ROYAL CAVALIERS PERFORMING ARTS - Key Persons
Jack is a world class performer and educator from Diamond Bar, California. He started his marching career at Diamond Bar High School. Some of his performance career can be credited to Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps and Dark Sky Percussion Corps before aging out of the activity. Jack is excited to be applying his past performance experiences to his educational skills and being a member of Meraki's Staff.
Angel has been an instructor for the past several years and has worked at groups such as Colony High School (2014-2019), Vessel Drum &Bugle Corps (2019), Dark Sky Percussion (2020), and Diamond Bar High School (2016-2019).He is currently a front ensemble instructor for Etiwanda High school, Patriot High school, and Canyon Springs High School.
Conrad's dynamic performance experiences includes Dark Sky Percussion - Marimba (2015), Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps - Marimba (2016), Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps - Marimba (2017), and RCC Indoor Percussion - Mallets (2016 - 2018). His teaching experience in the performing arts arena includes Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps (2018-2019), Dark Sky Percussion (2019-2020), and Gold Indoor Percussion (2022). Some of his scholastic teaching experience includes Los Alamitos High School (2017-2019), Torrance High School (2018), Notre Dame High School (2018 - Present), and San Marino High School (2019 - 2020). Conrad received a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA in 2017 and received a Masters in Public Administration (M.P.A.) Degree from Cal State Long Beach in 2019. After receiving these degrees, Conrad is currently work as Policy Analyst in Higher Education. Conrad Loves to travel and is an avid theme park/rollercoaster enthusiast while living in Sherman Oaks, CA.
Ashley is a freelance photographer based in Azusa, CA. She was a member of Meraki for the 2020 season and has also performed with Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps as well as Gold Indoor Percussion. Ashley keeps connected with the marching world through her passion for photography and capturing unforgettable moments.
This is Ashley's first year with Meraki Media.
Benjamin is a graphic designer, video editor and educator from Buena Park, California. He started his music career performing with the Shamrock Regiment of John F. Kennedy High School where he performed in the parade and field bands, as well as doubling on bass trombone in the jazz and concert bands. It was at JFK where he found his passion for graphic design and videography, serving as band council publicist during his senior year.
After his performing career, Benjamin has gone on to coach various parade bands around Southern California and has also worked for organizations such as the Japanese Green Band Association, Music Amenities, Student Academy of Musical Leaders, CASMEC, and most recently, FloMarching. Benjamin holds an AA degree from Fullerton College in Film, Television & Electronic Media and is currently pursuing a BA in Communications at Cal State Fullerton. When not attending classes, he serves as Chairman of the City of Buena Park's Cultural & Fine Arts Commission, the youngest commissioner ever appointed in the city's history.
He is excited to be joining Meraki's media team for the 2022-2023 season.
Job Titles:
- Designer
- Instructor
- Battery Consultant
Donovan has worked as an instructor and designer in the activity for several years under the tutelage of instructors such as Mike Jackson, Jared Andrews, and Roger Carter. Donovan is also proud to be a member of the Vic Firth educational team.
Tia performed with Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps in 2013, Orange County Independent in 2014 and Dark Sky Percussion (2015 - 2017). Some of Tia's teaching experiences includes La Quinta High School, San Marino High School, Arcadia High School, Nogales High School and Patriot High School. After aging out of the activity, she was one of the Front Ensemble Instructor and Manager for Dark Sky Percussion from (2018 - 2020). Outside of teaching Tia works in tech and gaming. Tia currently lives in Fullerton, CA.
Job Titles:
- Front Ensemble Instructor
Eddie was born and raised in Southern California. He started as a percussionist during his time at Verdugo Hills High School. After high school, he attended Pasadena City College and then California State University, Northridge. During his time in school, he performed with many various ensembles, some of which he had the privilege of being principal percussion/section leader. He has also been awarded the Outstanding Percussionist Award, as well as other awards, from both PCC and CSUN. Outside of his collegiate endeavors, he has performed in DCI and SCPA/WGI. He graduated from California State University, Northridge with his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Industry Studies.
