meet the cnx26 staff
Ensemble Administration
Nick Riley – Director
Barb Terrell – Director
Operations Staff
Barb Terrell – Operations Coordinator
Dr. Alyssa Iwinski, PT, DPT – Medical Advisor
Kristen Frederico, LPCC, LSC – Mental Health Advisor
Andre Rodriguez – Webmaster
Matthew Wakenell – Props Lead
Trey Singleton – Transportation Lead
Austin Sharp
Melissa Gouge
Jamie Albert, RN
Alex Buckley
Sam Lyon
Micki Hayes
Jeremiah Gast
Design Staff
Michael Reese –Program Coordinator
Andrew Markworth – Front Ensemble Designer
Ryan Ellis – Artistic Director. Battery/Visual Designer
Ross Werner – Graphic Designer
Byron Valentine – Uniform Designer
Jeff Hurr – Prop Designer
Kristen Frederico – Visual Ensemble Designer
Nick Riley – Show Designer
Drew Brown – Show Designer
Battery staff
Sean Girvin – Ensemble Coordinator, Battery Manager
David Ware – Battery Coordinator
Kristin Stoner – Consultant
Jordan Kracus
Dylan Sammons
Micah Infante
Ethan Wright
Henry Iwinski
Willow Harpole
Evan Pliska
Ian Anstaett
Steven Rader
Chloe Roh
Simon Slagle
Front Ensemble Staff
Evan Sasowsky – Front Ensemble Coordinator
Aubrie Lynn – Assistant Front Ensemble Coordinator
Zach Albert – Audio Coordinator
Ellie Mehr – Front Ensemble Consultant
Zach Shaw – Front Ensemble Consultant
Paul Walker
Tyson Leazenby
James Beckner
Braedon Bomgardner
Andrew Seivert
Dante Susco
Marco Iannelli
Ashley Albert
Mason Rhue
Visual Ensemble Staff
Kristen Frederico –Visual Ensemble Coordinator
Aylin Vural – Consultant
McKenzie Grzina
Shanna Speir
Joy Corbett
Visual Staff
Jonah Ewing – Visual Coordinator
Jack Obermeyer
Media StafF
Carlee McAfee – Coordinator
Tim Wiencek
Logan Kozee
nick riley
Director, Show Designer
President, CPAA, Inc. Board of Directors | Education Director, ConneXion Educational Clinic Series
Nick Riley is thrilled to return to ConneXus for his 14th season in 2026.
Currently, Nick serves as Director and Show Designer for ConneXus and as Educational Director for the ConneXion Educational Clinic Series. He has previously held numerous other administrative, creative, and instructional roles since co-founding the ensemble in the summer of 2012. Nick has also served as President of the ConneXus Performing Arts Association, Inc. Board of Directors since 2016. Nick led both the ensemble and design teams each time ConneXus made WGI World Championships Finals for the first time: PIO in 2015 and PIW in 2023.
Nick has been involved in the pageantry arts as a performer, instructor, composer/arranger, ensemble administrator, show designer, and adjudicator for over 20 years. Currently, Nick is a PhD Candidate in Music Education at The Ohio State University where he is a fully-funded graduate teaching associate for the School of Music. At OSU, he instructs undergraduate courses in music education, instrumental techniques, and supervises student teachers. A classically trained percussionist, Nick earned a Master of Arts in Music Education from Ohio State in 2023 and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Capital University in 2011. Prior to pursuing graduate studies full-time, Nick was the Director of Bands for Liberty Center Local Schools in rural northwest Ohio from 2012 to 2021.
Nick is the founder of the web-based pageantry arts music design business NPR Marching Concepts: The Music of Nick Riley where he has composed over 600 works for over 60 ensembles since beginning his writing career in 2007. A prolific composer, program coordinator, and show designer for marching bands, indoor percussion ensembles, drum corps, and winter winds, Nick’s compositions can be heard across the United States and South America. In addition to publishing his own work, Nick’s compositions for indoor percussion are published by Gary P. Gilroy Publications and Marching Show Concepts. Nick’s music has been recognized for its creativity, engagement, educational value, and competitive success. Ensembles performing Nick’s music have been local circuit, BOA, DCI SoundSport, and WGI championship finalists and medalists.
Nick is an accomplished adjudicator for the pageantry arts, judging actively for the Central States Judges Association (CSJA) since 2013 and the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) since 2012. Specializing in music general effect, music performance, and percussion, he has judged in 11 states. Nick was appointed as Music Caption Head for CSJA in 2025 where he is responsible for recruiting, training, evaluating, and assigning music judges for over 60 international marching band competitions annually. Nick has judged championship-level competitions in Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and Kansas.
Nick is actively involved in circuit administration and contest coordination for indoor percussion, winter guard, and winter winds. Recently, Nick was re-elected to The Mid-East Performance Association Board of Directors as a Percussion Representative, a position he has held since 2022.
Nick’s previous staff assignments reflect a diverse background in the pageantry arts. He served as the Assistant Visual Supervisor for Legends Drum & Bugle Corps (2011-2013), a Percussion Consultant for The Ohio State University Marching Band (2011-2014), and Visual Technician for the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps (2016). Nick is currently the Program Coordinator and Percussion Composer/Arranger for the Gran Banda Drum & Bugle Corps of Medellin, Colombia, South America, where he has served on both the percussion and visual staffs since 2014. The “GB” is the 2014 DCI SoundSport Champion, runner up in 2017, and the first ensemble from South America to perform in DCI events.
Nick is a member of OMEA, CSJA, PFCJ, NAfME, and PAS. Nick holds endorsements from Vic Firth and Black Swamp Percussion.
A native of Centerville, Ohio, Nick currently lives in Dublin, Ohio near Columbus.
Barb Terrell
Director & Operations COordinator
Barb Terrell is a front ensemble coordinator at several Cincinnati-area high schools. She holds a bachelors degree in Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati.
Barb has been involved with the marching arts since 2012 and has performed with many groups including Milford HS marching band and indoor percussion, the University of Cincinnati Marching Band, Cincinnati Tradition, the Columbus Saints, and ConneXus.
