Our Showband Staff

Mike Jewitt holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Calgary and a Graduate Bachelor of Education from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. He studied Saxophone under Dr. Jeremy Brown, completed his studies in music education under Malcolm Edwards, Dr. Glenn Price, and with good friend and colleague Jodie Lutherburrow. He has over 16 years of professional musical experience as a music educator, performer.

As an educator, Mike began his career as a K-12 music teacher in Calgary, first at Dr. E. P. Scarlett High School, where he taught jazz, choral, and instrument studies, directing a variety of ensembles to new heights, before going on to teach at École Fairview, a French immersion middle school, where he gained recognition as a staunch advocate of building strong foundations for musical literacy and technique.

As a performer, Mike has played baritone, tenor and alto saxophone in numerous ensembles, ranging from jazz bands to and chamber orchestras. An alumnus of the Central Memorial High School Golden Rams music program, in 1992 he began his marching career with the Bands of Calgary, starting with the Calgary Round-Up Band, progressing steadily through the ranks of the Calgary Stetson Show Band and the Calgary Stampede Showband before finally graduating to the Calgary Stampede’s Band of Outriders.

Drawing upon his many years of experience as a performer/educator, Mike continued his involvement with the Bands of Calgary, joining first the instructional staff for the Round-Up Band, then that of the Stetson Show Band, and, most recently, the Stampede Showband. After three years as the director of the Stetson Show Band and two years as the marching instructor for the Calgary Stampede Showband, Mike was offered and agreed to assume the position of Director of Bands with the Stampede Showband. Since assuming the directorship, Mike has routinely led the Stampede Showband to many honours, including a second-place finish in the WAMSB World Championship Finals, a third-place finish in the WMC’s Show Contest World Division Corps Style Class Contest, named WMC International Marching Champions, and also leading the Showband to six consecutive MACBDA show wins in 2010.

An active and long-time committee member of the Alberta International Band Festivals, an organization that operates under the motto of “Where Young Albertans Learn to Play, and Play to Learn,” Mike was elected to the position of vice-chair, in which capacity he served during its recent 40th anniversary year.

A sought-after guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator of marching bands and orchestras, Mike is frequently invited to regional, provincial, national, and international seminars, clinics, workshops, and competitions in Canada, USA, and Australia.

Trumpet Player, Educator, Youth Development, Band Director

Aaron became involved with the marching bands of Calgary in 1999 as a trumpet player with the Calgary Round-Up Band, after which he marched for two years with the Calgary Stetson Show Band. In the 2002 season Aaron joined the Stampede Showband, and was proud to be a member for 5 years, until aging out in 2006.

Aaron began formally leading and mentoring youth in 2002 at Rockyview Youth, a drop-in style youth program, where he volunteered until 2005. His passion for leadership continued to grow due to his involvement in the Stampede Showband. During the 2006 season with the Showband, Aaron took on the roles of Trumpet Section Leader and Brass Music Captain. For his contributions to the Showband that year, Aaron was awarded the Richardson Cup.

Aaron has been heavily involved instructing with the Bands of Calgary since 2006, teaching brass for the Round-Up Band, Stetsons Showband, and Stampede Showband. From 2007 to 2009 Aaron worked to create and administer the Leadership Program for the Stampede Showband as the Leadership Coordinator. During 2010 and 2011 Aaron was the Recruiting Coordinator for the Bands of Calgary. Following his passion for the performaning arts programs in Calgary, Aaron became the Band Director for the Calgary Round-Up Band in 2011.

Apart from the Bands of Calgary, Aaron has also performed and studied music with several University of Calgary ensembles, including the Symphonic Band, Big Band, and the Brass Choir. Aaron now enjoys performing pop and rock, including performing alongside Calgary artist Michael Bernard Fitzgerald while opening for K-OS, Stars, The Dudes, Hedley, Bedouin Soundclash, Barenaked Ladies, and others. Some venues include Virgin Fest, Folk Fest, and the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Aaron received from the University of Calgary, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2007, a Bachelor of Education in 2011, and a certificate in Leadership Development in 2011.

