staff

A young man with glasses, a beard, and short brown hair holding a red lollipop to his chin, wearing a purple T-shirt, standing outdoors in front of a blurred background of trees and buildings.
Smiling woman standing outside Lucas Oil Stadium, wearing a dark jacket and olive-green pants, with a backpack and conference badge, in front of the stadium's glass facade.

Jesse Milhoan

president, ensemble Director

  • Jesse Milhoan is an active percussion educator, performer, and composer located in Phoenix, Arizona. A graduate of Northern Arizona University with a B.M. in Instrumental Music Education, Jesse studied his primary instrument with Dr. Steven Hemphill from 2017-2021.

    Jesse’s educational history includes working with Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps as caption manager of the audio team since 2025, and has also held positions with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps and Academy Drum and Bugle Corps.


    Jesse has previously held positions at LINEA Indoor Percussion, Millennium High School, Verrado High School, North Peoria Indoor Percussion, and with the Northern Arizona University Lumberjack Marching Band alongside many other programs. Outside of the marching arts, he is a freelance private lessons instructor in all areas of percussion and full time Director of Bands at Willow Canyon High School.

    Jesse was a member of Vision Percussion during their 2022 season, helping the group qualify for finals at their WGI Championships debut. He has also performed with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and Arizona Winds Concert Band. Jesse proudly endorses Salyers Percussion, Encore Percussion, and Zildjian Cymbals.

Hailey davis

Assistant program Director

  • Born and raised in California, Hailey found her passion for the performing arts at Chino High School, performing in the marching band as a tuba player and in color guard. She went on to work in costuming at Disneyland, which began a nearly decade-long journey in costume and uniform management. That experience expanded through five years with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, where she served in multiple leadership roles including Assistant Corps Director, Uniform Manager, and Volunteer Coordinator.


    Today, she continues to blend performance and education as a member of ProcesS Independent Winterguard and as a color guard instructor at Willow Canyon High School and Youngker High School. With a deep background in performance, design, and leadership, she is dedicated to supporting and inspiring the next generation of performers.

Man wearing glasses, beanie, and leather jacket standing outdoors in an urban setting.

battery staff

shad balot

batterty coordinator

  • Shad Balot is an active educator and battery arranger in the valley. For over ten years, he has taught various high schools including Mesquite high school, Sandra Day O’Connor High school, and Cesar Chavez High School. He has also taught at Phenom as well as Phoenix Union Indoor.

    Besides teaching music, Shad has also arranged music for drumlines around the state and has been an adjudicator for WGAZ.

    Shad also enjoys spending his free time playing music, and spending time with his daughter Athena, his wife Alison, and their five dogs. Shad is passionate about music and his awesome family!

A young man with brown hair, a beard, and a red and black plaid shirt looking down while holding a wooden stick during outdoor event at dusk.

ethyn corfield

snare technichian

  • Ethyn Corfield is a percussion educator and performer based out of Buckeye, Arizona. He is excited to be joining the Epicenter Indoor Percussion Educational Team as a snare drum technician.


    Ethyn is a proud alumnus of Phenom Soundsport (2016), Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps (2018-2019), The Colts Drum and Bugle Corps (2021), and Breakthrough Indoor Percussion (2022). During his time, Ethyn learned from notable percussion instructors such as Richard Hinshaw, Gary Juarez, Josh Nelson, and Miles Kenobbie.

    Ethyn has been teaching since late 2018, working with over a dozen high schools in the greater Phoenix area. Ethyn is currently the Percussion Caption Head for Agua Fria High School in Avondale, Arizona, as well as a snare drum technician for the 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps in New London, Connecticut. Previously, Ethyn has also taught at Breakthrough Indoor Percussion (2023), and LINEA Percussion (2025).

    Ethyn proudly endorses Vic Firth Drumsticks and Zildjian Cymbals.

A man with a beard and earrings playing drums in a dimly lit setting with colorful fairy lights in the background.