Barb spent her entire independent indoor career in the front ensemble at ConneXus. 2026 is her fourth season on staff.
Michael Reese
Program Coordinator
Member, CPAA, Inc. Board of Directors
Michael is an active music educator in the state of Ohio where he is a band director for Mason City Schools. He works primarily with the 7th and 8th grade students at Mason Middle School and as the Front Ensemble Coordinator for the BOA Grand Nationals Finalist William Mason High School Marching Band. Michael has earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Marietta College and a Masters of Music Education from Ohio University.
Outside of his public school teaching career, Michael has extensive experience in the marching arts. Michael has served as a Co-Director of ConneXus from 2022-2025 and is excited to take on a new role as Program Coordinator for the 2026 season. Additionally, Michael has worked as a Front Ensemble Instructor for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps for the last five years. In the fall, Michael is a percussion judge for the Central States Judges Association. During his performing years, Michael marched with Legends Drum and Bugle Corps (2014), Cap City Percussion (2014-2015), Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (2015-2016) and Rhythm X (2016-2017).
Sean Girvin
Ensemble Coordinator, Battery Manager
Sean began his performance career with Westerville North HS in 2012. He then went on to march his first season with ConneXus in 2016. He continued with the group through their transition to PIW in 2019 and marched his final season in 2020. Sean also spent one summer with the Crossmen in 2016 and one summer with Carolina Crown in 2018.
Sean has spent time teaching at a few high schools in the Cincinnati area including Oak Hills HS, Forest Hills HSl, and Milford HS. He worked with the Milford HS marching band from 2016-2023, serving as the battery coordinator beginning in 2021 and arranged for the battery during the 2023 season. He worked with the Milford Indoor Percussion Ensemble from 2017-2024, serving as the assistant director beginning in 2022. Sean served his first season with ConneXus on the snare staff in 2022 and he served as the Battery Coordinator from 2023-2025. Sean is really looking forward to his 10th season with ConneXus! He also worked with the Cincinnati Tradition Drum & Bugle Corps percussion staff in 2022 and 2023 and with the Madison Scouts snare staff in 2024.
Sean currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio where he received a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Cincinnati.
David Ware
Battery Coordinator
David is a software engineer and battery instructor based out of the Dayton area. He received his BS in Computer Science from West Virginia University and is currently working full-time as a data engineer at Realtor.com.
As a performer, David spent multiple years with Rhythm X and the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps. As an educator, he has served as a battery instructor for several high schools, including Bellbrook HS and Centerville HS.
2026 will be his second season on staff with ConneXus.
evan Sasowsky
fRONT eNSEMBLE cOORDINATOR
Evan Sasowsky is ecstatic to be back at ConneXus for another season with the front ensemble!
Evan is a front ensemble fanatic, having begun his career as a marching mallet player at the University of Cincinnati. His experience there quickly inspired him to seek independent marching activities, landing him on a marimba at the Notre Dame Indoor Percussion Ensemble (PIA/PIO) in the 2014 WGI season. This first season would prove to be the impetus that drew him to continue a passion for the marching arts, particularly in the realm of indoor pageantry. Evan followed his first season of indoor with a season at Tates Creek Indoor Ensemble (PIW), where he was the center marimba player and section leader of the front ensemble in the 2015 season. For his final two seasons as a performer in WGI, Evan chose to march at Rhythm X (PIW), where he played marimba for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. He marched his age-out DCI season in 2016 with the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps from San Antonio, TX.
Evan has worked with bands of all sizes in south and central Ohio, including Lakota West HS, Fairfield HS, Elder HS, Sycamore HS, Walnut Hills HS, and Conner HS. He also taught at Tates Creek/Triple Crown Indoor, Cincinnati Tradition Drum & Bugle Corps, and Columbus Saints Drum & Bugle Corps.
Evan currently lives in Cincinnati, OH, where he is a data engineer at Fifth Third Bank. He received dual bachelor’s degrees in Business Analytics and Information Systems at the University of Cincinnati in 2022. In his free time he likes to play video and board games, go to the Ohio Renaissance Festival with his girlfriend, Barb, and play with his cats, Summer and Jackie.
2026 will be Evan’s fourth year on staff with ConneXus.
Aubrie Lynn
Assistant Front Ensemble Coordinator
Aubrie Lynn is an active percussion educator and performer local to Dayton, OH. They have performed with many independent marching organizations such as Resistance Indoor Percussion, the Madison Scouts, Rhythm X, and the Mandarins.
They have also taught many scholastic marching programs of all sizes in the greater Dayton/Cincinnati area, as well as across the country including: Westmoore HS (OK), Joplin HS (MO), Bellbrook HS (OH), Northmont HS (OH), and William Mason HS (OH). They are also the Front Ensemble Manager at Cincinnati Tradition Drum and Bugle Corps.
Aubrie currently lives in Dayton and is finishing her bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Wright State University, performing with their highly esteemed Percussion Ensemble. In their free time, they enjoy jigsaw puzzles, running, and exploring different cities.
2026 is Aubrie’s second season on staff with ConneXus.
Jonah Ewing
Visual Coordinator
Jonah Ewing is from Mason, Ohio. He attended the University of North Texas and Wright State University, where he earned degrees in Music Education and Percussion Performance.
He is an alumnus of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, Matrix Percussion, and the UNT Drumline. As an educator, he has formerly taught at Matrix Percussion, Music City Drum Corps, Allatoona High School, and William Mason High School.
In addition to his role as Visual Coordinator at ConneXus, he currently serves as Assistant Director of Bands and Marching Band Director at Springboro High School.
2026 is Jonah ’s first season on staff with ConneXus.
Kristen Frederico, LPCC, LSC
Visual Ensemble Coordinator/Designer & Mental Health Advisor
Kristen Frederico is an Akron, Ohio native and marched as a member of the visual ensemble for Matrix Performing Arts from 2014-2016. Additionally, she has consulted, choreographed and taught for several high school color guard and percussion programs throughout the midwest, including: Tippecanoe High School, Kettering Fairmont High School, John Adams High School, Avon Lake High School, and Norton High School.
