The IMPULSE staff is dedicated to the education and growth of each member. The staff is made up of educators and professionals who provide the foundation for the success of the corps. Consisting of credentialed teachers, professional musicians, arrangers, designers, choreographers, and consultants, the staff delivers the knowledge necessary to facilitate the member’s success. They understand the Drum and Bugle Corps activity as most of the staff have had very successful careers as performers and instructors. With a number of DCI World Champions and Finalists from some of the most prestigious drum corps in America on staff, they bring their vast experience to the corps. It is this diversity that allows for the staff to collaborate and produce the overall education program and growth of the members.
Peter Connell - Executive Corps Director and Program Coordinator
Peter Connell is an active performer, composer, and clinician throughout the United States. He has written music for more than 50 high school and university bands across 10 states. In addition, he composes music for the Disneyland Resort, SeaWorld, and Epic Games’ Fortnite.
Peter’s early performing career included appearances with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, the Disney Collegiate All-Star Band, and the production BLAST II: Shockwave. He has also performed and served as a leader of the world-famous Disneyland Band. Peter is currently the Resident Director of Music at the Disneyland Resort.
He is also honored to serve as Corps Director of Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps, a position he has held since 2022.
Peter Connell is an active performer, composer, and clinician throughout the United States. He has written music for more than 50 high school and university bands across 10 states. In addition, he composes music for the Disneyland Resort, SeaWorld, and Epic Games’ Fortnite.
Peter’s early performing career included appearances with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, the Disney Collegiate All-Star Band, and the production BLAST II: Shockwave. He has also performed and served as a leader of the world-famous Disneyland Band. Peter is currently the Resident Director of Music at the Disneyland Resort.
He is also honored to serve as Corps Director of Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps, a position he has held since 2022.
impulse design team
Darren Loney - Production Designer
Darren Loney is the Director of Instrumental Music at Gahr High School in Cerritos, CA, and serves as High School Music Coordinator for the ABC Unified School District. He leads a comprehensive program that includes marching band, concert ensembles, jazz, color guard, winter guard, and indoor percussion.
Mr. Loney has been recognized for his contributions to music education with the SCSBOA Gold Award of Recognition and the National Band Association Certificate of Merit for Marching Excellence. He was named Teacher of the Year at both Gahr High School and La Quinta High School, and under his leadership, the Gahr Instrumental Music Program earned the NAMM Support Music Merit Award.
Mr. Loney served as brass arranger for Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps (2023–2025), contributing to the corps’ highest score and placement in its history. He is currently a composer/arranger with Box Six. As a designer, drill writer, and program coordinator, he has helped create cohesive, high-level productions. He is a member of SCSBOA, CMEA, NAfME, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Michael Patton - Artistic Designer / Color Guard Caption Head
Michael Patton has enjoyed an extensive career as a performer, educator, and choreographer in the marching arts. His performing career includes the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, as well as the prestigious Blue Devils International ensemble, which performed at the Basel Tattoo in 2025.
Michael has served as an educator with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps and Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps. He has also worked with several highly regarded high school programs throughout Southern California, most recently La Mirada High School and Gahr High School.
Beyond the field, Michael currently serves as Co-Director of Impulse Winterguard, which earned a WGI Bronze Medal in the Independent A Class in 2026.
Michael Patton has enjoyed an extensive career as a performer, educator, and choreographer in the marching arts. His performing career includes the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, as well as the prestigious Blue Devils International ensemble, which performed at the Basel Tattoo in 2025.
Michael has served as an educator with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps and Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps. He has also worked with several highly regarded high school programs throughout Southern California, most recently La Mirada High School and Gahr High School.
Beyond the field, Michael currently serves as Co-Director of Impulse Winterguard, which earned a WGI Bronze Medal in the Independent A Class in 2026.
David Lopez - Visual Designer
David Lopez is a visual designer, marching arts instructor, and music educator. He currently serves as the Visual Caption Head at Gahr High School and Visual Instructor at the Bluecoats. He also serves as the Director of Bands at Ross Middle School.As a visual designer, David currently designs for Gahr High School, Van Buren High School, Damien High School, and several other programs throughout the country.
