7th Regiment Staff
Administration
Greg Arsenault brings over 30 years of experience in the marching arts and music education. With a commitment to excellence, he has cultivated groups that have a vibrant and dynamic culture.
In the early 1990s, Greg marched in the drumlines of the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band and the Boston Crusaders. He then served on Boston’s battery staff for three years and was Tour Director in 1999, the first year the Crusaders made the DCI Finals, placing 9th.
He has been with Cranston High School East Thunderbolt Band in Rhode Island since 1994, becoming Co-Director with Mark Colozzi in 2003 and Director of Bands upon Mr. Colozzi’s retirement in 2016. The Thunderbolt Band has won several USBands New England Championships during his tenure, including the Division 2 New England Championship in 2019.
Greg graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rhode Island College in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. In 2002, he received a Master of Music from the University of Rhode Island with a concentration in composition. He completed a Masters Certificate in Music Production and Technology from Berklee College of Music in 2015 and teaches a Career and Technical Education program in Audio Design and Engineering at Cranston High School East.
He founded the Cranston East Percussion Ensemble program in 2001, began competing in 2010 and opened the program city-wide in 2012. Cranston Combined Percussion won a WGI New England Regional Championship in 2015 and three New England Scholastic Band Association Championships in 2015, 2022, and 2024. The group was a WGI Scholastic A Semi-Finalist in 2024.
With 7th Regiment since 2023, Greg first served as Tour Manager and then as Director of Operations. As a director and educator, Greg is passionate about fostering teamwork, discipline, and a deep appreciation for the marching arts. He emphasizes the importance of both individual growth and collective achievement, ensuring that each member feels valued and empowered. He believes in the power of collaboration and mentorship, inspiring young musicians to reach their fullest potential. Greg looks forward to the opportunity to continue serving 7th Regiment as Director bringing the Corps to new levels of success, on and off the field.
When not involved with music and marching arts, Greg enjoys camping, skiing, watching Marvel movies, and spending time with his family. Greg lives in Cranston, Rhode Island with his wife, Rebecca, sons Lucas and Nathan, and their dog Sundae.
Scott Winship serves as Assistant Director and Brass Supervisor of the drum corps. He is proud to step into this expanded role and continue supporting the members and staff with the same energy and commitment he brings to every project. Scott is known for steady leadership, clear communication, and a genuine focus on creating a positive experience for everyone involved.
Scott’s path in the marching arts began in high school and led him to the Boston Crusaders, then to “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. During his Marine Corps service, he performed at Evening and Sunset Parades in Washington, D.C., traveled more than 50,000 miles a year, and took part in nearly 500 annual events across the country and abroad.
After completing his service, Scott spent more than 25 years teaching and adjudicating high school, college, and drum corps programs in Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, and New Hampshire, including the Boston Crusaders, the Muchachos, and 7th Regiment.
As a performer, Scott stays active on trumpet in holiday services, musical theater, and ensembles such as the Salem Winds, the Charles River Wind Ensemble, and the Rhode Island Wind Ensemble.
Scott holds a BS in Music Education from Rhode Island College, a MM in Wind Band Conducting from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and an AS in Computer Science from Northern Essex Community College.
Scott is extremely excited for year two on the 7th Regiment admin team. Scott and his wife Lisa live in North Smithfield, Rhode Island where they enjoy traveling, cruising Narraganset Bay on their boat in the summer and snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter.
DESIGN TEAM
An Alumnus of 7th Regiment, Alec Smith is proud to return for his 10th year with the Corps.
Drawing on his experience in Connecticut theatre and education, Alec aims to provide a visual program that is both entertaining and a vehicle for performers to develop high-level visual performance skills. Alec works in collaboration with band and color guard directors to target an area of growth in their visual program. He then writes and designs technique & drill exercises, show drill, and staging that will engage students in those new and developing skills. For groups that regularly perform high intensity shows, Alec can highlight the specific skills needed to make the most of the visual design. asmith.drillanddesign@gmail.com
Alec has been working with the “home team” since 2017 and was the Drum Corps’ Visual Caption Manager & Staff Coordinator for four seasons before moving to the design team. Alec performed several seasons with 7th Regiment before aging out with The Cadets. Alec is currently the Visual Caption Head at Trumbull High School, a band director in Naugatuck, CT, and an active drill writer in the Northeast. He received his Masters in Education from the University of Bridgeport.