Kristen graduated from Wright State University as a Master of Education in School Counseling and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Now working in private practice, she has garnered experience working in youth partial hospitalization, serving as a school-based mental health therapist at Beavercreek High School, and working with her certified therapy dog to bring emotional support assistance and education to local area schools. She specializes in athletic and performance counseling, working often with high performing individuals in a variety of contexts. Kristen is also the former Director of Operations for the Psi Alpha International Honor Society for High School Psychology, a non-profit organization focused on promoting psychology as a science at the high school education level.
Kristen currently resides in Kettering, Ohio with her husband, JJ Frederico, their two dogs, Eli and Zaya, and kitten, Booker.
2026 is Kristen’s fourth season on staff with ConneXus.
andrew markworth
Front Ensemble Designer
Andrew Markworth is a composer, arranger and consultant writing wind, front ensemble and battery percussion for marching bands, indoor drumlines and drum corps.
He is currently the music arranger and coordinator for the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps from San Antonio, TX and The Company Performance Ensemble of Great Britain. He also is the music director for Rhythm X; both the 3 time gold medalist percussion group (2008, 2009, 2013) and the 2 time gold medalist winds group (2015, 2017). Andrew was the Front Ensemble Arranger/Coordinator for Carolina Crown from 2007-2014.
Andrew currently resides in Centerville, Ohio with his wife Kara, daughter Natalie, and son Brady.
ryan ellis
Artistic Director, Battery/Visual Designer
Ryan Ellis is a Visual Designer, Music Arranger, Program Coordinator, and Educational Consultant for marching bands, indoor drumlines and drum corps.
Ryan spent 2018 and 2019 teaching the Crossmen, where he served as the Snare Tech and Battery Coordinator. From 2020-2023 Ryan had the privilege of being the Battery Arranger and Percussion Caption Head for the Madison Scouts, and in 2024 remained on the design team as the Battery Arranger. Ryan is currently the Program Facilitator for The Cavaliers.
Ryan remains involved in WGI as a designer and educator where he works with both scholastic and independent programs. He is the Visual Designer for Rhythm X and the Artistic Director, Visual Designer, and Battery Arranger for ConneXus.
Ryan currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife Kayla and sons Theo and Louie. Before transitioning to pageantry design full-time, he had a successful career as the Percussion Director for Lebanon City Schools in Lebanon, Ohio. Ryan also spent 6 consecutive summers marching DCI with Spirit of Atlanta, the Bluecoats, and the Blue Devils.
Ryan remains incredibly active in show design through the Marching Arts Society, an educational and design resource that he founded in 2017.
drew brown
Show Designer
Advisory Board Member, CPAA, Inc. Board of Directors
Drew Brown has been involved with the marching arts since 2001 as a performer, educator, and
designer. He is currently the Program Coordinator of ConneXus and Vice President of the ConneXus Performing Arts Association, Inc. Board of Directors.
From 2015-2019, Drew worked with the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps as a front ensemble technician, front ensemble coordinator, and electronics coordinator. In 2020 and 2021, Drew worked with the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps as a front ensemble technician.
Currently, Drew is the Percussion Director for Beavercreek City Schools, where he teaches marching band, indoor percussion ensemble, and classroom percussion to high school and middle school students in the district.
Drew studied music education, composition, and percussion performance at Bowling Green State University, Wright State University, and the University of Cincinnati – College-Conservatory of Music.
Drew is proud to be endorsed by Innovative Percussion, Evans Drumheads, Sabian Cymbals, and
Ludwig/Musser.
He currently resides in Dayton, OH with his wife, Cierra, and their dogs, Bobo and Duke.
jEFF hURR
pROP dESIGNER
Coming soon!
Ross Werner
Graphic Designer
Coming soon!
Byron Valentine
Uniform dESIGNER
Coming soon!
Jack Obermeyer
Visual Technician
Jack Obermeyer is a music educator born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has a Bachelors of Music in Music Education and Arts Administration from Miami University. He was a band director in Indiana before working as the Program Manager for the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra.
As a performer, Jack marched with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps in 2022 and with Matrix in 2023. He has taught locally at Northwest HS, Hamilton HS, and Centerville HS, and has also been on the visual staff for Matrix Open.
2026 will be Jack’s first year with ConneXus!
Jordan Kracus
Snare Technician
Jordan started his marching career in 2011 at Xenia High School and moved to Bellbrook High School in 2014.
After graduating, he spent the summer of 2016 on tour in Crossmen’s snareline and spent the next 3 winters in ConneXus where he aged out during their first year in PIW in 2019.
He has taught at several schools in the Dayton area including Bellbrook High School, Kettering Fairmont High School, Milford High School, and Northmont High School where he was the battery arranger/coordinator.
2026 is Jordan’s 5th season on staff with ConneXus.
Simon Slagle
Snare Technician
Simon Slagle started his marching career in middle school with the WarEagle Winterline in 2015. He then marched at Olentangy Liberty High School starting in 2016. Simon’s independent marching experience includes the Madison Scouts, Cavaliers, Matrix, and Rhythm X where he aged out in 2024. Simon was a 4-year member of the Ohio University Marching 110 Drumline where he had the honor of being the section leader for the 2024 season.
Currently, Simon lives in the Columbus area where he is in his second year as a battery instructor at Worthington Kilbourne High School. Outside of the marching arts, Simon works in the mental health field and loves to rock climb in his free time.
2026 is Simon’s first season on staff with ConneXus.
Dylan sammons
Tenor technician
Dylan Sammons began his marching career in 2011 with Milford HS in Cincinnati, OH. He began his time in the independent scene marching tenors with ConneXus in 2018, and stayed until his age out in 2020. He was also a member of the 2018 Madison Scouts.
His instructional experience includes teaching the battery at multiple schools around the Cincinnati/Dayton area. Currently, he resides in Cincinnati where he is the tenor technician at Milford HS.
2026 is Dylan’s 5th season on staff with ConneXus.