David’s marching experience includes performing with Impulse, Pacific Crest, and the Blue Devils, where he served as Trumpet Section Leader. Outside of the drum corps activity, he has also performed in Disneyland’s Christmas Fantasy Parade as a trumpet toy soldier.
David earned his degree in Music Education from California State University, Fullerton, and was recognized with the SCSBOA Rising Star Award in 2026 for his contributions to music education. David currently resides in Downey, California, with his amazing wife, Jessica, and his dog, Charlie.
Zach Wilson - Battery Designer
Zach is joining the Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps staff bringing extensive experience as a performer, educator, and designer in the marching arts.
Zach began his marching career at Chino Hills High School, where he marched from 2014–2017. His performing experience also includes Blue Stars (2017), Pulse Percussion (2018–2022), and Bluecoats (2018–2021).
As an educator, Zach is currently the director of the Townsend Junior High School drumline program and serves as Battery Manager at Chino Hills High School and Gahr High School. He is entering his fifth year on staff with Pulse Percussion.
Zach taught with Bluecoats from 2022–2024 and The Mandarins in 2025, and recently joined the Blue Devils team for 2027.
Christian Do - Front Ensemble Designer
Christian was raised in Fountain Valley, CA where he took interest in the marching arts, specializing in design, composition, and audio engineering.
Christian actively works with many high school programs while past experience includes audio engineer/front ensemble staff member at Pacific Crest ('19-'24), front ensemble arranger at Golden Empire ('23-'24), and front ensemble staff member at Mandarins ('25). As a performer, he has marched at POW Percussion ('15), at Pulse Percussion ('16,'17,'19), and at Pacific Crest ('18). He was also the recipient of the Southern California Percussion Alliance Composition Scholarship in 2016.
Currently, he serves as the percussion coordinator at Rancho Alamitos HS, audio manager at Gahr HS, front ensemble coordinator at Ross MS and as a show designer/music arranger for various groups in Southern California. He is also a member of the Zildjian and Vic Firth education team.
Christian was raised in Fountain Valley, CA where he took interest in the marching arts, specializing in design, composition, and audio engineering.
Christian actively works with many high school programs while past experience includes audio engineer/front ensemble staff member at Pacific Crest ('19-'24), front ensemble arranger at Golden Empire ('23-'24), and front ensemble staff member at Mandarins ('25). As a performer, he has marched at POW Percussion ('15), at Pulse Percussion ('16,'17,'19), and at Pacific Crest ('18). He was also the recipient of the Southern California Percussion Alliance Composition Scholarship in 2016.
Currently, he serves as the percussion coordinator at Rancho Alamitos HS, audio manager at Gahr HS, front ensemble coordinator at Ross MS and as a show designer/music arranger for various groups in Southern California. He is also a member of the Zildjian and Vic Firth education team.
Impusle operations team
Scott Suyama - Operations Manager
Scott Suyama is a music educator from the South Bay. He has performed with Impulse (Charter Member), Scarlet Regiment, Velvet Knights, Kingsmen Indoor Percussion, and USC Trojan Marching Band. Scott graduated from USC with Bachelors of Music in Music Education. Scott also is a performing musician at Disneyland and in-studio recording sessions.
Scott has taught the USC Drumline and several Southern California High School percussion programs including Torrance HS, Bishop Montgomery HS, Alhambra HS, and San Dimas HS - before becoming the Band Director at Gardena High School 2007. Scott has been on the admin team at Impulse DBC, Impulse Indoor, OCI, and Kaizen.
Scott Suyama is a music educator from the South Bay. He has performed with Impulse (Charter Member), Scarlet Regiment, Velvet Knights, Kingsmen Indoor Percussion, and USC Trojan Marching Band. Scott graduated from USC with Bachelors of Music in Music Education. Scott also is a performing musician at Disneyland and in-studio recording sessions.
