinator In 1997, I began composing for Rowloff Music Publishers from Nashville, TN. Presently, I have over 25 compositions published with Rowloff, as well as Alfred Music Publications that are performed throughout the world. Educational Artist for Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Drum Company, REMO Percussion, Conn-Selmer and Musser/Ludwig Drums. Since 1987 I have been extremely involved as a music/percussion clinician and music adjudicator and has toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Thailand and Japan. Served as the Drum Corps International Percussion Caption administrator from 1997 -1999 and the Drum Corps Association Percussion administrator 2001-2003. Presently, Music judge for Winter Guard International and Bands of America Past member of the WGI Percussion Advisory Steering Committee. |
Dennis Argul
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Dennis Argul has been a music educator for 40 years. He has been involved in the marching arts pageantry for over 50 years as a performer, teacher, arranger, composer and adjudicator. A low brass musician, specializing on bass trombone, he continues a robust performing, writing and adjudicating schedule and is thrilled to be back working with the great ensembles of the NJMBDA.
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Mike Back
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Mike Back retired at the end of the 2018 school year after completing 34 years as a music educator. He served at Walton High School in Marietta, Georgia since 1985, where he was the Director of Bands and Fine Arts Department Chair. Prior to his appointment as Director of Bands, Mike served as the assistant director at Walton for thirteen years. Before coming to Walton, Mike was the percussion caption head and arranger for the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps. As a native of Alexandria, Kentucky, he attended Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1981. During Mike’s tenure at Walton, the band received national recognition through performances at Bands of America Regional and Grand National competitions. The band also marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and is a three-time participant in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. In 2010, the John Philip Sousa Foundation presented the Walton Band with the prestigious Sudler Shield, an international award recognizing marching bands of world class excellence. In 2011, the Walton Symphonic Band was selected to perform at the GMEA State In-service in Savannah, Georgia. Mike is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Georgia Music Educators Association, the Percussive Arts Society, Phi Mu Alpha and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. He also served on the staff of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Marching Band that performed in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta. Mike has served as a clinician, judge and consultant throughout the United States and is an educational artist for Innovative Percussion. Mike lives in Roswell, Georgia with his wife Andrea. |
Julia Baumanis
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Dr. Julia Baumanis is Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Bands at Rutgers University and is the first female conductor at Rutgers University in its 259-year history. She serves as the Conductor of the Rutgers Symphony Band, Associate Director of the Marching Scarlet Knights, Director of Pep Bands, and teaches the Undergraduate and Graduate Instrumental Conducting courses. She leads within the music community on the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) repertoire committee, on the Educational Advisory Committee for Music for All, serves as the Co-Chair of the Mentorship Committee of Women Band Directors International (WBDI) and is the co-Author of GO ON, Tell Your Story! Voices of Women Band Directors, a book that features the shared experiences of over 100 women conductors. In January 2023, she was appointed Artistic Director and Conductor of the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra, a professional orchestra serving the New Brunswick, NJ area for the past 65 years.
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Tom Beresford
Antoine Blalark
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Antoine Blalark has been involved in the pageantry arts for 40 plus years in the pageantry genres of baton/dance, competitive marching band, winter color guard, half-time shows and drum and bugle corps. Antoine has choreographed programs in these genres as well as designing and constructing costumes, flags, props and pageantry accessories for many marching bands, winter color guards, baton soloists/groups and drum corps through the years. His vast experience as a performer, designer and choreographer has also taken him around the country as a visual adjudicator.
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David Caravella
David Mario Caravella has been a prominent figure in the marching band and drum & bugle corps community since 2001, beginning his career as a performer. His journey in music started with the Paramus Spartan Marching Band from 1998 to 2002, where he served as drum major in his final year.
His performance experience includes time with the Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps from 2001 to 2003, followed by a season with the Cadets of Bergen County in 2004, and culminating with the Concord Blue Devils in 2005 and 2006. After aging out of the performance arena, David transitioned to teaching, serving as a field technician and later as Visual Caption Head for the Raiders between 2007 and 2009 and again from 2013 to 2014. His teaching career also includes roles on the Cadets2 brass staff in 2012 and as an instructor with the Reading Buccaneers from 2010 to 2011 and 2015 to 2019 winning 3 consecutive undefeated championships from 2017 to 2019.
