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Peacocks

American Drum Major Competitions

Instructors

ESTEBAN DE LEON - DIRECTOR OF COMPETITIONS

Esteban’s drum major career began in 7th grade as he began to train and compete in the original American Drum Major Competitions circuit. In his junior year of high school Esteban successfully petitioned the City of Montebello to found it’s own drum major program, the Montebello City Drum Major Program. The Montebello City program served to promote the drum major activity and to include members who were not eligible to be drum majors at their respective schools. In the program’s first year of operation Esteban claimed two California State Championships in both the Mace and Military Baton divisions. Esteban’s success continued through his senior year as he successfully defended both titles and claimed a number of other awards/championships at various drum major organizations.

Once graduating from Montebello High School in 2009, Esteban furthered his education at Pasadena City College where he became drum major of the Lancer Marching Band and Tournament of Roses Honor Band for two years. When his stint at PCC ended, Esteban was fortunate to be added to the instructional staff where he serves today as Visual Caption Head. Esteban also instructs at all levels of the marching arts (middle school, high school, collegiate, and drum corps) and serves on visual and percussion staffs throughout Southern California.

While progressing deeper into the marching arts Esteban never lost his passion or dedication to the drum major activity. He has served numerous drum major organizations in capacities such as: instructor, adjudicaor, steering committee member, Member of the Board of Directors, and previously Director of Scholastic Competitions at the World Drum Major Association. The vast knowledge and experience Esteban has to offer has made him the ideal candidate to head the American Drum Major Competitions circuit.

Jonathan’s love for the marching arts began at a very early age when he attended his first field show competition at the age of 10, but it wasn’t until he attended high school where he started to take an interest in the world of the drum major arts.

His Drum Major experience includes being the Assistant Drum Major for the Los Altos Entertainment Unit as well as being the Drum Major for the Pasadena City College Lancer Band and the Tournament of Roses Honor Band.

His teaching experience includes being a visual instructor for high school marching bands as well as a visual instructor for the Pasadena City College Lancer Band and Tournament of Roses Honor Band. He has also done instruction in conducting to Drum Majors in the Southern California area.

Currently, Jonathan is attending school looking to complete his B.A. in Music Education and hopes to become a band director himself one day.

SGT. KEVIN FLORES, USMC

Sergeant Kevin Flores began his drum major career as a freshman at Montebello High School. Working his way through the ranks of the drum major program Kevin was ultimately selected to be the Senior Drum Major for the 2011-2012 school year. Once graduating from Montebello in 2012 Kevin decided to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. The leadership, work ethic, and self-discipline learned as a drum major is what Kevin attributes to his success in the Marine Corps and has led him to become a non-commissioned officer. Sgt. Flores is proud to be able to give back to a community that has given him so much, and to work side by side with many people who helped shape him into the person he is today.

LAWRENCE JOHNSON

In the last ten years Lawrence Johnson has become a corner stone in the competitive drum major activity. His own success began in high school as a member of the Rancho Buena Vista High School Band. There he was introduced to the original Peacock’s American Drum Major Competitions circuit where he competed and successfully claimed the highest score recorded in the field conducting category. Upon his graduation Lawrence began to instruct in various aspects of the marching arts including marching band, drum corps, indoor drumline, and drum majoring. Lawrence has been involved with numerous drum major organizations through the years; His vast knowledge of the activity, along with his degree in journalism from California State University Long Beach, make him the perfect candidate to head up the conducting department as Chief Adjudicator.

Fascinated by the leadership aspect of his high school marching band, while inspired by his senior drum major, Luis Moreno, and instructor Esteban De Leon, Johnny Linares became part of his school’s drum major program where he grew an affinity for marching leadership. Later, Johnny became an independent competitor and often competed in regional drum major competitions through the end of his high school career. Johnny won numerous awards in the highest divisions in both military baton and mace including a “World Class Mace” division championship from the World Drum Major Association. Although widely considered a top-tier competitor Johnny was most known for his ability to befriend others and constantly devoted several hours to others instead of himself.

Johnny is currently studies Physiological Science at the University of California, Los Angeles with ambitions of becoming a pediatric doctor. Johnny is an advocate for leadership, education, and individual growth for current competing students. His main objective is to advance and promote the art which molded him into the person he is today.