Scott has taught the USC Drumline and several Southern California High School percussion programs including Torrance HS, Bishop Montgomery HS, Alhambra HS, and San Dimas HS - before becoming the Band Director at Gardena High School 2007. Scott has been on the admin team at Impulse DBC, Impulse Indoor, OCI, and Kaizen.
Melannie Stakely - Tour Manager
Melannie brings a diverse background in both performance and education to the marching arts community. Her instructional experience includes serving as a Bass Drum Technician with Gold (2010), Impulse (2011), POW Percussion (2011–2014), Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps (2013–2017, 2019), OCI Open (2016), and Gold Indoor and Drum and Bugle Corps (2022).
As a performer, Melannie has been a part of several respected ensembles, including Black Knights (2007), Mystikal Drum and Bugle Corps (2007–2008), Pulse Percussion (2008–2010), and the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps (2009).
In addition to her instructional work, Melannie has held numerous leadership and administrative roles across the activity. Her experience includes Battery Manager with POW Percussion (2014), Ensemble Director for POW Percussion (2015, 2017–2018) and Vessel Indoor (2018), Assistant Operations Manager and later Tour Manager/Admin Assistant (2018) and Staff Coordinator (2019) with Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, Operations Manager for Gold (2023), and currently serves as Board President and Ensemble Director for Kaizen (2026).
Outside of the marching arts, Melannie is a K–8 School Counselor in the Palmdale School District. She also brings over 12 years of experience working in early childhood education as an infant and toddler teacher
Melannie brings a diverse background in both performance and education to the marching arts community. Her instructional experience includes serving as a Bass Drum Technician with Gold (2010), Impulse (2011), POW Percussion (2011–2014), Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps (2013–2017, 2019), OCI Open (2016), and Gold Indoor and Drum and Bugle Corps (2022).
As a performer, Melannie has been a part of several respected ensembles, including Black Knights (2007), Mystikal Drum and Bugle Corps (2007–2008), Pulse Percussion (2008–2010), and the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps (2009).
In addition to her instructional work, Melannie has held numerous leadership and administrative roles across the activity. Her experience includes Battery Manager with POW Percussion (2014), Ensemble Director for POW Percussion (2015, 2017–2018) and Vessel Indoor (2018), Assistant Operations Manager and later Tour Manager/Admin Assistant (2018) and Staff Coordinator (2019) with Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, Operations Manager for Gold (2023), and currently serves as Board President and Ensemble Director for Kaizen (2026).
Outside of the marching arts, Melannie is a K–8 School Counselor in the Palmdale School District. She also brings over 12 years of experience working in early childhood education as an infant and toddler teacher
René Lupercio - Percussion Manager
René is an active educator and performer based in Southern California, with a strong foundation in both the marching arts and academic instruction. As a percussionist, his performance experience includes Full Force Percussion, Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, and Orange County Independent Percussion. He also studied jazz drum set at El Camino College, where he earned his AA in Music Performance.
In addition to performing, he has been a dedicated music educator since 2009, working with programs such as Gardena High School, Peary Middle School, and currently serving on the staff of Impulse Indoor Percussion and Impulse Drum & Bugle Corps. René served as an admin and snare technician at Orange County Independent Percussion from 2024–2025, and in 2026, he helped found Kaizen Percussion, which was promoted to World Class in its inaugural WGI season.
Outside of the marching arts, René holds a degree in Mathematics from CSUDH and a Master’s in Applied Statistics from CSULB. His professional career includes six years as a math teacher, and he now serves as a middle school coordinator, focusing on academic support and administrative responsibilities.
René is an active educator and performer based in Southern California, with a strong foundation in both the marching arts and academic instruction. As a percussionist, his performance experience includes Full Force Percussion, Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, and Orange County Independent Percussion. He also studied jazz drum set at El Camino College, where he earned his AA in Music Performance.