Jeff began his marching career in 1998 as a member of the Calgary Round Up Band, where he marched for two years as a performing musician and eventually drum major.  The following year, he joined the Calgary Stampede Showband, where he would spend the next five seasons as a member of the brass section.  During his time in the band Jeff was given the roles of section leader and brass captain.  He was also recognized as the most outstanding first year brass member in 2000, and the overall outstanding brass member in 2003.  After the conclusion of his fifth year as a member of the Showband, Jeff went on to march for two summers as a member of the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps.  After his second and final year with the corps, Jeff was awarded the prestigious “Sweet Feet” award given to the most outstanding visual performer.

Jeff began teaching with the Stampede Showband in the fall of 2005, and in 2003 he became an instructor with The Calgary Stetson Show Band. Jeff holds a bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary.

Jeff is currently the Director of Bands at Dr. Gordon Higgins Junior High School.

April LaBine graduated with distinction from a Bachelors of Music in Secondary Education (2007) and a degree from the Masters of teaching program (2009), both from the University of Calgary. She was accredited as one of the University’s top ten graduates and won many scholarships including the John D. Petrie Memorial Award, the Louise McKinney Scholarship and the Music Department’s top academic and spirit awards. In the summer of 2006, April traveled to Europe to continue her flute studies in Italy with Rafael Trevisani, Andrea Griminelli, Roberto Fabriciani, and Nicola Mazzanti. While in Europe she also attended the WASBE conducting conference in Interlaken, Switzerland, and completed a six-week program at the Barbara Krakauer School of Music (Academie Musicale Internationale) in Vaison la Romaine, France. There she studied with many professors from around the globe including private lessons from Marie Martinie-Myron of the Paris Conservatoire. Currently, Ms. LaBine is the new Music teacher at Cochrane High School, teaching concert band, jazz band and musical theatre. April has been teaching with the Bands of Calgary since 2006. Throughout the years she has been the flute instructor and currently the Woodwind Coordinator with the Calgary Stetson Show Band, and as the Flute Choir director for the Calgary Stampede Showband (since 2008). Prior to her current position at CHS, she ran the music program at Ecole Madeleine d’Houet Junior High School for three years, where she was nominated for and won numerous awards for teaching excellence. Over the past twelve years, Ms. LaBine ran a successful private flute studio for many young students in the Calgary area. April LaBine enjoys sharing her musical talent by performing in Calgary’s own ‘Alberta Winds’ wind ensemble, under the direction of Gareth Jones. She is extremely passionate about Music education and developing the love and excitement of music in young musicians.

Steve's involvement with the Bands of Calgary began with the Calgary Round-Up Band in 1992. Following three years there, he went of to become a member of the Calgary Stetsons Show Band, the Central Memorial Golden Rams Marching Band, the Calgary Stampede Showband, and finally A Band of Outriders where he ended his marching career in 2009. In 2006, Steve began his teaching career as a Woodwind Instructor with the Calgary Round-Up band. He also works as a clinician for many Junior High and High Schools in Calgary and the surrounding areas, and has been working as part of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra's clinic program since 2010. As a performer, Steve has had a variety of experience in a number of different styles and genres. He has been a performing member of The University of Calgary's Jazz and Wind Ensembles, the Alberta WindsWind Ensemble, and the Calgary Civic Symphony. Additionally Steve is an active member in Calgary's independent music scene, playing and recording with local artists such as Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, Matt Blais, and Noel Johnson. Steve is currently enrolled at the University of Calgary, and is working towards his Bachelor of Music degree in Secondary Music Education where he studies saxophone with Dr. Jeremy Brown.

Ryan began teaching the Calgary Stampede Showband drumline in September of 2008. He taught with the Calgary Round-Up Band from 2007-2009 and again from 2011 to present. Ryan has also acted as percussion coordinator and co-coordinator at the Stetson Showband from 2009-2011. Ryan’s marching experience includes playing in the drumline of the Calgary Round-Up Band (1999-2001), the Stetson Showband (2002), Allegiance Elite Drum and Bugle Corps (2005), and the Stampede Showband (2003-2007). In the summer of 2008 Ryan marched in the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps’ snareline and was awarded the percussion ‘Rookie of the Year.’ Ryan is currently studying at the University of Calgary working towards a double-degree in Canadian History and International Relations.