A graduate from Temple City High School, Chris Pan has represented himself and his community as a drum major throughout the country. His drum major career launched when he joined the “Pride of Temple City” his freshman year of high school and quickly found himself involved in the drum major program. He studied as a drum major apprentice for one year before rising to the position of assistant drum major. His junior year of high school he was selected as the head drum major and served in that position for two years. Part of Chris’ responsibilities as a head drum major were to oversee and monitor the progress of the several aspiring drum majors in the program. He worked hand in hand with his instructors to ensure the development of future drum majors at Temple City and to help establish the Temple City name in the drum major community.

Upon graduating from high school Chris began his studies at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA. He also had the opportunity to tour the country as a DCI drum major for Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps. Chris’ experience as a drum major allowed him to help in Impulse’s successful return to DCI Open Class Championships in Michigan City, Indiana and ultimately DCI World Class Prelims at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Chris looks forward to being able to spread his unique insight with aspiring drum majors hoping to pursue their passions just as he did.

JEZREEL ONTIVEROS

Jezreel Ontiveros has proven his drum major skills as a drum major for 3 years at Central Union High School located in El Centro, California, where he was an All-American Drum Major. He had the opportunity to march in the Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans, LA as well as the New Years Day Parade in London, England. He continues to show leadership through his fraternity Phi Mu Alpha, a music fraternity which object is to promote “the development of the best and truest fraternal spirit; the mutual welfare and brotherhood of musical students; the advancement of music in America and a loyalty to the Alma Mater.” Jezreel proudly serves as a Sergeant in the United States Army National Guard for over eight years as a military police man. He is a graduate from San Diego State University with a Bachelors degree in Anthropology and is currently a full time Archaeologist in the San Diego County.

Reed Watkins is an extremely passionate individual, striving for excellence in all his pursuits. In high school, Reed was the Drum Major for two years at Foothill High School in Santa Ana, Ca. He participated in parade competitions as a Scottish Drum Major all throughout Orange County, as well as performing with the United Spirit Association in the London New Year’s Day Parade. He currently attends Villanova University, where he is pursuing his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. When he is not busy with his classes and schoolwork, Reed can be seen performing with the Villanova Band. He is currently one of three Pep Band Directors conducting at basketball games, and other miscellaneous performances. Reed’s favorite part of working with the United Spirit Association is getting to share his enthusiasm for performing and leading with his students

Trilina Mai is undergraduate student at Long Beach State University in Southern California, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Animation. While a student at Cypress High School, Trilina honed her leadership skills in band, serving at various time as Trumpet Section Leader, Band President, and Drum Major. In her two years as Drum Major, she led the Centurion Imperial Brigade in both street and field events. As a parade drum major, she placed in SCSBOA adjudicated band reviews, and led her high school band in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. The United Spirit Association selected Trilina as an All-American drum major, giving her the opportunity to represent her band, school, city, and country in the London New Year’s Day Parade. Outside of drum majoring, Trilina is an award-winning aspiring artist, filmmaker, and private drum major coach. Located in Cypress, California, Trilina is currently collaborating with Against the Grain Productions in their latest documentary film. She is proud to continue the legacy that the United Spirit Association’s Drum Major and Band Leadership Program has been providing to students for over 65 summers.

As an honors graduate from the University of California, Davis, Acey received his B.A. in International Relations— Peace & Security, with a regional concentration in European Politics, and a minor in Sociology. While completing his degree, Acey has worked with notable UC Davis Political Science professors such as Zeev Maoz, Robert Huckfeldt, and James F. Adams. During his time at Davis, Acey participated in several research studies where he surveyed the voting behavior of European countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Russian Federation. Additionally, he has conducted his own research which examines the constitutionality of legislation passed through organizations such as European Union and its potential economic, political and cultural impact on various countries throughout Europe.

Aside from his academic work at UC Davis, Acey was a former Executive for Macy’s Inc. located in Monterey, California. While with the company, Acey oversaw a 2.5 million dollar sales department where he was in charge of marketing and sales promotions with a complete staff of sales representatives, marketing professionals, and independent contractors. In under a year, Acey and his team increased sales performance and quarterly revenue, transforming Macy’s in Monterey to become one of the top 10 performing stores in the Western United States.

After stepping away from Macy’s, Acey relocated to Sacramento, California where he became a member of the United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps with Detachment 088 based out of California State University, Sacramento. While with the AFROTC program, Acey trained in areas of tactical combat, Air Force history, survival and expeditionary training, and leadership. Under the supervision and leadership of Detachment Commander, USAF Lt Col Kenneth H. Morse, Acey received recognition for his superior performance and leadership abilities and was selected to attend Field Training at Maxwell AFB in Alabama only after nine months. The process typically takes new recruits two years to achieve. Likewise, Acey received a lifetime membership to Arnold Air Society, a professional, honorary service organization advocating in support of Aerospace power. This organization is exclusive to those in both the AFROTC program and the USAF Academy who undergo rigorous, accelerated military training outside of their normal training within the program. Noteable memberships include accomplished Generals such as Henry “Hap” Arnold and James Doolittle.