Jeremy reynoso

tenor technichian

  • Jeremy was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona where he attended Marcos De Niza High school. Jeremy went on to study music at Mesa Community College and Arizona Sate University - receiving his degree in music Performance. Jeremy has had the opportunity to study with Chris Reidy, Robby Carrillo, Dom Moio, Nick Manson, Lewis Nash, Michal Kocour, and J.B. Smith. Jeremy's marching experience includes ASU Sun Devil Marching Band, Breakthrough Indoor Percussion, and POW Percussion. Jeremy's teaching experience includes 7 years teaching at Marcos De Niza HS (Percussion Caption Head), Breakthrough Indoor Percussion (Quad Tech | 2018 - 2020), Linea Indoor Percussion (Quad Tech), Flux Indoor Percussion (Drumset Tech) and Carl Hayden High School (Front Ensemble). Jeremy also teaches private drum lessons at Scottsdale Music Academy and gigs regularly with a variety of groups and ensembles in Phoenix, Arizona. Some of these groups include: Dayweather, Benja Bloom Band, Jay Allan and the Uncommon Good, The Stakes, LuMar, Sunset Voodoo, Hyperbella, Rene Benton, The Getdown, and many more local artists.

Gavyn Hardison

tenor technichian

  • Gavyn Hardison is a current educator in the west valley was born and raised in Surprise, Arizona. He has been performing on Quads in the marching arts for the last 7 years. 

    Beginning on Drumset in late 2017, Gavyn quickly found a home behind the quad drums as he began his marching journey at Shadow Ridge High School in 2019.

    Since then he has performed with Convergence (2020) on drumset, Linea (2022), Vision (2023-2024), The Columbians Drum and Bugle Corps (2023), Flux (2025), and The Academy (2025) on Quads.

    His teaching experience includes Convergence (2024) as a Quad tech and Shadow Ridge High School (2025) as Battery Caption Head.

    Gavyn is quick on his feet and full on knowledge through many different educators across both the valley and nation, he seeks to bring the most straightforward and accessible approach to the quad drums leading to a relaxed atmosphere cultivating a culture of constant improvement.

Alex Bodine

Upper Battery technichian

  • Alex Bodine is an active percussion educator and classical saxophonist born and raised in Arizona, where he attended Willow Canyon High School. After taking a break to focus on school, Alex has recently returned to the marching arts with Vision Indoor Percussion (2025) but has spent prior seasons marching bass, snare, and quads with Convergence Indoor Percussion (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022). 

    Alex is a freelance private lessons instructor for multiple instruments, including clarinet, saxophone, and percussion. While private lessons with students take up the majority of teaching experience, Alex has taught at and arranged for schools around the state, including Coconino High School (2022), Dysart High School (2024, 2025), and Willow Canyon High School (2025). Alex currently studies at GCC, hoping to earn his degree in exercise science/physiology soon. Alex is thrilled to be here for Epicenter’s inaugural season and can’t wait to see the ensemble’s growth.


Young man and woman drummers in blue uniforms playing drums outdoors at a community event, with people standing in line in the background and trees nearby.

Brayden Hodge

bass technichian

  • Brayden Hodge was raised in Surprise, Arizona where he attended Shadow Ridge High School. Brayden has been an active bass drummer inside of the marching arts community for 7 years as a performer and an instructor. Outside of high school, his marching experience includes Convergence (2020,2022), Southwind (2022), Vision (2023), Seattle Cascades (2023), Flux (2024,2025), Academy (2024), Blue Stars (2025).

    Brayden has been actively teaching since 2022 with Valley Vista High School (2022), Convergence (2023), North Peoria Indoor (2024), and Verrado Venom Indoor Percussion (2025). He has also been teaching percussion at Shadow Ridge High School since 2023.

A young man in a white t-shirt and glasses playing a cymbal outdoors, with other musicians and trees in the background.

Micahel Cristobal

Cymbal technichian

  • Michael Cristobal was born and raised in the Phoenix area, where he has dedicated himself to teaching, volunteering, and continuously learning from diverse perspectives across the valley.
    With over eight years of experience in the music community and five years as an educator, Michael has developed a deep passion for performance and mentorship. During his performing years, he was a proud member of the Carl Hayden Marching Band (2016–2021), Phoenix Union Indoor (2017–2023), and most recently Linea Indoor Percussion, where he aged out as a performer.
    As an educator, Michael has worked alongside a variety of directors across multiple programs, including Carl Hayden Community High School (2022–2024), American Leadership Academy Gilbert (2023–2024), and Younker High School (2024–2025).
    Currently, he serves as a woodwind technician during the marching season and a cymbal and visual technician during the indoor season. His commitment to musical excellence and student growth has led his ensembles to top placements, as well as meaningful progress in skill, confidence, and artistry.