Robin Fulbrook is a specialist in pit percussion.  She began her career at age thirteen in the Calgary Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, and then moved on to Calgary's Allegiance Elite.  Over the years she took private percussion lessons.  From 1994-1996 she marched with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps in Santa Clara, California.  There, she won the DCI Percussion Ensemble World Championship in 1995.  Currently, she is "giving back" by teaching and arranging pit percussion music not only with the Calgary Stampede Showband, but with the Bishop Grandin Marching Ghosts as well.

Robin excels at having her students get things done while still having fun.  Her contributions to percussion in Calgary have helped to define what pit percussion is all about.

Robin lives in Calgary with her husband Paul, their three children Alex, Chloe and Elsa.

Trevor began his marching career during the 1999-2000 season with the Bishop Grandin Marching Ghosts. After graduating from High School, Trevor joined the Calgary Stampede Showband in 2002-2003. He spent four seasons as a member of the Showband in the Trombone section. Aging out, winning the Taylor Award and being a member of the leadership team are among his favourite Showband memories.

Trevor began teaching marching with the Calgary Stetson Show Band in 2006-2007. He then joined the Showband marching staff in 2008-2009. This is Trevor’s first season as Marching Coordinator. The Showband marching program has improved every season for many years and the current marching staff strives to continue this tradition of excellence.

Outside the marching world, Trevor graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing. Trevor is recently married and is currently employed as a Marketing Analyst with CCS Midstream Services, an environmental oil service company.

Rochelle began her journey as a member of Allegiance Elite, a drum and bugle corps, in 2000 as a soprano player. In 2001 she decided that standing still was not for her, so pursuing a career in Colourguard would be much better suited for her. Rochelle remained a member of Allegiance Elite through the 2003 season, competing in WGI and DCI tours.

Rochelle joined the Calgary Stampede Showband from 2004 through the 2006 seasons. During these years Rochelle received Outstanding First Year Member for Colourguard (2004), and the Taylor Award (2005). Rochelle achieved Assistant captain (2005) and Guard Captain (2006).

Rochelle marched the 2007 and 2008 seasons with the Santa Clara Vanguard, a Division I Drum & Bugle Corps from Santa Clara, California. At the DCI World Championships they placed 5th in 2007, and 7th in 2008.

Rochelle also was a member of Escalade WG, Calgary in the years 2008, 2009.

Rochelle began her teaching with the Calgary Round-Up Band in 2005 through 2008. She was Colorguard Coordinator with Stetsons Showband in 2009. Rochelle began teaching The Stampede Showband in 2008, and began Coordinating in 2010.

Outside of her marching band life Rochelle is a Registered Nurse working in Internal Medicine/Pulmonary at the Rockyview General Hospital, as well as Mental Health at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Chris was born and raised in Calgary, a city that has offerred him many great opportunities, including being a part of the Calgary Stampede Showband. On the choral side, Chris was a member of the Calgary Boys Choir when he was younger, a member of the 5-part A Capella group 'Qunitessential' for many years, and a member of the Calgary Stampede Showband Choir. Instrumentally, Chris plays piano, french horn/mellophone, trumpet and trombone, although his true love is the french horn. Chris started his marching band career in 1993 when he became a member of the Calgary Round Up Band. Since then, Chris has spent 1 year in Round Up Band, 1 year in the Stetson Show Band, 7 years in Stampede Showband and 10 years in A Band of Outriders. Through the tremendous opportunities offered by the different musical groups that Chris has been a part of, Chris has travelled to many places around the world, including Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Finland, Russia, England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Performances with the marching bands of Calgary include: the Tournament of Roses parade (1997), Buckingham Palace (1993 and 2001), the World Music Contest (1993 and 2001), the World Championships for Marching Showbands (1996 and 2000), the Japan International Youth Musicale (1997), the Halifax Tattoo (1999) and many more. In addition to being a clinician around Calgary, Chris has worked with the Calgary Round Up Band, Stetson Show Band, was assistant director of A Band of Outriders for 3 years and is now starting his fourth year working with the Stampede Showband. Chris graduated from the University of Calgary with a BSc in Computer Science and a minor in music and he currently works in IT for Shaw Communications, where he has worked for the past 10 years.

Graham has been actively involved with marching band programs in Calgary since 2004, where he began as a member in the Calgary Stetson Showband drumline. He is a well-rounded musician who enjoys teaching and playing percussion as well as singing. He has instructed with the Stetson Showband since 2008, and more recently in 2010, has taken on the role of percussion coordinator with this group. Graham began instructing with the Calgary Stampede Showband in the fall of 2010. Graham is currently pursuing a degree in music from the University of Calgary.