As a drill designer, David has created visually compelling shows for a wide variety of high school and college marching bands, as well as drum corps, primarily in the New Jersey area. His expertise has elevated the performances of groups such as the 2011 National Champion Montville Township High School, Mahwah High School, Elizabeth High School, Kearny High School, Caldwell University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He also contributed to the Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps in 2014 and the Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps from 2013 to 2014.
David earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Montclair State University, graduating in 2008. During his studies, he was mentored by renowned euphonium instructors Dr. Mary Ann Craig and Mr. John Palatucci. He is also a proud brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Currently residing in Paramus, New Jersey, David is devoted to educating the next generation of musicians. He serves as the full-time Director of Bands at Lincoln Middle School in Kearny and is also the Director of the Kearny High School Marching Band. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, David serves as an adjudicator for USBands and the New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association band contests.
His performance experience includes time with the Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps from 2001 to 2003, followed by a season with the Cadets of Bergen County in 2004, and culminating with the Concord Blue Devils in 2005 and 2006. After aging out of the performance arena, David transitioned to teaching, serving as a field technician and later as Visual Caption Head for the Raiders between 2007 and 2009 and again from 2013 to 2014. His teaching career also includes roles on the Cadets2 brass staff in 2012 and as an instructor with the Reading Buccaneers from 2010 to 2011 and 2015 to 2019 winning 3 consecutive undefeated championships from 2017 to 2019.
As a drill designer, David has created visually compelling shows for a wide variety of high school and college marching bands, as well as drum corps, primarily in the New Jersey area. His expertise has elevated the performances of groups such as the 2011 National Champion Montville Township High School, Mahwah High School, Elizabeth High School, Kearny High School, Caldwell University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He also contributed to the Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps in 2014 and the Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps from 2013 to 2014.
David earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Montclair State University, graduating in 2008. During his studies, he was mentored by renowned euphonium instructors Dr. Mary Ann Craig and Mr. John Palatucci. He is also a proud brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Currently residing in Paramus, New Jersey, David is devoted to educating the next generation of musicians. He serves as the full-time Director of Bands at Lincoln Middle School in Kearny and is also the Director of the Kearny High School Marching Band. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, David serves as an adjudicator for USBands and the New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association band contests.
Daniel Cook
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Daniel Cook serves as Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music Performance at Ithaca College. In this capacity, he is the artistic director and conductor of the renowned Ithaca College Wind Ensemble, teaches courses in conducting and music education, and administers the historic IC Band Program. Prior to his appointment at IC, Dr. Cook was on faculty at the University of North Texas faculty, where he conducted the Wind Ensemble, taught courses in wind band literature, graduate and undergraduate conducting, and was the Director of the 435-member Green Brigade Marching Band. Cook earned Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees in Conducting from Northwestern University, where he studied with Mallory Thompson, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Georgia.
Cook’s marching arts experience is reflected in his work with prominent organizations such as the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, where he serves as an Ensemble Specialist and Consultant. Cook’s Drum Corps International background also includes music instructional positions with the Phantom Regiment and Blue Knights. He regularly adjudicates concert and marching band events across the country. Cook has also held the role of Resident Conductor of the Dallas Brass Band. Under the direction of Cook and co-conductor David Childs, the British-style brass band rose to national acclaim, releasing an album on WOBPlay, performing at the TMEA Conference, and garnering a first-prize finish in the First Section at the 2022 North American Brass Band Championships. Cook’s ensemble performances have received acclaim, most recently by such composers as Bryant, Daugherty, Del Tredici, Gotkovsky, Higdon, and Schwantner. Ensembles under his direction have performed at the Florida and Texas state music conferences, as well as at the Music for All National Concert Band Festival. The UNT Wind Ensemble has won first-place recognition for the collegiate American Prize in Wind Ensemble Performance. In addition to his work at UNT, Cook is honored to have held educational positions with the Dallas Brass Band and Santa Clara Vanguard. He is published in the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series and has contributed to various albums published via Naxos, GIA, and independent release. |
Paul Cullen
Izzy Delgado
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Izzy Delgado is from New Jersey and has been involved in the marching arts for over 25 years. He has been a visual adjudicator since 2003, and has also served as a visual designer, instructor, and clinician. Izzy has adjudicated for several circuits in all genres of the marching arts such as WGI, DCI, DCA, MAIN, KIDA, MAPS, USBANDS, MMBA, MAC, MEPA, RMCGC, AIA, MCGC, & Cavalcade of Bands. He has had the honor to serve on several championship judging panels. Izzy has also worked in the administrative aspect of the activity, having previously served on the MAIN Executive Board as chairperson of the task force in charge of unit classification where he was instrumental in revamping the circuit's class system.
