Alan Barone is currently the Marching Percussion Director and Assistant Marching Band Director at Victor J Andrew HS in Tinley Park, IL. Under his direction the Victor J Andrew HS Percussion Ensemble has been recognized as one of the premier ensembles in both WGI Scholastic A and Open Classes. The Victor J Andrew HS Percussion Ensemble affectionately known as “Andrew Percussion” has been a consistent WGI Finalist and Medalist. The ensemble was the Scholastic A Class Champion in both 2014, 2016, and silver medalist in 2011. In Open Class, Victor J Andrew HS was the silver medalist in both 2012, 2013, and the bronze medalist in 2017. In addition to his percussion duties at Victor J Andrew HS, Alan also serves as a drill writer and show designer for groups across the country. Alan lives in Lockport, Illinois with his wife Amy and their two children, Mia and Mason.

Justin Williams received a Bachelor of Arts degree with special honors in Political Science and a minor in music from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. He also received the Master of Arts in History from JSU and the Master of Arts in Religion from Liberty University. Justin serves as arranger and program consultant for many high school band programs across the country and is staff arranger for the Jacksonville State University “Marching Southerners. When not arranging and composing, he teaches history, political science, and religion at Central Alabama Community College in Talladega, Alabama.

Patrick Nolen Kava began his color guard career in 2011 as a performer in UAB Marching Blazers Color Guard and Amor Winter Guard. Since, he has gained over 10 years of experience directing, teaching, and performing in the color guard and marching band community. Currently, he is the Founder and Executive Director of Divenire Winter Guard – two-time WGI Finalist – and Co-Director of Thompson High School Winter Guard – 2021 WGI Virtual Finalist. He has played a crucial role in Winter Guard International and local circuits, working with programs across the southeast. Patrick has performed with Atlanta CV Drum and Bugle Corps for 5 years (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021) – winning two high color guard awards. Patrick continues to design and stage programs across the South while serving on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Color Guard Circuit.

Chad earned his BS in Music Education from Jacksonville State University and is currently Director of Bands for Rome High School, Rome, Georgia. He marched Southwind Drum & Bugle Corps from 1990-1992. Chad has served as a visual designer for Sprit from JSU, staff member of Spirit of Atlanta, and Associate Band Director for Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton, Florida.

Elanders Frazier is an arranger, designer, and creator based in Pace, Florida. Elanders has been a percussion instructor, visual designer, adjudicator, and clinician for grade schools and independent ensembles in the Gulf Coast area since 2002.

Elanders holds an A.A. in Business and a B.S.B.A. with a concentration in Management from the University of West Florida. His collegiate performance credits include Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida. His professional marching credits include Eminence Indoor, Spirit Drum & Bugle Corps, and Music City Mystique. Elanders is also a member of the Percussive Arts Society and proudly endorses Innovative Percussion Sticks and Mallets.

Ryan Reed is the Front Ensemble Arranger and Coordinator for Southwind .  He has been a percussion designer/instructor since 2006 and is currently the percussion director for West Clermont High School. Additionally, he serves on the front ensemble staff with Matrix Performing Arts (instructor), White Sabers (arranger) and Phantom Regiment (instructor). Ryan received a B.M. in Music Education from Kent State University where he studied percussion with Ted Rounds. As a performer in the marching arts, Ryan was a front ensemble member of Matrix Percussion from 2006-2008.  He was also a member of the Empire Statesmen in 2007 and 2009, and the Glassmen in 2008. Ryan proudly endorses Innovative Percussion and Mapex/Majestic Percussion.