Steven Estudillo - Visual Designer
Steven Estudillo was born and raised in Southern California and studied at California State University, Fullerton. Surrounded by a combination of cultural exposures and artistic visions, his upbringing was one that promoted his passion for the marching arts.
Steven started as a student at La Mirada High School in La Mirada, Ca where his musical involvement included performing in several ensembles such as marching band, jazz band, wind ensemble, and indoor percussion. This opened the door to his first experience as a performer with Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps as a high school student, and finishing his last few years as a performer with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.
Shortly after high school, and still within his drum corps eligibility, Steven began designing drill at El Modena High School in Orange, Ca and quickly spread into designing indoor percussion and winter guard shows for various groups in the Southern California area. His visual creativity and originality lead him to evolve rapidly as a well sought after drill designer and educator. His designs have been well represented by several ensembles within the Bands of America, Western Bands Association and Winter Guard International circuits. Steven currently works as the visual caption head and designer at Chino Hills High School in Chino Hills, Ca.
In 2009, Steven began teaching within the drum corps activity as a visual instructor at The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps and Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps. In 2010, he became the Visual Designer for Pacific Crest, where he remained until 2012. After a short break, he returned to the design team at Pacific Crest in 2015. Simultaneously, he was an integral part of the visual team at The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle corps, where he served as a visual instructor from 2009 – 2010, and later served as the Visual Caption head from 2011 – 2015.
In 2012, Steven began teaching at award winning Pulse Percussion, where he currently serves as the Visual Caption head. He currently designs and teaches at several top indoor percussion ensembles in the U.S. including POW Percussion, Chino Hills High School, and Pulse Percussion.
In addition to his work in the U.S., Steven has had the opportunity to branch out internationally and work with performing ensembles in South America, providing consultations and clinics to further spread the marching arts in different regions.
Steven currently resides in Brea, Ca with his loving wife Lexie.
Steven started as a student at La Mirada High School in La Mirada, Ca where his musical involvement included performing in several ensembles such as marching band, jazz band, wind ensemble, and indoor percussion. This opened the door to his first experience as a performer with Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps as a high school student, and finishing his last few years as a performer with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.
Shortly after high school, and still within his drum corps eligibility, Steven began designing drill at El Modena High School in Orange, Ca and quickly spread into designing indoor percussion and winter guard shows for various groups in the Southern California area. His visual creativity and originality lead him to evolve rapidly as a well sought after drill designer and educator. His designs have been well represented by several ensembles within the Bands of America, Western Bands Association and Winter Guard International circuits. Steven currently works as the visual caption head and designer at Chino Hills High School in Chino Hills, Ca.
In 2009, Steven began teaching within the drum corps activity as a visual instructor at The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps and Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps. In 2010, he became the Visual Designer for Pacific Crest, where he remained until 2012. After a short break, he returned to the design team at Pacific Crest in 2015. Simultaneously, he was an integral part of the visual team at The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle corps, where he served as a visual instructor from 2009 – 2010, and later served as the Visual Caption head from 2011 – 2015.
In 2012, Steven began teaching at award winning Pulse Percussion, where he currently serves as the Visual Caption head. He currently designs and teaches at several top indoor percussion ensembles in the U.S. including POW Percussion, Chino Hills High School, and Pulse Percussion.
In addition to his work in the U.S., Steven has had the opportunity to branch out internationally and work with performing ensembles in South America, providing consultations and clinics to further spread the marching arts in different regions.
Steven currently resides in Brea, Ca with his loving wife Lexie.
Ezekiel Lanser - Music Composer/Arranger
BM, Percussion Performance, University of North Texas
Ezekiel works with a number of ensembles in the Southern California percussion scene as an educator, composer, arranger, and consultant. Currently, he is on the educational staff at the Santa Clara Vanguard, Pulse Percussion, Los Alamitos High School, and Pacifica High School. Formerly, he served as Ensemble Coordinator for POW Percussion, has been on staff with the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, and also with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. Ezekiel is also a sought after marching band and indoor drumline show designer, arranger, and composer and has been fortunate enough to see his shows and compositions take the floor in WGI World Finals in both scholastic and independent divisions.