Alessandra is very excited to return to 7th Regiment in the roles of Color Guard Designer and Color Guard Caption Manager. Originally from Massachusetts, Alessandra has over 10 years of combined marching and instructing color guard experience. Throughout her color guard career, she has been a member of A, Open, and World Class WGI and DCI organizations including The Cadets, Blessed Sacrament World, The Spartans, and Salem Blue Independent. As an instructor, she has been involved with many marching ensembles as a designer, caption head, choreographer, clinician, and on technical staff. Currently, she is an ensemble visual designer and color guard caption head for South Plainfield High School in New Jersey.
Outside of the marching arts Alessandra works in the energy industry, with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
Dan Shinohara is excited to return as the battery arranger for the 2026 edition of the 7th Regiment! He has served in this role since 2023 and had previously served as the Percussion Caption Head in 2022 and Battery Manager in 2021. He has also taught with the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps, and numerous high school percussion programs in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Dan is currently the percussion director of the Timber Creek High School cluster in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to his appointment at Timber Creek, Dan graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Master’s Degree in Percussion Performance. While at UMass, he served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the UMass Drumline, Marimba Bands, and Percussion Studio. Mr. Shinohara was fortunate to have studied with Thom Hannum, Ian Hale, and Ayano Kataoka.
Prior to his time at UMass, Dan earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas. At UNT, Mr. Shinohara studied with Mark Ford, Paul Rennick, Christopher Deane, Stockton Helbing, Ed Smith, Dennis Fisher, and Dr. Nicholas Williams. He was also the section leader of the UNT Drumline and Symphonic Band as well as a performing member in the PASIC Quad Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Bands, and Gamelan Ensemble.
Dan’s performance resume includes four summers with the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps from 2015-2018, appearances with the Boston Pops and U.S. Air Force Band and the Boston Celtics Drumline in the 2022 NBA Finals. He has also been a member of the Dallas Mavericks Drumline since 2018 and was a part of their 2024 NBA Finals run.
Dan is a proud endorser of Vic Firth sticks and mallets and Zildjian Cymbals.
Sean Ferguson is returning for his fourth year as brass arranger for 7th Regiment. As a staff member since 2020, he has worked in various roles such as a visual instructor, choreographer, and assistant visual caption manager.
Sean is a graduate of The College of New Jersey and is currently finishing his Masters in Music Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Throughout his time in academia, Sean’s research focuses on making music more inclusive for educational communities. His work includes building a culturally responsive curriculum that centralizes the student’s strengths, experiences, and values.
Sean is currently the Director of Bands at Somerville High School in New Jersey. Since arriving, Sean has tripled enrollment in music classes and ensembles. He currently serves over 250 music students across 9 ensembles, 2 AP Music Theory courses, and 2 music technology courses. The award-winning Marching Pioneers were promoted to USBands Open Class in his second year as the director and have won numerous awards and competitions since then. In addition to his own school, he has written music, drill, and full-show designs for over 15 groups in the NY/NJ metropolitan area.
Outside of music, Sean is a strong supporter of diversity and inclusion efforts for marginalized groups and his communities. He is currently an advisor for Somerville’s Spectrum Alliance (LGBTQ+ advocacy group) and Asian Student Association.
Sean is excited to work with all the amazing individuals at 7th Regiment for the 2026 season!
The 2026 season marks Seth’s second year with the 7th Regiment organization. Previously, Seth taught The Cadets Drumline from 2020-2023 and was a member of the quadline from 2016-2019. During his time at The Cadets, Seth performed under Colin McNutt and DCI Hall of Fame member Tom Aungst. Prior to his time at The Cadets, he spent his first season of drum corps (2014) playing cymbals and his second (2015) playing quads with The Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps.
