Caption Head Spotlight
In alphabetical order
Ben Cato – Percussion Caption Head
Ben Cato started his education career in Texas as both a drumline technician and concert ensemble teacher working with groups including but not limited to Flower Mound High School, Cedar Ridge High School, and Waxahachie High School in the Houston, Austin, and DFW areas. Under his instruction, he helped lead multiple percussion sections to successful placements including multiple top five appearances at the Lone Star Drumline Contest, and numerous high percussion scores at marching band contests across the nation. Ben has also been fortunate to teach as a music educator for many independent groups including The Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, Redline indoor, Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps, and Vigilantes Indoor Percussion in 2016 where they achieved a gold medal in open class at the WGI World Championships.
Ben‘s background was also heavily shaped and inspired by his concert and percussion ensemble experience performing under Rick Rodriguez with the Spring HS percussion ensemble. As an educator, Ben‘s passion for concert literature and excellence behind the keyboard helped shape the standard of achievement for numerous percussion ensembles taping entries including successfully being selected for a prestigious Midwest Clinic percussion ensemble performance
Ben has studied under legends of the activity including Mike McIntosh, Rick Rodriguez, Brian Tinkel, Dr. Brian West, and countless others across groups including The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, Redline Indoor, Gateway Indoor, and winning DCI All Age open class with Cincinnati Tradition in 2024. Ben currently acts as the Percussion Director for Mason High School, a Snare Tech for Redline Indoor, is a published composer for the concert percussion ensemble setting, and arranges for high school programs for both the Fall and Winter settings. When not teaching or writing, Ben enjoys his time with his fiancee Jessie and their eight cats.
Robert Grandbois III – Brass Caption Head
Returning to lead the Brass line is Robert Grandbois III. Born and raised in Ohio, Robert has spent decades performing and teaching in the area. His performing experience includes marching mellophone with the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2011-2012) and touring Europe with the Ohio Ambassadors of Music (2013). Robert holds a music education degree from Miami University, specializing in French horn, and has worked with groups like the Westland High School marching band and the Dublin Wind Symphony. His philosophy centers on the synergy of a great attitude and refined technique, allowing the musician to truly shine.
Scotti Smith – Visual Caption Head
The Saints are thrilled to welcome back Scotti Smith to guide the Visual program. Scotti is a third-grade teacher for Westerville City Schools and a veteran educator, having taught marching band at Olentangy Liberty High School and Westerville Central High School. As a performer, she was an inaugural member of RhythmX (2002-2003) and served as section leader and horn sergeant during her time with Capital Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps (2003-2005). Scotti was also an inaugural member and staff member for Westerville Winds in 2023 and the Assistant Program Director for Capital Regiment Performing Arts in 2024. Outside of the marching arts, Scotti lives in Westerville with her wife and enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her fur babies.
Jessie Tawney – Guard Caption Head
Bryen Warfield – Ensemble Consultant
The Saints are thrilled to welcome Bryen Warfield back after ten years! Bryen was past of our Gold Medalist 2016 staff with Vincent Van Sickle, leading the corps to their first major win. Bryen Warfield is a sought-after clinician, adjudicator, and conductor from Indianapolis, IN. Bryen has conducted orchestras and bands throughout the United States and Canada, including the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (C.A.), Yakima Symphony Orchestra (W.A.), Philharmonic Orchestral of Indianapolis (IN), Fort Wayne Philharmonic Players Association (IN), Circle City Orchestra (IN), and the Old Crown Brass Band (IN). Bryen specializes in African American classical music, having performed works by Margaret Bonds, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Florence Price, William Grant Still, Omar Thomas, Henry Dorn, and Benjamin Horne, as well as many other pieces by underrepresented composers.
Bryen has assisted and led highly successful band and orchestral programs in Indiana (Whiteland Community H.S., Homestead H.S., Shortridge H.S.) but also significantly contributed to the recognition and honor of many of his ensembles at local, state, and national levels. His work at Homestead High School, where the Symphony Orchestra was invited to perform as a featured ensemble at the 2020 Indiana Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference, is a testament to his impact. The Homestead Wind Ensemble, under his leadership, was one of the consortium members for Brian Balmages’ “Love and Light,” Timothy Mahr’s “Urgent Voices,” and Parker Long’s “Symphony No. 1”, as well as presenting at the 2022 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic with Dr. Dan Tembras from Purdue University – Fort Wayne. The Homestead Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensembles, due to his guidance, were invited to perform at the 2023 Music for All National Concert Festival. Bryen maintains an active career in the pageantry arts as an adjudicator, educator, and clinician for high schools, colleges, and drum corps nationwide. He is the Brass Caption Head of the Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps. Before that, he worked with the brass teams of the Bluecoats, Santa Clara Vanguard, Columbus Saints, and Cincinnati Tradition.
Bryen is currently pursuing a Doctoral of Arts in Wind Band Conducting and Music Education at Ball State University. He attended Vincennes University and studied with Jason King and Sharon “Susie” Jackson before attending and completing his Bachelor of Music degree in Tuba Performance from the University of Louisville, studying with John Jones, Darryl Johnson, and Kimcherie Lloyd. He earned a Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting at The Ohio State University, studying with Dr. Russel Mikkelson and Dr. Scott A. Jones. Bryen has also been privileged to conduct master classes with renowned teachers such as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Hugh Wolff, Donald Thulean, Kevin Sedatole, Kevin Noe, John Lynch, Robert Franz, and Robert Ambrose.
Educational Team & Membership Focus
The Caption Heads will be supported by a strong core of returning educational staff. Full staff bios coming soon!