Michael Coers holds a B.A. with an emphasis in Music Merchandising from
Western Illinois University, and a M.M. in Percussion Performance from
Illinois State University. Mike is an active artist / clinician for
Dynasty, has served on the WGI Percussion advisory board, and currently
serves as an Artist for Zildjian cymbals and Vic Firth Education team.
Mr. Coers has taught and arranged for groups at all levels, including
WGI Scholastic Gold Medalist Lincoln Way High School (1994 - 2000),
Bands of America Grand National Champions Marian Catholic High School
(2000-2007), the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps, and is program
consultant / adviser for the 2007-2008 WGI PIA Champion Pioneer indoor
drumline.
Allen Houston
Allen Houston graduated from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, where he received his Bachelor of Music in Education.He then went to the University of North Texas for post graduate work in theory and composition.He has taught percussion for 16 years in Waco, Brownsville, and now lives and teaches in Uvalde, Texas, where he also takes care of his 4 children and dog.He has written several percussion ensembles, including "Concert Piece in 3 Movements," which won 1st place in the PAS composition competition in 2002.
John King
John graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in instrumental music education. He worked as a school band director and has won honors for his music compositions and arrangements.
He is now owner of Metta Audio, and is busy writing and recording music for high school groups and media productions.
Casey Machado
Casey is currently the visual caption head for Barnstable High School Indoor Percussion (Cape Cod, MA) and works as a consultant to other area high schools. While attending college at the University of New Hampshire, Casey wrote and arranged music for the Wildcat Marching Band, Drumline, and Pep Band. His marching experience includes performing at WGI World Finals; being a member of the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps; and marching with the UNH Wildcat Marching Band drumline, serving as a drum major his senior year.
Casey is an avid fan of WGI and is actively involved in the activity. He is passionate about creating shows that are engaging, fun to perform and offer an educational opportunity for growth within the ensemble.
When not involved with teaching and writing, Casey is a mechanical engineer for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, designing and building underwater robots.
Eric Rath
Eric Rath is an active educator, clinician, arranger and composer. He is currently the Director of Percussion and Associate Band Director at Randall High School in Amarillo, TX. Additionally, Mr. Rath serves as adjunct Instructor of Percussion at Amarillo College.
While an undergraduate student, Mr. rath was selected as a winner in the University's Concerto Competition. And while pursuing his Master's, he served as a Graduate Assistant, directing and arranging for the Drumline and Basketball Band and assisting withthe Concert Band.
As a composer, Mr. Rath has a growing list of original works and arrangements through numerous publishers, including Impact Marching and Eric Rath Music. His music has been described as "very exiting for performers and audiences alike." Mr. Rath's piece "Paramount Park" for Grade 2 band was the winner of the first Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB) Composition Contest. Mr. Rath's compositions have been performed at the Midwest Clinic and the Texas Music Educator's Association Conventions.
Mr. Rath is a member of the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra and also performs with the Amarillo Opera. He also plas drumset with area jazz groups, is active on the worship team at his church, and is a former member of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps.
Mr. Rath resides in Amarillo, Texas with his wife Kayla, their daughter Regan, and their son Grant. His professional affiliations include the Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association and is an alumnus and former chapter president of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He is also proud to be an Educator endorser for the Promark Corporation as well as a member of the American society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
Ted Reicher
Ted has been writing and teaching music and drill for competitive bands, drum corps and winter guards for 24 years. Before becoming a fulltime visual designer and music arranger, he was Director of Bands and Chairman of the Music Department at Davenport Central High School in Davenport, IA. Under his direction, the marching band, three concert bands and jazz bands at Central received straight Division I ratings at Iowa High School Music Association Festivals.
Ted is an active composer and arranger and maintains a private brass studio for students in the Iowa/Illinois Quad Cities area. He is active in the Iowa Bandmasters Association and International Trumpet Guild and is sought after as a clinician/consultant for marching bands throughout the Midwest.
Adam Weems
Adam Weems has been involved with marching percussion for over 25 years.Now the Manager of Education for the Avedis Zildjian Cymbal Co. he received a degree in Music Business with a percussion minor from Western Illinois University.As an accomplished performer in the marching idiom, Adam started in early 80’s with one of the top high school marching bands and indoor percussion ensembles in the country, continuing into college and drum corps, where he earned 13th at the DCI individual/ensemble contest in 1989 on Vibraphone.
Adam is currently serving as the writer/arranger and Percussion Caption head for the Barnstable High School Winter Percussion Ensemble in Hyannis MA, while consulting with numerous programs throughout the country.