Izzy is active as a visual designer, program coordinator, and music composer / arranger for several award winning programs in the northeast region. He has been involved with several state championship programs along with Bands of America Regional finalists and a regional class champion. Izzy currently lives in Parlin, NJ with his wife Elyse and daughter Taylor. He is a licensed New Jersey Property & Casualty Insurance Producer and currently serves as an Insurance Sales Manager with AAA Northeast Insurance Agency. |
Joseph Dobis
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Joseph has been involved with the Colorguard community since the fall of 1995. I have marched in ensembles such as Carolina Crown 2000, Just Class Winterguard 2001, Blessed Sacrament Colorguard 2002, 2003, 2007, 2013, & 2014. Joseph is currently a GE judge in the winter and an Effect/Colorguard judge in the fall.
Joseph is currently a WGI Circuit Certified Judge and completed Level 400 for General Effect. Joseph has also finished Level 200 of USBands judging training. |
Jim Dugan
Jim is currently the executive director as well as design lead for the Bushwackers Drum Corps (DCI All Age). Jim has been designing shows for over 35 years. Jim has been judging for over 10 years specializing in Effect Music.
James Gabonay
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James Gabonay has had a lifelong passion for Color Guard beginning with his career as a performer at Norwin High School and later as a member of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps. From there, James transitioned to become both a designer and educator for many award winning programs including Spirit of Atlanta (2019-2021), Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps (2023-2024) Norwin High School (10 Time WGI Scholastic World Finalist, 2021 BOA Grand National AA Champion), Collage Winter Guard (2022 WGI Ind. A Class Finalists), Gateway High School (2014 Scholastic A WGI Finalist), and many others.
He holds a dual degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Social Studies Education and History. While not spending time with his dog Prince, James is a Geography teacher at Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas, where he also serves as the Color Guard Coordinator. He is currently the owner of JDGDesigns, where he continues to work with multiple pageantry organizations across the country and serves as a sales representative for Prop Vinyls. |
Edward Griffin
Eddie Griffin is a musician, educator, and professional based in New Jersey. A graduate of the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers, he studied euphonium, brass pedagogy, and conducting while performing with the Rutgers Wind Ensemble and Brass Ensemble. Eddie plays euphonium with the Eastern Wind Symphony and has performed with top brass bands, including the Princeton Brass Band, Atlantic Brass Band, and Gramercy Brass Orchestra.
He has designed, directed, and instructed several New Jersey marching bands, including J.P. Stevens High School (2015–2021), where he served as a designer and lead instructor, helping the group achieve success at several Bands of America regionals. Eddie has been with the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps since 2018, serving on the brass staff and design team, and now as their Music and Ensemble Coordinator.
Outside of music, Eddie works in software development for a government technology company. He lives in Gibbsboro, NJ, with his wife, Lauryn, and their two dogs.
He has designed, directed, and instructed several New Jersey marching bands, including J.P. Stevens High School (2015–2021), where he served as a designer and lead instructor, helping the group achieve success at several Bands of America regionals. Eddie has been with the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps since 2018, serving on the brass staff and design team, and now as their Music and Ensemble Coordinator.
Outside of music, Eddie works in software development for a government technology company. He lives in Gibbsboro, NJ, with his wife, Lauryn, and their two dogs.
Alfred Hadinger
Rich Hammond
Joseph Higgins
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Joseph Higgins serves as Director of Bands at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches courses in conducting and literature. During his tenure, the program has grown to include multiple directors, three concert ensembles, and the new “Pride of the Profs” Marching Band; ensembles under his direction have premiered over forty new works and collaborated with many world-class artists, including a recent residency with contemporary chamber ensemble Eighth Blackbird. For his exceptional leadership in the classroom, Higgins was awarded the Frances S. Johnson Innovative Teaching Award. He also received the Rowan University Values Award for Inclusivity in recognition of curating a “Music of Social Justice” performance series. In addition to his work at Rowan University, Higgins serves as guest conductor-clinician with outstanding professional, community, and student ensembles throughout the country. His past season included performances in Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, as well as conducting the 2024 New Jersey All-State Band, Philadelphia Wind Symphony, and United States Air Force Band. He earned doctor and master of music degrees in conducting from Northwestern University, where his primary teacher was Mallory Thompson, and a bachelor of music degree in music education from the University of Georgia. Prior to graduate study, Higgins taught at North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Georgia.
