THE TEAM
ZACH SANTOS
CO-FOUNDER
Zach Santos is the owner of Santos Creative Services and Standing O Marching. These companies focus on providing comprehensive services for the marching arts. He is also co-owner of The Band Blueprint, which is a virtual curriculum company that provides education for directors to elevate their marching programs.
Prior to founding his company, Zach taught for six years at Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park, Texas. During his tenure, the Vista Ridge band earned numerous accolades, including the 2018 UIL 6A State Marching Band Championship, a finalist position at the 2021 BOA Grand Nationals, and an invitation to perform in the 2023 Rose Parade. His concert ensembles consistently received sweepstakes awards, and he conducted the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Symphony. Zach has presented at the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention, Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and the Midwest Clinic.
Throughout his career, he has held many positions, including serving as program coordinator for the Guardians, visual instructor for the Blue Knights, Phantom Regiment, and Rhythmic Force, as well as leading clinics for System Blue and Blue Knights Experience Camps. He is also the co-founder of the “Driven by Drum Corps” scholarship, which supports students aspiring to participate in DCI and desire to have a career in the marching arts.
Zach’s performance background includes marching with the Guardians (2013), Crossmen (2014), Blue Knights (2015-2016), and the Blue Devils (2017), where he was part of the world championship winning ensemble. Zach also facilitates SASI leadership camps, where he mentors students nationwide in leadership development.
Zach holds a Bachelor of Music Studies degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he also earned a trumpet performance certificate and a business foundations certificate from the McCombs School of Business. He also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Western Governors University. Zach continues to perform as a trumpet player with the Cedar Park Winds, local churches, and the Austin Brass Collective. He resides in Leander, Texas with his wife, Kendall, their son, Ryder, and their dog, Hudson.
ZACK TRAVIS
CO-FOUNDER
Zack Travis is a drill designer and music arranger. He takes great pride in his work and is most known for his creativity, professionalism, timeliness, and pedagogical approach. Before committing to marching band design full-time, Zack was a band director at John Horn HS, McCallum HS, and Glenn HS. During his time teaching, he elevated each ensemble, including leading John Horn HS to their 1st State Marching Contest Performance and leading McCallum HS to their 1st State Finals Performance.
Zack Travis is an alumnus of the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, marching from 2010 to 2013, where he earned a DCI World Championship and served as drum major. He has also served on staff with The Cadets 2, The Reading Buccaneers, The Cadets, and The Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, where he continued to mentor aspiring musicians. Zack currently serves as the brass arranger for The Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps. Zack studied Music Education and Performance at West Chester University. He now resides in Texas and works with his wife, Jolene Travis. Together, they run Marching With Travis and co-own The Band Blueprint. In his free time, Zack likes to travel, hike, and spend time with Jolene and their dogs, Puff and Grover.
hector gil
BATTERY
Hector Gil is the owner of Hector Gil Percussion LLC, and serves as a percussion education consultant, curriculum designer, clinician, adjudicator, and arranger for various programs across the U.S. Most recently, he served as Director of Percussion at Vista Ridge High School and Henry Middle School from 2008 to 2024, where his students achieved numerous national accolades that include being named The TMEA Invited Percussion Ensemble Winner (2023 - Vista Ridge), The TMEA Honor Band Winner (2024, 2018, 2014, 2010 - Henry MS), The Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition Winner (2018 - Vista Ridge), The Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition Winner (2014 - Henry MS), The Black Swamp Percussion Ensemble Showcase Winner (2017, 2022, 2024 - Vista Ridge), The Texas 6A UIL State Marching Band Champion (2018 - Vista Ridge), The Midwest International Clinic Performer (2014 - Vista Ridge), The Midwest International Clinic Performer (2022, 2016, 2012, 2010 - Henry MS), The Bands of America Grand National Championship Finalist (2021 - Vista Ridge), numerous finalist performances at UIL State and BOA Championships, and was a “Tournament of Roses” Parade Participant (2023 – Vista Ridge).
Hector attended Texas A&M University – Commerce where he received his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2001. He marched the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps in 1997 and 1998 as a member of the snareline. He was also a member of the 2000 Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition winning collegiate ensemble with the Texas A&M University – Commerce Percussion Ensemble. He has been extremely fortunate to study from some incredible teachers that include Carlos Gil, Dr. Brian West, Bobby Francis, Bill Bachman, Dr. James Yakas, and Matt Savage.
Hector began his teaching career as the Director of Percussion at United High School in Laredo, TX (2002-2005), then moved to Fort Worth to be the Drumline Instructor for the Texas Christian University “Horned Frog” Marching Band (2005-2007), then as the Director of Percussion at Vista Ridge High School (2008-2024). In 2022, he served as the Percussion Caption Head for the Bluecoats 50th Anniversary Drum Corps.