Steven Rader
Tenor technician
Steven began his marching career in 2016 with Newcomerstown HS. Since then, he has performed with numerous ensembles including Rogues Hollow Regiment, Matrix Performing Arts, Legends Drum & Bugle Corps, Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps, and Infinity before aging out in 2025. In addition to performing, Steven has previously taught at Matrix A (M3) and is currently on staff with Rogues Hollow Regiment and Spirit of Atlanta. He has also helped teach at various high schools across Ohio.
Outside of the marching arts, Steven earned his BA in Graphic Design from Kent State University and currently works as a drone photographer and graphic designer in northeast Ohio.
2026 is Steven’s first season on staff with ConneXus.
Micah Infante
Tenor technician
Micah Infante is a music educator from Houma, LA where he is a member of the United Houma Nation and a graduate of Ellender Memorial HS.
His teaching experience includes Terrebonne HS Band/Indoor(LA), Fontainebleau HS (LA), Harrison Central HS (MS), Centerville HS Band/Indoor(OH), St. Martin Independent (MS), the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps (IL), and ConneXus (OH).
Micah has performed with Black Dog Percussion, the Louisiana Stars Drum & Bugle Corps, the LSU Tigerband, and aged out with Rhythm X and the Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps.
2026 is Micah’s second season on staff with ConneXus.
Ethan Wright
Bass Technician
An Indianapolis native, Ethan found his beginning as a performer with the Center Grove HS band and indoor percussion programs and has been a prolific educator in the Indianapolis community ever since. After graduating from Center Grove, Ethan performed with Legacy Indoor Percussion, Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps, and Matrix.
Since his days as a member, Ethan has served as an instructor for many local high school programs and currently serves as the bass technician at Center Grove HS. He has also been an instructional staff member at Veritas, Music City Drum & Bugle Corps, and Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps.
He currently resides in Indianapolis, IN with his cat Charlotte where he works as a Graphic Designer while studying full-time at Arizona State University. You can also see him performing with the Indianapolis Colts Drumline.
Ethan is excited to return to ConneXus for his 5th season in 2026.
Henry Iwinski
Bass Technician
Henry Iwinski began his marching career in Lexington, Kentucky following closely behind his older sister Alyssa. After watching her perform in Tates Creek in 2011, he joined the drumline at Henry Clay High School to follow in her footsteps. By 2013 he joined Alyssa at TCIE and continued to march with her in Gateway 2014 and her age out in 2015 at Matrix (with Zac Sterling, his now-brother-in-law).
Henry continued his indoor marching career with Matrix 2016 and 2017 where he also got invited to perform with Matrix International in Taiwan. During this time he also marched the same years with Phantom Regiment. After a year break, he aged out at Rhythm X in 2019. From 2020 through 2023, he has been a bass drum tech at Cap City Percussion.
Henry has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and currently works in a lab as a quality control chemist in Lexington, KY. Outside of his professional life he enjoys golfing and going to local breweries.
2026 is Henry’s third season on staff with ConneXus.
Willow Harpole
Bass Technician
Born in Louisville, KY, Willow began her performance career as a cellist at age nine. As a freshman in high school, Willow shifted her focus to marching percussion, playing tenors for six years at Ballard High School and Morehead State University. She also participated in collegiate-level percussion, wind, and choral ensembles. Her independent experience includes playing marimba for Triple Crown Indoor 2022, as well as bass drum at Cincinnati Tradition 2022, ConneXus 2023-2025, and the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps 2024.
At present, Willow is living in Kansas City, Missouri and pursuing a degree in nursing. She teaches bass drum and battery visual at Park Hill South High School in Parkville, Missouri, and has held similar roles at Madison Central High School and Eastern High School of Kentucky, as well as Floyd Central High School of Indiana.
2026 will be Willow’s first year on staff with ConneXus.
Chloe Roh
Bass Technician
Chloe began her performance career in 2015 with the Monroe High School marching band. She continued her marching journey at Miami University, performing for two seasons while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology and Arts Entrepreneurship.
While at Miami, Chloe was an active member of several other ensembles including the percussion ensemble, laptop ensemble and symphony band. Her independent marching experience includes seasons with Cap City and Cap City 2.
Currently, she is in her second year teaching PK-8 general music and serves as the battery caption head at Oak Hills High School. She also spent part of her summer teaching the Colt Cadets.
Chloe is super excited to be joining the ConneXus staff for the 2026 season!
kristin Stoner
Battery Consultant & Alumni Relations Coordinator
Secretary, CPAA, Inc. Board of Directors
Kristin Stoner has been involved in the marching arts since 2004, performing with many ensembles including Pickerington North HS Marching Band, the Pride of Mid-America Marching Band at Ball State University, the Falcon Marching Band at Bowling Green State University, Pioneer Drum & Bugle Corps, and Matrix.
Her past instructional experience has included percussion and visual instruction for high school and university marching bands, indoor percussion ensembles, and drum corps.
She holds a BS in Biology from Bowling Green State University and is a Learning Business Consultant in Columbus, Ohio.
Kristin is excited to start her 12th season with ConneXus in 2026!
Ian Anstaett
Cymbal Technician
Ian Anstaett started his marching career in 2013 at Lebanon HS in Ohio. He marched DCI with the Crossmen in 2017 and 2018 and WGI with Music City Mystique in 2020.
Based out of Cincinnati, Ohio, Ian’s instructional experience includes teaching visual for the Milford HS Marching Band, as the visual coordinator for The Three Rivers School District Marching Band, and as the visual coordinator/cymbal technician at Milford HS Indoor Percussion Ensemble.
2026 is Ian’s third season on staff with ConneXus.
Evan Pliska
Cymbal Technician
Evan Pliska began his cymbal playing career with Cap City Percussion in 2012 where he continued to march during through the 2019 WGI season.
He also marched three years of DCI, spending the 2015 summer with the Crossmen and the 2017 and 2018 summers with Pioneer. Evan’s teaching experience includes several high schools in the central Ohio area, INOV8 during the 2020 season, and 4th Wall in 2022.
