Music City Drum Corps Announces 2025 Design Team with Key Roles and Exciting Additions
September 2024 – Nashville, TN
As Music City Drum Corps prepares for an exciting 2025 season, we are pleased to announce several key updates to our design team. This year’s team blends experienced leadership with fresh perspectives, further solidifying our commitment to excellence and innovation. These updates reflect our ongoing mission to provide an unparalleled experience for our members and fans alike.
Shane Gwaltney Expands Role as Program Coordinator and Battery Arranger
We are excited to announce that Shane Gwaltney will continue his role as Program Coordinator and assume additional responsibilities as Battery Arranger for the 2025 season. Shane’s visionary approach and deep understanding of the marching arts have been instrumental in shaping Music City’s creative direction. His expanded role is a natural progression, and we look forward to the impact his dynamic style will have on the percussion section this year.
“Shane has been a driving force behind our success, and we’re excited to see him take on this new role,” said Chaz Bledsoe, Corps Director at Music City Drum Corps. “His ability to blend creativity with precision will undoubtedly bring a fresh energy to our battery section, further enhancing the overall impact of our performances.”
Dr. Brian Tinkel Joins as Percussion Director and Ensemble Coordinator
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Brian Tinkel as our new Percussion Director and Ensemble Coordinator. Dr. Tinkel’s extensive background in percussion performance and education positions him as a valuable addition to our team. His leadership and expertise in the marching arts community will play a crucial role in further developing our percussion section and ensuring a cohesive and powerful musical ensemble.
“Dr. Tinkel’s reputation for excellence precedes him, and we’re honored to have him join our corps,” said Bledsoe. “His leadership and educational approach to teaching will be key in driving our ensemble forward and creating performances that resonate with both members and audiences alike.”
Dr. Tom Lukowicz Takes on Role of Brass Arranger
Dr. Tom Lukowicz, previously serving as Brass Caption Head, will expand his role to include Brass Arranger for the 2025 season. His extensive knowledge of brass pedagogy and unwavering dedication to musical excellence have had a lasting impact on our brass section. We are confident that his new role will continue to strengthen the musical identity of the corps.
“We’re excited to have Dr. Lukowicz step into the role of Brass Arranger,” said Bledsoe. “His passion for brass performance and his attention to detail are unmatched. We’re confident that his arrangements will continue to bring out the best in our brass section and contribute to a truly memorable show.”
CJ Barrow Expands Role as Music Coordinator and Front Ensemble Arranger
We are excited to announce that CJ Barrow will also expand his role to include Music Coordinator and Front Ensemble Arranger for the 2025 season. CJ has been a cornerstone of our creative team, known for his exceptional compositional skills and innovative arrangements. His expanded responsibilities will allow him to infuse even greater depth and creativity into our musical program, particularly within the front ensemble.
Nate Morris Joins as Design Consultant
We are thrilled to welcome Nate Morris to the Music City Drum Corps design team as a Design Consultant for the 2025 season. Nate brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the team. His insights will be pivotal in shaping the overall creative direction of the corps, ensuring that we continue to innovate while maintaining the core values that define Music City.
Jason Palmer Continues as Visual Designer and Drill Writer
With his vital role as Visual Designer and Drill Writer, we are happy to announce Jason Palmer continuing his role for the 2025 season. His expertise in visual design and drill writing has consistently resulted in engaging, visually stunning performances. We look forward to his continued contributions in maintaining the cutting-edge visual elements of our program.
Brandon Smith Continues as Guard and Visual Designer
We are also eager to share that Brandon Smith will continue his role as Guard and Visual Designer for the 2025 season, building on his success in creating visually striking and emotionally compelling performances. His attention to detail and creativity have been essential in shaping our choreography and overall movement program, and we are eager to see his continued influence on our guard and visual design.
Looking Ahead to 2025
These individuals will continue building on the foundation of excellence that Music City has established over the years. Their collaboration will ensure a seamless integration of new ideas with the proven methods that have brought us success. This partnership is poised to create a powerful synergy, resulting in a 2025 program that is both innovative and true to the spirit of Music City. As we look ahead, we invite our fans and supporters to stay tuned for more updates and join us on this incredible journey. The future of Music City Drum Corps is bright, and we can’t wait to share it with all of you.
Audition information coming soon!