In addition to performing, he has been a dedicated music educator since 2009, working with programs such as Gardena High School, Peary Middle School, and currently serving on the staff of Impulse Indoor Percussion and Impulse Drum & Bugle Corps. René served as an admin and snare technician at Orange County Independent Percussion from 2024–2025, and in 2026, he helped found Kaizen Percussion, which was promoted to World Class in its inaugural WGI season.
Outside of the marching arts, René holds a degree in Mathematics from CSUDH and a Master’s in Applied Statistics from CSULB. His professional career includes six years as a math teacher, and he now serves as a middle school coordinator, focusing on academic support and administrative responsibilities.
Justin Mitnik - Media Manager
As a trombonist, educator, and entertainment professional whose career bridges the concert hall, theme parks, and the classroom, Justin Mitnik is currently the Associate Director of University Bands at UMass Lowell.
A long-time Disneyland musician, he performs in a wide range of musical settings, from theme park bands (Disneyland, Disney World, Seaworld, and Legoland to touring productions (Blast, Shockwave, Cyberjam) and many other professional ensembles.
Offstage, Justin has experience in higher education as an applied instructor as weel as an instructional designer and e-learning developer, blending his BM, MM, and MBA training into arts education, leadership, and curriculum design.
Passionate about youth development, he serves in key instructional and governance roles with the Impulse Youth Arts Organization, helping young performers grow as musicians, teammates, and leaders.
As a trombonist, educator, and entertainment professional whose career bridges the concert hall, theme parks, and the classroom, Justin Mitnik is currently the Associate Director of University Bands at UMass Lowell.
A long-time Disneyland musician, he performs in a wide range of musical settings, from theme park bands (Disneyland, Disney World, Seaworld, and Legoland to touring productions (Blast, Shockwave, Cyberjam) and many other professional ensembles.
Offstage, Justin has experience in higher education as an applied instructor as weel as an instructional designer and e-learning developer, blending his BM, MM, and MBA training into arts education, leadership, and curriculum design.
Passionate about youth development, he serves in key instructional and governance roles with the Impulse Youth Arts Organization, helping young performers grow as musicians, teammates, and leaders.
impulse lead instructional team
Cole Wheeler - Front Ensemble Caption Head
Cole Wheeler is a percussionist and educator based in Southern California. Cole holds an Associate of Science degree in Political Science from Riverside City College, where in addition to his studies, he spent three years performing as a percussionist with the Marching Band and Wind Ensemble, as well as a pianist with the Piano Ensemble and Jazz Lab Band.
His extensive experience in the marching arts includes performing with Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, Gold Indoor Percussion, Velocity Indoor Percussion, and Vessel Indoor Percussion. Since 2019, Cole has been an active marching arts educator, working with the programs at Indio High School, San Dimas High School, Temecula Valley High School, Chaparral High School, and several others. Beyond teaching, he has spent the past six years writing and arranging shows for many of these programs, as well as numerous others.
Cole Wheeler is a percussionist and educator based in Southern California. Cole holds an Associate of Science degree in Political Science from Riverside City College, where in addition to his studies, he spent three years performing as a percussionist with the Marching Band and Wind Ensemble, as well as a pianist with the Piano Ensemble and Jazz Lab Band.
His extensive experience in the marching arts includes performing with Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, Gold Indoor Percussion, Velocity Indoor Percussion, and Vessel Indoor Percussion. Since 2019, Cole has been an active marching arts educator, working with the programs at Indio High School, San Dimas High School, Temecula Valley High School, Chaparral High School, and several others. Beyond teaching, he has spent the past six years writing and arranging shows for many of these programs, as well as numerous others.
Gabriel Bustamante - Battery Caption Head
Gabriel grew up in San Diego and found his passion for the marching arts through his middle school and high school percussion programs. What began as a love for performing quickly became a major part of his life, leading him to perform with several ensembles such as Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, Pow Percussion, and ultimately aging out after two seasons on the snareline at Pulse Percussion. His experiences as a performer shaped his desire to give back to the activity, eventually leading him toward a career in teaching the next generations of performers.