He is currently teaching visual with the Columbus Saints Indoor Percussion Ensemble.
2026 is Evan’s third season on staff with ConneXus.
Ellie Mehr
Front Ensemble Consultant
Ellie Mehr is an active marching arts and front ensemble educator from Minneapolis, MN. Serving the Twin Cities areas and beyond, Ellie brings passion, knowledge, and a desire to promote positive experiences, musical achievement, and personal growth to the programs that she works with.
Ellie currently serves as the front ensemble coordinator for the Irondale Marching Knights and as a co-director for the 2018 WGI PSA Silver Medalist and 2023 WGI PSA Gold Medalist Irondale High School Winter Drumline. She is also a front ensemble instructor for the Madison Scouts and a front ensemble consultant for ConneXus.
In addition to her experience as an educator, Ellie also performed with several marching ensembles including River City Rhythm Indoor, Minnesota Brass Indoor, Minnesota Brass Drum & Bugle Corps, and the Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps.
Ellie graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities School of Music and currently works as a board certified music therapist with individuals of all ages and abilities in one-on-one, group, and early childhood settings. Ellie also serves as the Secretary for the Minnesota Percussion Association Board of Directors and was recognized as the Minnesota Percussion Association Instructor of the Year in 2021.
Zach Shaw
Front Ensemble consultant
Zach Shaw is a front ensemble technician in Nashville, currently teaching at Franklin HS. He has performed with many groups including Infinity, The Cavaliers, Ancient City Ensemble, and Southwind.
He has taught a number of schools throughout the northeast Florida area and recently taught Infinity 3 for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He also teaches at the Seattle Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps and Heat Wave Drum & Bugle Corps.
Zach is excited to work with ConneXus this season!
2026 is Zach’s second season on staff.
Dante Susco
Front Ensemble Technician
Dante Susco is a percussionist from central Kentucky with 8 years of experience within the activity, performing with groups such as ConneXus and Triple Crown Indoor Percussion.
He has previously taught for high schools throughout Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio as a front ensemble technician since 2019.
Dante currently plays with local musicians in several bands and projects in the Lexington area.
2026 is Dante’s third season on staff with ConneXus.
Braedon Bomgardner
Front Ensemble Technician
Braedon Bomgardner is a percussion specialist and performer based out of southern Indiana. Braedon has performed with The Cadets, Fountain City Brass Band, and the Hutchinson Symphony.
Braedon received his Bachelors in Music Performance from Kansas State University in 2022 where he studied under Dr. Kurt Gartner. During his time at KSU, he performed with their Wind Ensemble at the American Band Association in Colorado, and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. He also performed two solo concertos. Braedon pursued higher education at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where he graduated with his Masters in Percussion Performance under the direction of Kevin Bobo, Joseph Gramley, and John Tafoya. During his time there, he performed with the IU New Music Ensemble, Percussion Ensembles, where he performed at PASIC in 2023, Wind Ensemble, where he performed another concerto, and the NOTUS Choir where he premiered a piece with William Shatner. Braedon also spent his time collaborating with the composition department, premiering several works from IU composition students.
Braedon has an extensive teaching history, including teaching at five different high schools in Kansas, Missouri, and Indiana. He also had the privilege this past summer of working with River City Rhythm Drum & Bugle Corps from Anoka, Minnesota. Braedon currently spends the majority of his time as a percussion specialist at the Center Grove School District and the Greenwood Community School District in Greenwood, Indiana. During his time, Braedon helped bring Center Grove to their first top-5 PSW finish at the WGI World Championships in 12 years in 2023.
Braedon prides himself on bringing a culture of passion, diligence, and professionalism to the ensembles he works with. He believes that everyone, from beginner to professional, deserves the same level of education.
Braedon is elated to be working with ConneXus this winter!
2026 is Braedon’s second season on staff.
Paul Walker
Front Ensemble Technician
Paul Walker is a percussionist and educator in the Dayton area. He has performed with groups including ConneXus, the Madison Scouts, and Rhythm X.
He currently works with Beavercreek High School and Cincinnati Tradition Drum & Bugle Corps and has previously worked with several other programs in the Dayton and Cincinnati areas.
Paul is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in music education at Wright State University and is an active performer within the school’s ensembles as well as some regional performance ensembles in the area.
2026 is Paul’s first season with ConneXus and he is excited to get to work with the group!
Andrew Seivert
Front Ensemble Technician
Andrew Seivert is a Percussionist, Teacher, and Composer based in Dayton, OH.
Andrew received his Bachelor of Music Performance in Percussion at Wright State University. He is currently teaching percussion at Archbishop Alter High School, and teaches percussion lessons and classes in the Dayton area.
Andrew is a founding member of Neutrals, a percussion duo based in Dayton, OH that performs contemporary percussion and electronic music.
2026 is Andrew’s second season on staff.
Tyson Leazenby
Front Ensemble Technician
Tyson Leazenby is a rhythm section specialist based in Indianapolis, IN. He spent the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons with Rhythm X as their rack player.
As an educator, Tyson spent the 2023 and 2024 WGI seasons with Westfield High School. There, he helped them achieve a WGI finalist position in 2023 and a semi-finalist position in 2024.
He currently attends Indiana University Indianapolis pursuing a degree in Nuclear Medicine.
2026 is Tyson’s first season on staff with ConneXus.
Ashley Albert
Front Ensemble Technician
Ashley Albert is a front ensemble educator at Milford High School and has worked with several high school programs throughout Dayton and Cincinnati. Their performance career started in 2014 with the Archbishop Alter High School marching band. Ashley’s entire indoor percussion career was spent with ConneXus, a total of 6 seasons with the organization from 2018-2025. Now that their career as a performer has ended, Ashley is excited to continue to build up incoming students within the very organization that gave them a start within the activity.
Ashley holds a BS in Medical Sciences and certificates in both Creative Writing and Copyediting and Publishing from the University of Cincinnati. Outside of the marching arts, Ashley looks forward to a career as a writer and editor. Their favorite genres are fantasy and historical fiction.