Before contracting with the USAF as a Second Lieutenant, Acey was met with an extraordinary opportunity through his existing work with the United Spirit Association as a Head Instructor with the Drum Major and Band Leadership Program. In February of 2017, Acey became the USA Drum Major and Band Leadership Program Manager, where he works creating curriculum for the biggest educational Drum Major training organization in the Western United States. In addition, he is also the Program and Curriculum Director for Varsity Spirit’s Athletic Band Division where he works alongside corporate leadership and organizations such as DCI, WGI, BOA, and the NFHS to implement innovative band curriculum that elevates the student experience through the power of education and training. While playing dual roles within Varsity Spirit LLC, Acey also serves as the Director of Operations for Peacocks Marching World, one of the biggest and most reputable band retailers in the United States.

REBECCA CARTELLI

As a graduate of San Benito High School in Hollister, California, Rebecca Cartelli has forged an impressive reputation as both a fierce competitor and mentor. Being versed in realms of leadership and competitive parade performance, Rebecca was one of the top competitive Drum Majors for the Northern California Band Association Circuit throughout her six-year career as both a middle school and high school Drum Major. She been awarded one of NCBA’s most prestigious awards — the Drum Major Sweepstakes Award — at the Santa Cruz Band Review in Santa Cruz, California which is the largest band review in Northern California that hosts over 60+ schools. In addition, she has been invited to perform internationally at the London New Year’s Day Parade where she performed as a representative of both the United Spirit Association Drum Major and Band Leadership Program and the United States of America.

Aside from her Drum Major Career, Rebecca performed as the principal 1st chair clarinetist with the Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony for 4+ years, and was one of the youngest musicians to do so. Upon completing her high school career, Rebecca was also awarded the John Phillips Sousa Award— the most prestigious award of her school’s music program.

Currently, Rebecca is a private Drum Major instructor in the Northern California area where she coaches award-winning Drum Majors of her own in both the parade and solo competition season. Additionally, she served as the Head Instructor for Tokay High School’s Color Guard under the Direction of Band Director, James Zuniga. Together, they revived the school’s winter season’s competitive performance groups where they have received numerous awards in areas of Percussion, Color Guards and Drum Majors. Rebecca continues to train and mentor both her Drum Major and Color Guard students in areas of leadership and technical skills.

Marvin Reed resides in the Sacramento area. He holds a B.A. in Sociology and M.A. in Higher Education and Leadership Policies from California State University, Sacramento, where he was the Drum Major of the Hornet Marching Band. Marvin has worked with many prestigious Marching Band programs in the area (Granite Bay, Fairfield, John F. Kennedy, American Canyon, Elk Grove, Laguna Creek, California and Ponderosa HS.) He is also the Director and Head Judge of Drum Major activities for the Northern California Band Association. Marvin has been part of the Concord Blue Devils organization (Blue Devils ‘B’ and the Blue Devils “A” Corps). Marvin has also been the Drum Major coordinator for Blue Devils ‘B’ and the Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps. He is currently the assistant director and Drum Major Caption Head of the Sacramento Mandarins Academy.

Currently located in Davis, California, Azeema Yahya attends UC Davis pursuing degrees in Sociology and English with a minor in Education. Her time as a performing drum major started with competing in solo drum major competitions for the Northern California Band Association in the Mace category. During her final year as drum major, she competed in field conducting. With experience competing in both spinning and conducting, she’s gained immense knowledge and love for both. At Davis, she’s involved within campus clubs and organizations. She serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for her sorority where she strives to help the chapter reach its fullest potential. Currently she works for UC Davis’ Undergraduate Admissions Department as a Public Advisor. She’s helped over thousands of prospective and current students find their home at UC Davis. Azeema looks forward to continuing these endeavors. She can’t wait for this upcoming summer with the United Spirits Association!

Darren Willett will be graduating with his degree in Instrumental Music Education and Trombone Performance from California State University, Fullerton’s School of Music. He is the Director of the Titan Varsity Band on CSUF’s campus, and was President of the Omicron Pi chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Darren was drum major for three years at Canyon High School and has competed in both field shows and parades. Darren is a twin, has traveled to China with the CSUF Wind Symphony, and loves to cook in his free time. He plans to get his Masters in Conducting, and strives to inspire future generations through music.

