Our team consists of educators, choreographers, arrangers, and designers. With decades of experience across all disciplines, we prioritize the student experience and deliver results that are educational, team-oriented, and tailored to optimize the success of your students and your program.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors includes our core educators, arrangers, designers, and administrators from across the country. Our board operates to further our mission to provide exceptional and accessible resources for the development of students, directors, instructors, and designers in the pageantry arts.

Tori Angel

Tori currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana working as a 2nd-grade teacher. She is a Taco Bell fanatic, new cat mama, sitcom know-it-all, and teacher CEO of her own business to support teachers and their mental health. 

She has a passion and drive to make sure anyone and everyone reaches their full potential through support and creative ideas. She believes there is good in everyone and everything. Tori wants to help her students, clients, and friends feel seen, heard, and help them reach their full potential. 

Tori has been around this active since she was born. Her parents, Steve and Jen Angel, helped build programs together in Ohio and Indiana as a band and guard director team. Growing up, she was exposed to many design and staff meetings when she was young (even though she may have been playing with toys or observing from a wagon at the time) 

Tori’s first guard show was in 1998 when she was only 5 years old. When moving to Greenfield, IN, she went on to participate in her middle school winter guard for three years as well as participate in the marching band as a color guard member from 6th to 10th grade and act as drum major for her Junior and Senior year. Tori was in the WGI A and Open Class finalist winter guard with Greenfield-Central and during college, taught the middle school winter guard she participated in when she was younger. Even though Tori has marched with World Class groups and performers, her main passion is teaching. 

Tori developed many skills working for Fred J. Miller Summer Clinics from the years 2012-2019. She was a color guard staff member, clinic administrator, and helped develop guard, leadership, and training curriculum for 4 years.

Holly Paxton

Holly is an Arizona native, born and raised in Tucson, and currently living in Chattanooga, TN. An alum of the University of Arizona, she was a member of Tau Beta Sigma and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Education. She currently enjoys working as an elementary general music teacher in Hamilton County Schools. Outside of her music teaching, Holly has been a passionate and involved member of the color guard and pageantry activity. 

Holly’s first-ever guard experience was during her sophomore year at University High School. That spring she auditioned to become a clarinet section leader or drum major and walked out of the process as a guard captain. That small moment changed her life forever, guiding her towards the magic of color guard.  Holly continued her color guard performance career at the University of Arizona, both with the Pride of Arizona Marching Band and the winter guard, Veracitas Independent. After graduating from the U of A, she went on to spin with Fenix Independent World for two seasons, including their most recent showing at WGI World Class Finals in Dayton, Ohio.

Beyond her performance career, Holly has been a color guard instructor since 2013. She began teaching with the Fred J. Miller Summer Clinics as part of the color guard staff. She later served as a clinic administrator. While in Tucson she spent time as an instructor with Mountain View High School, Rincon/University High School, and the Pride of Arizona. During her time in Phoenix, Holly worked with the Desert Vista HS marching band and Open winter guard, as well as Altadeña

Holly currently works as the director of the Signal Mountain Middle High School color guard and indoor program as well as working with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga color guard. While not teaching, Holly enjoys spending time with her fiancé and two dogs, cooking, baking, and binging TV shows online.

Jordan Pitner

Jordan is a freelance educator and designer with decades of history in the pageantry arts. He was a member of the Memphis Sound Drum and Bugle Corps in 2006 & 2007, and Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps in 2008 & 2010. An East Tennessee native, Jordan has assisted many programs in Tennesse, Alabama, and Georgia as an educator and consultant.

While serving as the visual director and drill writer, Jordan was part of the Signal Corps Marching Band’s inaugural podium finish at the Tennessee State Division 2 Marching Band Championships in 2017, as well as their first Bands of American Class Champion title at the BOA Powder Springs Regional in 2018. As the visual caption head for the Chattanooga Independent Indoor Percussion program, Jordan helped lead them to their first-ever Open Class Finals at WGI Percussion World Championships in Dayton, Ohio in 2015.

Jordan served as a clinician for years with the Fred J. Miller Summer Clinics as an educator for the Drum Major & Student Leader programs as well as a clinic administrator. 