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Keith Hodgson
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Dr. Keith W. Hodgson is a renowned music educator, clinician, and conductor with a distinguished career spanning over 26 years as a high school band director in New Jersey. For eight years, Dr, Hodgson was a Professor of Music Education and Coordinator of Student Teaching at the University of The Arts in Philadelphia. Dr. Hodgson has been the Artistic Director and Conductor of the South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble since its inception in 1997 and a Conn-Selmer Educational Clinician. For more than 25 years, he has been a Head Director for the American Music Abroad summer student and adult music tours to Europe.
Dr. Hodgson has held several prominent leadership roles, including Past President of the Eastern Division and Chair of the Professional Learning and Partnerships Committee for the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the Director of Education for Zeswitz Music Company. He is also a Past-President of the New Jersey Music Educators Association, a National Board Certified Teacher, and the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the 2014 New Jersey Governor's Award in the Arts for Leadership in Music and the 2016 Distinguished Service Award from the New Jersey Music Educators Association. In 2024, Dr. Hodgson earned the Outstanding Conductor Award from the Association of Concert Bands, was the National Winner of the American Prize in the Community Ensemble Division with the South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble, and completed his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Aspen University. |
Giff Howarth
Dr. GIFFORD HOWARTH is currently Associate Professor of Percussion at
Bloomsburg University located in Bloomsburg, PA. His previous teaching duties
included teaching at Penn State University, Michigan State University and
Nazareth College (Rochester, NY).
Dr. Howarth has received degrees from Michigan State University (DMA), Kent
State University (MM), and Ithaca College (BM). He has presented clinics and
workshops throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe including
Singapore, China, Thailand, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Malaysia. He has
also presented at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, The Percussive Arts Society
International Convention (PASIC), several MENC All-State Conferences and
PAS Day of Percussion events. The focus for most of the workshops is geared
around percussion education.
Dr. Howarth is heavily involved in different competitive marching activities. He
was on the percussion staff for the DCI group, THE CADETS from 1999 to 2006.
Over the years he has written for several WGI, BOA, and DCA ensembles. He is
currently a national adjudicator for DCI, WGI, and BOA along with several state-
wide marching band and indoor percussion circuits.
Dr. Howarth is a National Yamaha Performing Artist, a Signature Artist for the Vic
Firth Company, and a clinician for Remo Percussion and the Zildjian Cymbal
Company. He has several works published through Tap Space publications.
Bloomsburg University located in Bloomsburg, PA. His previous teaching duties
included teaching at Penn State University, Michigan State University and
Nazareth College (Rochester, NY).
Dr. Howarth has received degrees from Michigan State University (DMA), Kent
State University (MM), and Ithaca College (BM). He has presented clinics and
workshops throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe including
Singapore, China, Thailand, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Malaysia. He has
also presented at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, The Percussive Arts Society
International Convention (PASIC), several MENC All-State Conferences and
PAS Day of Percussion events. The focus for most of the workshops is geared
around percussion education.
Dr. Howarth is heavily involved in different competitive marching activities. He
was on the percussion staff for the DCI group, THE CADETS from 1999 to 2006.
Over the years he has written for several WGI, BOA, and DCA ensembles. He is
currently a national adjudicator for DCI, WGI, and BOA along with several state-
wide marching band and indoor percussion circuits.
Dr. Howarth is a National Yamaha Performing Artist, a Signature Artist for the Vic
Firth Company, and a clinician for Remo Percussion and the Zildjian Cymbal
Company. He has several works published through Tap Space publications.