In addition to his consulting duties, Hector is an avid percussion arranger and adjudicator for various high schools across the country. Hector’s professional affiliations include The Percussive Arts Society, the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and he is a proud artist with Innovative Percussion, Sabian, and Marimba One.
Riley Warren
FRONT ENSEMBLE
Riley Warren is an accomplished percussion educator, arranger, and consultant based out of Dallas, Texas. He is currently in his 9th year of teaching at Forney High School, where he serves as Director of Percussion. Under his direction, the Forney HS Percussion Ensemble performed at the 2022 Percussive Arts Society International Convention, as well as the 2023 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Conference. Additionally, the Forney HS Drumline has frequently earned high accolades and caption awards at area drumline contests such as the HEB Drumline Contest, North Texas Drumline Contest, and the Lone Star Classic Drumline Competition. In the spring, the Forney HS Indoor Drumline participates in the North Texas Colorguard Circuit, where they earned the title of Scholastic Open Class Champion in both 2021 and 2025.
Before coming to Forney, Riley taught at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas, from 2012-2017. During this time, he also served as a percussion instructor at Round Rock High School and Cedar Ridge High School. He was a member of the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps from 2010-2013, serving as Front Ensemble Section Leader in 2012 & 2013. From 2014-2015, he was a member of The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps. During his time with Cadets, Riley earned the title of Rookie of the Year (2014), Cadet of the Year (2015), and served as the Front Ensemble section leader in 2015.
Riley graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education Degree and a Performance Certificate in 2017. While at UT, Riley was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, New Music Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and Longhorn Band, and studied under Dr. Tom Burritt, Dr. Bob Duke, and Jerry Junkin. Concurrently, while teaching full-time at Forney HS, Riley earned his Master of Music Education Degree from Southern Methodist University, where he studied with Dr. Sarah Allen, Dr. Julie Scott, Lynne Jackson, and Frank Troyka.
Riley is a proud educational artist for Zildjian and Vic Firth, a provisional member of the Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and a member of the Education Committee for the Percussive Arts Society. He was recently selected as a Class of 2025 Yamaha “40 Under 40” Music Educator, and frequently contributes articles to the Yamaha Educator’s Suite.
He is the founder of Rhythmic Wavelengths LLC, a percussion arranging and consulting business through which he writes for and clinics marching bands and educators across the country. When he is not teaching, Riley enjoys spending time outside, writing music, and traveling the world. He currently resides in Dallas, Texas, with his fiancé, Morgan, and their two pets, Sheila and Chloe.
ANDREW FUHRMAN
LEAD VIDEOGRAPHER
Andrew Fuhrman is a native Texan with a passion for seeing the world and capturing stories visually. He is a storyteller, filmmaker, and artist who helps bring your ideas to life on screen. He offers trusted video production and editing solutions, specializing in crafting engaging content for a wide range of clients and industries.
Known for his professionalism and creativity, his expertise includes detailed pre-production and agility during the shoot to produce content that exceeds expectations. His commitment to excellence and personalized service ensures every project is completed on time and exceeds expectations.
KENDALL SANTOS
CURRICULUM ADVISOR
Kendall Santos is an Associate Director of Bands and the Marching Band Director at Cedar Park High School in Cedar Park, TX. She serves as an employee of the SASI Leadership Company, TMEA Region 32 Band Division Chair, and a marching band clinician for Central Texas.
In the Fall, Kendall has helped the Cedar Park Timberwolf Marching Band win its third (2019), fourth (2021), fifth (2023), and sixth (2024) consecutive gold medals at the UIL 5A State Marching Contest. Under her direction, the band has been a consistent BOA Regional and Super Regional finalist, BOA Waco Regional Champion (2021 & 2022), and has consistently placed in the top 3 in the 3A size classification at BOA Regionals, BOA Super Regionals, and the Texas Marching Classic. Most recently, the band competed at the 2024 BOA Grand Nationals, earning 5th place along with 3A champion. In the Spring, she has conducted the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and currently works with the Wind Symphony. Her concert ensembles, at all levels, have consistently received superior ratings at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading.
Kendall grew up in Flower Mound, TX and graduated from the University of North Texas with her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a concentration in flute. She has served as a drum major for both The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps and The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, served on staff with The Boston Crusaders, and has been a regular guest speaker at the Drum Corps International Drum Major Leadership Seminar.
In her free time, Kendall continues to perform her flute regularly with the Cedar Park Winds. She also loves traveling around the world with her husband, Zach, and spending quality time at home with their new son, Ryder, and their dog, Hudson.