Originally from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Seth discovered his passion for music at an early age learning to play the drum set. His passion continued throughout high school. He was heavily involved in the music program in the Portsmouth School District, studying under percussion director, Steve Cirillo, performing and earning a WGI Scholastic Concert Open Class championship with the high school’s winter percussion ensemble. As an active young performer, he participated in numerous ensembles throughout the community. These early experiences led him to pursue a career in music.
Seth received his bachelor’s degree in Percussion Performance at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. As an active musician, he had the opportunity to teach, arrange, and perform with the UMass Percussion section, the UMass Marimba Bands/Ensembles and several other ensembles on and off campus. He served as a member of the marching band/percussion section leadership team for two years. To expand upon his classical training he was selected by studio professor, Ayano Kataoka, to perform in the McCormick Marimba Festival at the University of South Florida in January of 2019. He also had the opportunity to study under artists in residence Victor Caccese and Terry Sweeney from contemporary chamber percussion group, Sandbox Percussion, in the spring of 2019.
Following his undergraduate studies, he returned to UMass to pursue a master’s degree in Music Education. During his two years of grad school, he served as teaching assistant to professor Thom Hannum. As a teaching assistant, he had the privilege of working with the marching band’s percussion section, the Hoop/Ice Band, and the Marimba Bands/Ensembles. The opportunity allowed him to work closely with Professor Hannum as well as current Associate Band Director, Ian Hale. Prior to graduating in the spring of 2021, he took on the responsibility of coordinating and directing the UMass Marimba Band for the ’20-’21 school year.
Seth currently resides in Austin, TX. He is an active educator, percussion arranger, sound designer, and sound technician. He previously served as Director of Percussion for the Liberal Arts and Science Academy in the Austin Independent School District and continues to serve as Assistant Director of Percussion for Glenn High School and Danielson Middle School in the Leander Independent School District. In addition Seth teaches a considerable amount of private percussion lessons around the LISD area. Seth is a proud member of the Vic Firth and Zildjian education teams.
Natalie (she/her) is thrilled to rejoin the team at 7th Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps as the Choreographer. This is her third year with the ensemble, first serving as the Movement Coordinator (2024) and then as the Choreographer (2025-Present). Additionally, she is the Assistant Visual Caption Head at Music City Drum & Bugle Corps and Visual Coordinator at Cap City 2, an indoor percussion ensemble where she has taught both World and Open groups (2023-Present).
At the high school level, Natalie is the Director and Visual Designer for the Oak Hills Indoor Percussion Ensemble (2023-Present); Visual Caption Head and Choreographer for the Oak Hills High School Marching Band (2023-Present); and Choreographer for Walter E. Stebbins High School (Dayton), Archbishop Carroll High School Marching Band (Dayton), and Lone Oak High School Marching Band (Lone Oak, Texas).
Previously, Natalie served as the dance instructor and visual ensemble choreographer for the Kettering Fairmont Indoor Percussion Ensemble (2025), and worked on the visual teams at Lakota East High School Marching Band (2025), Miamisburg High School Marching Band (2023-24), Miamisburg Winds (2023-24), and served as the Assistant Marching Band Director and Brass/Visual Caption Head at Highlands High School (2019-22). She has also worked on the visual team at Valhalla Winds (2022-25) and Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps (2024), as well as on the visual/movement team at the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps (2025). Finally, Natalie studied visual design and choreography as a Bluecoats Fellow with mentor Jim Moore (2023);
Aside from the marching arts, Natalie is the Program Director at Magnify Education and curriculum writer for the company’s Building Empathy program and upcoming Skills for Career Success series. She holds a certificate in Diversity & Inclusion for HR from Cornell University, and received her undergraduate degrees from Northern Kentucky University in Jazz Studies – Performance, English – Creative Writing, and Honors, where she centered a majority of focus in mindfulness techniques, implicit bias, and Title IX Policies & Procedures.
Brass EDUCATIONAL Team
John Blackstone-Gardner is currently the Marching Band Director at Lawrence High School. His responsibilities include writing the drill, teaching the visual program, running ensembles, and coordinating with his other staff. John recently graduated from the University of Connecticut where he studied Euphonium with Professor James Jackson. He completed his student teaching with Jessica Ponzo at Fred D. Wish Museum school and his internship with Greg Hoyt at East Hartford High School.