As a music educator, Eddie has done clinic work and taught various ensembles throughout Southern California including Pasadena City College Marching Band/Tournament of Roses Honor Band/Winter Drumline, Verdugo Hills High School, Blair High School, Rosemont Middle School, Crescenta Valley High School, Moorpark High School, and Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps.
He is currently the Front Ensemble Caption Head at Moorpark High School and the Front Ensemble Manager at Crescenta Valley High School.
Nic performing experiences includes Royal Oak Middle School - Flute (2009), Charter Oak High School Flute, Electric Bass(2013), RCC Marching Tigers - Electric Bass (2014 - 2015). RCC Indoor Percussion (2015 and 2018), Blue Devils International Corps (2015), Odyssey Indoor Percussion - Bass Drum (2017). Some of his collegiate performances are with Cal Poly Pomona Wind Ensemble - Flute, Cal Poly Pomona Philharmonic Orchestra - Flute, CPP MIDI Ensemble - Electric Bass, CPP Percussion Ensemble -Percussion, Rose Parade Swing Band - String Bass (2016) and numerous rock, hip-hop ,funk, reggae, jazz bands across the LA Area (2016 - Present). Nic's scholastic teaching experience includes El Rancho High School (2016 - 2017), Bonita High School (2017 - 2018), La Puente High School (2018 - Present), Glendora High School (Present) and Azusa High School (Present). He will be returning to Meraki Percussion for his 3 rd season. When Nic is not teaching and performing, he is a handpan maker at Oasis Sound Sculpture and he currently lives in Glendora, CA.
Job Titles:
- Front Ensemble Instructor
Emily is an active percussion educator in Southern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in Percussion Performance from California State University, Long Beach and has performed with marching ensembles such as Orange County Independent, Broken City, RCC, Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, and Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps.
This is Emily's 1 st season with Meraki and she is looking forward to being an positive impact on the ensemble.
Tyler performed with Mandarin Drum and Bugle Corps in 2014. He also performed for five seasons with Dark Sky Percussion (2015 - 2019). While performing with Dark Sky Percussion, he was the vibe section leader in 2018 and Front Ensemble Section leader in 2019. With his outstanding playing and educational experiences, Tyler held the Front Ensemble Caption Head positions for Don Lugo High School (2019 - Present) and Claremont High School (2018 - 2019). Tyler was the Pit Tech for Nogales High School (2018 - 2019). This will be Tyler's1 st season teaching with Meraki's world-class Instructional Staff. Tyler currently lives in Chino, CA.
Jared's passion for percussion led him to perform in several of California's elite drum and bugles corps and percussion ensembles such as Vanguard Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps (2015 &2016), Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps (2017, 2018 & 2019), POW Percussion (2017), Broken City (2018, 2019, 2020 & 2022).
His desire to educate young percussionists led to several programs in Northern and Southern California including Saratoga High School (2016-2018), Rowland High School (2019 - Present) and Upland High School (2019 - Present).
Jared currently resides in Corona, CA.
Zakk started marching at Mission Viejo High School under the tutelage of Mike Jackson, Jared Andrews, Jeremy Somers, and Fernando Miller. After graduating, he went on to perform with The Academy (2012 - 2013), RCC Fall (2012 - 2013), Orange County Independent (2013), Pulse (2014), Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps (2014), RCC (2015), and aged out with The Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps (2015) and RCC (2016). Zakk's teaching experiences includes Orange County Independent, Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, Dark Sky Percussion, Laguna Beach High School, Trabuco Hills High School, Mission Viejo High School, Laguna Hills High School, Diamond Bar High School, El Dorado High School, Fountain Valley High School, Etiwanda High School, and Diamond Bar High School. Zakk graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications in 2020, and has been practicing childhood ABA Therapy in Southern California for two years as a Registered Behavior Technician. When not working his professional career, he is a freelance battery arranger for different ensembles such as Sac State Indoor Percussion Ensemble (Sacramento, California). Zakk is a proud member of the Vic Firth & Zildjian Educational Team and the Rudimental Mindset Educational Team. This will be his 3 rd season of arranging for the battery. Zakk currently lives in Mission Viejo, CA.