Key highlights from his marching career include winning the Fred Sanford drum title in 2006 with the Phantom Regiment, winning first place at the 2008 PASIC World Championships with the University of North Texas A-line, and being awarded the bronze medal at the 2011 WGI World Championships with Pulse Percussion. He earned his Percussion Performance degree from the University of North Texas.
Ezekiel lives in Huntington Beach, CA.
Ezekiel works with a number of ensembles in the Southern California percussion scene as an educator, composer, arranger, and consultant. Currently, he is on the educational staff at the Santa Clara Vanguard, Pulse Percussion, Los Alamitos High School, and Pacifica High School. Formerly, he served as Ensemble Coordinator for POW Percussion, has been on staff with the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, and also with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. Ezekiel is also a sought after marching band and indoor drumline show designer, arranger, and composer and has been fortunate enough to see his shows and compositions take the floor in WGI World Finals in both scholastic and independent divisions.
Key highlights from his marching career include winning the Fred Sanford drum title in 2006 with the Phantom Regiment, winning first place at the 2008 PASIC World Championships with the University of North Texas A-line, and being awarded the bronze medal at the 2011 WGI World Championships with Pulse Percussion. He earned his Percussion Performance degree from the University of North Texas.
Ezekiel lives in Huntington Beach, CA.
Carrie Newman - Colorguard Caption Head
Carrie Newman is veteran teacher in the Kern High School District with over two decades of experience in the colorguard activity. Her involvement as a performer began as a member of the West High School Viking Regiment and continued as a charter member of the Legacy Independent winterguard program.
As a student at CSUB and later Point Loma University, Carrie began instructing the West High School Colorguard. Under her instruction, the guard competed at WGI Colorguard Championships in Dayton, OH on multiple occasions. Her work with the guard continued for 19 years as she transitioned into her role as a certificated teacher at West High, during which time she also worked with Bakersfield HS, California Paradigm, and Intensity A.
Currently teaching Biology and AP Environmental Science, Carrie serves as the chair of the Science Department and in numerous commitees and clubs on campus. In addition to her duties at West, she has served on the board of the Pep & Pageantry Arts Association of Central California (PPAACC) in various capacities and has occasionally served as the timing and penalties judge for the circuit.
As a student at CSUB and later Point Loma University, Carrie began instructing the West High School Colorguard. Under her instruction, the guard competed at WGI Colorguard Championships in Dayton, OH on multiple occasions. Her work with the guard continued for 19 years as she transitioned into her role as a certificated teacher at West High, during which time she also worked with Bakersfield HS, California Paradigm, and Intensity A.
Currently teaching Biology and AP Environmental Science, Carrie serves as the chair of the Science Department and in numerous commitees and clubs on campus. In addition to her duties at West, she has served on the board of the Pep & Pageantry Arts Association of Central California (PPAACC) in various capacities and has occasionally served as the timing and penalties judge for the circuit.
Natalie Salvatierra - Brass Caption Head
Natalie M. Salvatierra is a trumpet player, educator, and clinician based in Southern California. She is originally from Temecula, CA and attended Chaparral High School.
Her drum corps experience began with the Esperanza Drum and Bugle Corps from San Diego, CA where she marched from 2004-2006. She performed with the Velvet Knights of Pasadena, CA in 2008 before continuing on to perform with Carolina Crown in 2009, where she was fortunate to take part in earning the corps’ first Jim Ott High Brass Award. She aged out with the corps in 2010.
Upon returning home, Natalie enlisted in the United States Army and completed Basic Combat Training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. She later graduated from the United States Army School of Music based out of Norfolk, VA. Specialist Salvatierra is the principal trumpet player for the 300th Army Band from Bell, CA. She performs in the concert band, the brass quintet, and “SKArmy,” a high energy Ska and pop group.