Tomas Lobos studied percussion from an early age and has been involved with the marching bands in Calgary since 2003 when he joined the Round Up Band. He continued on to do two years in the Calgary Stetsons Showband and four years in the Stampede Showband. He started teaching percussion for the Stampede Showband in the fall of 2011. He is currently a student of electrical engineering at the University of Calgary.

Michelle has been a member of the Stampede Guard staff since 2010. She also has been a member of the Stetson Showband colour guard staff from September 2008 to July 2011 acting as a co-coordinator. Michelle began spinning in September of 2001 with the Bishop Grandin Marching Ghosts Colourguard where she was a member until graduating highschool and moving on to become a member of the Stampede Colour Guard until she aged out for her third, and final time, in July 2009. Michelle is still an active member in Escalade Winter Guard and has been since 2008. Outside of teaching and performing Michelle works as an Insurance Claims Representative.

Tim started his colorguard career with the Bishop Grandin Marching Ghosts. He started out as an alto saxophone player for the concert band, wind ensemble as well as the jazz band and decided to try the colorguard section. He then later began his journey with the Stampede Showband in 2004 (The Elements). He was also the colorguard captain for 2006 and 2007. Aged out in 2007 and was invited to march the summer show in Kerkrade in 2009. Tim had also joined Escalade Winterguard and traveled to the WGI regional in San Diego California in 2008 and 2009. Outside of the colorguard world,he was also a performing member for the University of Calgary’s Dance montage for both in 2009 and 2010. He started teaching colorguard with the Calgary Round up band in 2008, then taught the Red Deer Royals in 2009, and taught the Bishop Grandin marching band in 2010. After teaching with so many different organizations, Tim had decided that he would like an extra challenge and had decided to audition for the Santa Clara Vanguard Winterguard and had joined for the 2011 season. In his first year with the Vanguard winterguard, he was the WGI world champions championships for their show “All Good People”. He decided to do another year with Vanguard in 2012 placing second place for their show “John Henry- A Story For Our time”. Outside of band, Tim works for Alberta Health Services doing payroll and scheduling for the Chronic Disease program at the Sheldon Chumir Health Centre and is also a avid hot yoga practitioner.

Casey McClary is a music major pursuing a degree in education and euphonium performance. He is actively performing in the U of C wind ensemble, tuba ensemble, and Big band. Casey began his marching career in the Calgary Round Up Band 2004 season. He marched in the Stetson Show band 2006 season, and Stampede Showband from 2007 to 2009. He then moved into the Drum Corps activity marching in the Blue Devils from 2010 to 2012. In addition to marching Casey enjoys working out and snowboarding.

Jacqueline started marching with the Bishop Grandin Marching Ghosts from 2004-2006, followed by four years of DCI on trumpet with the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets, and Arizona Academy. Jacqueline's drum corps achievements include winning visual awards in 2007, 2008 and winning the 2008 Open Class World Championships with the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets. In addition, she was a selected as horn sergeant her age-out year with the Arizona Academy and a featured visual soloist in their 2010 show.

Jacqueline’s teaching experience includes the Sacramento Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps (Sacramento, California); Fountain Valley High School (Fountain Valley, California); Rancho Cucamonga High School (Rancho Cucamonga, California); the Bishop Grandin Marching Ghosts (Calgary, Alberta); and currently, the Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps (Atlanta, Georgia).

Outside of the marching world, Jacqueline works as a Communications Coordinator and enjoys gourmet food and dance.

Jacqueline is excited to keep the activity strong in Calgary, set a standard of excellence for students and most importantly, help enrich the lives of youth.