John began his drum corps career with Gold Drum and Bugle Corps in 2021. Fun fact of the day, this is where he learned how to do marching band! He went on to march with The Cadets in 2022 and 2023. He was a part of the group that brought The Cadets back to 5th place and is honored to be one of the last Cadets. He attributes much of his teaching style and musical ability to his high school band director Amy Villanova.
John has been teaching marching band and drum corps for several years at various programs, including Southington High School. He is also a baritone technician for Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps.
John is so excited to get started on year two with the 7th Regiment and to see just how much further this brass line can reach!
Chandler Creedon is a saxophonist with a deep commitment to the performance of great music and a strong connection to the education of the next generation of wind musicians.
While studying under Professor Greg Case at the University of Connecticut, Mr. Creedon has delivered electrifying performances as a concert and jazz saxophonist. He has performed multiple solo, public recitals as well as numerous concerts with the UConn Saxophone Quartet. In 2025, he and the UConn Saxophone Quartet hosted a composition competition that featured multiple premieres, including Chris Evan Hass’s “Adventure Awaits” for saxophone quartet. In 2023, he was featured in a masterclass with Dr. Timothy McAllister and in 2024, was a participant in the American Saxophone Academy at the Hartt School of music.
While a current resident of Bowling Green, OH, Mr. Creedon has deep roots in the local Connecticut music scene. He is most often seen performing with his group STATTIC, a Hip-Hop/House/Jazz-inspired group that has performed for venues such as WHUS Radio, ECPAA Jazz Festival, Leesta Vall Recordings, and The Stomping Ground. This group features highly improvisatory conversation between the musicians and original takes on classic tunes.
In addition to his prowess as a performer, Mr. Creedon has a passion for music education. A proficient doubler on both saxophone and euphonium, it was always important to a young Chandler to interact with music in many different ways. He has delivered clinics on ensemble and chamber technique to groups such as the East Hartford High School Marching Band, Thames Valley Music School jazz ensembles, The Woodstock Academy Symphonic Band, and more! As a private instructor, his students learn the process of serving their musical voice through intense study of fundamentals in weekly lessons. After serving for many years in the UConn Athletic bands as Baritone Horn Section leader, Pep Band Manager, and Pep Band Coordinator, Mr. Creedon currently works as an Assistant Brass Caption Head in the DCI Open-Class circuit with the 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps in New London, CT.
Mr. Creedon holds both a bachelor’s degree in music performance and a performer’s certificate in instrumental performance from the University of Connecticut. Currently, Mr. Creedon is a student of Dr. John Sampen, studying for a master’s degree in saxophone performance at Bowling Green State University. He is a Graduate Assistant for the saxophone studio where he teaches private lessons, coaches, and performs with chamber ensembles such as the 4is Quartet, Ivy Quartet, and the newly formed graduate Reed Quintet.
Chris is thrilled to return to the team for his second year at the 7th Regiment.
Raised in Massachusetts, Chris has been a devoted performer and educator in the marching
arts for over a decade. Originally a Saxophonist, he began his career in DCI at the age of 15
after attending an experience camp and taking the opportunity to learn the ropes of playing
brass. Since taking that chance, his performing and teaching careers have soared to the heights
of his dreams. An alumni of The Cadets and The Spartans, and teaching experience in DCI,
WGI, and numerous other circuits, he is excited to bring a refined approach of excellence and a
unique experience to the performers of 7th Regiment.
Chris currently works as Visual Technician, Caption Manager, and Designer with various high
school programs around the country. He is a proud proponent of on-going education in the
marching arts and works hard to promote the accessibility of educational opportunities to
students and educators alike.
“ It is an honor to work with the performers of The 7th Regiment; the year-to-year growth of the students
here is matched only by their dedication. The Northeast has a long and storied history in the Marching
Arts, and what a thrill it is to be working with the next generation of Northeast GREATNESS ! ”
John is a marching arts educator based in Michigan, with experience as a brass and visual instructor for a range of competitive marching bands and WGI Winds ensembles across the state. His performance background includes marching with Legends Drum and Bugle Corps in 2019 and Carolina Crown in 2023.