A young man with long black hair, wearing a black knit beanie and green gauge earrings, standing outdoors near a yellow sign with blue text, and looking serious with his hand behind his head.

front ensemble staff

jaelan kim

front ensemble coordinator

  • Jaelan is a proud front ensemble educator from the valley. Since graduating from Perry High School in 2017, Jaelan has taught an array of ensembles all over the state. The list of schools includes Millennium HS, Sandra Day O’Connor HS, Peoria HS, Campo Verde HS, and many more. His involvement in the percussion community lead him to join the front ensemble staff of Vision Percussion from 2022-2025. 

    Jaelan is a proud alumni of the ASU Sun Devil Marching Band (2017) and Breakthrough Indoor Percussion (2018-2021).

    Currently, Jaelan is the Front Ensemble Caption Head and Audio Engineer for Basha High School in Chandler, AZ.

    Outside of the Arizona band community, Jaelan spends his time as a Live Sound Engineer for corporate events. 

Cayden shope

front ensemble technichian

  • Cayden grew up surrounded by music, with many family members playing instruments. He learned piano and guitar before joining school band as a percussionist. He performed in youth symphonies, jazz bands, marching bands, and several winter drumline ensembles. Cayden graduated from Mesa High School in 2021. He has performed with Phenom Soundsport, Flux Indoor Percussion, and most recently Vision Percussion’s 2024 ensemble. He studied Music Education at Mesa Community College and graduated from CRAS in May 2025. Cayden teaches percussion at Williams Field High School and Mesa High School. He enjoys doing audio work, collecting vinyl records, learning new instruments, and giving private lessons.

Cristian Torres

front ensemble technician

  • Cristian is the director of bands and orchestras at Valley Vista High School appointed in 2024. Mr. Torres conducts all instrumental musical classes including the instruction of piano. In addition, he oversees the Valley Vista Vanguard  Marching Band and Jazz Ensembles.

    Prior to joining Valley Vista High School, Mr. Torres attended DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois graduating with a Bachelors in Music Education. Under his direction, programs have been rebuilt and successfully gone on to uphold a standard of excellence in the concert setting. Most recently, Cimarron Springs Middle School made its first appearance at the ABODA concert festival in 2021 receiving a Superior with Distinction at Area Festival and a Superior at the State Festival.

    Outside of the band setting, Mr. Torres is sponsored by Salyers Educational Percussion team and is working with various ensembles in the AZ circuit and private setting.

A young woman in a cream lace dress with a brown belt, smiling and leaning against a wooden wall with vertical panels.

visual staff

neechelle Takinen

visual designer

  • Neechelle is a movement specialist and designer from Phoenix, AZ. She is very active in the marching community, working with over a dozen ensembles each year. She has also worked with Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps on their 2014 field show, the Arizona Academy Drum and Bugle Corps 2015-2019, and was on staff with Pulse Percussion for their 2016 season. She most recently worked with Linea 2024-2025 and is on the 2026 Flux visual team.


    Neechelle’s performance experience includes 22 years of competitive dance and 12 years of music. She has been a part of many independent marching ensembles, including Mosaic Independent Percussion, Dark Sky Percussion, Arizona State University Indoor Percussion, Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, Breakthrough Indoor Percussion, and Pulse Percussion. She has also made a number of appearances in the Russian Nutcracker and the Snow Queen Ballet.

Austin hall

visual consultant

  • Austin Hall is a highly accomplished visual designer, choreographer,
    and educator in the marching arts community, known for his dynamic
    leadership and creative vision. With nearly a decade of experience
    across both scholastic and independent programs, Austin has served in a range of roles from visual technician to program coordinator. His work has shaped the success of ensembles such as Windermere High School—achieving a top-50 national placement at BOA Grand Nationals
    and multiple state silver medals—as well as Horizon Winds, where his
    choreography and design helped earn several WGI and FFCC accolades. His expertise spans visual technique training, drill design, and program development, making him a sought-after collaborator for groups
    nationwide.

