Carol Abohatab
Scott Chandler
Curtis Costanza
Mykail Costner
T.J. Doucette
Jennifer Hinshaw
Tommy Keenum
Edmer Lazaro
Karl Lowe
Dale Powers
Rosie Miller Queen
Michael Raiford
Michael Rosales
Joe Sowders
Andy Toth
Michael Townsend

Carol Abohatab

Originally from the northeast, Carol Abohatab began migrating west in 1987, receiving her BS at UW – Madison, and her MFA from Mills College, both in dance performance and choreography. During Grad school, she began teaching the Santa Clara Vanguard, and has been involved in some capacity ever since, most currently as a choreographer with the 2-time World Champion Winter Guard.

In 1998, Carol formed Vanguard Dance Company, allowing aspiring dancers to dance alongside professionals, and merging the activity with the dance world. Professionally, she has performed in the works of Janice Garrett, Joe Goode, Alwin Nikolais, Murray Louis, Claudia Melrose and Viola Farber. Her choreography has been presented by WestWave Dance Festival, sjDANCEco’ s ChoreoProject, Summerfest/Dance, TheWorks, at WGI conventions nationwide, and at La Macina di San Cresci, an artist’s residence in Chianti, Italy.

Carol has enjoyed teaching students of all ages and levels at UW-Madison, for the Drum & Bugle Corps activity nationwide, and, for the past decade at both San Jose City and West Valley Colleges.

She has taught modern dance technique and choreography for numerous groups including the San Jose Raiders, Emerald Marquis, State Street Review, and Miamisburg HS. Her humble beginnings were with the Centurions of Enfield, CT, and she continued with 27th Lancers, Star of Indiana, Quasar, Erté, and State Street Review to finish her performing career in pageantry.

Scott Chandler

Scott is a native of Rome, GA. He first received formal dance training at Jacksonville State University in Alabama, as well as his first introduction to winter color guard and drum corps. Scott moved to New York City to study jazz dance with Phil Black and modern dance with May O'Donnel. He has worked professionally in New York City and Atlanta and has choreographed modern and jazz pieces that have been performed across the US as well as Spain, Canada and Japan. Scott's winter guard credits include: performer with Chapter 5 (1979) and State Street Review (1981), and instructor and designer for numerous high school winter guards. Most remarkably, Scott has also been the instructor and designer for WGI Independent and Scholastic World Class Champions for twenty three consecutive years including: the Skylarks of Fairfield, CT (1982-84), State Street Review of Madison, WI (1984-89), San Jose Raiders of San Jose, CA (1990-94), and The Blue Devils (1995-98). In 2005 he led James Logan High School (1997-05) to their eighth consecutive Scholastic World Championship title. He has been the sole choreographer/designer of all eight of these award- winning programs. Scott has also served as choreographer and drill designer for many award-winning high school marching bands. Scott's drum and bugle corps credits include performer with the Madison Scouts and instructor and designer for the Bridgemen of Bayonne, NJ, Spirit of Atlanta of Atlanta, GA, and The Blue Devils. He has produced color guards that have won the DCI High Auxiliary award for 1985, 1987, 1990, 1992, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001,2003,2006, 2008, 2009, and 2010. Scott is also currently the visual coordinator/choreographer for the SOKA Renaissance Vanguard of Tokyo, Japan. In addition to these groups, Scott has consulted and choreographed for other drum and bugle corps including the Phantom Regiment and the Cadets of Bergen County. Scott is a member of the Winter Guard International Hall of Fame, and in 2004 Scott was inducted into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame. Fred J Miller, Inc carries The Chandler Collection of costumes and performance wear.

Curtis Costanza

Curtis Costanza's pageantry experience includes consultant, designer, and instructor roles for various high school marching bands throughout the country for the past 25 years.  Winter guard experience includes the San Jose Raiders (1997-1999) and Northern Lights (2000-2002) World Class color guards.  Currently he is the judges' coordinator for the Northwest Association of Pageantry Arts.  His winter guard judging experience began in 1990 in the California Color Guard Circuit as an Equipment judge and later for WGI  as a general effect judge and served as the Equipment Caption Facilitator for WGI from 2002-2005.  Curtis has been a clinician presenting information to judges and instructors on various topics focusing primarily on the winter guard activity.  He has made presentations for the Gulf Coast Color Guard Circuit, North Texas Color Guard Circuit, Northwest Marching Band Circuit, Northwest Association of Pagentry Arts, Southeast Color Guard Circuit, Winter Guard Association of Southern California as well as Bands of American and WGI.