John earned a degree in Political Science with a focus on Public Law from Western Michigan University, where he also minored in music and studied trumpet under Scott Thornburg for two years. While at WMU, he performed in several ensembles, including the Bronco Marching Band.
In addition to his work in the marching arts, John is a practicing paralegal and is currently pursuing a law degree.
Ava Cardner is excited to join the 7th Regiment Brass Staff this summer! Her drum corps journey began with The Cadets in 2021, where she marched until the corps’ conclusion. After their closure, she performed with Carolina Crown, and for her age-out season, she joined the Boston Crusaders. While with the Boston Crusaders, the corps earned their first-ever DCI World Class Championship and the Jim Ott Best Brass Performance Award. During her season with the Boston Crusaders, Ava received two individual honors: Outstanding Performer (visual) and Excellence in Brass.
Ava holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of New Mexico and graduated summa cum laude. While at UNM, she received the Spirit of New Mexico award from the Spirit Marching Band and was named the Presser Scholar from the Department of Music, along with other honors. She was also a proud brother of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity and served as the secretary/treasurer of her chapter. Ava was recognized by the National Council as an AEA Distinguished Scholar.
Originally from Massachusetts, Ava now serves as a band director in New Mexico, where she continues to share her passion for music with the next generation of students.
Proud to be from Twin City, Georgia, Blake McBride began playing trumpet from a young age. After graduating from Jenkins County High School, Blake attended the University of Georgia where he had the opportunity to study under Mr. Phil Smith and Dr. Brandon Craswell. During his time at UGA, he participated in numerous musical ensembles, including the Redcoat Marching Band. In 2022 Blake marched with Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, winning 4th place at DCI Finals and receiving the “Visual Most Improved” award at Crown’s Finals banquet.
Today, Blake serves in the “Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle corps as lead soprano player. He is also an instructor for the South Lakes High School Marching Band in Reston, Virigina, as well as continuing to help with the design and instruction at his high school Alma Mater.
Blake’s educational certifications include an Associates of Science in Biology from East Georgia State College, as well as both a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Music Business Certificate from the University of Georgia.
Coming from Mechanicsville, Virginia, is our mellophone instructor, Nick Rehmer-Stephens. Mr. Rehmer-Stephens has been involved in the marching arts since his freshman year of high school in 2009 at Atlee High School, where he marched four years on clarinet under the direction of Paul Rozecki. After high school, he went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from James Madison University. While at JMU, Mr. Rehmer-Stephens had the privilege of working with many ensemble directors and professors, such as Dr. Stephen Bolstad, Mr. Scott Rikkers, and Dr. Sarunas Jankauskas. During his college career, Mr. Rehmer-Stephens was also a member of both the clarinet and trumpet sections of “Virginia’s Finest,” James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes. Additionally, he served as trumpet section leader during the 2016 and 2017 marching seasons. Also while at JMU, he was a member of Tau Beta Sigma Music Service Sorority. Mr. Rehmer-Stephens is also an alumni of the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps, where he marched trumpet during the 2016 season. Since graduating in 2018, Mr. Rehmer-Stephens has served as the band director at Caroline Middle School in Bowling Green, Virginia. In addition to his position as a middle school band director, he also serves as the assistant marching band director to the Caroline High School Marching Cavalier Band. Outside of his teaching positions, Mr. Rehmer-Stephens stays active in the music field by playing with several community bands. Mr. Rehmer-Stephens is a member of the Richmond Pops Band and the Commonwealth Winds.
Rachel Spera is excited to start working with 7th Regiment this year as a brass instructor!
Rachel marched mellophone with Carolina Crown during their abbreviated 2021 season and subsequently taught marching band at East Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem, NC. While earning her undergraduate degree at High Point University, she was involved in several musical groups, including the Community Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Brass Quartet, where she played French horn. Rachel also helped build the university’s marching band program and established opportunities for leadership development to support future generations of music students.
Outside of music, Rachel is working towards a PhD in chemical oceanography at the University of Connecticut, and enjoys sailing, hiking, and reading in her free time.