As a drill writer and show coordinator, Jordan continues to collaborate with high school, independent, and collegiate programs across the country. His programs have performed at national holiday parades, state marching band finals, and been awarded multiple BOA Class Champion awards spanning across Tennessee, Indiana, Arizona, and Texas.

Jordan currently lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee with Holly & his 2 border collies. Jordan serves as visual director for the State Champion Signal Mountain High School Marching Band & the founder/ director of the Chattanooga Pageantry Arts Association.

Rebecca Woods

Rebecca is a project manager and educator in northern Indiana. Originally from Richardson, Texas, she was a member of the JJ Pearce High School color guard and winter guard for four years, serving two years as captain. She also served as the color guard captain for Forte Drum and Bugle Corps in 2012.

Rebecca continued spinning at Stephen F. Austin State University, while she completed her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Teaching and Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences. She was a member of the Lumberjack Marching Band for three years and the PURPetual Motion Winter Guard for one year. Rebecca is an alum of Phi Rho Psi National Color Guard Sorority’s Alpha Chapter and a founding member of the National Council.

In 2013, Rebecca began teaching color guard. She has worked with several high schools, including Palestine High School (TX), Hudson High School (TX), and Jimtown High School (IN). She also judged color guard, drum major, and twirling auditions for several schools in East Texas including Gladewater ISD and Carthage High School. Rebecca served as the Color Guard Coordinator at Stephen F. Austin State University from 2015-2018 during which time she restarted the winter guard program and prepared the color guard for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2015 and Dublin St. Patrick’s Festival Parade in 2018. Rebecca worked for Fred J. Miller Summer Clinics from 2016-2019, as a color guard instructor and clinic administrator.

In 2020, Rebecca began to focus on her project management career. She earned her Project Management Professional (PMI – PMP) certification in 2022. Rebecca stays involved in the pageantry arts through Music Effect Design and supports many of our business efforts. In her free time, Rebecca loves to read and spend time with her cats.

Staff

Our staff believes in the mission of Music Effect Design. They are exceptional educators and designers from across the country that contribute to the resources and services that we offer.

Alex Acuna

Alex Acuna is the current Assistant Band Director in the Piqua City Schools District. In his role, he is responsible for coordinating the 6th grade beginning band program, assisting with the two high school ensembles, and contributing to the marching band program.

Alex holds an undergraduate degree in music education from Miami University, where he studied conducting under Mr. Gary Speck and clarinet under Dr. Wallis Vore. After his first year of undergraduate study at Miami University, he began teaching marching band camps at local area high schools.

His journey in music performance began at William Mason High School where he graduated. Alex participated in prestigious events such as Bands of America Grand Nationals Finals and had the honor of marching in the Tournament of Roses Parade. A significant influence in Alex’s career has been Mrs. Susan Bass, his teacher at Mason, who mentored him and played a crucial role in his development in the performing arts world.

Matthew Brush

Matthew Brush is currently the Front Ensemble coordinator at Troy High School where he graduated from. He attended Butler University and received training in Percussion Performance from members of the Indianapolis Symphonic Orchestra as well as performing with the Butler Wind Symphony, Percussion Ensemble and the Composers Orchestra. He has performed in many groups in High School including Honor Band Programs at Bowling Green and Ohio State. Additionally, he is a member of the Troy Civic Band and the Sinclair Wind Symphony. He is eager to begin reaching more of the music community in Ohio so this is his first year with the program.

Guillermo Cisneros

Guillermo is a passionate dance and colorguard artist, currently teaching ballroom dance at Arthur Murray Dance Center Cincinnati. Originally from California and now based in Ohio, Guillermo launched his professional career with the esteemed Concord Blue Devils A Colorguard (2011-2012). His exceptional talent and dedication led to notable performances with Santa Clara Vanguard Winterguard (2013, 2014, 2016) and Bluecoats Indoor (2019). He also served as an equipment technician for the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps from 2019 to 2021.

Guillermo earned a degree in Dance Studies from UCLA (2010-2015), focusing on modern and improvisational dance. During his studies, he collaborated with prominent choreographers from Los Angeles and New York, enriching his artistic perspective and technical expertise.