SABRINA WILLETT

During her three-year drum majoring career at Canyon High School, Sabrina has led her band through countless SCSBOA competitions and parades. Furthermore, Sabrina’s drum majoring career enabled her to act as an active member of the Gold Star Brigade’s leadership curriculum and current execution. As a recipient of her Alma Mater’s annual leadership award and medallion amongst several other technical awards, Sabrina holds her experiences and memories created at Canyon close to her heart and is thankful for those involved. Currently attending San Diego State University, Sabrina is pursuing a double major in both neuropsychology and nutrition, with a minor in leadership. Outside of class and the drum major world, Sabrina is a member of the Marching Aztec’s cymbal line during the fall season, while performing as a cymbalist in a World Class WGI group during the spring.

Thomas Gamboa is originally from San Diego, California and is a graduate of Rancho Bernardo High School, where he was the Drum Major for two years as a Military style drum major and a California State Champion in the Masters Division. He is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where he received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Music Education and Music Performance on bassoon. He also has a Masters of Music degree in wind conducting from Northwestern University where he studied with Mallory Thompson. During his time at Northwestern University, he worked extensively with the Northwestern University Marching Band and conducted the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Brass Ensemble.
Thomas Gamboa was a conductor for the United States Air Force Band where he held the rank of Captain. During his time as a conductor for the US Air Force Band, he performed throughout the United States, Europe, and in broadcasts reaching over 2.2 million audience members in over 174 countries.
As an educator, Gamboa taught in the Los Angeles Unified School District at West Adams Preparatory High School in South Central, Los Angeles as the Instrumental Music Director and Music Department Chair. In the inaugural year of WAPHS, Gamboa created and conducted the Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Symphonic Orchestra during his tenure. Gamboa was also an instructor for the National High School Music Institute in the areas of conducting and chamber music, in addition to his duties as Assistant Conductor for the NHSMI Wind Ensemble.
Thomas Gamboa is currently working on a Doctor of Musical Arts in wind conducting at the University of Michigan where he is studying with Michael Haithcock. At the University of Michigan, he teaches conducting to undergraduate music students, and works with the Symphony Band, Concert Band, and athletic bands, including the Michigan Marching Band.

Jared is a graduate of the University of Oregon with a BS in Physiology and Biology. He also played clarinet in the Oregon Marching Band. He is currently a graduate student at SFSU where he studies exercise physiology and plans on teaching Biology and Physiology at the high school level. Jared was a dual threat drum major as he was both a field conductor and mace spinner at Terra Nova High School. In addition, he was also the Northern California champion in both events. When Jared isn’t working with other drum majors or teaching in the classroom, you can find him on the track or in the hills as he is both the Terra Nova Track and Cross Country coach!

Martin was a graduate from Concord High School in Concord, CA where he was the drum major of the Minuteman Marching Band for 3 years. He was awarded 1st place in the Mace Masters Division his sophomore year, and during his next marching season, he was the #1 Mace Drum Major in the Northern California Band Association circuit. He left Concord with the Maestro award, given to the single most involved, outstanding senior of the program. After high school, Martin attended Diablo Valley College to study music. In his two years there, he participated in every ensemble, instrumental and vocal, including leadership roles in jazz combos and vocal jazz ensembles, as well as being the music department secretary. He left with the “Outstanding Music Major” award, given to him for his excellence in music as well as overall contributions to the DVC music department. Martin is currently finishing up his undergrad at UCLA, where he is studying jazz trumpet in the ethnomusicology department, under renowned jazz guitar legend, Kenny Burrell. He is in Awaken A Cappella, a co-ed collegiate a cappella group founded by acclaimed vocalist, Sara Bareilles. He is also a part of SLAM, an organization created on the UCLA campus that teaches music to underprivileged students in the Los Angeles area. Outside of music, Martin is also a part of UCLA’s Health, Nutrition, and Fitness organization, spreading health and fitness awareness across the campus. He is the founder of UCLA’s Bodybuilding organization, and constantly trains and sends program to anyone looking to reach their fitness goals on the campus. Martin plays trumpet professionally with various pop and jazz artists in the Los Angeles area as well as leads his own a cappella group, Levels of Vocal Expression (L.O.V.E) in the Bay Area. With Martin’s array of experience in and out of music, he has worked closely with the United Spirit Association Program Development Team for many years, developing and improving curriculum in spinning, conducting, and leadership. He works with private students, specializing in mace spinning, conducting, leadership, and team building. Aside from his drum major instruction, Martin also loves teaching trumpet, jazz, and a cappella music to students. Following graduation from UCLA, Martin plans to continue to play professionally, clinic, and adjudicate in the Bay Area, as well as find a position as a band director at a local middle or high school.