Steve's involvement with the Bands of Calgary began with the Calgary Round-Up Band in 1992. Following three years there, he went of to become a member of the Calgary Stetsons Show Band, the Central Memorial Golden Rams Marching Band, the Calgary Stampede Showband, and finally A Band of Outriders where he ended his marching career in 2009. In 2006, Steve began his teaching career as a Woodwind Instructor with the Calgary Round-Up band. He also works as a clinician for many Junior High and High Schools in Calgary and the surrounding areas, and has been working as part of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra's clinic program since 2010. As a performer, Steve has had a variety of experience in a number of different styles and genres. He has been a performing member of The University of Calgary's Jazz and Wind Ensembles, the Alberta WindsWind Ensemble, and the Calgary Civic Symphony. Additionally Steve is an active member in Calgary's independent music scene, playing and recording with local artists such as Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, Matt Blais, and Noel Johnson. Steve is currently enrolled at the University of Calgary, and is working towards his Bachelor of Music degree in Secondary Music Education where he studies saxophone with Dr. Jeremy Brown.

Jordan’s connection with the Stampede Showband started back in 1996 where he attended his first marching band competition in Calgary.  After this he joined the Calgary Round-Up Band in the fall of 1997 and started a nine year long career in the marching arts.  After two years with the Calgary Round-Up Band, Jordan spent two years with the Calgary Stetson Showband, the latter of those as Drum Major.  He then continued to march with the Calgary Stampede Showband for three more years, two on euphonium and one on contra.  Following his time spent marching with the Bands of Calgary he moved on to spend two summers (2005 and 2006) marching with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, finishing second and first place respectively at the Drum Corps International World Championships.

Jordan is an active member of the marching community here in Calgary.  As a euphonium player, his musical involvements in the city are numerous.  While attending the University of Calgary he has participated in the Symphonic Band (trombone), University of Calgary Wind Ensemble (euphonium) and numerous other ensembles.  He is currently enrolled at the University of Calgary in Music Education.

Michael Klesch is an arranger and clinician for numerous marching bands across the country. In addition to being Musical Director and Brass Arranger for the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps he is staff arranger for both the University of Alabama Million Dollar Band and the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band. Michael was the wind arranger for the Bands of America Honor Band at the 2005 and 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Michael has a long and successful career in the Drum Corps activity as a performer, arranger, and program consultant. He was a performer with the Garfield Cadets and finished out his time there as drum major of the 1983 DCI World Champions. After aging-out in 1983, he then served on the Cadets brass staff in 1984 and as the brass arranger from 1985 to 1992 (World Champions in 1985, ’87, and ’90). Michael has served as an arranger and consultant with the Troopers, Colts, Crossmen, and Phantom Regiment, and also currently works with the Academy and the DCA Connecticut Hurricanes.

Michael’s degrees come from West Chester University, a B.S. in Music Education, and from the University of Massachusetts, a Masters in Music Education. His professional memberships include: M.E.N.C, M.M.E.A, and Phi Delta Kappa. He is an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma as well as Kappa Kappa Psi (of which he was a founding brother of the West Chester University Chapter). Michael resides in Hadley, Massachusetts with his wife, Heather, and their son, Robert.

Ian Hale graduated from the University of Calgary in 2001 with his Bachelor’s Degree in percussion performance where he studied with Dr. Glenn Price. He received his Master’s Degree in percussion performance in 2008 from the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he studied with Eduardo Leandro and DCI Hall of Fame member Thom Hannum. He has studied marimba with Leigh Howard Stevens, Gordon Stout, and She-e Wu and has participated in masterclasses with several artists including Michael Burritt, Steven Schick, Robert van Sice, and composer David Maslanka. He has participated in numerous professional training workshops including the David Robertson Workshop as part of Carnegie Hall’s Weil Music Institute. He was a member of the music faculty at UMass from 2007-2008.

Ian has enjoyed and continues to enjoy an extensive performance career. He has performed with artists including Kenny Aronoff, Jens Lindemann, Susan Hoeppner, Michael Burritt, Eduardo Leandro, Salvatore Macchia and former member of the famous percussion ensemble NEXUS, the late John Wyre. He has also performed with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra, the Berkshire Symphony Orchestra, Land’s End Chamber Ensemble, William’s College Chamber Players and has recorded for CBC radio and BRAVO! television. He was a finalist at the 2002 Percussive Arts Society’s International Convention multiple-percussion contest, held in Columbus, Ohio, and also received second place at the 2002 Montreal Symphony Orchestra Young Performer’s Competition in Montreal, Canada where he received an additional award for best performance of a Canadian composition. He was a laureate at the 2003 Canadian Music Competition in Calgary, AB, and was a semi-finalist at the 2007 Universal Marimba Competition in Belgium in which over 100 competitors were involved. He has performed at numerous Percussive Arts Society International Conventions and has appeared as part of the Vic Firth concert percussion podcast series.

