The Columbus Saints Drum & Bugle Corps is excited to announce the educational staff for the 2019 season. This year’s staff is jam-packed with educators with experience from numerous DCI World Class Corps, DCA World Champions, and various ensembles taught by leading marching arts educators!
Brass
Returning this season as Brass Caption Head is Nate Banzhof from Cincinnati, Ohio who also serves as Program Coordinator. He’s entering his 5th year as assistant band director of Norwood HS, and is also the owner of Western Hills Music Shop. Marching with the DCI World Class Finalist Glassmen Drum & Bugle Corps from 1994-1995; and SoundSport Team Glassmen Alumni, Nate brings years of experience, and passion for music to develop and grow the Saints brass caption this season.
Returning for 2019 is Amie Hartman of Grove City, OH as Lead Brass Technician. She holds a B.A. of Music in French Horn Performance from Youngstown State, and has a passion for teaching, working with numerous BOA and State Finalist bands; currently Central Crossing HS. As an alumnus of the DCI World Class Finalist Glassmen Drum & Bugle Corps in 2012, she brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Saints.
Returning for 2019 is Brad Thomas of Columbus, OH as Brass Technician. Brad is one of the founding members of the Columbus Saints Drum & Bugle Corps, and has previously served as Brass Tech, and Arranger. He’s an expert in Drum Corps History, with expansive knowledge and experience with brass marching instruments specifically G Bugles. He’s an alumnus of numerous corps including Cincinnati Tradition 2008-2012, Erie Thunderbirds 2017-2018 (staff), Columbus Saints 2014,2017, Jim Ott Brass Ensemble 2015-2016, and more. He’s also an alumnus of the Ohio State University Marching Band 2016, and loves drum corps and the marching arts.
Joining us for 2019 is Martin Williams of Columbus, OH as Brass Technician. Martin is the founder of the Saints horn line creating the Drum & Bugle Corps, and previously served as Brass Caption Head, and Membership Director over his years with the Saints. He’s an avid drum corps fan and in his spare time arranges selections for various corps such as Rocketeers, Erie Thunderbirds, and more! Martin’s energy is what helped build the Saints and we’re excited to have him returning for 2019!
Percussion
Returning for his second season bringing over 16 years of experience to the Saints, we’re excited to have David Vielhaber as a Percussion Caption Head and Arranger for our 2019 season. He has competed and/or taught at the high school and college levels as well as DCI, DCA, and WGI. David marched in the Southwest Texas State University Bobcat Band, 2000-2002, Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps of Canton, Ohio 2002- 2003 ; Element’ Percussion WGI Open in 2002; Carolina Gold Drum & Bugle Corps in 2007-2008; Empire Statesmen 2010-2013; Rhythm in Blue (Bluecoats SoundSport), rounding out nearly 16 years of marching experience. He loves drum corps and bass drum and is excited to continue to share that love with the Saints.
Returning for 2019 is Kristen McCormack ; our Front Ensemble Coordinator. She’s an alumni of DCI World Class Finalists Carolina Crown 2014 & 2016, performing in the Front Ensemble, also performing in UMASS’s concert band, Thom Hannum’s marimba ensemble also his marching percussion techniques class. She holds a degree in Music Performance (piano) and Communication Disorders in May from the University of Massachusetts Amherst graduating in 2017 and is currently a graduate student at Ohio State University studying Speech-Language Pathology with a Singing Health Specialization. Kristen is very high energy, and is excited to grow the Saints Front Ensemble this year and help young people grow as performers!
Joining us for 2019 is Deondre Smieles, as Percussion Tech with a concentration on Cymbals, and Front Ensemble. Deondre’s extensive background includes years marching in numerous corps including Pioneer, Minnesota Brass, Governaires, and Chops Inc, as well as teaching for numerous ensembles including 317 Performing Arts (formerly Legacy Percussion), Chops Inc, and now the Columbus Saints! Deondre’s passion for the marching arts and cymbals will build the Saints cymbal line to a killer level this season!
Visual
Evan Alexander is returning to the Saints as our Visual Caption Head for the 2019 season and has been involved the marching activity for a decade. Starting as a student at Central Crossing High School in 2009 to currently being a member of the school’s marching band staff for the last 4 seasons. He also spent 3 seasons marching with DCI World Class Finalists, Glassmen in 2012 and Blue Knights in 2013 & 2015. Evan is excited to return to the Saints team to help develop the next generation of the activity.
Guard
Returning for her 6th season is Liz Steele as Guard Caption Head and Winter guard Director. Performing with Hamilton TWP marching band, and local indoor ensembles, and the Ohio Dominican University Marching Band, Liz brings a local focus to help build young people into strong performers. Liz holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio Dominican University and is currently employed as a legal professional. Her hobbies include reading, music concerts, theater productions, learning vintage hairstyles, and last but not least, color guard!
Returning to the Saints for 2019 is Melissa Loringer, as a Guard Technician. She has 15 years of performing experience in WGI Finalists, Top Hats (Pittsburgh, PA) for the 2006-2007 winter season, where she marched in the TRWEA and WGI circuits and most recently Erie Thunderbirds as a staff and performer winning DCA’s Class A Best Colorguard in 2016. She also has served as caption or teach as numerous schools such as Fairview High School, and McDowell High School. Melissa brings years of experience, and a element of FUN to the Saints to grow younger performers!
…we’ll be announcing more staff shortly so stay tuned!