Susan Levine is a music major at CSU Sacramento, with a focus in Clarinet Performance and Music Education. She grew her musical life in the Roseville School District through local teachers Patty Wassum and Mark Toffelmier. Susan was the drum major of Roseville High School and has successfully led her band in many field show competitions. Susan also works for the United Spirit Association with other drum majors all over California. She is currently conducting in ensembles such as the Sacramento Youth Symphony. Susan specializes in woodwinds and piano. She teaches at multiple elementary schools in the Elk Grove and Sacramento areas, and clinics for the woodwind sections of several local high schools. As a performer, Susan plays in local pit orchestras for musicals, orchestras, and live music.

Tony Rescigno’s drum major career began at USA camp where he began to train as a drum major, eventually becoming the drum major at Venice High School. After high school Tony attended Pasadena City College, where he was selected as drum major of the Lancer Marching Band in 2013 and lead the Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band in the 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade. After successfully completing his studies at PCC Tony transferred to the University of California Los Angeles where he again was selected as drum major, this time for the UCLA Bruin Marching Band.

In addition to his extensive drum major experiences Tony was also a member of Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps for the 2016 season and was able to study trumpet performance under Wayne Bergeron. Today Tony has graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Musicology. He continues to be committed to the marching arts and serves on visual staffs in the Southern California area. Tony is a dedicated musician always eager to train students interested in becoming marching band members and leaders. He is honored to stand alongside with a motivated and strong driven staff.

Douglas Lue graduated from Garden Grove High School were he served the title as a Drum Major for 3 Years. Currently Studying Music Education and Clarinet Performance at Irvine Valley College. He has coached at several High Schools in Orange County/Southern California as a Marching/Visual Coach, Woodwind/Brass Coach, Drum Major Coach. He currently teaches Brass and Woodwinds Privately at the Tustin Music School. He has performed at various Drum Major Circuits, where he has received several 1st Places and has been able to pass on the same accomplishments to several students he has coached the Drum Major arts to.

Devin began his Drum Major career in Lake Arrowhead, at Rim of the World High School. Successfully
auditioning his freshman year, Devin was Assistant Drum Major both his sophomore and junior years.
During these years Devin began the process of developing his skills to the highest possible level with
study, and individual competitions. By his senior year, Devin served as Head Drum Major for his high
school, competing individually, at SCSBOA-sanctioned parades, and at several Western United States
Pipe Band Association competitions. Additionally, Devin was asked to lead the band as “acting band
director”, a title handed to him by school administration, as the departure and hiring of directors left the
group in a temporary limbo. While participating in these events and leading his group with pride, Devin
became the highest awarded drum major at Rim of the World High in recent memory. While in high
school, Devin also was a three-time member of the Tournament of Roses Honor Band. This experience
led him to attend Pasadena City College after graduating.
Devin is in his second year as a Music Education Major at Pasadena City College. While at PCC he has
been an active member of the Lancer Marching Band, the PCC Symphony Orchestra and the Tournament
of Roses Honor Band. For the 2017-2018 year, Devin earned the position of Drum Major for both the
PCC Lancer Marching Band and the 2018 Tournament of Roses Honor Band.
Devin was an active competitor in scholastic Drum Major competition circuits for three years, and
currently competes in Western United States Pipe Band Association Drum Major competitions. Having
competed over fifty times, Devin has won many awards and has gained great experience in the art of
Drum Majoring.
Devin is currently an active drum major and marching band instructor around Southern California. This
experience has encouraged him to improve his teaching and instructing to the best of his ability. He has
a true commitment and passion to drum majoring and the marching arts and would like to see both
continued and taken to greater heights in California and the United States.

ESTEBAN DE LEON - DIRECTOR OF COMPETITIONS

SGT. KEVIN FLORES, USMC

LAWRENCE JOHNSON

GABRIEL FUENTES

JEZREEL ONTIVEROS

REBECCA CARTELLI

ALEC VALENTINO

KENT GIESE

NICHOLAS FRANKS

JAMES EICHENBAUM

STEPHAN NEWCOMB

SABRINA WILLETT

Dr. THOMAS GAMBOA

TRICIA SMITH

LUIS F. CARDOZA

KAYLA KLUSSMAN

JULIA EDWARDS