Ian has worked with many fine marching music ensembles including the Calgary Stampede Showband, the Calgary Stetsons Show Band, the Calgary Round-Up Band, the Central Memorial High School Golden Rams Band, the North Stars Avant-Guard, Spirit of America Band, the Thomas Jefferson High School Band and the Shepard Hill High School Winter Percussion. Ian continues to be heavily involved in the drum and bugle corps activity. He was the percussion caption head and arranger for the Allegiance Elite Drum and Bugle Corps from 2002-2005 and was a member of the percussion staff for the Glassmen, the Magic of Orlando and the Madison Scouts. He is currently in his seventh season as a valued member of the percussion staff for the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps from Fort Mill, SC.

He is endorsed by Vic Firth Inc. and Avedis Zildjian cymbals.

Colin McNutt has instructed and arranged for the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps, and the popular stage production, Blast! He has also written for and instructed the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps, Magic of Orlando and the Madison Scouts.

Colin has served on the faculty of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he is an alumnus and received degrees in Classics and Music Education. Currently, he is the Percussion Caption Supervisor for the 9 time DCI World Champion Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps.

Michael J. Cesario meets us at his favorite corner café in New York City, where old neighborhood photos cover the walls and the coffee is strong. He’s quick with a welcome, but the voice we know from the Drum Corps DVD’s seems oddly subdued talking one-on-one. While shaking hands, he flips over the paper placemat, but he’s busted…his rough sketches cover it. “I’ve always drawn,” he says, putting away the pen, “even as a kid it was my favorite creative outlet. Hand me a box of crayons and I was a happy pup.” By the time the budding young artist hits the age of nine he’s marched his first parade. “It’s 1957, and I’m the worst clarinet player in the entire Memorial Day Parade, but I’m totally hooked on huge, bigger-than-life pageantry.” “The Cavaliers would come to my hometown for the first drum corps show of the year.” The Cavaliers visited NYC for the holiday? “Oh, no,” he laughed, “like all the best New Yorkers, I’m not from here! I was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and we used to call that early contest “Frostbite Falls”!” So the veteran New Yorker is really a “Cheesehead”, and his twin inspirations, Art and Music, push him to design band uniforms…it’s that simple? “No, not at all! There were many years of creative pain and angst, suffering for my art…in other words, I went into Theatre. I worked to get a couple of degrees in Directing and Production Design and enjoyed a great career doing TV and stage productions… some magnificent teachers, some crazy producers…the tales are endless. It’s where I learned about character analysis, how to reveal inner qualities and individuality through clothing. I also learned how to enhance the figure, concealing some physical traits while augmenting others. But I never lost my passion for Marching Bands, Drum Corps, and Colorguards, so I performed and taught throughout my Grad and Undergrad years…flying from band camp to summer stock was pretty mind-boggling!” In fact, the word “passionate” seems to take on new meaning when Cesario tells the tale. “From sketchbook to final detail, I’m a perfectionist and can drive folks crazy, I know, but my passion was that I could take all those “tricks-of-the-trade” that I used as a professional Costume Designer and bring them to performance wear for young musicians.” “I wanted them truly comfortable, and able to do all the athletic activities contemporary bands require. So we needed a full range of movement, a flexible garment that’s more fitted, more tailored, and more durable than anything else out there.” “My passion,” there’s that word again, “meant starting fresh at square one, with no pre-conceived notions of what a uniform is supposed to be.” Eventually, Cesario had become Head of Design/ Technology at Purchase College, (today, he’s Professor Emeritus). Armed with the latest tools and a brilliant patternmaker, and using The Cavaliers and the Phantom Regiment as guinea pigs, a team began to gather the construction knowledge essential to creating something new, something truly special. The expertise and craftsmanship of FJM became the crucial factor in changing an entire industry. The results are on display in these pages. Inspiration? Passion? Yes, but there’s one other quality, Cesario insists. “Call it stamina, resilience, or endurance,” he insists “but we keep moving and growing…after all, a perfectionist is never really satisfied.” With that, he settles the tab and heads for the door, grabbing that placemat full of future designs. — Scott A. Winters