Natalie has performed with the Symphonic Winds at Fullerton College, the Riverside Community College Wind Ensemble, and the RCC Marching Tigers. As a member of the RCC Marching Tigers, Natalie performed in multiple television and film projects for Sony Pictures and 20th Century Fox Studios.
Natalie has worked with many high school bands around Southern California including: Chaparral HS, Fallbrook HS, Poway HS, Rancho Buena Vista HS, John F. Kennedy HS, Mission Hills HS, and Laguna Hills HS. She has also worked as an instrumental music teacher for the Anaheim Elementary School District. Natalie is in demand as a conducting and leadership coach for drum major camps and as a clinician teaching marching ensemble and breathing techniques.
Natalie is the Executive Director of Checkpoint Marching, an organization providing free training resources, mentorship, and professional development for students and marching arts instructors in San Diego and Orange Counties.
Her drum corps experience began with the Esperanza Drum and Bugle Corps from San Diego, CA where she marched from 2004-2006. She performed with the Velvet Knights of Pasadena, CA in 2008 before continuing on to perform with Carolina Crown in 2009, where she was fortunate to take part in earning the corps’ first Jim Ott High Brass Award. She aged out with the corps in 2010.
Upon returning home, Natalie enlisted in the United States Army and completed Basic Combat Training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. She later graduated from the United States Army School of Music based out of Norfolk, VA. Specialist Salvatierra is the principal trumpet player for the 300th Army Band from Bell, CA. She performs in the concert band, the brass quintet, and “SKArmy,” a high energy Ska and pop group.
Natalie has performed with the Symphonic Winds at Fullerton College, the Riverside Community College Wind Ensemble, and the RCC Marching Tigers. As a member of the RCC Marching Tigers, Natalie performed in multiple television and film projects for Sony Pictures and 20th Century Fox Studios.
Natalie has worked with many high school bands around Southern California including: Chaparral HS, Fallbrook HS, Poway HS, Rancho Buena Vista HS, John F. Kennedy HS, Mission Hills HS, and Laguna Hills HS. She has also worked as an instrumental music teacher for the Anaheim Elementary School District. Natalie is in demand as a conducting and leadership coach for drum major camps and as a clinician teaching marching ensemble and breathing techniques.
Natalie is the Executive Director of Checkpoint Marching, an organization providing free training resources, mentorship, and professional development for students and marching arts instructors in San Diego and Orange Counties.
Efren Gutierrez - Percussion Caption Head/Staff Coordinator
Efren Gutierrez was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA and was heavily involved with music during his time as a student at Foothill High School.
He has been active as a performer in both the indoor drumline realm as well as the drum and bugle corps activity. He began marching in 2008 with Blue Devils "B", where he continued through 2010. In 2011, Efren toured with the Bluecoats of Canton, OH, and he spent the summer of 2012 in the percussion section of the Cadets from Allentown, PA.
Efren's indoor drumline experience includes his membership in Pulse Percussion from 2011-2013 and Riverside Community College from 2014-2015. In addition to his competitive experience, he has also been a member of Bakersfield College's fall semester Renegade Drumline.
Efren is currently a student at Bakersfield College and instructs the percussion section at Liberty High School. He has studied under some of the best educators and clinicians in the DCI and WGI activity. With such a diverse marching background, Efren brings a wealth of knowledge back home to the Golden Empire program.
He has been active as a performer in both the indoor drumline realm as well as the drum and bugle corps activity. He began marching in 2008 with Blue Devils "B", where he continued through 2010. In 2011, Efren toured with the Bluecoats of Canton, OH, and he spent the summer of 2012 in the percussion section of the Cadets from Allentown, PA.
Efren's indoor drumline experience includes his membership in Pulse Percussion from 2011-2013 and Riverside Community College from 2014-2015. In addition to his competitive experience, he has also been a member of Bakersfield College's fall semester Renegade Drumline.
Efren is currently a student at Bakersfield College and instructs the percussion section at Liberty High School. He has studied under some of the best educators and clinicians in the DCI and WGI activity. With such a diverse marching background, Efren brings a wealth of knowledge back home to the Golden Empire program.