Since aging out, Gabriel has established himself as a dedicated instructor and mentor in the percussion community, working with Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, POW Percussion, Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, and Meraki Percussion. He also has extensive experience at the high school level, teaching programs throughout San Diego County, including Scripps Ranch High School and San Marcos High School, and helping foster both strong cultures and competitive success.
Known for his attention to detail and commitment to student achievement, Gabriel strives to create an environment that challenges performers to reach their full potential while fostering a lifelong appreciation for the marching arts. He is ecstatic to bring his experience and ideas to Impulse and can’t wait to see what the future holds for the corps!
Gabriel grew up in San Diego and found his passion for the marching arts through his middle school and high school percussion programs. What began as a love for performing quickly became a major part of his life, leading him to perform with several ensembles such as Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, Pow Percussion, and ultimately aging out after two seasons on the snareline at Pulse Percussion. His experiences as a performer shaped his desire to give back to the activity, eventually leading him toward a career in teaching the next generations of performers.
Since aging out, Gabriel has established himself as a dedicated instructor and mentor in the percussion community, working with Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, POW Percussion, Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, and Meraki Percussion. He also has extensive experience at the high school level, teaching programs throughout San Diego County, including Scripps Ranch High School and San Marcos High School, and helping foster both strong cultures and competitive success.
Known for his attention to detail and commitment to student achievement, Gabriel strives to create an environment that challenges performers to reach their full potential while fostering a lifelong appreciation for the marching arts. He is ecstatic to bring his experience and ideas to Impulse and can’t wait to see what the future holds for the corps!
Ashley Kocour - Brass Caption Head
Ashley Kocour is a Southern California performer and educator with a strong foundation in the marching arts and music instruction. She currently works as an elementary music teacher in Riverside, California, and has experience teaching students across all levels of music education, from elementary and middle school to high school and collegiate ensembles, as well as private instruction.
Ashley’s marching arts experience includes five seasons with Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps, where she performed euphonium and later served as a Drum Major. She spent three seasons on the brass staff of Gold Drum & Bugle Corps and has continued to work with marching programs throughout Southern California in both brass and visual instruction.
Ashley Kocour is a Southern California performer and educator with a strong foundation in the marching arts and music instruction. She currently works as an elementary music teacher in Riverside, California, and has experience teaching students across all levels of music education, from elementary and middle school to high school and collegiate ensembles, as well as private instruction.
Ashley’s marching arts experience includes five seasons with Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps, where she performed euphonium and later served as a Drum Major. She spent three seasons on the brass staff of Gold Drum & Bugle Corps and has continued to work with marching programs throughout Southern California in both brass and visual instruction.
Matt Miller - Brass Co-arranger / Brass Instructor
Matt Miller is an active composer, arranger, and educator in the marching arts. He currently serves as an arranger and designer for Van Buren HS, Damien HS, and numerous other marching ensembles throughout the country. His arrangements have been featured at major events, including the Rose Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and received a gold medal at WGI Finals in 2026.
As an educator, Matt serves as the Music Caption Head at Gahr HS and as a brass instructor with Pacific Crest. He is also an announcer for Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA) competitions and other marching arts events throughout Southern California. Matt’s performance experience includes five seasons with Mandarins (2015–2019) and one season with Dark Sky Percussion (2016).
Matt holds a Master of Music degree in Film Scoring from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Composition from California State University, Long Beach. He currently lives in Norwalk, CA and loves running and hiking.
Matt Miller is an active composer, arranger, and educator in the marching arts. He currently serves as an arranger and designer for Van Buren HS, Damien HS, and numerous other marching ensembles throughout the country. His arrangements have been featured at major events, including the Rose Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and received a gold medal at WGI Finals in 2026.
As an educator, Matt serves as the Music Caption Head at Gahr HS and as a brass instructor with Pacific Crest. He is also an announcer for Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA) competitions and other marching arts events throughout Southern California. Matt’s performance experience includes five seasons with Mandarins (2015–2019) and one season with Dark Sky Percussion (2016).