Mykail Costner

Mykail Costner has been an instructor, designer, performer, and choreographer for 5-time WGI Independent World Class Champion Fantasia. In addition to a long list of achievements, he has instructed many great organizations including the Santa Clara Vanguard, the Crossmen, the Glassman, and the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps. Indoors, Mykail has had the pleasure of working with James Logan High School (CA), Mt. Carmel High School (CA), Valencia High School (CA), and James Bowie High School (TX). He has worked with band programs such as the Riverside Community College Marching Tigers, 2007 Bands Of America Grand National Champion LD Bell High School (Hurst, TX), and 2006 BOA Grand National Champion Broken Arrow High School (OK), and Connally High School in Austin, TX. Mykail is often called upon as a design consultant and clinician for bands and guards across the United States

T.J. Doucette

TJ grew up in a Massachusetts drum corps family, marching 17 years before agingout.  She taught a number of drum corps and winter guards in the Boston area, including her first WGI medalist, St Joseph's Grenadiers, before moving to California in 1982. After working with the Blue Devils B winter guard, TJ began teaching the A corps in 1986, where she has been the head equipment technician. Other credits include the Blue Devils World guard, San Marino Academy, Riverside Community College, Fantasia, and San Jose Raiders. In addition, TJ has presented clinics in the US, Europe and Japan, and developed training materials for WGI. She currently teaches Amador Valley High School, Diamante, James Logan High School and the Renaissance Vanguard from Tokyo, Japan. TJ earned an English degree from the University of California at Berkeley. 

Jennifer Hinshaw
A native of Virginia, Jennifer House Hinshaw has been immersed in dance since the age of four. Childhood ballet, jazz, tap, and baton classes cultivated a love for dance that became Jennifer’s life work. In May of 2003, Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science in Dance Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. While at UNCG, she had the privilege of studying under amazing choreographers and educators such as B.J. Sullivan, Sue Stinson, Jan Van Dyke, Gerri Houlighan, and Jill Green.

Since attaining her Dance Education degree, Jennifer has worked diligently to pass on her passion for dancing. From 2003 to 2006, Jennifer was the Founder and Director of the Wake Forest-Rolesville High School Dance Department in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Currently, Jennifer is the Founder and Director of the Avon High School Dance Department in Avon, Indiana. In 2008, she became the first ever state-certified Dance Educator in Indiana. Many of Jennifer’s students have taken their desire to dance beyond high school, where they have studied around the country. Also, some of Jennifer’s students have been performers for Cirque de Soleil, Glee, So You Think You Can Dance, and Bring It On the Musical.

Jennifer has been involved in the color guard activity since 1995. Her first opportunities to perform were with the Fieldale-Collinsville Color Guard under the direction of David Duffy and Michael Townsend. From those beginnings, Jennifer went on to perform with many great color guards, including Dominion, Crossmen, First Flight, and The Study.   After her performance career, Jennifer became an instructor and choreographer for some of the best ensembles in the country. Jennifer has worked with Carolina Crown (2005-2009), Center Grove High School (2006-2010), Avon High School (2006-2010), First Flight (2005-present), Zydeco (2009-present), and Carmel High School (2011-present).

Jennifer resides in Danville, Indiana with her husband Richard and their newborn son McKinley.

Tommy Keenum

Tommy graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington where he was drum major of the marching band. An all-state saxophonist in high school, Tommy is also an accomplished singer/songwriter. Tommy has designed for numerous groups across the country including The Cadets, Santa Clara Vanguard, Phantom Regiment, Carolina Crown, Lassiter HS, Carmel HS, Center Grove HS, Pride of Cincinnati, Aimachi, and Music City Mystique.

Edmer Lazaro
Edmer was introduced to dance and color guard through the San Jose Raiders, where he performed from 1996– 2001, and continued on staff through 2003. He also performed with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum Corps in the 1998-99 seasons. He served as a technician for the James Logan High School World Guard from 2006-2011 and was the choreographer/designer for the James Logan High School Open Guard.
During his years performing in color guard, Edmer was also receiving his education. His interests in movement and the performing arts led him to pursue his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (2002) and Bachelor of Art in Theatre Arts and Dance (2002) both at California State University, Hayward.
Edmer has worked with various dance artists and companies in the San Francisco Bay Area including: Nina Haft (Nina Haft and Company), for whom he currently dances, Eric Kupers (Dandelion Dancetheatre), Laura Renaud-Wilson, Cheryl Chaddick (Company Chaddick), and Carol Abohatab (Vanguard Dance Company). He also had the opportunity to perform in venues throughout California, the United States, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
His interest in the movement sciences continued to grow. Not only did he want to know how the human body moved under 'normal' conditions, but also how to rehabilitate people with movement impairments. Edmer decided to pursue his graduate education in physical therapy and received his Doctor of Physical Therapy (2006) degree from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California.
Edmer currently practices physical therapy in the areas of orthopedics and neurology at Alameda County Medical Center for their inpatient acute rehabilitation and outpatient program. He is particularly interested in motor learning and control, which he firmly believes is fundamental to orthopedics and neurologic rehabilitation, but also in providing well-rounded dance instruction and training.