2026 is Ashley’s first season on staff with ConneXus.
James Beckner
Front Ensemble Technician
James Beckner is a performer, educator, and composer from Lexington, Kentucky.
Currently, James serves as the percussion caption head and front ensemble arranger/sound designer for the Madison Central Marching Band in Richmond, KY. The program has won a grand championship and four reserve grand championships during his time there. He is an audio engineer for the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps and is a former member of Rhythm X.
James has been commissioned by top colleges and high schools for his compositions. His most recent projects include commissions from Jim Campbell and the University of Kentucky, the University of Maryland, and Texas high schools performing at the TCU Percussion Festival.
James also serves as an arranger of winds, battery, and front ensembles for schools in California, Texas, and Kentucky.
While attending the University of Kentucky, James is an active percussionist, pianist, and educator in the Tri-State area.
2026 is James’ first season on staff with ConneXus.
Mason Rhue
Front Ensemble Technician
Mason was born and raised in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where he performed with the award-winning marching band and indoor percussion ensembles. His independent performance experience includes Resistance Indoor Percussion (2017–2018, 2020) and the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps (2018). He previously served as a Front Ensemble Technician (2021–2022) and the Front Ensemble Caption Head (2023–2025) for Resistance Indoor Percussion before relocating to Dayton, Ohio.
Professionally, he holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Oklahoma) and currently works as a Research Scientist at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
2026 is Mason’s first year on staff with ConneXus.
Zach Albert
Audio Coordinator
Zach Albert has been involved in the marching arts since 1992. He is currently the audio engineer for several high school groups including Archbishop Alter High School (Kettering, OH) where he has helped win 8 state championships, multiple BOA regional class championships and multiple BOA National Semifinals placements.
Zach interned as an audio engineer with local studios and music venues. After completing his internship, he went on to work as an audio engineer for local music venues, theater productions, and recording studios.
Zach is an avid multi-instrumentalist and has performed as a musician in numerous musical theater productions and with his own bands.
Zach currently lives in Dayton with his wife of 21 years Jamie and his daughter Ashley. 2026 is Zach’s 4th season on staff with ConneXus.
Marco Iannelli
Audio Staff
Marco Iannelli is a pianist and tuba player based in Maineville, OH. A freelance musician in many ways, he works as a performer, educator, composer, and arranger. He writes music (with solo piano being his specialty) that encompasses a unique range of instrumentation, style, and genre. He also runs a freelance business, MJI Soundscape Designs, where he designs shows and arranges the music for various marching ensembles around the country. Currently, he is the program coordinator for the Licking Heights HS Marching Band and is also the brass and front ensemble arranger for The Columbus Saints Drum & Bugle Corps.
Marco is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio, with a Bachelor of Music in Performance as a piano student of Dr. Frank Huang. He also co-majored in Film Studies and minored in Composition. At Miami, he participated in their wind ensemble, symphony band, jazz ensemble, and marching band as a drum major in 2021. He also served as the music director for Miami’s chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was a finalist for the Geoffrey P. Hall Undergraduate Artists Competition in 2021, and graduated as a finalist for the Outstanding Performer Award for the Class of 2022, voted on by the faculty of the music department.
Marco marched tuba for the Madison Scouts from 2018-2021 (serving on the leadership team his final year), and was a synth player for Rhythm X from 2019-2023, receiving a silver medal in 2022, and a bronze medal in 2023. Marco was on Brass Staff with the Troopers from 2023-2024, and was a member of the 2024 Bluecoats Fellowship, a mentorship program where up and coming designers work with the Bluecoats Design Team. He also works on the marching band brass staff at William Mason HS and West Clermont HS, as well as the indoor percussion staff at Springboro HS.
2026 is Marco’s 3rd season on staff with ConneXus.
Aylin Vural
Visual Ensemble Consultant
Native to Washington, DC, Aylin Vural currently resides in Indianapolis, IN, as the acting Color Guard Director for Brownsburg High School. In addition, Aylin is a costume designer, choreographer, color guard weapon and movement trainer for varying high schools as well as independent performance companies nationwide. Her education includes Massage Therapy from Northcoast Medical Training Academy, Kent, OH, with a focus in Sports Massage, 2 years studying at the Davis School of Fashion Design, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, and a BS in Graphic Design from Full Sail University, Orlando, FL.
Aylin has an extensive portfolio of experience in dance, solo vocal, instrumental music, and color guard. Her Drum Corps International career started in 2011 with The Glassmen and was followed by 5 consecutive years with the Phantom Regiment – serving as color guard captain for both the 2015 and 2016 seasons. She was named the Mark Glasscoe Memorial Member of the Year, by unanimous vote, in those same years. Aylin’s WGI Independent World performance career was with Matrix Performing Arts, for 5 consecutive winter seasons, primarily as a dancer and visual performer, with some instrumental performance.
Professionally, for more than a decade, Aylin has traveled North America and parts of Asia, educating young performers, developing their skills and confidence within the pageantry arts, choreographing, and set design. Currently, she is embarking upon her seventh year with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle corps as a movement focused instructor, as well as her third year with Atlanta Quest.
She is continuing her involvement through her second year with ConneXus, contributing to the movement instruction, choreography, and visual consultation, while also continuing to design and choreograph for high school programs – coast to coast. She has directed and been an administrator for various programs including: Kent State University (Color Guard Director), West Virginia University (marching band member, weapons choreographer), Eloquence Performance Company (Co-Director and choreographer), Firestone High School and West Shore School District (Color Guard Director and designer), and many more. In addition to being the Brownsburg Color Guard Director, Aylin assists with design and choreography for the high school’s indoor percussion ensemble and teaches the academic dance classes.
Outside of teaching, Aylin enjoys the quest for the world’s best coffee, attending sporting events, going on hikes, and relaxing on the beach!
McKenzie Grzina
Visual Ensemble Technician
McKenzie Grzina is originally from the St. Louis, Missouri area and was raised in Belleville, Illinois before moving to Dayton, Ohio in 2023. She has been a dancer and performer since the age of 4 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri.