Matt holds a Master of Music degree in Film Scoring from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Composition from California State University, Long Beach. He currently lives in Norwalk, CA and loves running and hiking.
Aaron Talabucon - Visual Caption Head
Aaron is an educator and drill writer from Ventura County with over a decade of
experience in the marching arts community. After graduating from Camarillo High School and earning a Bachelor's in Music Industry Studies from California State University, Northridge, Aaron began his career in his hometown area as a visual instructor, caption head, and now visual designer.
Aaron's performing career began with Pacific Crest in 2015, followed by three seasons with the Blue Devils from 2017–2019. As an instructor, he currently serves as the visual caption head at Buena High School, and previously held that role for many years at Moorpark High School and Camarillo High School. He also currently works as the visual designer for several programs in the area, including Buena High School's and Moorpark High School's fall and indoor percussion programs, Camarillo High School's indoor percussion program, and
numerous other marching arts programs across Southern California.
He has also brought his expertise to WGI and DCI through groups such as Meraki Percussion — a two-time WGI Open Class champion and WGI World Class finalist -- Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, where he has served as a visual instructor for the past three seasons.
After spending his first summer with Impulse last year as a visual instructor, he is excited to return to take on the role of visual caption head for the upcoming 2027 season.
Aaron is an educator and drill writer from Ventura County with over a decade of
experience in the marching arts community. After graduating from Camarillo High School and earning a Bachelor's in Music Industry Studies from California State University, Northridge, Aaron began his career in his hometown area as a visual instructor, caption head, and now visual designer.
Aaron's performing career began with Pacific Crest in 2015, followed by three seasons with the Blue Devils from 2017–2019. As an instructor, he currently serves as the visual caption head at Buena High School, and previously held that role for many years at Moorpark High School and Camarillo High School. He also currently works as the visual designer for several programs in the area, including Buena High School's and Moorpark High School's fall and indoor percussion programs, Camarillo High School's indoor percussion program, and
numerous other marching arts programs across Southern California.
He has also brought his expertise to WGI and DCI through groups such as Meraki Percussion — a two-time WGI Open Class champion and WGI World Class finalist -- Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, where he has served as a visual instructor for the past three seasons.
After spending his first summer with Impulse last year as a visual instructor, he is excited to return to take on the role of visual caption head for the upcoming 2027 season.
Preston Shepherd - Brass Consultant
Preston Shepard is an active free-lance hornist in the Los Angeles area. A student of Joseph Meyer, he studied at Cal State University Northridge and Azusa Pacific University. Preston has performed with the San Diego Symphony, the Los Angeles Opera, Pacific Symphony, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Long Beach Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony, Opera Santa Barbara, and many others around the Greater Los Angeles area. He has also recorded on numerous feature films, television shows and specials such as Avatar 2, Zootopia 2, The End of Oak Street, The Game Awards, The Orville, Star Trek : Lower Decks, Picard, Discovery, Strange New Worlds, Solar Opposites, and as well as for video game projects such as Fortnite, Overwatch and League of Legends. He has also recorded on albums for artists such as Avenged Sevenfold and Deadmau5.
Preston marched with Santa Clara Vanguard, and has been active as a marching band and drum corps educator, having taught with over a dozen programs throughout Southern California. Preston has taught the past two seasons with Impulse Drum and Bugle corps, including as co-Brass Caption head in 2026.
Preston Shepard is an active free-lance hornist in the Los Angeles area. A student of Joseph Meyer, he studied at Cal State University Northridge and Azusa Pacific University. Preston has performed with the San Diego Symphony, the Los Angeles Opera, Pacific Symphony, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Long Beach Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony, Opera Santa Barbara, and many others around the Greater Los Angeles area. He has also recorded on numerous feature films, television shows and specials such as Avatar 2, Zootopia 2, The End of Oak Street, The Game Awards, The Orville, Star Trek : Lower Decks, Picard, Discovery, Strange New Worlds, Solar Opposites, and as well as for video game projects such as Fortnite, Overwatch and League of Legends. He has also recorded on albums for artists such as Avenged Sevenfold and Deadmau5.