Karl Lowe
The premise of innovation, imagination, quality and risk are only a few words that apply to the unparalleled contributions Karl has made to WGI. From Odyssey to Fantasia, he has been intense in his approach to his winter guard programs, but he is equally as intense in his respect for his competitors. He has taught many Bands of America finalist color guards from high schools across the Southeast, as well as the Suncoast Sound Drum & Bugle Corps, the Magic of Orlando, and Santa Clara Vanguard. Karl was inducted into the WGI Hall of Fame in 2003 and was a long–time genius behind Fantasia Color Guard. Karl currently serves as the chariman of the Color Guard Steering Committee for WGI.

Rosie Queen
Rosie has extensive experience teaching drum corps, marching bands, and winter guard. Rosie was also the visual ensemble and cast manager for Emmy & Tony award winning show, "Blast!", while it ran in London and on Broadway. Rosie has instructed many high school and independent organizations throughout the U.S. &  Japan including Pride of Cincinnati , Aimachi , Carroll H.S., Center Grove H.S., Avon H.S., and Escapade of Dayton, OH. Her drum corps teaching experience includes: Madison Scouts, Carolina Crown, The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, and The Cadets of Bergen County.  

She has also participated as a clinician in many educational events for WGI and BOA as well as being a participant in WGI's "Fun-damentals" Video series for color guard education.

Currently, Rosie resides in Indianapolis, IN with her husband Jeff, where she is the Color Guard Director of the 2011 WGI Scholastic World Champion, Carmel High School. Rosie has a Bachelors degree in Special Education and a certification in Event Management.

Dale Powers
Dale is from Rockland, MA and has been involved with WGI for 33 years. He was the founder and director for the Emerald Marquis Color Guard as well as a designer and consultant for such groups as the Rochester Patriots, Rangerettes, West Bridgewater HS Wildcats, and Piper HS. He also has designed for such notable drum & bugle corps as the 27th Lancers, Sky Ryders and East Coast Jazz. Dale is a member of the Massachusetts Judges Association and has judged for WGI, DCI and Music Arts Conference. Dale is the current Director of Color Guard for WGI, a position he has held for nine years. Under his leadership WGI has explored a new approach to events including the popular new series of Elite Events as well as new experiences for color guards at the world championships.

Michael Raiford
Michael is a Scenic, Costume and Show Designer based in Austin, TX. He began his career as a choreographer in Marching Band, Winter Guard and Drum Corps and that experience led him to become a costume and set designer for stage. He has continued to work in both fields for over 20 years. His early work in choreography and staging began in Florida with Suncoast Sound drum corps. There he formed a lifelong creative relationship with Karl Lowe. This included work with Odyssey Winter Guard and Magic of Orlando Drum Corps, all of which lead to 10 years as part of the creative team for Fantasia from 1998 to 2008. This season  he began his role as the Program Designer for The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps.

In addition to his creative/design contribution to Fantasia, Michael was also responsible for creating the performing persona of the ensemble. His experiences in theatre led him to create a curriculum that is particular to “non-verbal” performing skills. He was also the performance coach for “Brass Angels 2008 Odyssey” Tour of Japan. “

As a Scenic and Costume designer for stage, his work has been seen at: Opera Boston; The New Victory Theatre, NYC; Actor's Theatre of Louisville; Ford's Theatre, Washington, DC; Cleveland Playhouse; Kansas City Rep., THe Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Ballet Austin, Austin Lyric Opera and Central City Opera.  Michael received his MFA in design from UT Austin where he also taught for 10 years. He is a member of United Scenic Artists. For a look at some of his designs visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelraiford/sets/

