Forte To Play On King Horns In 2010

Bo Clifton from King said about bringing Forté into the Kings of the Field:

Forté Drum and Bugle Corps is also very proud to announce their excellent brass staff that will lead the corps through a great inaugural season!

Brass Caption Head, Andrew Lee

Andrew Lee comes to Forte after serving as Brass Caption head for Memphis Sound in 2009. Aside from his experience teaching drum corps Andrew is an alumni of Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps of Canton, Ohio where he marched Euphonium as a soloist. Andrew is a proud graduate of Abilene Christian University with a degree in Music Education. He is also a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, TMEA, and TBA. Andrew is also in his second year serving as an Assistant Director of Bands at Katy High School in Katy, Texas where his responsibilities include design and concept of the fall marching show, drill design, brass caption head, and director of the jazz project. Andrew has served as a guest clinician and adjudicator at schools across the state and marching instructor at schools such as Abilene High School, Hawley High School, Cinco Ranch High School, Seven Lakes High School and many others. Andrew is a proud husband as well and has been married to his amazing and supportive wife Amanda for three years now. Aside from brass instruction Andrew is also a highly sought after Bass Trombonist specializing in Jazz performance, and drill design. Andrew enters this year excited to be a part of this great organization and the knows this season will be one of great success. Andrew resides in Katy, TX brass [at] fortecorps [dot] org

Brass Technical Staff

High Brass:

Ashley Burgess is originally from Poteau, Oklahoma. She currently resides in Fayetteville, Arkansas where she is a senior music education major at the University of Arkansas. She is currently a member of the University of Arkansas Razorback Marching Band and the U of A Trumpet Studio. Ashley began her drum corps career in 2005 as a member of the Memphis Sound Drum and Bugle Corps. She was a member of the trumpet section until 2007, when she became the trumpet section leader. That summer, Memphis Sound won the Brass Trophy, Visual Trophy, and the 2007 Division III World Championship. Ashley finished her performing career in 2009 as a member of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps. Along with her drum corps experience, Ashley has taught at numerous high schools throughout the South. Ashley is very happy to be a member of the staff for the inaugural season of Forte Drum and Bugle Corps.

Julian Sconyers is currently a graduate student at the University of Georgia pursuing a Masters of Music Education. He also received his Bachelors Degree in Music Education from UGA where he studied trumpet with Professor Fred Mills. While at Georgia, Jay has performed in a wide variety of instrumental and choral ensembles and performed throughout the United States, Germany, Austria, Italy, and China. In 2006, Jay performed with Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. Jay is an alumnus of the Sudler Trophy winning UGA Redcoat Marching Band (2003-2008) and is currently serving on instructional staff with the band. Jay is an active arranger, drill designer, and clinician in the eastern and southern United States. His professional affiliations include College Music Educators National Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Buddy Ames began his drum corps career with Suncoast Sound in 1982. During his 5 years with Suncoast, he played Soprano, French Horn, Flugelhorn, and Mellophone, and was taught by DCI legends such as Robert Smith, Frank Williams, Jerry Kelsey, and Al Murray. He spent his age-out year in 1988 with Florida Wave, where he was a featured soloist along with Carolina Crown brass staffer and Blue Devils ‘Tommy’ soloist Larry Shane. His age-out year concluded with a DCI Mellophone Individuals Championship. Buddy’s Drum Corps teaching career includes, Florida Wave brass tech ’89 – ’91, Suncoast Sound brass caption head ’94, and Southwind brass tech ’04 – ’07. He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, receiving a Bachelor of Instrumental Music Education degree in 2000, and has been a band director in Oklahoma for 10 years. He has been married to his amazing wife Jodi for 10 years. They have two children; an almost-9-year-old daughter Abbey, and a 2 1/2-year-old son Michael.

John Martin (also serving as a Program Intern) recently graduated from Huntingdon College in Montgomey AL with bachelor’s degrees in Music and Religion. He comes to Forte from Memphis Sound, having marched and instructed there since 2007. John anticipates entering a Masters program in January to begin work in Voice Performance where he will continue to broaden his musical education. He has worked and performed with many choirs, bands and other ensembles in the southeastern United States and was honored in 2009 by being selected as a Finalist in the national auditions for Chanticleer, "The World’s Reigning Male Chorus." Aside from performance and instruction, John enjoys composing and arranging, especially for liturgical settings. He looks forward to being a part Forte’s brass team and helping them set a high standard for the corps’ brassline. John currently lives in Montgomery AL.