John Howell
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John Howell resides in North Huntingdon Pennsylvania just outside of Pittsburgh. He was employed for 31 years as a Business Education Teacher in the Hempfield Area School District where he taught Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Web Page Design, Video Game Programming and Financial Literacy. He presided as the BCIT Department Chair K-12 for 11 years. John holds a Bachelor of Administration in Business Management and an Accounting minor from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has been a visual designer and has taught and written shows for various nationally acclaimed marching bands, drum and bugle corps and indoor winter colorguards and continues to conduct clinics and consultations for bands, winter colorguards, and judging associations across the United States. He has been a visual adjudicator over 30 years and judges for BOA, DCI, DCA and various other judging associations and has had the opportunity to judge internationally on numerous occasions. He also conducts both the Trinity Handbell and Hand Chime choirs at his church in which he has performed for over 44 years.
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Mark Kadetsky
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As a teacher, Mark Kadetsky conducted Bands and Orchestras in the Egg Harbor Township New Jersey Schools, for over twenty years. Under his direction, The EHTHS Marching band won group IV State Championships in 2006, 2008 and 2009. Television appearances included the Marching Band in a commercial for Volkswagen and an EHTHS Symphony Orchestra performance on Good Day Philadelphia! From 2010 – 2016, The Fernwood Middle School Wind Ensemble received “Gold” ratings at numerous festivals while also serving as the lab-band for conducting students at Rowan University.
Dr. Kadetsky currently serves as the District Supervisor of Fine & Performing Arts for Egg Harbor Township, overseeing the artistic activities of faculty and students in ten schools serving over 7500 students in grades K-12. He also keeps busy as a adjudicator/clinician and conductor throughout the country. Since 2003 he has been the Music Director of the Atlantic Pops, one of south Jersey’s largest, community symphonic bands. In 2017 he commissioned and premiered, with the Pops, the first ever wind-band transcription of the Symphony # 1, by Dimitri Shostakovich and in 2019 commissioned Atlantic Rhapsody… for Winds & Percussion. Notable conducting engagements include, The All South Jersey High School Symphonic Band, a 2018 performance at Carnegie Hall with the Atlantic Pops and the 2020 All South Jersey High School Orchestra the 2025 All-Northern Connecticut High School Orchestra and The Atlantic Pops 2025 debut at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education and String Bass, from the College of New Jersey, an M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Rider University and a Doctorate in Music Education from Shenandoah University. |
Greg King
Jeff Krywinski
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Jeff Krywinski is a 1985 graduate of Brick Memorial High School (N.J.) where he began his pageantry experience as a performer/Drum Major. He served as a marching instructor and eventual visual coordinator/designer for this award winning marching band program from 1986-2000.
Jeff first started judging in 1988 for the National Judges Association (NJA). He was also a longtime member of the East Coast Judges Guild (N.J.) He has affiliations with the following pageantry associations: New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association (NJMBDA), Musical Arts Conference (MAC), United States Bands Association (US Bands), Mid Atlantic Indoor Association (M.A.I.N.), Winter Guard International (WGI), Drum Corps International (DCI), Mid Atlantic Percussion Society (MAPS) and Cavalcade of Bands. Jeff’s dedication and genuine passion for the pageantry has positively affected countless students and performance teams. As a clinician, contest coordinator and adjudicator, he has traveled throughout the United States and has been honored to adjudicate numerous field and indoor competitions including several championship events each year. He currently resides in Brick N.J and is married to his high school sweetheart Barrie who he met in the marching band. They are the proud parents of 3 boys, Ryan and identical twins Andrew and Austin. |
Neil Larrivee
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Neil Larrivee is a highly respected figure in the drum corps, marching band, and indoor marching communities, known for his significant contributions as an instructor and arranger. He was a key member of the Cadets Drum Corps design team from 1993 to 2008, contributing to four DCI championships and earning four High Percussion Awards, which led to his induction into the Cadets Hall of Fame. Neil was the Blue Stars Drum Corps Front Ensemble Director and Arranger from 2010 to 2012 and returned to the Cadets from 2019 to 2022 as Front Ensemble Facilitator and Caption Manager.
