Posting on behalf of Robert Villanova...
The Sunrisers are proud to introduce their 2007 percussion staff. Though the names may have already been announced, we would like to say a few more words about these amazing talents!
Caption Head- ROBERT VILLANOVA
Robert Villanova has been the Percussion Caption Head for the Sunrisers since 2003. He is also the Percussion Caption Head & Staff Coordinator for the Port Chester High School Marching Band and Winter Percussion Ensemble in Port Chester, NY. Under his instruction both groups have won numerous Championships in multiple circuits. For the past ten years he has taught private lessons in the Westchester County area. Robert is part of the Marching Percussion Specialists program for the Vic Firth, Inc. Educational Team. He proudly uses and endorses Dynasty Percussion, Remo Drumheads, Meinl Cymbals & Percussion and Vic Firth sticks & mallets.
Front Ensemble Design – BRIAN DINKEL
Brian Dinkel is an in-demand performer, arranger, and instructor from the Southern California region. He completed his Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from CSU, Northridge, and is currently completing his BA in Music Education. As a performer, he has had the opportunity to play with artists such as Tom Scott, Ed Shaughnessy, Alex Acuna, Peter Erskine, and Jerry Steinholtz. He has also performed with ensembles like the Anaheim Kingsmen Indoor Percussion Ensemble, Black Knights Winter Percussion (2003 WGI Silver medalist) and Riverside Community College (2004 WGI Silver medalist). As anarranger, Brian has written marching band shows and indoor shows for Moorpark HS, Granada Hills HS, Ramona HS, Chaparral HS, La Sierra HS, Simi Valley HS,and many more. Briancurrently is teaching 4-time WGI A class Finalist, Newbury Park HS, Granada Hills HS and the 2005 WGI Gold-medalist, Riverside Community College Marching Band & Winter drumline. Brian has also been the pit instructor for the Esperanza Drum & Bugle Corps from San Diego, CA since 2004. Brian has been a member of the Vic Firth Education Team since 2003, and proudly uses VF sticks and mallets.
Percussion Design - SEAN VEGA
Tenor, Blue Devils Concord CA 1994-1997; DCI Tenor Individual Champion 1995; Member Blue Devils Percussion Staff 1997 to present; Caption Head/Arranger Riverside Community College Marching Tigers; Valley View High School CA; Clinician for Bands of America, Bowl Games of America, PAS, DCI, and Drum Corps Europe.
Percussion Instructor- MIKE CARUSO -
Masters in Music Crane School of Music Potsdam NY ;, Assistant Instructor Reading Buccaneers 2001-2004; Marched Crossmen; Band Director Hicksville HS, Hicksville,NY
Pit Instructor- DERICK JERINSKY
Band Director at Somers HS Somers, NY [MAC Class 1 Champions] (2004-Present); Percussion Instructor at Ramsey HS, Ramsey, NJ (2004-Present); Percussion Instructor at Port Chester HS, Port Chester, NY (2002-Present); Pit Instructor at Sunrisers Drum & Bugle Corps (2002-present); BMUS Manhattanville College Purchase, NY; Pursuing Masters Degree at Manhattan College
Snare Instructor- DARICK KELLY -
Blue Devils 2005 DCI Snare Individual 2nd place winner -
Bass Tech- DAVE SCOZZARO
David Scozzaro is in his second year instructing the Sunrisers. He has also spent the past four marching band seasons working with both West Essex and Northern Highlands high schools. He looks forward to making this season with the Sunrisers a successful one.
Tenors- ROBERT LEE LAZENBERY “TEX”
Percussion caption head and co-arranger—South Brunswick High School (2006-Present); Percussion instructor—Union High School Marching Band (2006); Percussion consultant—Port Chester High School Indoor Drum Line (2006); Percussion technician—United Percussion (2004); Percussion technician—Phoenix Drum and Bugle Corps (2003); Battery co-arranger and percussion technician—Immaculata High School Marching Band (2001-2005); Lead marching technician and percussion technician—Connecticut Hurricanes (2000)
Lead marching technician—Bridgewater-Raritan High School (1999)
Percussion caption head and technician—Lone Star Drum and Bugle Corps (1993-1994)
Percussion technician—Hatboro-Horsham High School INNOVATIONS Indoor Drum Line (1992-1995, 1998, 2000, 2002-2003)
Percussion arranger and technician—Central Regional High School (1991-1992)
Percussion instructor—Passaic Valley Regional High School (1991)
Percussion consultant—Trumbull High School (1991)
Battery Arranger and technician—Douglas MacArthur High School (1989-1990)