Beyond performing, Guillermo has made significant contributions to the competitive colorguard world, working with acclaimed groups such as Miamisburg World High School, i-Squared Independent, and Origins World. Currently, in his third year with the Boston Crusaders Colorguard, he continues to share his extensive knowledge and passion for the sport of the arts.

Since joining Arthur Murray Dance Center Cincinnati, Guillermo has become an award-winning ballroom dance instructor and performer, now in his fifth year. His dedication to excellence extends beyond the studio. He hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of dancers and colorguard artists by fostering a deep love for movement and creativity.

Guillermo looks forward to continuing his journey in arts education, hoping his commitment to dance and colorguard will leave a lasting impact on the arts community.

Wyatt Heinz

Wyatt Heinz, a musician and dedicated educator, currently serves as the Director of Bands for Piqua City Schools. With a foundation in music education from Wright State University, Wyatt’s journey began with student teaching at Mason High School and Beavercreek Middle Schools under notable mentors like Ed Protzman, Avious Jackson, Sean Hurley, and Andy Weaver. His commitment to excellence earned him the Promising Young Music Educator Award from Wright State University twice, reflecting his passion and innovative teaching approach.

Wyatt’s impact extends beyond the classroom. He actively engages with the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA), having served as President of the OCMEA State Board during college and later assuming roles such as High School Honor Band Chair and Treasurer/Secretary for District XI. Under his leadership, the Piqua High School Bands have flourished, earning Superior ratings at various OMEA competitions, including the Marching Band State Finals and Large Group State Contest. Wyatt’s nurturing mentorship fosters a supportive environment where students thrive, embodying discipline, teamwork, and a profound appreciation for the arts. His dedication to musical excellence and community involvement make him a driving force in shaping the future of music education.

Since 2022, Wyatt Heinz has been deeply involved in the Spark Summer Clinics, dedicating his time and expertise to working with leadership and drum major students. His commitment to nurturing young talents extends beyond the academic year, as he enthusiastically engages with students during the summer to hone their leadership skills and musical prowess. Wyatt finds great joy in collaborating with some of the best educators in the country at these clinics, and he values the friendships he has forged with them over the years. Looking ahead, Wyatt is excited to continue his work with the Spark Summer Clinics, knowing that he is making a meaningful impact on the next generation of musicians and leaders.

Melissa Johnson

Melissa Johnson received her Master’s of Music Performance in Conducting from Butler University, where she studied with Col. Michael Colburn and served as the Graduate Assistant to the Athletic Bands program. In addition, she received her Bachelor’s of Music Education from Hope College. Following her undergraduate work, she taught PS-12th grade music at a variety of schools in Michigan and Indiana.

Melissa has guest conducted with multiple high school honor band programs and spent time working with the Fred J. Miller and Spark Summer Clinic programs, where she worked with student leaders at colleges and universities across the United States. Most recently, Melissa served as the Interim Director of Athletic Bands at Butler University and fully stepped into the position of Director of Athletic Bands in 2022. In her free time, Melissa enjoys playing her oboe, crocheting, and attending Broadway musicals.

Ryan Wood

Ryan joins us from the Chicagoland area where he currently teaches 5th-8th grade Band at Lindop School in Broadview, Illinois. He has been a Band Director for over 5 years and has taught conducting to Drum Majors since 2015! Ryan first started teaching Drum Majors with the Fred J. Miller Summer Clinics. In 2022, he joined the Spark Summer Clinics staff.

Once receiving his Bachelors degree in Music Education from Millikin University, Ryan taught 5th-12th grade Band for 4 years in Arthur, Illinois. He then pursued a Masters degree in Music Education from Northwestern University where he worked with Northwestern University Marching Band. When he isn’t teaching beginning and middle school band students, Ryan enjoys reading and spending time with his friends and family.

Partners

Excellence does not happen alone, and so we extend our thanks to our partners who help us achieve it.

Michael Krueger

Michael is an educator, composer, and conductor. Currently, Michael is the Assistant Director of Performing Arts and Director of Instrumental Studies at Notre Dame College. At NDC, Michael directs the NDC Wind Symphony and the NDC Falcon Marching Band, teaches applied composition lessons, and teaches academic courses in music theory and composition. Michael is in demand as a guest clinician and adjudicator for wind ensembles and marching bands around the United States. In 2016, Michael joined the drum major and student leadership staff for Fred J. Miller Summer Clinics.