Micah Sullivan is a native of Pawleys Island South Carolina and is currently a French Horn performance major at the University of South Carolina. Micah is a member of the University Wind ensemble, and Orchestra while also being a part of the Core Fore Horn Quartet. He was a member of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps as a featured soloist in 2024 and aged-out with the Corps in 2025. Micah is very excited to experience the activity from a new perspective.
Joel is excited to be join the brass staff at 7th Regiment this year and looks to bring his leadership and experience to the corps.
Joel has been involved in the marching arts for the past 25 years where he began with marching in the UMass Minuteman Marching Band under the direction of George Parks and Thom Hannum. While at UMass Joel studied trumpet with Walter Chesnut and served as a section leader for the marching band. He graduated with a degree in Political Science.
After college he started teaching at his high school alma mater (Westfield, MA). He continues to serve as the Assistant Director today.
Joel has also worked with the East Windsor, CT and Enrico Fermi (Enfield, CT) bands instructing their brass and wind sections.
Currently, Joel is the Assistant Director of the Rockville (Vernon, CT) High School Marching Band, where he just completed his 10th year. At Rockville Joel has instructed the brass and winds sections and also serves as a visual tech.
Professionally Joel has been working in the Learning and Development field for several banks and credit unions in CT and Western MA.
On non band weekends Joel can be found cheering on his children Nora and Evan at their various sporting events and band concerts with his wife Sharon.
Justin Daly is an active music educator, clinician, and adjudicator from Connecticut. He currently serves as the Director of Bands at East Lyme High School, where he directs the marching, concert, and jazz bands. In addition to teaching, he is a highly sought-after trumpet performer throughout Connecticut. Additionally, he serves as a music proficiency judge for US Bands in New England and frequently guest conducts for local community bands. He has presented professional development workshops, clinics, and lectures across New England and online.
Justin has earned degrees in Music Education (BS), Music (BA), and Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Music Education (MA) from the University of Connecticut. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Music Education from Boston University. During his undergraduate studies, he served as a drum major of the UConn Marching Band and participated in the wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, and various other chamber groups. As a graduate student, he contributed to the UConn band program as a graduate assistant, assisted the marching band, served as the graduate director of the hockey and basketball pep bands, and acted as a conducting assistant with the concert band.
Justin is highly passionate about the marching arts and drum corps. His drum corps experience includes performing as a lead trumpet player and flugelhorn soloist with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps in 2019 and with the 50th Anniversary Bluecoats Alumni Corps in 2022. He previously taught as a brass instructor or consultant with the 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, the Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps. He was a member of the brass staff with the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps of Sacramento, CA, from 2022 to 2025.
He has studied trumpet with Dr. Louis Hanzlik, Derek Gipson, Ricardo Brown, Andrew Sorg, Kenneth Bell, and Dave Negri. He has studied instrumental conducting with Harvey Felder and Dr. Vu Nguyen and has attended wind band conducting symposia and workshops nationwide.
Justin received the 2023 Connecticut Music Educators Association Outstanding Emerging Music Educator Award and the 2024 Connecticut chapter of the American School Band Directors Association Outstanding Potential Award, and has published articles in the National Association for Music Education Teaching Music Magazine and various other journals.
Visual EDUCATIONAL Team
Jason is returning to the 7th Regiment after a visual technician role in the 2025 season. After a successful season, Jason has been appointed as the Visual Caption Manager.
Jason started his marching career in the Passaic Valley Regional HS marching band where he performed in for 5 seasons (2008-2012) and started his DCI career with the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps where he performed in for 6 seasons (2011-2016) and in 2016 served as the corps Drum Major.
Jason is currently a visual technician for the Blackstone Millville marching band in Blackstone, Massachusetts. Jason has worked with the Somerville HS marching band in Somerville, New Jersey, Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps in Burlington, New Jersey, Alliance Symphony Orchestra in Alliance, Ohio, and the University of Mount Union marching band in Alliance, Ohio.
Jason is excited for another successful season with the 7th Regiment in 2026!
Kevin is an up and coming music and visual instructor in New Jersey, and is excited to continue with the 7th Regiment Visual Staff for the 2026 season. Currently, he is on visual staff at Bridgewater Raritan High School in NJ, and he has also taught at South Brunswick and Scotch Plains-Fanwood high schools.
