{"id":78,"date":"2026-10-05T19:26:36","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T19:26:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goldyoutharts.org\/drumcorps\/?page_id=78"},"modified":"2026-10-10T12:23:58","modified_gmt":"2026-10-10T19:23:58","slug":"staff","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/goldyoutharts.org\/drumcorps\/staff\/","title":{"rendered":"Staff"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"Gold<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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2027 Staff<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The people who keep Gold running, on the field and behind the scenes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Administrative Team<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Design Staff<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instructional Staff<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Administrative Team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\"Kevin<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Kevin Valentine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Executive Director<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kevin brings over 25 years of leadership, technology and operations experience to Gold Youth Arts, including senior roles with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts and Hilton Hotels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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He oversees every part of the organization, from strategic planning, marketing and finances to compliance, human resources and volunteer coordination, along with all four Gold performance ensembles: Gold Indoor Percussion, Gold Winter Guard, Gold Wind Symphony and Gold Drum & Bugle Corps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kevin serves on the Drum Corps International Open Class Advisory Committee and is a two-time winner of the Dr. David Kampschroer Leadership Award (2023 and 2026), recognizing the Open Class Director of the Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in management information systems from Azusa Pacific University and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Joe<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Joe Paul<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Corps Director<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Joe has over 30 years in the pageantry arts, as a performer and staff member with Avatar Winter Guard and The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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He directed Allusion Winter Guard for six years and designs for several high school marching band and winter guard programs. Before Gold, he served on the administrative team for The Cavaliers and as Director of Operations for The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joe judges for SCSBOA, the Utah Winter Guard Association and the Northwest Pageantry Association, has been a clinician for WGASC and SCSBOA, and served on the WGASC Executive Committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in art from California State University, Northridge, and works in Los Angeles as a graphic designer and drill writer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Jeremy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Jeremy Grasz<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Director of Technology and Live Events<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Jeremy has over 20 years of operations experience at Best Buy and more than 10 years managing operations for Gold Drum & Bugle Corps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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He runs all of Gold\u2019s technology, including the website, social media, e-commerce, systems administration and CRM, and manages the administrative side of every Gold Drum & Bugle Corps event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeremy lives in Oceanside, California.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Darcy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Darcy Johnson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Health Team Manager<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Darcy leads Gold\u2019s Health & Wellness team. Off tour, she has spent over 15 years as a paraeducator with the San Diego Unified School District.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A registered Emergency Medical Technician, she directs routine member care, triage, injury response and daily health logistics built around the physical demands of drum corps. Working with athletic trainers and corps leadership, she manages wellness and emergency readiness so members can perform at their best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Darcy lives in San Diego.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Benjamin<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Benjamin Gonzalez<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Social Media Marketing Manager<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Benji is a Southern California designer and creator who got his start as Social Media Manager of the Shamrock Regiment at John F. Kennedy High School in La Palma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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He earned an A.A. in film, television and electronic media from Fullerton College and a B.A. in communications from Cal State Fullerton, and is pursuing a master\u2019s in digital media management at USC Annenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2022 he was on staff with FloMarching covering DCI\u2019s 50th anniversary season. He is Director of Marketing & Communications at the Riverside Arts Academy and Director of Marketing for CASMEC, and spends winters with the Green Band Association helping students from Japan prepare for the Rose Parade.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Design Staff<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\"James<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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James Rocillo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Program Designer \/ Creative Director<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

James Rocillo is widely recognized and highly sought after for his exceptional expertise as a clinician, particularly within concert bands, jazz bands, and various ensembles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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His reputation extends across the region, and he is frequently invited to participate in prestigious events and honor groups facilitated by organizations such as the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) and similar festivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, Mr. Rocillo has conducted notable honors bands, including the SCSBOA Jazz Honor Band in 2018, the San Bernardino Junior High District Honor Band in 2016, and the Santa Ana Unified District Honor Band in 2017. He will direct the Chaffey Joint Union High School Jazz Honor Band this spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under his leadership, his bands have consistently garnered acclaim and accolades at festivals and competitions, including but not limited to the Western Bands Association, Reno Jazz Festival, Bands of America Grand Nationals, and SCSBOA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Rocillo\u2019s distinguished achievements include significant recognitions such as being a Semper Fidelis Bowl Winner, a Fox Sports Honoree, and a Grammy Nominee as part of the esteemed Who\u2019s Who in the music industry. Furthermore, his ensembles have graced internationally televised parades, most notably the Rose Bowl and Macy\u2019s Day Parades, contributing to the cultural enrichment of audiences worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to his illustrious career as a clinician, Mr. Rocillo holds the position of Associate Professor at Riverside City College, located in Riverside, California. Within this capacity, he serves as the director of the Community Concert Band, the Jazz Ensemble, and the renowned Riverside City College Marching Tigers, a testament to his profound commitment to music education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notably, Mr. Rocillo has been a member of the brass staff for the Blue Devils A Corps since 2008, a role that has contributed to an impressive tally of nine DCI Championships (in the years 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023). His influence and expertise have also resulted in four Jim Ott Awards for outstanding brass performance, specifically in 2008, 2010, 2014, and 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before his tenure at Riverside City College, Mr. Rocillo held the esteemed position of director of bands at Colony High School, overseeing all facets of the band program for six years. Throughout his two-decade career, he has significantly contributed to the band programs at Ayala High School, Nogales High School, and Valley View High School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Rocillo\u2019s dedication to continuous education is evident through his academic pursuits. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business\/Marketing from the University of Phoenix in February 2008. He furthered his educational journey by earning a Master of Education degree in education from National University in May 2013.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was a conducting student of Dr. Mitch Fennell from 2017-2020 and has completed a Master of Instrumental Conducting degree at California Baptist University under the tutelage of Dr. Gene Moon, showcasing his commitment to honing his craft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Rocillo resides in the Inland Empire alongside his wife Sara, their son Miles, and their cherished canine companions, Aki and Coltrane.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Scott<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Scott Director<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Music Composer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Director is the composer of original music for Gold Drum & Bugle Corps, a position he has held since 2011.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scott has over 20 years\u2019 experience as a music educator and composer, and has extensive experience in the creation and development of fundraising programs for non-profit organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His music has been performed by schools across the nation. As a percussionist, he has played for Operas, Orchestras and Ballets, in the \u201cpit\u201d for Broadway Musicals, and for a variety of popular entertainers from Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli to opera stars Pavarotti and Domingo. In addition, Mr. Director is a member of ASCAP and has several short film scores to his credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Miami where he studied with Clifton Williams, Frederick Fennell and Alfred Reed. Currently, Mr. Director resides in Los Angeles where he maintains an active composing, arranging, and teaching schedule.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Steven<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Steven Estudillo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Visual Designer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Steven Estudillo has been a Visual Designer, Educator, Creative Director, and Adjudicator since 2006. His designs have been represented by ensembles within Bands of America, Winter Guard International, and Drum Corps International circuits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Steven began his work as an instructor and designer within the drum corps activity in 2008. He worked with Pacific Crest as a visual instructor in 2009, later served as their Visual Designer from 2010 \u2013 2012, and as Visual Designer and Creative Director from 2015 \u2013 2021. Simultaneously, Steven was a visual instructor for The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from 2009-2015, serving as the Visual Caption Head starting in 2011. Steven currently serves as the Visual Designer and Visual Director at Phantom Regiment, a post he has held since 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the winter seasons, Steven serves as a Visual Designer and instructor for Pulse Percussion since 2012, and at Chino Hills High School since 2012. He continues to design for several other award-winning indoor percussion ensembles throughout the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to his work in the United States, Steven has had the opportunity to branch out internationally and work with performing ensembles in South America, Japan, and Canada, providing design, consultations, and clinics to further spread the marching arts in different regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steven currently resides in Ontario, CA. with his loving wife Lexie, and his three children, Emily, Ezekiel, and Elle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Jimmy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Jimmy Nguyen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Front Ensemble & Sound Designer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Jimmy Nguyen is an educator, composer\/arranger, sound designer, and clinician for programs across the country. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology (with a focus in Education) from UC Riverside and a Master of Science in Higher Education degree from CSU Fullerton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of working with distinguished programs such as Ayala HS, RCC Indoor Percussion, the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps. Jimmy also holds design roles for ensembles across the country, including WGI World Championship medalists, BOA regional finalists, and various state marching band finalists\/medalists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jimmy began his performing career with the RCC Marching Tigers and went on to become a member of RCC Indoor Percussion, Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, earning both DCI and WGI world championships during his time in these ensembles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jimmy currently resides in Anaheim, CA.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Steven Herman<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Percussion Design<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Steven is a highly acclaimed educator and designer with over 17 years of industry experience and 13 seasons of WGI and DCI marching experience, having performed with top-tier ensembles such as Phantom Regiment, Pulse Percussion, and Broken City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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He has worked with numerous premier Southern California programs\u2014including Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Vista Murrieta, Walnut, Rowland, and Upland High Schools\u2014as well as the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, Vessel Percussion, Gold Indoor Percussion, and Gold Drum & Bugle Corps.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Anthony<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Anthony Garcia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Guard Designer \/ Choreographer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Anthony is excited to return to the Gold team, bringing over fifteen years of experience as a choreographer with the Blue Stars. Based in Los Angeles, California, he currently serves as the Color Guard Director at both Arcadia High School and William S. Hart High School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Anthony has taught and choreographed for numerous programs, including Vox Artium, Icon Winter Guard, Mayflower Winter Guard (UK), Mirage and M\u00e9nage (TX), CGT Dallas and CGT Denton. His performing credits include the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps and Corona Winter Guard.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Instructional Staff<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The 2027 instructional staff will be announced soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bill Fritz<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Staff Director and Brass Caption Head<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Fritz is an outstanding educator with over 15 years\u2019 experience as a Band Director in the Southern California area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Currently Associate Director of Bands at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Eastvale, CA., Mr. Fritz has most recently taught at Vista Murrieta High School & Azusa High School where his students consistently receive high marks at festivals and parades, and are frequent participants in honor bands throughout the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Staff Director and Brass Caption Head at Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, Bill leads a talented group of music educators who are committed to performance excellence!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill has taught at Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps and Academy Drum & Bugle Corps, and has performed with Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps and as a member of the 2007 World Champion Blue Devils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Fritz obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education along with a Bachelor of Music in saxophone performance from California State University, Fullerton, studying under the direction of Mr. James Rotter. He earned his Master\u2019s degree in Instrumental Conducting from California State University Fullerton, under the mentorship of Dr. Mitch Fennell.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Want to work with Gold?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We’re always looking for instructors, volunteers and support staff who want to make a difference for young performers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Join the team<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n