Amber performed with Golden Empire Drum and Bugle Corps on trumpet in 2015 and 2016. She then continued on to march The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps from 2017 to 2019. During this time she also played cymbals for Bakersfield College Indoor in 2018 and 2019, and Pow Percussion in 2020 and 2022. During this time Amber also taught 3 years at Independence High School (Bakersfield, CA) overseeing cymbal techniques, visual techniques and choreography as well as show design for Independence High Schools fall and winter programs. Since aging out she contributed to Golden Empire Drum and Bugle Corps' visual program for the 2022 season. Amber is excited to be joining Meraki's Instructional Staff for the 2023 Season.
Kevin marched with Blue Devils "B" in 2013 and Pacific Crest in 2014 before joining the 20-time DCI World Champion Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps from 2015-2017. During his tenure, he had the opportunity to perform with the Boston Pops in Tanglewood, sing with the Concord Voices, and serve as the Trombone Soloist in 2017. Kevin received his Bachelor of Arts in Music and Teaching Credential from California State University, Fullerton. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, he performed with the Wind Symphony, Trombone Ensemble, Trombone Quartet, Brass Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble.
Kevin is excited to be able to this great educational team for the 2022-2023 season.
Tristan is a marching bass drum educator from Gilbert, AZ. His marching experience includes: The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps (2013-2014), Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps (2015-2016), Pulse Percussion (2016), And Dark Sky Percussion (2018 and 2020), earning a WGI gold medal with Pulse in 2016 and leading the bass drum sections at The Academy, Blue Stars, and Dark Sky. He has taught at Casa Grande Union High School in Arizona from 2017-2021, and at Flux Indoor Percussion in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Tristan earned a B.S. in Business Data Analytics from Arizona State University and has a passion for music outside of the marching activity. Tristan is excited to be joining Meraki for the 2023 season
Lorenzo is a percussion educator and performer from Ontario, CA. He began his marching education at Chino High School under the instruction of Mike Jackson from 2010 - 2014. He then went on to compete at the highest level of the marching activity in both DCI and WGI for over 5 years, performing with a number of award winning ensembles such as Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps and Pulse Percussion.
Never losing his passion for music and the marching arts and after aging out of the activity, Lorenzo continued to remain involved as an educator. He has worked with a number of high school and independent percussion programs since 2015. Most recently serving as the bass tech for Vessel Drum and Bugle Corps, and is currently the Battery Caption Head at Cypress High School, Glendora High School, and Azusa High School.
Lorenzo continues to find opportunities to perform live music, gigging as a member of multiple local bands as well as both the LA Chargers and LA Kings drumlines. He is very excited to be returning to Meraki for his 3rd season.
Lorenzo currently lives in Ontario, CA
Mario is a world-class snare drummer and educator from Riverside, California. His marching career began performing as a middle schooler with Ramona High School (2013-2018) until graduating. During and after high school, his independent ensemble experience includes Watchmen (2016-2018), Watchmen Indoor (2018), RCC Marching Tigers (2018-2019), POW Percussion (2019), and RCC (2020).
His experience as an educator includes providing instruction at Orange Vista High School, Redlands East Valley High School, Fontana High School, and Jurupa Middle School.
Mario is excited to be returning for a 2nd season
Harrison is a music educator based in Southern California and this will be his first year working with Meraki. He started his indoor career as choreographer and visual instructor for Arcadia World Percussion in 2022 where the group finished 4th in PSW at the WGI Championships in Dayton, Ohio. Harrison also had a performing career in DCI as a marching member at Pacific Crest and drum major at The Blue Devils. In addition to his drum corps career, Harrison has also served as a visual and music instructor for various high schools throughout Southern California, including Arcadia High School, Rancho Cucamonga High School, El Dorado High School, and Vista Murrieta High School. Harrison holds an AA degree from Riverside City College in music and is currently pursuing a BM in music education at Cal State Los Angeles. Harrison is very excited to joining Meraki and leading the visual portion of the program.