George Flores (also serving as Brass Arranger) is an Associate Director of Bands at Paschal High School in Fort Worth, TX. He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX. In addition to being a marching member, Mr. Flores spent two years (2000, 2001) on the visual staff for the Bobcat Marching Band. Mr. Flores played soprano on the hornline of the World Class Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. While at Texas State, he studied trumpet under Dr. Keith Winking. In addition, he studied trumpet with Mr. Andrew Gignac of the San Antonio Symphony, Mr. Bernie Nero of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and Mr. Pete Bond of the New York Metropolitan Opera. Mr. Flores studied jazz under Dr. James Polk and Dr. John Mills where he was a member of the Texas State Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Ensemble. Other influential teachers include the late Mr. John C. King, Mr. James G. Hudson, Mr. Raul Rodriguez and Mr. John Stansberry. At Paschal High School, Mr. Flores’ duties include directing the Symphonic Band and Concert Band and directing the 1st and 2nd Jazz Ensembles. In addition, Mr. Flores is the Brass Caption Head and Music Arranger for the Paschal Panther Marching Band. George Flores had previously served as Associate Director of Bands at Harlingen South High School in Harlingen, TX. While at Harlingen South, duties included director of the 3rd Concert Band, director of the 2nd Jazz Ensemble and Co-director of the 1st Jazz Ensemble. Other duties included Music Arranger and Brass Caption Head for the 5A State Qualifying Mighty Hawk Marching Band. In 2007, Mr. Flores was selected as a Guest Clinician for the ATSSB Region 15 Jazz Band. Mr. Flores resides in Fort Worth, TX with his wonderful wife Suzanne, and their spoiled dog, Fergie. In his spare time Mr. Flores is a marching band music arranger and an admitted N.B.A. addict.

Low Brass:

Johnathan Yoo is joining the Forte staff for the first time in 2010. He is currently the Assistant Director of Bands at Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas. His responsibilities at Seven Lakes includes directing the marching band, overseeing design, staff, and instruction. Also, he directs the Concert Band, the Jazz Lab Band, and assists with all of the other ensembles. Jonathan’s marching experience includes four years with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps from 2002-2005. There he marched baritone/euphonium in the hornline. He has taught for schools in the Houston area such as Clements HS and Seven Lakes HS. In May of 2009, Jonathan graduated Cum Laude from the University of Houston with a degree in Music Education. While in college he performed with the marching band, wind ensembles, and the Jazz Orchestra. While in the Jazz Orchestra he has had the opportunity to perform with artists such as Wayne Bergeron, Diane Schuur, Conrad Herwig, and Vincent Herring. Jonathan’s professional affiliations include Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity of America, Texas Music Educators Association, and Texas Bandmasters Association.

Charles Stollon comes to the brass staff from a strong background in both teaching and marching. After completing high school, CZ attended Georgia Tech where he marched his first DCI season in 2002 with The Cavaliers of Rosemont, IL. CZ moved back to the DFW area in 2003 and finished his undergrad at the University of North Texas under Nick Williams, Dennis Fisher, Eugene Corporon and Dr. Brian Bowman. Marching his age-out in 2004, CZ came back to UNT as drum major of the Green Brigade Marching Band for two seasons. He has been an active technician with the Newman Smith, Plano East and R.L. Turner marching bands. He is currently an active member of the Texas Music Educators’ Association and Texas Bandmasters Association. He currently resides in the DFW area and is the Assistant Director of Bands at Vivian Field Middle School in Farmers Branch. He is happily married and he and his wife share two very energetic dogs, and is looking forward to an exciting season in the maiden voyage of Forte!! Charles will also be serving on the Brass Staff

Jonathan Alvis is the Director of Athletic Bands and Assistant Professor of Low Brass at the University of South Dakota. He completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Trombone Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2009. Earning a Master of Music degree in Trombone Performance from UNCG in 2007, Alvis received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Concord University in 2004. His trombone instructors include Randy Kohlenberg, Andrew Necessary, and his father Derk, and studies in conducting have been with John Locke. At USD, Alvis directs The Sound of USD, the Coyote Pep Band, and the low brass ensemble. He also teaches low brass students, methods courses, and supervises student teachers. Alvis is a Conn-Selmer endorsed artist and marched with The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps.

There are currently 3 baritones and one trumpet spot still open. Come out and audition to be a part of this excellent corps!