Michael Rosales
Michael was born in Manila, Philippines, moved to San Francisco at the age of 9 where he trained and danced with several local groups within the San Francisco Bay Area.  His training in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Hip-Hop, Latin Jazz and Color Guard makes him one of the most sought after choreographers in the country. He has danced for recording artists such as Ricky Martin, Deborah Cox, Brooke Hogan, Wisin y Yandel, Ivy Queen ,Gloria Trevy, and Macy Gray. As well as being on a National and International Tour of the Tony and Emmy award winning group BLAST! as a lead, he was also a feature performer and was in a new show called CYBERJAM in London where he was the Choreographer Assistant.  Michael has performed throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.  He has appeared in the Blockbuster movie RENT, Latin Billboard Awards, Latin Grammy’s Celebration and the Latin Teen Choice Awards. He has also taught classes at the San Francisco Dance Center, Miami City Ballet, University of Houston, North Carolina State University, Pepperdine University, University of Miami, UC Berkeley, Moving People Dance Company in Santa Fe and several different studios throughout the country.  Michael has produced and choreographed shows for Busch Gardens in Florida, Sea World in Texas, the FED EX Orange Bowl Halftime Show, The University of Houston and is the co-founder of TAE Talent Agency in Miami.

Michael was a former member of the Concord Blue Devils, Fantasia of Riverside and the San Jose Raiders. He has worked with the Braddock Independent World, the Bluecoats Drum Corp and Color Guard, Cadets Color Guard, Stoneman Douglas World, FIU Performance Ensemble and West Broward High School Color Guard among other groups.  Michael was also a Gold Medal recipient of the 1998 as well as the 2000 Winter Guard International World Championships and is the Artistic Director of the PROECT SPIN Dance and Color Guard Convention.

Joe Sowders

Joe has contributed his unique design talents to the winter guard activity for over 20 years. With his considerable background in both music and theatre, Joe has a singular approach to conception and composition. The aesthetic atmosphere created by his productions form indelible impressions which have proven to endure the test of time.

Joe’s innovative style can be seen in his work with groups such as Braddock Independent, Zydeco Colorguard, Northern Lights, Signature, Nolan Independent & Miller’s Blackhawks. Joe has also designed for numerous high schools including Miamisburg, Northmont and Centerville.

Having served previously on the WGI instructor task force, Joe was also a WGI general effect adjudicator for 7 years.

A Cincinnati native, Joe is a graduate of Miami University (Oxford, OH) and is the Director of Marketing/Sales Manager for Fred J. Miller Inc. Joe resides in Springboro, OH with his wife Amy.

Andy Toth

Andy Toth has been an active participant of the color guard community as a performer, choreographer, judge, and clinician for the past two decades. His performance experience includes Emerald Marquis, Adagio, and Pride of Cincinnati winter guards, as well as The Cadets, and The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps.

As an internationally recognized choreographer, Andy is honored to have had the opportunity to choreograph for numerous BOA, WGI, WGUK, DCI, and DCJ Champions. His design experience includes such legendary high schools as: Americas, Centerville, Marian Catholic, and Miamisburg. Recent collaborations abroad include Northern Academy of Performing Arts (England), Yokohama Inspires Drum & Bugle Corps (Japan), and Aimachi winter guard. During the summer months, Andy tours with the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps where he has been a member of the design team since 1998. During his time there, has led the color guard to 4 DCI High Auxiliary Awards.

Andy had the distinct honor of performing as an original cast member of BLAST! in London’s West End in 1999. He continued his role in the Emmy and Tony award-winning production on Broadway in New York City until the show’s closure in 2001.

In 2007, Andy earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Illinois-Chicago, IL, where he resides today. He plans to continue his post-education in this field while maintaining his collaborative relationships in pageantry, and his passion for the performing arts.

2012 will be Andy’s 11th consecutive season choreographing for the Pride of Cincinnati winter guard. He is also privileged to be on the design teams for Carmel and Pope High Schools. You can find Andy on the Rifle FUNdamentals training video, which is currently used as an educational tool for WGI.

Michael Townsend

Michael began his performance career in North Carolina and his performance experience includes, The Cavaliers Color Guard 1996-2000, The Company 1998 and 1999, Crown Guard 2000, and Pride of Cincinnati in 2001. Michael then spent a year as an original member of first U.S. national tour of Blast! After his performance years, Michael moved back to Virginia, where he worked with Bassett and West Johnston HS. During this time he also choreographed for The Study Winterguard in 2002, 03, and 04. The Study was promoted to Independent World class in only their second year of existence.

Michael currently resides in Indianapolis, IN with his wife and two children, where he is a designer for Avon, Ben Davis, Carmel, Center Grove, and Northview High Schools marching bands and winterguards. He has been choreographing for these programs since 2004, which has resulted in 10 WGI scholastic world class medals and 4 boa grand national championships. In addition to these groups, Michael travels the country as a designer, choreographer, and consultant for numerous marching bands and winter guards.

During the summer, Michael has been the driving force behind the Carolina Crown Color Guard since 2003, and is currently gearing up for the upcoming season. He works there as the primary designer/choreographer and is a member of the design team.