McKenzie’s performance credits in the marching arts include Belleville East HS Marching Band Dance Line 2017 and 2018; Belleville East HS Indoor Drumline 2019; Phantom Regiment Color Guard 2021 and 2022; Paramount Winterguard 2023; and ConneXus 2024. Outside of the marching arts, McKenzie has participated in workshops, classes and performances with several St. Louis based dance companies such as Metro Dance Company, Modern American Dance Company, and Consuming Kinetics Dance Company. During McKenzie’s college career, she had the pleasure of being taught by artists including Bekah Reed, Michael Uthoff, Maggie Dueker, and Xi Zhao.
McKenzie’s instructional experience includes Studio L Dance Center Ballet Instructor 2020-2022; Pattonville HS Color Guard 2021-23; Kettering Fairmont High School Color Guard 2023-24; Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps 2024; and ConneXus 2025.
In her day to day life, McKenzie enjoys baking, hiking, going to the gym, and finding new shows to binge.
2026 McKenzie’s second season teaching ConneXus.
Shanna Speir
Visual Ensemble Technician
Shanna is originally from Springfield, MO and resided there until moving to Dayton, OH in 2019. Shanna started dance classes at the age of 5 and continued this until joining color guard at Kickapoo High School.
After graduating high school, Shanna spent her summers marching with several drum corps such as Music City DBC (2017), and Colts DBC (2018-2019). In the winter seasons, Shanna also marched Avant Guard (2018) and Northwest Independent (2019), which are winter guards based out of Arkansas. Shanna marched Onyx World in 2020 prompting her move to Dayton, OH.
Shanna has since dedicated her time outside of work serving as a color guard technician. She has worked with Milford World, Kettering Fairmont HS, and Beavercreek HS. She is also a movement specialist for Archbishop Carroll High School.
When not teaching, Shanna loves to hang out with her cat, go on hikes, and go to the gym. 2026 is Shanna’s first season on staff with ConneXus.
Joy Corbett
Visual Ensemble Technician
Joy Corbett is from the Indianapolis area. She began dancing at the Ballerina’s Academy of Dance studio at the age of 8. She learned and performed all styles of dance but had a strong focus on ballet. She danced both recreationally and competitively throughout high school. In school, Joy played percussion and joined the drumline, performing in both marching band and indoor percussion. After graduating, Joy marched in the visual ensembles with Veritas (2022) and Rhythm X (2023-2025).
Outside of the band world, Joy graduated from IUPUI with a bachelor’s in biology and forensic science. She currently works as a research study technician for a drug development company researching reproductive and developmental toxicology.
2026 is Joy’s first season on staff with ConneXus.
Andre Rodriguez
Webmaster
Member, CPAA, Inc. Board of Directors
Andre Rodriguez is based out of Troy, OH and is a Full Stack Developer and Data Engineer for Whirlpool Corp. Andre is a founding member of ConneXus where he marched snare drum from 2013 to 2015. Andre is ConneXus’ first ever ageout member.
Andre has been involved in the marching arts since 2006 where he began his career at Westerville South HS in central Ohio. The exposure he received as a member of the band program at Westerville South aided in the path that has led him back to his first independent ensemble. Giving back to the programs that have aided Andre has always been a passion of his and being able to assist his ageout group makes him extremely happy and eager to hit the ground running.
Now having a background in data and technology, Andre will be working with the admin team to assist on the back end as Webmaster where he’s had success with organizations such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Google on a national scale. His goal is to help wherever the ensemble needs him in order to be successful throughout the upcoming seasons.
Andre is thrilled to return to ConneXus for his fourth season on staff in 2026, backed by the support of his daughter Era and partner Emily.
Melissa Gouge
Operations Staff member
Melissa started her performing arts journey at a young age as a performer in the Cincinnati Ballet’s production of Cinderella. She has since moved to the marching arts where she has played both flute and marched with the color guard at both the high school and college level.
In 2022, Melissa graduated from Ohio Northern University with a degree in Biochemistry and is currently a PhD student in the University of Cincinnati’s Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology graduate program. Melissa marched with Phoenix Independent in 2019 and 2022.
Melissa currently teaches guard at Harrison High School and has previously taught at La Salle High School. 2026 is Melissa’s 3rd season of staff with ConneXus.
Jamie Albert, RN
Operations staff member
Jamie is a Registered Nurse with 13 years of experience in cardiac care and home health. Jamie holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wright State University and a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership from Western Governors University. She manages home health care agencies for The Ohio State University in Cincinnati.
Jamie is also a photographer specializing in concert and performance photography through her business, Studio 73 Photography. She has captured pictures of multiple performance ensembles for both MEPA and WGI. Her work has been published in Aurora Magazine and “The Dynamic Marching Band.” Jamie also has experience in custom apparel creation as the former owner of Finally Gotcha Covered Custom Apparel.
Jamie has been an enthusiastic supporter of the marching arts for 15 years as a band parent, including 4 years as a parent of a ConneXus performer.
Jamie resides in Dayton, Ohio. 2026 is Jamie’s fourth season on staff with ConneXus.
Carlee McAfee
Media Coordinator
Carlee has been a part of the marching arts for almost a decade. Her time in the activity began at Westerville North High School where she was a member of the Westerville Indoor Percussion Ensemble, WGI Scholastic A Bronze Medalists. She graduated in 2017 and then transitioned to staff. She was the Visual Coordinator there from 2019-2021.
Carlee was a trumpet player for The Colts Drum and Bugle Corps from 2017-2018. She was also a cymbal player for ConneXus from 2017 through their transition into World Class in 2019.
She has taught at several high schools around Ohio including Westerville North, Central Crossing, and Kettering Fairmont. She has also taught cymbals and choreographed for Westerville Independent Percussion. Prior to becoming the Media Coordinator, Carlee taught visual with ConneXus in 2023.
Carlee currently serves as a Movement Designer for JJ Visual Design and choreographs for marching bands across the country. She is also a photographer for J.Honey Media.