Michael mostly composes for wind ensembles, chamber ensembles, and marching ensembles. Michael’s most popular piece, For Patrick, has been a featured composition on The Composers Circle and Musicuratum. For Patrick has also been featured at several honor band concerts and conferences, including the 2020 CVC Conference Band, 2018 NDC Honor Band Festival, 2018 Firelands Conference Band, 2016 SIUE Bi-State Band Festival and the 2014 Southwest CBDNA Conference. In June of 2017, Michael’s composition, Alone, was premiered at the International Trombone Festival. In 2014, Michael was honored to be a featured composer with the Truman State University Wind Ensemble at the College Band Directors National Association’s Southwest Conference. Michael has a served as a composer-in-residence and/or composer clinician recently with Fort Zumwalt South High (2017), Althoff Catholic High (2016), Lewis Central High (2016), Glenvar High (2016), SIUE Bi-State (2016), and Truman State University for the CBDNA Regional Conference (2014).

Michael has received commissions from dozens of ensembles and soloists. Wind ensemble works have been commissioned by the Truman State University Wind Symphony, Butler University Wind Ensemble, Barat Academy Band, Fort Zumwalt South High School Bands, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Wind Symphony, Glenvar Wind Ensemble, and the Vestal Middle School Concert Band. In 2017, a consortium of fifteen bands led by Mr. Greg Allen, formed to create Michael’s Symphony 3.   Michael has received marching band commissions from numerous high school and collegiate marching and pep bands. To date, Michael has arranged over 100 competitive marching band movements. Chamber and solo works have been commissioned by Ian Hayden, Nick Pyles, Adam Stevens, Leah C. Stevens, and Dr. Matthew Hoormann. Visit his website, Kruegermusik, to learn more about his wind ensemble, chamber, and solo works.

In 2013, Michael moved to Indianapolis, Indiana and served as the Graduate Assistant/Assistant Conductor for the Butler University Wind Ensemble. In Indianapolis, Michael was the creator and director of North Meridian Brass Choir. Michael has also served as the brass director for Fort Zumwalt South High School and as a brass teacher for Warrenton High School.

Michael holds a Master of Music in Music Composition from Butler University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Michael’s primary teachers have included Dr. Michael Schelle, Dr. Robert Grechesky, Dr. John Bell, Professor Michael Colburn, Dr. Kimberly Archer, and Professor Jim Martin. Michael is currently a member of ASCAP, OMEA, and US Bands (formerly USSBA). Michael is also an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi.

Jeff Larch

Jeff Larch is a freelance Composer, Percussionist, and Educator in the Cleveland, Ohio area.  He received his Bachelor’s in Percussion Performance from Baldwin Wallace University in 2015.  While studying at Baldwin Wallace, he participated in every ensemble he could, including orchestra, wind ensembles, percussion ensembles, new music ensembles, and world music ensembles.  These experiences have all influenced his voice in every facet of his musical life.  In addition to his studies at Baldwin Wallace, Jeff marched two seasons at Legends Drum and Bugle Corps (DCI), and two seasons at Notre Dame Indoor Percussion Ensemble (WGI), where he was taught by Landon Ewers and John Max McFarland, among many others.  

Since 2016, Jeff has been Percussion Caption Head and Percussion Designer at his alma mater Willoughby South High School (Cleveland, Ohio).  In the 2017 season, he took over as lead show designer and composer for winds and percussion. Since then, the band has received four consecutive Superior ratings at OMEA State competition (2016-2019). In addition to his work at Willoughby South, Jeff is the percussion instructor and composer at Notre Dame College (Cleveland, Ohio) for the marching and concert bands. Outside of his professional career, Jeff plays drums in two bands that regularly perform in the northeast Ohio area.  Jeff is excited to work with the incredibly talented staff at MED, and is looking forward to bringing your design dreams to life!

Smart Boy

Smart Boy of Smart Boy Beatz is a producer, musician, and singer/songwriter from North Carolina. In the past, Smart Boy has won or placed in several producer competitions along the east coast and worked with artists and other producers across the globe. Smart Boy currently works as an educator and in-house producer for Patchwerk Recording Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.