His extensive experience includes over 17 years at King Philip Regional High School as Co-Marching Band Director, Percussion Director & Arranger, where he led the marching band and Indoor Percussion Ensemble to numerous championships and accolades including the 2000 WGI Scholastic World Championship while placing second in '97, '98 & 2001. He also played a pivotal role with the Dartmouth High School Indoor Percussion Ensemble while capturing 2 WGI Scholastic World Championships in 2008 and 2009. Inducted into several halls of fame, including the Massachusetts Drum Corps and Music Educators, Winter Guard International, and the World Drum Corps, Neil remains active as a designer, instructor, adjudicator and clinician for various organizations. He is an educational artist endorsed by Innovative Percussion, Remo, Yamaha and Zildjian. |
Bret Mascaro
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Bret Mascaro recently retired as an adjunct professor and supervisor of student teachers at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Previously, Bret completed a full career as a music teacher, band director, and Music Department Coordinator for the Methacton School District. During that time, Bret served as a PA Music Educators Association District President and Festival Coordinator and has twice been a clinician at the PMEA Conference. In the interim, Bret spent four years as Director of Education for the Zeswitz Music Company in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Bret Mascaro has served as an adjudicator across the United States, Canada, and Japan for organizations such as Bands of America, Winter Guard International, Drum Corps International and several state pageantry associations. Bret has been a designer or instructor for the Crossmen, Troopers, and Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps and many high school bands in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. |
Frank McGuigan
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Frank McGuigan is a veteran adjudicator, designer, instructor, and consultant in the marching arts. Hailing from Sanatoga, Pennsylvania, Frank has served on the staff of Spring-Ford HS, North Penn HS, The Penn State Indoor Drumline, The Jersey Surf, and the Reading Buccaneers. In the judging community, Frank has lent his talents to NJMBDA, Cavalcade of Bands, KIDA, MAPS, and NY State Percussion Circuit.
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Mark Metz
Jeff Namian
Todd Nichols
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Dr. Todd Nichols credits include work as a conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and recording producer annually throughout the United States. Dr. Nichols currently serves as Director of University Bands and Area Head of Conducting at Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey. His duties include oversight and administration of all large instrumental ensembles including four concert bands, two orchestras, and the Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights and Pep Bands. Dr. Nichols directs the Marching Scarlet Knights and Symphonic Winds and teaches graduate conducting. As director of the Marching Scarlet Knights, Dr. Nichols led highly acclaimed performances at the 2025 London Band Week, 2024 and 2019 NFL’s Monday Night Football, 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2021 Music for All Grand Nationals finals performance, and for United States President Joe Biden in 2017. Dr. Nichols served as a Guest Lecturer at both New York University and Columbia University and is a Past President of the Big Ten Band Director’s National Association. Dr. Nichols is especially honored to have guest conducted the United States Army Field Band. In addition, Dr. Nichols served as Conductor for the Garden State Symphonic Band and has recently been appointed Artistic Director and Conductor of the Princeton Brass Band.
Dr. Nichols also serves as Artistic Director for the Eastern Wind Symphony, a position he has held since 2010. Dr. Nichols conducted numerous highly acclaimed performances and records regularly with this ensemble. Under his direction, the EWS received multiple Grammy Award nominations of eligibility and has been invited to perform at major conventions including the 2021 and 2015 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, 2019 ACB National Convention, 2017 NAfME All Eastern Convention, and 2017 ITG Conference. Dr. Nichols recently co-authored two articles accepted for publication in The Journal of Band Research and WASBE Journal. Dr. Nichols was inducted into the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and American School Band Directors Association in 2016. He received two Citations of Excellence from the National Band Association in 2016 and 2020 and the NJ Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award in 2001. For nineteen years, Dr. Nichols served as Director of Bands at Roxbury and Edison High Schools in New Jersey, where his ensembles were recognized for outstanding performance at numerous local, state, and many prestigious national festivals and concerts. During his time as a public-school teacher, Dr. Nichols also performed professionally as a freelance percussionist and drummer across the east coast, in hundreds of performances with prominent ensembles including orchestral, musical theater, club dates, and various chamber music performances. Dr. Nichols resides in Branchburg, NJ with his wife, Beth, and daughters, Sarah, and Emily. |
Jason O'Brien
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Jay O'Brien has played with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, with international touring acts at the Strathmore, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, as well as performed at Birdland and Carnegie Hall with the Charu Suri Group. He owns his own percussion repair and rental business and has a full teaching studio in Bogota NJ. In 2025 he joined the staff at the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corp. He endorses Innovative Percussion and uses their products exclusively.
www.obrienpercussion.com |
Eric Robertshaw
Billy Saccomanno
Robert Schoos
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Rob Schoos is a graduate of the Blake School of the Arts (Tampa, Fl) and alumnus of the Florida State University School of Music, with degrees in Music Performance/Brass Pedagogy.