Robert has a long history of being involved with music programs over the years. Some of his past percussion instruction ensembles are Western Albemarle High School (Crozet, VA), Western Branch High School (Chesapeake, VA), Lakeland High School (Suffolk, VA), Tallwood High School (Virginia Beach, VA), Cox High School (Virginia Beach, VA) and Princess Anne High School (Virginia Beach, VA). Robert also did some judging for several marching band circuits and music festivals in Virginia. Robert was also a member of Southern Nights Drum & Bugle Corps that was based in Virginia Beach, VA. After moving to California, he took on the Percussion Instructor for Gahr High School (Cerritos, CA). Later he started an independent drumline for young teenagers in the LA Area. This then transformed into the Mystikal Youth Arts Organization (2004 - 2009). Robert also have experience in visual design as part of his duties with the various high school ensembles and worked closely with his mentors Tim Gauldin, Andy Harnsberger and Kevin Mitchell arranging marching percussion music for the various high school programs in Virginia Beach, VA.
Robert holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with a focus on Technical Operations from Old Dominion University and numerous certifications. He is also a member of National Association of Minority Architects (NOMA) and Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity as one of the Charter Members for the Upsilon Beta Chapter. Robert's professional career is currently administering a contractor development and bonding program for Public Agencies in Downtown Los Angeles.
He currently lives in Long Beach, CA where he enjoys international traveling, off-roading, camping and hiking. He loves his family, the Washington Redskins, New York Yankees and Boston Celtics.
Robin is a photographer, educator, and personal/executive assistant from Laguna Niguel, California. While playing baritone and cymbals in high school, she began her career in the marching arts at Pacific Crest in 2013. She stayed with PC until 2017, serving as a section leader and Horn Sergeant for two years before aging out with the 2019 Blue Devils.
Robin's passion for action shots was largely focused on the winter drumline scene - shooting her friends and idols at SCPA and WGI shows since 2012 - but though she was primarily a low brass performer, she found her way to the floor as an inaugural member of OCI Winds in 2015 (flute), a part of Dark Sky's first visual line in 2018, and a performer in RCC Indoor Percussion's movement ensemble in 2019 & 2020.
Robin started teaching high school marching bands in 2015, as a flute coach then vis tech and choreographer. With a keen interest in storytelling - be it literal, visual, or musical - she earned a bachelor's degree in Literature and Writing from UC San Diego and continued to teach various high school marching bands and drumlines throughout the greater Orange County and LA Areas. She returned to the marching arts as a visual instructor for Dark Sky Percussion's 2022 season and was a photographer for the Santa Clara Vanguard for the summer of 2022.Robin is also coming back to El Dorado High School to teach their marching band in the fall.
Job Titles:
- Front Ensemble Instructor
Job Titles:
- Ensemble Manager / Staff Coordinator
Zakk started marching at Mission Viejo High School under the tutelage of Mike Jackson, Jared Andrews, Jeremy Somers, and Fernando Miller. After graduating, he went on to perform with The Academy (2012 - 2013), RCC Fall (2012 - 2013), Orange County Independent (2013), Pulse (2014), Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps (2014), RCC (2015), and aged out with The Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps (2015) and RCC (2016). Zakk's teaching experiences includes Orange County Independent, Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, Dark Sky Percussion, Laguna Beach High School, Trabuco Hills High School, Mission Viejo High School, Laguna Hills High School, Diamond Bar High School, El Dorado High School, Fountain Valley High School, Etiwanda High School, and Diamond Bar High School.
Zakk graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications in 2020, and has been practicing childhood ABA Therapy in Southern California for two years as a Registered Behavior Technician. When not working his professional career, he is a freelance battery arranger for different ensembles such as Sac State Indoor Percussion Ensemble (Sacramento, California).
Zakk is a proud member of the Vic Firth & Zildjian Educational Team and the Rudimental Mindset Educational Team.
This will be his 2nd season as the Staff Coordinator and Ensemble Manager.
Zakk currently lives in Mission Viejo, CA.