    Currently the Program Coordinator and Visual Designer at Andrew
    Jackson High School in South Carolina, Austin is leading the creation of a comprehensive marching program from the ground up, combining strong pedagogy with cutting-edge design. He has also contributed to the success of numerous other high schools and drum corps, including the Troopers, Louisiana Stars, The Battalion, and Troopers Legacy Corps, where he now serves as Program Coordinator and Drill Writer. Austin's approach blends technical excellence with artistic innovation, inspiring performers and raising the standard of every ensemble he works with.

A smiling man with a shaved head sitting at a table in front of a backdrop with Australian Sports Museum and MCG logos. He wears a display wristband, a black T-shirt with a Villanova Wildcats logo, and a green and yellow wristband.

Klay Dalton

Visual Staff

  • This will be Klay's first season assisting Epicenter as a visual instructor.  He is an Arizona native who has been involved with the marching arts activity for over 30 years as a fan, performer, volunteer, and instructor.

    Klay spent nine years marching baritone and euphonium with various ensembles throughout Arizona. He marched four summers with The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps including the 2006 Division II World Championship season.  He has been a visual instructor and drill writer at numerous programs in the Peoria Unified and Glendale Union High School Districts where he helped win multiple visual caption awards.  He currently instructs at LINEA (PIO) and has previously taught at NoPo Indoor (PSA).

    Klay graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor's in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Social Studies.  Outside of the marching world, he works in Marketing at PetSmart and enjoys spending his free time with his wife Ashley and their dog Jasper.

A young man with light skin, dark hair, and a beard, smiling with arms crossed, wearing a black polo shirt with an orange and white letter A on the chest, standing outdoors in front of a whitish wall with a shadow behind him.

Nate Conell

Visual Staff

  • Nate Conell is a Music Educator, Multi-Instrumentalist and Marching Arts Designer currently based in Phoenix, Arizona. Nate is the Director of Instrumental Music at Arcadia High School in Phoenix, Arizona where he conducts the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Orchestra, and Jazz Band. He is also the director of the Spirit of Arcadia Marching Band which has won 10 state championships in the ABODA and AzMBA circuits. Nate has designed music, drill and choreography for the last several years for programs like McClintock High School, Liberty High School, Agua Fria High School and Arcadia High School. Nate received his Bachelors of Music Learning and Teaching from Arizona State University with an emphasis in Clarinet, go Devils!

junior varela

Visual Staff

  • Cornelio “Junior” Varela, is a visual marching band educator from Phoenix, Arizona who has been involved with the music and marching arts for several years. In 2011 Cornelio began his involvement with the arts as a performer on mellophone in high school and was also a member of the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps in 2014. After high school, he continued performing with the Grand Canyon University Thundering Herd Pep Band and concert ensemble from 2015 – 2017. Since 2018 Cornelio transitioned to an educator role and has worked with both marching and indoor percussion/colorguard ensembles with Verrado High School in Buckeye, Arizona. While with Verrado High School, Cornelio has assisted the ensemble with achieving 4th place in the state in 2021 and qualifying for state championships and placing 8th in 2023. Cornelio has also assisted with the Millennium High School marching band in Goodyear, Arizona in 2023. In addition, Cornelio has served as Tour Admin with the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps in 2022 and the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps in 2023.  From 2023 - 2024 Cornelio was involved with Foreword Indoor Winds serving as a Visual Caption Head and Visual Caption manager respectively. Cornelio is very passionate about the music and marching arts and enjoys being able to learn and collaborate with an amazing team of fellow educators in order to provide a rewarding experience for members. Of utmost importance for Cornelio is to provide the best experience for members so they can achieve new skills and even learn life skills that can assist them in their future. Cornelio is very excited to be joining the debut year of epicenter and is eager to help the ensemble grow and provide students with an amazing, educational, and rewarding experience as possible.