Formerly an engineering student at Northeastern University, Kevin has resumed his studies in Music Education and Performance on Euphonium at Mason Gross School of the Arts. During his time at Northeastern, he was an active member of the wind ensemble, performing a duet over The Yellow Rose of Texas Variations by Lewis Buckley, and he briefly joined the Boston College Marching Band where he was featured in a small brass ensemble. Kevin has also been an active performer in the marching arts. Following a three year tenure as baritone section leader at Scotch Plains Fanwood High School, he performed with The Cadets2 in 2014 and 2015, and The Cadets in 2016, 2017, and 2019, all on baritone.
Joey Elkin is a relatively new educator in the marching arts. WIth over five years of teaching various highschool ensembles in the north/central New Jersey area. He is from Fanwood New Jersey where he attended Scotch Plains-Fanwood High school. He was in a multitude of ensembles including the marching band where he was a soloist, section leader and drum major. Since graduating in 2020 he has remained with the band as a visual and music instructor.
In drum corps, he marched Cadets 2 in 2018 on baritone, Fusion Core in 2019 also on baritone, and The cadets in 2022 and 2023 on euphonium. Aging out in 2023 as the Euphonium section leader. Joey returned to drum corps in 2025 with 7th regiment on brass staff and will be moving to the visual team for the 2026 season. Because of his ever changing schedule, Joey will be more involved in the winter/spring.
Outside of drum corps, Joey graduated from Union College in Cranford New Jersey in January of 2024 with an associates degree in communications. He then transferred to The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in the fall of 2024, currently in the middle of getting his bachelor’s degree. Majoring in communications with a specialization in interpersonal and strategic communication. In the spring of 2025, Joey joined the wind ensemble at TCNJ where he reignited his love for music.
Joey is very excited to return to 7th Regiment and is looking forward to a great season.
A native of New Bedford, Massachusetts, Danny Lopez is a marching arts educator and former Drum Corps International performer, having marched with 7th Regiment, The Spartans, The Cadets, and The Cavaliers. While with The Spartans, Danny received the Most Valuable Performer Award in Visual excellence.
Currently, Danny serves as a technician for the New Bedford High School Whaler Marching Band and Indoor Winds program where the ensembles were recently named the (2025) WGI Dartmouth Regional Scholastic A Champion, NESBA Scholastic A Indoor Winds Champions (2025), and NESBA Fall Division 2 Champions (2025).
Outside of teaching, Danny enjoys weightlifting, running, and finding the next athletic challenge. Danny is also a strong advocate for the physical readiness and athletic development of musical athletes in Drum Corps, and is an avid fan of New England sports, particularly the Boston Red Sox. Danny is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the organization that has given so much to him and many other people.
Alex Gonzalez is a performer and educator from Hillsborough, NJ. He is a recent graduate of Rice University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He began his marching career at Hillsborough High school on Saxophone, and later transitioned to the mellophone. During his collegiate experience, he marched two years of world class drum corps. Alex marched mellophone in 2023 with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. Following that, he spent his second year as a performer with the 2024 Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps. Outside of music, Alex works as an emergency medical technician, and he is currently applying to medical school. This is Alex’s first year of drum corps teaching, and he is passionate to give back to the activity that he loves so dearly. He can not wait to help support the performers to push for another successful season!
Eduardo Lopez is a music educator from Long Island, New York. He currently teaches elementary school band in the Central Islip School District and serves as the Assistant Marching Band Director and Lead Music Composer/Arranger for the Sachem Flaming Arrows Marching Band.
Eduardo studied music education at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. During this time, he marched trumpet and mellophone with the Long Island Sunrisers, Carolina Crown, and The Hawthorne Caballeros. He has a wide variety of teaching experience, including working with several marching arts organizations such as Music City Drum and Bugle Corps, The Long Island Sunrisers, and various Long Island high school marching bands.
