DAVID WALKER
David is an active composer, arranger, sound designer, educator, and adjudicator residing in Waco, Texas. A native of Tennessee, David has composed music since he was at least seven years old, if not earlier. After teaching in the public sector, he decided to dedicate himself to composing and arranging full time. During his time as a performer, David performed in percussion ensembles, salsa band, world ensembles, large ensembles, and even some as a solo artist. His marching arrangements have been performed mostly in Texas. He has composed for the MTSU wind ensemble, TCU orchestra (winning the concerto competition), as well as percussion ensembles. David was fortunate to have studied with Mr. Lalo Davila, Dr. Andy Smith, Mr. German Baratto, Mr. Tommy Giampietro, Dr. Brian West, Dr. Richard Gipson, Mr. Joey Carter, Mr. Leigh Howard Stevens, as well as Dr. Michael Linton and Dr. Blaise Ferrandino, both heads of composition faculty.
David is the ensemble coordinator for the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle corps, where he coordinates and runs the ensemble.
As a clinician, David has judged for USBands, North Texas Colorguard Association, Texas Colorguard Association, as well as in other states.
As an instructor, David prided himself in having WGI regional medalists (including holding the highest music score in the nation for PSO class for three weeks in 2017), while also conducting advanced percussion ensembles and a UIL superior concert band ensemble.
David spends his time away from work with his wife and two children, and training for triathlons.
JONATHAN YOO
Jonathan Yoo is the Associate Director of Bands at Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas. His responsibilities include coordinating the marching band, conducting Symphonic Winds, Concert Band, and Jazz Band. Under his direction, the various ensembles have received consistent “Sweepstakes” ratings at UIL contests and festivals.
Jonathan graduated cum laude from the University of Houston, where he studied saxophone and music education. During his time there he was involved with the marching band, concert bands, and jazz orchestra. While at the University of Houston, he had the opportunity to perform with Diane Shuur, Conrad Herwig, Vincent Herring and Wayne Burgeron.
He also spent four years performing with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. His DCI teaching experience includes Pacific Crest, The Glassmen, Spirit of Atlanta and Music City.
Jonathan is also an adjudicator for visual percussion for several circuits such as: Texas Colorguard Circuit, North Texas Colorguard Circuit, Mississippi Indoor Association, Ohio independent Performance Assocication, Southeastern Colorguard Circuit, and Gulf Coast Colorguard and Percussion.
His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Color Guard Circuit and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.
BRYAN HARSTON- PROP DESIGN
Bryan Harston’s role with the Contemporary Voice team is to help bring the show designer’s vision, the drill writer’s wishes, and the directorial staff’s needs to life … in the form of thoughtfully-designed, meticulously engineered props and field equipment. His design philosophy balances safety with economy, strength with portability, and simplicity with sophistication.
Bryan enjoys challenging the assumption that good marching props come from banging a bunch of nails through a pile of two-by-fours. Instead, he bases his designs on theatrical scenery construction techniques. “Stage scenery is built to be safe, lightweight, and easy to handle,” he says, “all while projecting a specific visual illusion that supports the overall performance. Field props should be no different.”
Bryan’s involvement with the marching arts began in high school. A Texas All-State percussionist, Harston was Drum Captain for the Pride of Oklahoma marching band at the University of Oklahoma, where he studied engineering, geophysics, and law. While raising his children in North Texas, he spent years as an involved, die-hard Band and Guard Dad for the Southlake Carroll Dragon Band, working on prop design and construction teams for nine consecutive seasons of marching, indoor percussion, and winter guard shows.
Bryan spends his summers on the DCI tour, driving semi trucks coast to coast for Santa Clara Vanguard and The Cavaliers. During the school year, he continues to serve the Dragon Band as a semi driver for marching and indoor ensembles – though his own kids have graduated – hauling props and equipment to stadiums, arenas, and gymnasiums near and far.
Technical innovation is a hallmark of Bryan’s work in the marching arts. He has designed, installed, and programmed remote wireless LED lighting systems for Indoor Percussion, Winter Guard, and marching shows. He designs custom field carts for audio equipment, front ensemble, prop movement, and field/floor tarp handling. In 2017 he developed a system of low-cost portable/telescoping backdrop frames for indoor/guard ensembles … frames that roll easily through a standard gymnasium door, telescope up to 12’ high, move freely around the performance floor, then quickly retract to doorway height for rapid clearance of the performance space.
A retired patent attorney with over 25 years’ experience in the practical application and development of engineering and technology, Harston is lead teacher for the middle school Robotics and Engineering STEM program at HEB Independent School District in Bedford, Texas.
BILL CASTILLO
Bio Pending- He makes scores and parts look amazing!