Zack Whittier
Audio Caption Head

Zack Whittier is a multi-faceted music educator, percussion instructor, audio engineer and designer, ensemble administrator, composer, and arranger from Tucson, Arizona, currently residing in Glendale. Zack earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance (Percussion emphasis) from Northern Arizona University, under the direction of Dr. Steven Hemphill. Zack’s passion for percussion and education has led him to work with programs across the country, including Arizona, California, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

Mr. Whittier serves as the Director of Percussion and Lead Audio Engineer and Designer at Sandra Day O’Connor High School (Phoenix, AZ) where he has been instrumental in establishing the indoor percussion program. He played a critical role in leading that ensemble to become state medalists in their class in their inaugural year.

Outside of the scholastic setting, Zack is the Audio Caption Manager at The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps (Tempe, AZ; 4 years) and also works with the Front Ensemble with Pulse Percussion (CA; 2025 – Present), as well as The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps (2024). His previous roles in education include serving as the Front Ensemble Caption Head at Breakthrough Indoor Percussion, working as the audio engineer for Flux Indoor Percussion, serving as both a Percussion and Visual staff member at Northern Arizona University, and holding various roles at several high schools throughout Arizona.

As a performer, Zack boasts an impressive resume, having been a member of The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps (2010-2012, 2012 Section Leader), Pulse Indoor Percussion (2013), and the University of Arizona “Pride of Arizona” Marching Band (2009, 2010, 2013).

Zack had the privilege to study with several esteemed instructors, including Dr. Steven Hemphill, Ian Grom, John Mapes, Glen Crosby, Sean Gordon, Homero Ceron, and Dr. Andrea Venet.

Zack’s dedication to percussion education and his ability to inspire students have earned him respect in the national percussion community. He continues to collaborate with an incredible staff and looks forward to further contributing to the world of percussion and music education.

Brittney Hamrick
Audio Engineer

Brittney Hamrick is a percussion educator from Northeastern Ohio. She began her marching career with Cap City Percussion from 2017 through 2020. Brittney also performed with Legends DBC in 2018, the Seattle Cascades in 2019, and Phantom Regiment in 2020. Currently, Brittney teaches a few front ensembles in Northeast Ohio, including those at Avon Lake and Nordonia.

Brittney has obtained a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and works in medical billing for a telehealth company.

Brittney is enthusiastic about furthering her learning and development in the field of audio engineering. She looks forward to applying her new skills this coming summer.

Alex Schweitzer
Audio Engineer

Alex is a percussion educator and audio engineer based in southern California.  His performance experience includes Gold DBC 21, Pulse Percussion 22, 24, 25, and 26 and Carolina Crown 23. He currently teaches at Ramona High School in Riverside California and Great Oak High School in Temecula California and is currently studying at Riverside City College for Audio and music technology!

Bridget Kloian
Audio Intern

Bridget is a percussionist and educator based in Gilbert, Arizona, with performance experience including The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps (2024) and Flux Indoor Percussion (2021–2025).

She began her teaching career in 2020 as a Front Ensemble Instructor at Casteel High School before moving to Dobson High School, where she first expanded her role as an Audio Technician. Bridget now serves as an Audio Technician Intern with Flux Indoor Percussion.

Her passion for audio and sound design emerged while playing synth with Flux in 2023 under the mentorship of Zack Whittier, leading her to perform as a synth player for both Flux and The Academy in 2024.

Alex Inouye
Audio Intern

Alejandro (Alex) Inouye has been in the marching community since 2015. He performed with Los Alamitos Highschool (2015-2019) on bass drum and POW Percussion (2022-2023). He also worked audio for Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps (2022-2023)

Since 2020, Alex took to audio engineering as it combined his two passions, music and electronics. Through this he was able to garner more opportunities.

He is currently working as an audio engineer for Los Alamitos High School, South High School, and La Quinta High School while showing support to other surrounding bands in his off time.  Outside of the marching arts, Alex is moving on to pursue a Bachelor’s in Audio Engineering at California State University Dominguez Hills.

Justin Robards
Audio Consultant

Justin Robards has been an educator and audio engineer for over 20 years. He has had the incredible fortune to work with some of the best groups and venues across the United States. Currently, he works as the Audio Technician for Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. In DCI, he has worked with many incredible groups, including: Bluecoats, The Academy, Carolina Crown, Jersey Surf, Teal Sound, Magic of Orlando, and Kiwanis Kavaliers. In WGI, he has worked with STRYKE, Infinity, as well as STRYKE 2, Infinity 2, FIU, Paradox, and STRYKE Wynds. He has also worked with Box5 Media as an audio engineer and videographer, where he has worked prestigious events such as UIL, FMBC, and BOA Regionals, Grand Nationals, and the MFA Concert festival.

Justin is a proud education Artist for Vic Firth sticks and Zildjian Cymbals and is currently celebrating his 25th year as an active instructor, arranger, audio engineer, and clinician. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from the University of Central Florida in the Fall of 2019 and his Associate’s Degree in Music from Indian River State College in 2007. Justin spends his free time with his wife, Jane, along with their amazing daughter, Eliza.