Preston marched with Santa Clara Vanguard, and has been active as a marching band and drum corps educator, having taught with over a dozen programs throughout Southern California. Preston has taught the past two seasons with Impulse Drum and Bugle corps, including as co-Brass Caption head in 2026.
Israel Gutierrez - Color Guard Assistant Caption Head
Israel Gutierrez brings extensive experience as both a performer and educator in the marching arts. He currently works with several programs throughout Southern California, including Artesia High School Winterguard and Impulse Winterguard.
His teaching experience also includes the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, along with a variety of scholastic and independent programs. Israel is passionate about developing performers, building strong team cultures, and helping students reach their full potential.
We are excited to welcome Israel back to Impulse!
Israel Gutierrez brings extensive experience as both a performer and educator in the marching arts. He currently works with several programs throughout Southern California, including Artesia High School Winterguard and Impulse Winterguard.
His teaching experience also includes the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, along with a variety of scholastic and independent programs. Israel is passionate about developing performers, building strong team cultures, and helping students reach their full potential.
We are excited to welcome Israel back to Impulse!
Justin Mitnik - Brass Consultant
Justin Mitnik is a professional trombonist and educator whose career spans international stage productions, orchestral performance, marching arts education, and currently is the Associate Director of Bands at UMass Lowell. His performance credits include Blast!, Shockwave, Cyberjam, and Music in eXtreme’s Japan tour. He's performed with the Disneyland Band and has also appeared with ensembles including the Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra, Reading Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Wind Symphony, and Salisbury Symphony Orchestra.
Justin began his drum corps career as a performer and soloist with the Spartans and Crossmen before moving into instructional leadership. His teaching experience includes more than 17 years in drum corps and served as brass caption head for the Connecticut Hurricanes and Impulse.
In addition to performing, Justin also has been found teaching as adjunct faculty at Santa Ana College, Santiago Canyon College, providing private instruction, music arranging and drill writing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Massachusetts, a master’s degree in music education from Boston University, and an MBA in organizational leadership from the University of Massachusetts Global. His work brings together professional performance experience, music education, and a commitment to accessible, high-quality arts programming.
Justin Mitnik is a professional trombonist and educator whose career spans international stage productions, orchestral performance, marching arts education, and currently is the Associate Director of Bands at UMass Lowell. His performance credits include Blast!, Shockwave, Cyberjam, and Music in eXtreme’s Japan tour. He's performed with the Disneyland Band and has also appeared with ensembles including the Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra, Reading Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Wind Symphony, and Salisbury Symphony Orchestra.
Justin began his drum corps career as a performer and soloist with the Spartans and Crossmen before moving into instructional leadership. His teaching experience includes more than 17 years in drum corps and served as brass caption head for the Connecticut Hurricanes and Impulse.
In addition to performing, Justin also has been found teaching as adjunct faculty at Santa Ana College, Santiago Canyon College, providing private instruction, music arranging and drill writing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Massachusetts, a master’s degree in music education from Boston University, and an MBA in organizational leadership from the University of Massachusetts Global. His work brings together professional performance experience, music education, and a commitment to accessible, high-quality arts programming.
Chris Estrada - Audio Manager
Chris Estrada has been a high school Band Director in South Los Angeles in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) since 2013. He teaches beginner instrumental classes, music technology, advanced band, as well as the concert band, marching band, and indoor percussion ensemble.
He started with Impulse in 2022 as Brass Caption Head, administrator in 2023, and in 2024 he became the Audio Caption Head and continues in the role for the 2027 season.
Chris Estrada has been a high school Band Director in South Los Angeles in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) since 2013. He teaches beginner instrumental classes, music technology, advanced band, as well as the concert band, marching band, and indoor percussion ensemble.
He started with Impulse in 2022 as Brass Caption Head, administrator in 2023, and in 2024 he became the Audio Caption Head and continues in the role for the 2027 season.