Coming from New York, Josh started marching at Sachem Marching band in 2016, where he got his start. Since then, he has graduated from NYU Steinhardt in 2023 in the field of Music Business. During this time he had much exposure to the performance industry, and had performed with multiple music, theater and dance- based groups around New York City, gaining a wide and diverse set of experience. In the marching arts , he had joined the Mineola Marching Band’s educational staff in 2022 as a Brass/Field Visual Educator where he still teaches. In addition to this, he returned to teach at the Sachem Arrows Marching Band in 2024 as an instructor, and in 2025 have become both the Lead Show Designer, Show Coordinator, and Drill Writer. Here he would also get involved with teaching band choreography. Furthermore, he had spent time with the Long Island Sunrisers, where he marched in 2021 and taught in 2024 and 2025. He had also spent a season with the Hawthorne Caballeros in 2023. Josh is stoked to bring his experience and knowledge to 7th Regiment!
Percussion EDUCATIONAL Team
Alex Douthat is a music educator and performer based out of Northern NJ. Alex has been on the Battery staff at 7th Regiment since 2021, and has been managing the battery since 2023. He is excited to be stepping into the role of Staff Coordinator while continuing to supervise the Battery in 2026!
Aside from teaching at 7th Regiment, Alex works as an elementary band director in Westwood, NJ, and is a member of the battery staff at Fair Lawn high school. During their fall 2025 season, the Fair Lawn Marching Band won high percussion in USBands group 3 Open at state and national championships. Alex has also taught percussion at Old Bridge and Wayne Valley high schools, with both groups earning multiple championships and awards during his time on staff. Alex has been a performer with Blue Devils Entertainment on the NY Giants drumline since 2019, and currently serves as their quad section manager. He also regularly performs with cover bands, musical theater productions, and parade bands local to the North Jersey area.
Alex is a proud alumnus of United Percussion (2017), 7th Regiment (2016), the Rutgers Drumline (2015-16), and Fusion Core (2014-15). As a member of these groups, he received instruction from Paul Nalesnik, Alex Beltran, Jeff Bickford, and Omi Batan, among others. Alex is also an alumnus of the Rutgers University percussion studio, where he attended from 2015-2019 as a music education major. During his time there he studied under Joe Tompkins, Javier Diaz, Kyle Zerna, and Mike Truesdell, and performed in a variety of ensembles including the Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and Afro Cuban Ensemble.
Sean Charles is a performer, composer, and educator of the percussive arts.
Sean’s music career began in the marching arts, as a member of the 7th Regiment, the Madison Scouts, and the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps. As an active member of the pageantry community, he quickly became an educator at several high school programs in Connecticut.
As an advocate for the arts in Stamford, Sean is the Percussion Director at Stamford High School. At Westhill High School, Sean serves as the program’s Resident Clinician, Front Ensemble Coordinator, and lead sound engineer. Sean also co-directs the concert percussion ensemble, assisting the instrumental director with programming and leading sectional Rehearsals.
Sean is the co-founder of the chamber group, Shards Duo, along with clarinetist Wesley Rhodes. Together, they strive to push the boundaries of the clarinet and percussion repertoire through their engaging performances and enticing compositional language. They are enthusiastic about collaborating with other composers, and educating and motivating young Musicians.
Sean currently is a freelance percussionist and educator in the Northeast, and appears in performance with several ensembles, such as the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra, the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, the New Haven Oratorio Choir, The New Haven Concert Choral, and more.
Sean currently holds his Master of Music degree from the University of Kansas, where he studied with renowned percussionist, Sam Um. He is proud to be an endorsed Innovative Percussion Artist.
Henry Lin is excited to be returning for his fifth season with 7th Regiment and fourth season as Front Ensemble Caption Manager with the group. He looks forward to helping each member grow as musicians and as individuals during their time with the group. In addition, he strives to foster a love for drum corps and the 7th Regiment organization by putting the member experience first and foremost.
He is currently the system wide Assistant Band Director in Morgan County, GA where he conducts the high school concert band and middle school bands. His previous teaching experiences include working as the assistant band director at Piney Grove Middle School in Cumming, GA. In addition he has worked as a front ensemble technician for Q2 indoor percussion and Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps. Throughout college he was the Assistant Percussion Coordinator for Upper St. Clair High School in (PA), the Front Ensemble Director and Arranger for Franklin Regional High School (PA), and a Percussion technician for Villa Rica High School (GA).