Jamey Thompson returns as Drill Designer for the 3rd season with Stampede Showband. He has worked with high school marching bands, winter guards and winter drum lines for over 25 years. In addition to working with the SHowband, he is also the Visual Designer for the Connecticut Hurricanes Senior Drum & Bugle Corps and The Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps. Since 1997 he as been on staff at Glassmen Drum & Bugle Corps (1997-2002), Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps (2003-2004), and the Empire Statesmen Senior Drum & Bugle Corps (2001-2006). Previous work also includes Momentum Winter Percussion and Metro Alliance Winter Percussion. Jamey holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago and passed the CPA Exam. After working in public accounting for a few years he turned his focus to not-for-profit accounting and arts management. Time permitting; he also serves as a free-lance accountant to a variety of businesses in the Chicago area.

Larry Rebillot has been a teacher, a performer and a judge in all aspects of the arts, especially the pageantry arts for over thirty years. He has served as the Bands of America Color Guard Coordinator as well as organizing many successful fall clinics through the Tri-State Circuit for the Pageantry Arts. He has taught, choreographed and consulted with the Bluecoats, the University of Cincinnati Bearcat Bands, the University of Nebraska Cornhusker Marching Band, the Northwest Passage Performing Arts, the Pride of Cincinnati Drum Corps & Winter Guard, and Western Carolina University’s "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band.

Jay was born in Chicago, Illinois, and began his musical studies at age 6 with piano and voice lessons. He started trumpet in grade 5, and his marching career began in the dynamic music program at Marian Catholic High School, in Chicago Heights, Illinois.  He attended Northwestern University (B.Mus. Performance, Education) and was an associate member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, training orchestra for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  During his collegiate years he was a member of the Northwestern University Marching Band and spent two summers as soprano soloist with the Cadets of Bergen County Drum and Bugle Corps.  He completed his Master’s degree in May 2000, at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

On the West Coast, Jay was part of the Lyric Brass Quintet (faculty ensemble at Pacific Lutheran University, WA), the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cascade Symphony, and the Vancouver Island Symphony.  In the Fall of 2001, he moved to Calgary to join the Foothills Brass Quintet, a full-time touring brass ensemble, performing hundreds of concerts every year all across North America. As a trumpet soloist, Jay has been featured with Ensemble Noir (Toronto,) Altius Brass and Kensington Sinfonia. He has also been a finalist in major brass competitions including Ellsworth Smith International Trumpet Competition and the Jeju International Brass Competition.

In 2004, Jay began his association with the Calgary Stampede Showband as the Brass Coordinator, and currently is the Summer Program Coordinator. Jay has also worked with the Calgary Stetson Show Band as brass coordinator, Music Director and Band Director and is also the Director of A Band of Outriders. During his tenure, he has completed many arrangements and transcriptions for field show, concert band, and parade for each of the bands.

Gino Cipriani holds the position of the Brass Caption Supervisor for the nine-time World Champion Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. He led the brass program to its World Champion brass titles in 2000 and 2005. 

Cipriani received his Bachelor of Music Degree in Instrumental Education from the University of Mississippi. As a student at Ole Miss, he studied trumpet performance under the guidance of Dr. Charles Gates. Gino also had the great pleasure of studying trumpet under Roy Poper when he attended California State University at North Ridge.

Cipriani has served as a consultant to marching bands, jazz bands, concert bands as well as drum and bugle corps across the United States, Canada and Korea. In Korea, he had the pleasure of working with the Korean Armed Forces Bands in preparation of the World Cup Ceremonies in 2002. In addition, Cipriani serves as an adjudicator at marching band competitions throughout the country for US Scholastic Band Association.

Cipriani spent 10 years, 1990 through 1999, as a brass instructor for the 10-time World Champion Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. He then took the position as brass supervisor for the nine-time World Champion Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps for the 2000 and 2001 season. In 2002 and 2003 Cipriani had the honor to serve as the brass caption head and assisted in bringing Magic of Orlando back to the field as a finalist after two years of inactivity.

In 2004, he held the brass caption head position for the six-time World Champion Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. From 2001 to 2004, headed and consulted for the brass section of the five-time DCA champion Syracuse Brigadiers. In 2007, he took the position of brass caption head of the five-time DCA champion Reading Buccaneers.