In 2004 Rob began his educational career with the Hillsborough County Schools (Tampa, FL) as Director of Bands and Orchestra at the Sam Rampello K-8 School and then in 2007 transitioned into the Director of Bands position at H.B. Plant High School. Under his direction of the 250-member program all ensembles consistently earned “Straight Superior" ratings at all District and STATE level assessments alongside Top 5 Finalist music caption placements in the State Indoor (FFCC) and Marching Band (FMBC) Championships. Since 2014 he has served as the Music Caption Head for the Seminole H.S. “Warhawk” Band (St. Petersburg, Fl), which is a perennial Marching Band State Champion as well as a BOA/ WGI/ FMBC Championship Finalist with a storied tradition of excellence. The Seminole Warhawk Band was also a participant in the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA for the 4th time in their history. As a freelance artist, Mr. Schoos has the opportunity to offer his services as a performer, applied Horn/brass instructor, music arranger, adjudicator, guest clinician and consultant. Rob enjoys performing professionally with The Florida Orchestra (Tampa, Fl), The Southwest Florida Symphony (Ft Myers/Naples, FL) and many regional orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout the Southeastern US. Rob resides in Redington Shores, Fl with his wife, Erin & their 8-year-old daughter Nola and enjoys a full coastal beach lifestyle along St. Petersburg’s Gulf Coast. |
Benjamin Schwartz
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Ben Schwartz has been a Music Adjudicator since 2006. A renowned educator, he has been a music teacher in New Jersey for 22 years, formerly the director of bands at Lakewood High School and Elizabeth High School. A gifted musical arranger, Ben has written wind and percussion scores for Marching & Pageantry Arts ensembles across the country for 25 years, including South Brunswick High School, Elizabeth High School, Passaic High School, Edison High School, University of North Dakota, Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps. A professional drummer and pianist, Ben performs regularly in the NJ/NYC area. He also won the Drum Corps Associates I&E Drum Set competition 3 times in 2006, 2009, and 2010. In 2012, Ben represented New Jersey in School, Band, and Orchestra Magazine as one of the "50 Directors Who Make a Difference" and was awarded the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction in 2019. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from Mason Gross School of the Arts, an M.A. in Music Education from New Jersey City University, as well as a Supervisor Certificate. He currently is a music adjudicator for NJMBDA and USBands and has previously judged with Drum Corps Associates and Cavalcade of Bands. He currently teaches Music Technology in the Newark Public Schools, and resides in Woodbridge Township, NJ with his wife and two children.
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Jim Shade
Over the past 40 years, Jim Shade has served as instructor, designer and consultant for numerous percussion ensembles, marching bands, drum and bugle corps and color guards across the country. His judging affiliations include the Winter Guard International, Keystone Indoor Drill Association, Maryland Marching Band Association, New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association, Southern California Percussion Alliance, Mid-Atlantic Percussion Society, Southeast Color Guard Circuit and Texas Color Guard Circuit. Currently, Jim lives outside of Harrisburg, PA with his wife, Denise, and is a Senior Vice President at United Concordia Dental.
Minesh Shah
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Minesh Shah is a professional music educator and performer from the NY/NJ area. Minesh holds a Bachelor's of Music in Trombone Performance from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Currently he is finishing his Master's of Music from William Paterson University, including a post baccalaureate certificate in Jazz Pedagogy.