JOLENE TRAVIS
CURRICULUM ADVISOR
Jolene Travis is a dedicated music educator with a passion for building strong, student-centered band programs. During her time teaching at Crandall ISD and Copperas Cove ISD, she has led her ensembles to consistent success in concert, marching, and jazz settings. With a commitment to student leadership and growth, Jolene fosters an environment of discipline, teamwork, and musical excellence, inspiring young musicians to reach their fullest potential.
Before stepping into the classroom, Jolene developed her own musicianship and leadership through the drum corps activity as a member of The Reading Buccaneers and The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, earning 5 DCA World Championships and the DCI Jim Ott High Brass Award.
Currently, Jolene works at Marching With Travis as a clinician, coordinator, and choreographer. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her husband, Zack Travis, and their dogs Puff and Grover.
JONAH HAMMETT
MARCHING MODEL
Jonah Hammett is a dedicated and versatile horn player currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education with a Certificate of Performance at the University of Texas at Austin, where he performs with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and various chamber groups, including the LongHORN Quartet and Notus Winds.
As an active performer, Jonah has held positions with the Austin Brass Collective, Austin Civic Orchestra, and Cedar Park Winds, and served as Horn Sergeant for the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps, earning a DCI gold medal and the Jim Ott Award for Best Brass in 2024. That same year, he performed at Carnegie Hall with the University of Texas Wind Ensemble for its 50th anniversary concert.
Recognized for his artistry, he has won multiple solo and chamber competitions, including the 2024 MidSouth Horn Workshop Undergraduate Solo Contest and the 2025 MidNorth Horn Quartet Contest with the LongHORN Quartet. His education has been enriched by masterclasses with esteemed artists from top orchestras and conservatories, and he studies under Professor Patrick Hughes. An enthusiastic educator, Jonah teaches throughout the Austin area and serves as a brass instructor for the Bluecoats, with experience teaching at numerous Texas high schools.
ROBERT E. RODRIGUEZ
ASSISTANT VIDEOGRAPHER
Founder of PitHacks, Reuben E. Rodriguez is a passionate educator, arranger, sound designer, and performer based in the vibrant Austin area. With a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL, Rodriguez has carved out a respected career in the marching arts.
A seasoned veteran of elite Drum Corps International (DCI) and Winter Guard International (WGI) ensembles, Rodriguez is an alumnus of Revolution, Crossmen, Spirit, and The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps. From 2017 to 2022, he played a pivotal role with The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, serving in various capacities, including Audio Engineer and Caption Manager Coordinator. In 2023, he proudly joined the Phantom Regiment team.
Rodriguez’s entrepreneurial success shines through his leadership of PitHacks, a company dedicated to supporting music programs through cutting-edge audio and video recording services, sound design, and technical consulting. Under his direction, PitHacks collaborates with over 50 music programs annually, delivering innovative solutions to marching bands, drum corps, and indoor ensembles across the country. With a growing team of professionals, PitHacks is setting new standards in live sound and recording for the marching arts.
In addition to his over a decade of teaching experience, Rodriguez has extensive training in live sound and audio production. His résumé includes national tours with Eclectic Tuba, the Electro Brass Music Conference coordination, and facilitating electronics integration for numerous world-class ensembles. His vision also extends to creating opportunities for others, exemplified by founding the Texas Virtual Percussion Contest, an initiative designed to support and celebrate percussion programs across Texas.
Rodriguez’s future goals include serving as the Audio Caption Head for Phantom Regiment and The Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps, further expanding his impact on the DCI community. He is also a founding member of SoundCheck Audio Clinics, an initiative to advance audio education and provide hands-on training for audio engineers in the marching arts.
Happily married, Rodriguez balances his professional pursuits with a love for music, community, and education. He remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in the marching arts.
STEVE SMITH
WEB DESIGNER
Steve Smith draws on years of experience in technology, education, web-design, photo and video as well as graphic design to provide a powerful offering to clients looking to tell their story in a clear and creative way.
Steve recently used this combination to manage the Essential Elements Interactive (EEi) website for the world’s largest music publisher, Hal Leonard. This website was the companion to the world’s most popular band and strings educational method book used by millions of students every year.
Steve taught in Lewisville ISD for his 12 year teaching career, concluding his time there as Director of Bands at Downing Middle School. While at Downing, the band program enjoyed many successes including a performance at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago in 2005.
Steve also continues his role in education working with one of the country’s largest student leadership companies, SASi Student Leadership, to provide training for high school students throughout the United States. In working with SASi for over 20 years, Steve has helped to develop a rich curriculum and is the primary designer for the workbooks and media presentations each year for the company. This is one of his most rewarding endeavors as it allows him to stay connected to his roots in music education in a truly meaningful way.
Steve lives in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (a suburb of Milwaukee) with his wife, Jenny, a freelance artist, his son Seoul and their Corgi, Owen. He feels extremely blessed God has allowed him to pursue these passions and he looks forward to what lies ahead.