Saints Announce 2026 Caption Heads!
The Columbus Saints Drum & Bugle Corps is excited to officially announce its dynamic and highly-qualified Caption Head team for the upcoming 2026 Drum Corps International (DCI) All-Age season. This leadership group features a blend of accomplished veterans and a decorated new face, all poised to lead the Saints to new heights.
Meet the 2026 Caption Head Leadership
The Saints welcome a new Percussion, and new Guard Caption Head, while celebrating the return of key leaders in Brass and Visual, all with substantial experience and community focus.
| Caption | Caption Head | Status |
| Percussion | Ben Cato | New |
| Brass | Jessie Tawney | New |
| Visual | Scotti Smith | Returning |
| Brass | Robert Grandbois III | Returning |
Caption Head Spotlight
Ben Cato – Percussion Caption Head
Ben Cato steps into the Percussion Caption Head role, bringing a wealth of instructional and performance experience. Ben began his education career in Texas, working with successful high school programs like Flower Mound High School and Cedar Ridge High School, contributing to multiple top-five placements at the Lone Star Drumline Contest. His independent teaching resume includes most recently as Assistant Percussion Caption Head for the 2025 Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, Redline Indoor, and a gold medal with Vigilantes Indoor Percussion in 2016. A celebrated performer, Ben’s background includes marching with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps and winning the DCI All-Age Open Class with Cincinnati Tradition in 2024. He currently serves as the Percussion Director for Mason High School, a Snare Tech for Redline Indoor, and is a published composer and arranger.
Jessie Tawney – Guard Caption Head
Taking the helm of the Color Guard is Jessie Tawney, a highly respected educator and performer known for her style of demanding excellence. Jessie’s instructional experience spans multiple programs in the Tri-State area, including Speedway High School, Clinton Massie High School, and William Henry Harrison High School, leading her indoor and outdoor programs to multiple medalist seasons. Her marching career includes the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, Matrix World, and 11 years with Cincinnati Tradition, where she served as co-captain and contributed to three DCA championships. Jessie’s unique approach blends her color guard experience with her background as a professional dancer for the Indiana Ice and Indy Fuel. When not teaching, Jessie works as a NICU nurse at Cincinnati Children’s hospital.
Robert Grandbois III – Brass Caption Head (Returning)
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 (Returning)
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.
Educational Team & Membership Focus
The Caption Heads will be supported by a strong core of returning educational staff:
- Jordan Rose – Assistant Brass Caption (Promotion)
- Drew Ersham – Percussion Technician (also Saints Indoor Director)
- Joshua DeWitt – Bass Tech (also Saints Indoor Assistant Director)
- Adam Cummins – Visual Technician (Returning)
Join the Saints Staff!
The Columbus Saints are actively seeking to round out their educational team and are accepting applications for the following positions:
- Front Ensemble Coordinator
- Full & Part Time Percussion Technicians
- Full & Part Time Brass Technicians
- Visual Technician
- Full & Part Time Guard Technicians
Interested candidates are encouraged to visit https://columbussaints.org/jobs to apply and become part of the Saints’ growing family for the 2026 season!
Affordable Excellence
For the 2026 season, the Saints are proud to continue their commitment to accessible excellence by offering an incredibly low membership fee: $800 for new members and $650 for alumni and any Saints programs (including Winter Guard or Indoor Percussion alumni). All members will have an additional $200 fundraising requirement.
Kickoff and Audition Information
The corps will kick off the 2026 season in December with two clinics in Central Ohio and tentatively in the Mid-Ohio Valley, leading directly into the Audition Open House the first weekend of January. This is the best opportunity to meet the new staff and begin your journey with the Columbus Saints! Visit https://columbussaints.org/drumcorps to learn more!