Jimmie Taliferro - Battery Technician
Jimmie began his drumming education in 8th grade at Fruitvale JHS, where he was a member of their first competitive drumline. He then continued on to play for the Centennial HS Percussion Ensemble from 2005-2008. After graduation, Jimmie became a charter member of the competitive Bakersfield College Drumline in 2010, was a charter member of the Pulse Percussion Open Ensemble in 2011, and marched top bass at Pulse Percussion in 2012.
Aside from the performance arena, Jimmie has been teaching the Centennial HS Percussion Ensemble from 2008-present and began working at East Bakersfield HS as a marching tech in the 2012 season.
Aside from the performance arena, Jimmie has been teaching the Centennial HS Percussion Ensemble from 2008-present and began working at East Bakersfield HS as a marching tech in the 2012 season.
John Arevalo - Guard Technician
John Arevalo attends CSU Fresno studying for both a Music Education and Theater Dance Degree.
John was in marching band throughout Jr. High and High School, and then joined the Fresno State Marching Band for 2 years. He also has traveled and trained with Imbue Winter Guard since 2015 and is continuing his performance and training with them currently.
During his years at Fresno State he has been apart of several performance groups including the University Dance Theater, the Contemporary Dance Ensemble and The Symphony Orchestra.
During his time at school John has dance with Martha Kelly-Fierro's contemporary dance company, Altered Modalities, for 2 years. Also with Amy Querin's contemporary dance company, Fresno Dance Collective NOCO. He has performed in Fresno Rouge Festival, Central Valley Dance Festival, College of the Sequoias' Dance Concerts and American College Dance Association.
John began teaching Color Guard at Mission Oak High in Tulare and later went on to help create the feeder programs and train the replacement instructional staff. He later added on the the Central Unified School District where he helped build their 3 Jr. Highs and the main high School. He now is with the Firebaugh High School helping establish their program.
John was in marching band throughout Jr. High and High School, and then joined the Fresno State Marching Band for 2 years. He also has traveled and trained with Imbue Winter Guard since 2015 and is continuing his performance and training with them currently.
During his years at Fresno State he has been apart of several performance groups including the University Dance Theater, the Contemporary Dance Ensemble and The Symphony Orchestra.
During his time at school John has dance with Martha Kelly-Fierro's contemporary dance company, Altered Modalities, for 2 years. Also with Amy Querin's contemporary dance company, Fresno Dance Collective NOCO. He has performed in Fresno Rouge Festival, Central Valley Dance Festival, College of the Sequoias' Dance Concerts and American College Dance Association.
John began teaching Color Guard at Mission Oak High in Tulare and later went on to help create the feeder programs and train the replacement instructional staff. He later added on the the Central Unified School District where he helped build their 3 Jr. Highs and the main high School. He now is with the Firebaugh High School helping establish their program.
Catherine Robinson - Brass Technician
Katy Robinson is an active freelance horn player and teacher based in Orange County, CA. Originally from San Diego; she graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State University - Long Beach, with Bachelors of Music Performance and Instrumental Music degrees. While in attendance, she was awarded a Bob Cole Scholarship and gained membership into Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies.
Upon graduation from high school, Katy joined the U.S. Army Reserves to serve with the 300th Army Band as an Army Musician. She currently performs in the Brass Quintet, Ceremonial Band, and Concert Band. Throughout her seven years of service she has given over 200 public performances in parades, military ceremonies, and community events across the US Southwest region.
Katy marched with the Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, and The Crossmen before continuing on to march with Carolina Crown in 2009, 2011 and 2012. Katy also has over seven years of experience teaching marching bands in the Southern California area, including: John F. Kennedy HS, Gahr HS, Long Beach Polytechnic HS, Rancho Buena Vista HS, Poway HS, Woodbridge HS, and Fallbrook HS. She is also a founding member of Checkpoint Marching, a professional development network for marching arts educators and training resource for high school students auditioning for drum corps. In addition, she also maintains a private lesson studio of horn students.