Outside of the marching arts, Carlee graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communications from The Ohio State University with a focus in New Media and Communication Technology. 2026 is Carlee’s 4th season on staff with ConneXus.
Tim Wiencek
Media STaff
Tim Wiencek started his marching career at Olentangy Liberty High School in 2013. After high school, Tim attended Ohio University and participated in the Marching 110. He has also marched tenors in DCA for the Erie Thunderbirds in 2018 and in WGI for ConneXus in 2022. He has also taught at multiple high schools throughout Ohio.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Media and Marketing with a focus on video production from Ohio University. He currently works in marketing in Columbus, Ohio while freelancing video projects. 2026 is Tim’s 4th season on staff with ConneXus.
Logan Kozee
Media STaff
Logan started his marching career at Bellbrook HS in 2014 and graduated in 2018. He played bass drum in ConneXus from 2022 through 2023, ConneXus’ first year making WGI Finals in PIW.
Logan attended Sinclair Community College, earning an A.A.S in Cyber Security.
He teaches the drumline at Beavercreek HS, teaching both the marching band and indoor percussion since 2023. In 2023, Beavercreek was the WGI Silver Medalist in PSA and was a WGI Finalist in 2024, their first season in PSO.
2026 is Logan’s second season on staff with ConneXus.
Dr. Alyssa Iwinski, PT, DPT
Medical Advisor
Dr. Alyssa Iwinski has been a part of the marching arts since 2007, having marched with Phantom Regiment, Tates Creek, Gateway Indoor, and Matrix.
Since aging out in 2015, she has participated in Matrix Taiwan and has taught at Legacy, Veritas, Madison Scouts, and ConneXus.
She is currently practicing as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in an outpatient orthopedic setting, with a special interest in athletic and neurological populations. She has enjoyed integrating her skills from her academic background with her passion for education and percussion performance and has worked as a health and wellness coordinator for WGI ensembles.
In her free time, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her husband, cooking and hosting, being active outdoors, and snuggling with her sweet kitten Amelia.
trey singleton
Transportation Lead
Trey Singleton was a member of ConneXus for three seasons. In addition, he has performed with groups such as Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps, Matrix World, the 2018 Army All-American Marching Band, and the Miamisburg HS band program.
Trey holds two bachelors degrees in Music and Biology from Wright State University. He is the Sound Designer for West Carrollton HS and previously taught the front ensembles at West Carrollton HS and Miamisburg HS from 2018 to 2024. Trey was also a member of the ConneXus front ensemble staff from 2023 to 2025 before switching to an operations role.
Having performed 14 seasons on synth in both outdoor and indoor groups, Trey has many years of experience with music software programs and libraries such as Mainstage and Omnisphere.
2026 is Trey’s fourth season on staff with ConneXus.
Sam Lyon
Operations staff member
Sam started her marching career at Westerville North High School and marched until graduating in 2018. She played both trumpet and marimba in the marching band in high school. She joined ConneXus in the 2017 season as a rack player, then played vibraphone with the ensemble until her last marching season in 2020.
Sam currently resides in Delaware, Ohio where she completed her IT education at My Computer Career and is continuing to pursue her IT career. She spends her free time spending time with her boyfriend Josh and their cat Luci.
2026 is Sam’s third season of staff with ConneXus.
Austin Sharp
Operations staff member
Austin Sharp is from Cincinnati, Ohio and attended La Salle High School. Austin performed with ConneXus for 8 seasons from 2015 to his ageout in 2022, playing rack, vibraphone, and marimba in the front ensemble. Austin’s additional performance experience includes Cincinnati Tradition (2017-2019) and Rhythm In Blue (2023).
Austin is an in-demand front ensemble educator in southwestern Ohio. He currently instructs William Henry Harrison HS and Forest Hills HS.
2026 is Austin’s third season on staff with ConneXus.
Alex Buckley
Operations staff member
Alex Buckley is a current student at The Ohio State University where he is pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He is currently a student teacher at Hilliard Bradley HS in Hilliard, Ohio.
Alex is originally from Highlands Ranch, Colorado. He has been a member of the marching arts with Rise 2 Percussion (‘18-’19), the University of Kansas Marching Jayhawks (‘19), and ConneXus (‘24). Along with the marching arts he has been involved in a multitude of concert programs including the American Prize winning KU Wind Ensemble, KU Choirs, OSU Wind Symphony, and OSU Symphonic Band.
In addition to performing, he is active in education across the country where he has helped multiple different front ensembles as a consultant for their marching band and indoor programs. Alex is passionate about developing the next generation of musicians and human beings; he believes music is a great stepping stone to the next stages of life whether it be in music or not.
He is excited to work with ConneXus on the Admin Team this year and work with an incredible organization.
2026 is Alex’s second season on staff with ConneXus.
Matthew Wakenell
Props Lead
Matthew is thrilled to be a part of the ConneXus Operations Staff for the 2025 season.
Matthew is currently an active performer in DCI All-Age and works day-to-day as a Technical Support Technician for Daimler Truck North American in the Service Engineering department.
Matthew started his marching experience at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park in 2015 and then went on to groups such as LSM Winds (2018 WGI WIA Bronze Medalist, 2021), Lake Effect Percussion (2020), Matrix A (2022 WGI PIA Gold Medalist), Redline (2023), and now is currently marching with Cincinnati Tradition (2023, 2024).
In his free time, he also builds and works on performance vehicles. Matthew currently resides in the metro-Detroit area in Michigan.
2026 is Matthew’s second season on staff with ConneXus.
Micki Hayes
Operations staff member
Coming Soon!
Jeremiah Gast
Operations staff member
Jeremiah Gast is from Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from Sycamore High School in 2021. After graduation, he attended the University of Cincinnati and studied chemistry. At UC, Jeremiah played snare drum with the Bearcat Marching Band. He was a member of the ConneXus bassline from 2022 through his ageout in 2025.
Jeremiah has worked with several schools in the Cincinnati area, including Milford High School where he served as a bass tech, Ross High School as a battery consultant, and Campbell County High School as a quad tech.
2026 will be his first season on staff with ConneXus.