After college, Mr. Shah began teaching in NJ and has found success in diverse populations. He is a believer in the power of music education and is an advocate for all children receiving an enriched ensemble music education. His passion has led him to various teaching positions in traditional, cooperative and alternative systems, including El Sistema through Paterson Music Program, where he is a lead brass teaching artist and program administrator. For the last 10 years Minesh has been the Music Director of The Ramsey Wind Symphony. A community band comprised of volunteer musicians in the wind ensemble setting of one or two on a part. When at home, Minesh enjoys spending time with his dog Davross, cat Sensei Ira and friends. Along with his wife Kara, Minesh is a Unified Bocce Athlete for the Special Olympics. |
Tim Stodd
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Tim Stodd - - holds the Master of Music from the Eastman School, the Bachelor of Music from the University of Oregon, and the NYS Teaching Certificate from Nazareth College of Rochester. Mr. Stodd’s leadership tenure includes 28 years as Director of Instrumental Music at the Hilton Central School District (Hilton, NY), 26 years as both President and Vice-President for the New York State Percussion Circuit, 17 years as the Percussion Caption Head for the New York Federation of Contest Judges Association, and 10 years as Adjunct Professor of Percussion at the State University of New York College (SUNY) at Geneseo. While an undergraduate student, Mr. Stodd was Assistant Director of the University of Oregon Marching Band, and as a Masters Candidate was a Graduate Teaching Fellow at the Eastman School of Music. An experienced performer, Mr. Stodd has recorded for RCA Victor, CBS Masterworks, Turner Classic Movies, CBS Sony in Japan, and the National Television of Portugal. Among other highlights, Mr. Stodd was the timpanist on Wynton Marsalis’ “Carnaval” – a Grammy-nominated recording. He is also Percussionist with the Flower City Society Orchestra (FCSO) -- performing period music for silent films in both the United States and Europe. Mr. Stodd founded and directed many ensembles and organizations including the Geneseo Percussion Ensemble (SUNY) in 1986, the New York State Percussion Circuit (NYSPC) in 1994, and the Hilton HS Percussion Ensemble in 1995. During Mr. Stodd’s tenure at Hilton, he directed the Hilton HS Percussion Ensemble to numerous First Place Championships including the 2013 WGI PSA World Championship, 7 WGI Regional Championships, and 16 New York State Percussion Circuit Championships. Mr. Stodd has enjoyed a life of pageantry including “Aging Out” as a snare drummer with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, and later serving as Percussion Caption Head and/or Percussion Arranger for the Empire Statesmen Sr. Drum and Bugle Corps for 18 seasons. During Mr. Stodd’s tenure with the Empire Statesmen, the corps won five DCA World Championships and five DCA High Percussion awards.Mr. Stodd is an active clinician and has adjudicated for pageantry circuits including DCI, WGI, DCA, and many others throughout the United States and Canada. In New York, he has presented clinics for the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Annual Winter Conference, the New York State Field Band Conference (NYSFBC), as well as the Monroe County School Music Association (MCSMA). Mr. Stodd has been featured in publications including Drum Corps World, School Music News, The Rudimental Percussionist, the Syracuse Post Standard, and the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. He is published with G. Schirmer, Inc., and is endorsed by Innovative Percussion. Mr. Stodd is a member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame, and is the Inaugural Member of the New York State Percussion Circuit Hall of Fame. Along with his wife Shelly and their two cats, Mr. Stodd resides in Rochester, NY.
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David Tintle
Mr. David Tintle began his life-long association with Musical Pageantry in 1964 as a cymbal player and has been continuously involved ever since. He was a Music Educator in the New Jersey public schools for 34 years, serving as Band Director/Music Educator for Glen Ridge Public Schools and Verona Public Schools. He extended his Music Educator longevity in his new home state of Delaware before fully retiring in 2016. In the area of competitive Drum & Bugle Corps, David has been both member and instructor for such notable groups as the Garfield Cadets and Hawthorne Caballeros and several others. David’s experiences as an adjudicator span many years and a variety of venues. He has judged individual performers, marching, jazz and concert bands and drum corps on the local and national scene. He has also been active in local musical theatre having produced, performed in or conducted a plethora of shows. As a performer (percussionist), instructor, director and adjudicator Mr. Tintle is uniquely qualified to bring his talents and wealth of experience to the Marching Musical Arts. When he is not pursuing musical endeavors, he is an avid crossword puzzler and enjoys warm weather activities at the beach and golf course.
Rob Watson
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Rob Watson is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and adjudicator in the marching arts. He has worked with high school, collegiate, drum corps, marching band, and winter guard ensembles across the country, earning widespread recognition for his contributions. Rob currently serves as a visual performance and color guard adjudicator for several prestigious organizations, including the New York State Field Band Conference, New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association, Mid-York Color Guard Circuit, Florida Federation of Color Guards, and Eastern Tennessee Performing Arts Association.
Rob was the Executive Director of Fusion Winter Guard, the 2024 WGI Independent World Class Champion, and previously served as Guard Caption Head for Fusion Drum & Bugle Corps from 2013 to 2018. Under his leadership, the color guard earned two world championship titles and consistently ranked among the top-performing ensembles nationwide. Outside of the activity, Rob resides on the Jersey Shore and serves as CEO of a top 10 global advertising and branding agency. |