Katy currently resides in Anaheim with her partner Natalie Salvatierra, their cat Rey, and their dog Kylo Ren. She enjoys running, drinking iced coffee, and sleeping in when she gets the chance.
Upon graduation from high school, Katy joined the U.S. Army Reserves to serve with the 300th Army Band as an Army Musician. She currently performs in the Brass Quintet, Ceremonial Band, and Concert Band. Throughout her seven years of service she has given over 200 public performances in parades, military ceremonies, and community events across the US Southwest region.
Katy marched with the Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, and The Crossmen before continuing on to march with Carolina Crown in 2009, 2011 and 2012. Katy also has over seven years of experience teaching marching bands in the Southern California area, including: John F. Kennedy HS, Gahr HS, Long Beach Polytechnic HS, Rancho Buena Vista HS, Poway HS, Woodbridge HS, and Fallbrook HS. She is also a founding member of Checkpoint Marching, a professional development network for marching arts educators and training resource for high school students auditioning for drum corps. In addition, she also maintains a private lesson studio of horn students.
Katy currently resides in Anaheim with her partner Natalie Salvatierra, their cat Rey, and their dog Kylo Ren. She enjoys running, drinking iced coffee, and sleeping in when she gets the chance.
Akira Torrijos - Visual Caption Head
Akira began his drum corps career playing baritone for Fever Drum and bugle corps in 2006 through 2007, going on to march with the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps in 2008. He then went on to join the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps in 2009, where he was awarded with the Visual Rookie of the Year award. He continued to march euphonium with the Bluecoats until his age out year in 2011. Akira also has a storied background in WGI, having marched cymbals in Propel Percussion in 2008, Freelancers in 2010, Pulse Open in 2011, and Pulse Percussion in 2012.
After aging out, Akira taught the 2013 DCI season as a visual instructor with the Bluecoats and a was a cymbal instructor for the 2013 season of POW Percussion. The next year he became a part of the instructional staff at Pulse Percussion from 2014 - 2016, helping them earn 2 championship titles in the process. After spending the summer of 2015 on the visual team for Pacific Crest, Akira went on to instruct Carolina Crown for their award winning 2016 season.
Akira is currently an instructor for several Southern California groups including Pacifica High School, Los Alamitos High School, and POW Percussion.
After aging out, Akira taught the 2013 DCI season as a visual instructor with the Bluecoats and a was a cymbal instructor for the 2013 season of POW Percussion. The next year he became a part of the instructional staff at Pulse Percussion from 2014 - 2016, helping them earn 2 championship titles in the process. After spending the summer of 2015 on the visual team for Pacific Crest, Akira went on to instruct Carolina Crown for their award winning 2016 season.
Akira is currently an instructor for several Southern California groups including Pacifica High School, Los Alamitos High School, and POW Percussion.
Tim Heasley - Corps Director
Tim Heasley is a visual and performing arts educator based in Central California. He is currently the director of the Bakersfield College Band and Drumline and has held a variety of positions within the Kern High School District. Tim has spent his recent summers as a sound engineer for the Madison Scouts (2010-2013) and the Santa Clara Vanguard (2014).
Tim marched baritone with the Sacramento Freelancers from 1992-1994 and with the Crossmen from 1995-1997. His performance career continued as an original cast member of Blast! and Blast II: Mix, performing worldwide from 1999-2006.
Tim earned a BA in Communications with a minor in Art from California State University, Bakersfield in 1997 and holds a California teaching credential in Arts, Media, and Entertainment. His background in media production and experience in the audio/visual industry has gone hand in hand with his work as a freelance visual designer and music editor.
Tim marched baritone with the Sacramento Freelancers from 1992-1994 and with the Crossmen from 1995-1997. His performance career continued as an original cast member of Blast! and Blast II: Mix, performing worldwide from 1999-2006.
Tim earned a BA in Communications with a minor in Art from California State University, Bakersfield in 1997 and holds a California teaching credential in Arts, Media, and Entertainment. His background in media production and experience in the audio/visual industry has gone hand in hand with his work as a freelance visual designer and music editor.
