Robert Spradling, Director of Bands Formerly Director of Bands at Syracuse University, he has taught at both the junior and senior high levels in Florida public schools. As a guest conductor and clinician, he has been active nationally and internationally at clinics and conferences as well as with amateur and professional ensembles. His articles have been published in the Instrumentalist, Journal of Band Research, Journal of Research in Music Education,and Band Director's Guide. He has received the American School Band Directors Stanbury Award and the Kappa Kappa Psi A. Frank Martin Award for leadership in the music profession. He is co-founder of the New York State Band Directors Association and has served as Florida State Chairman of the National Band Association. For the CBDNA he has been New York Chairman, National Coordinator for State Chairmen, and Eastern Division President. David Montgomery, Director David W. Montgomery is Director of the Bronco Marching Band at Western Michigan University, where he also coordinates sports band operations, teaches music education methods courses, and conducts the University Concert Band. Mr. Montgomery earned a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and the Master of Music degree in music education and wind conducting from Kansas State University. Prior to his appointment at WMU, Mr. Montgomery served as a graduate teaching assistant at Kansas State University, where his responsibilities included assisting with the KSU athletic bands and concert bands, conducting the Trumpet and Brass Ensembles, and teaching music education courses and private conducting lessons. From 1998 to 2002, he was Director of Bands at East Gaston High School in Mt. Holly, North Carolina. During his tenure the concert band program was built from Grade IV to Grade VI and received four consecutive superior ratings at the North Carolina Music Educators Association Contest Festival. Under his direction the marching band also won many first place awards and consistently earned superior ratings. As a performer, Mr. Montgomery has served as principal trumpet in the KSU Symphony Band, Trumpet and Brass Ensembles, student quintet and as a substitute in the KSU Faculty Brass Quintet. In June of 2004 he and the student quintet performed multiple concerts in Germany. In addition, Mr. Montgomery frequently serves as an adjudicator and clinician. Mr. Montgomery is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda music honor fraternity and Phi Kappa Psi interdisciplinary honor society. His other professional affiliations include membership in Music Educators National Conference, the International Trumpet Guild, and the Kansas Music Educators Association. He holds honorary memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma. Kyle Keiser, Colorguard Coordinator Kyle Keiser is the visual coordinator for the Bronco Marching Band. Having worked with the band over 10 years, Kyle choreographs and instructs the colorguard and twirlers while providing color, special effects and choreography for the entire band show. As a graduate of WMU in marketing and advertising, Kyle chose upon graduation to pursue her established profession in specialized choreography for dance, colorguard and competitive baton twirling. Kyle has instructed competitive marching band and winterguard since high school. As a competitive twirling coach as certified by the United States Twirling Association, she has instructed throughout the US, Canada, France, Italy and Japan. Her students have been National champions and World medallists. She is a master judge and clinician as certified by the World Baton Twirling Federation. She has worked on such projects as the halftime of the Orange Bowl, the French BiCentennial Celebration in Paris and the opening festivities of the Barcelona Olympic Games. Her students have been members of WGI championship guard, Interplay, the Glassmen Drum Corps, the Blue Coats Drum Corps and featured soloists with Blast 2. She travels worldwide to train designers and performers as well as giving seminars and clinics for adjudicators and coaches. Landon Ewers, Percussion Assistant Landon Ewers is a freelance percussionist, instructor, and arranger. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Percussion Performance from Western Michigan University where he studied with Judy Moonert. Landon has arranged for and instructed numerous high school, college, independent, and drum corps percussion sections. Landon is currently the Director of Percussion Studies for the Legends Performing Arts Association where he heads the percussion section for the Legends Drum and Bugle Corps from Kalamazoo, MI. He serves as percussion coordinator for Reeths-Puffer High School where his batterie arrangements have helped the band earn three consecutive State Championships from 2005-07. He is the percussion coordinator and arranger for Parchment schools where the winter drumline program won the MCGC Class Michigan A State Championships their first year in competition in 2007. He has recently been appointed Percussion Coordinator for Gull Lake High School for the 2008 season and is an adjunct staff member for the North Coast Academy Percussion Ensemble. Landon was a snare drummer with the 1998 Santa Clara Vanguard percussion section that won the DCI Fred Sanford High Percussion Award as well as the Northern Aurora Drum and Bugle Corps in 1995 and 1996. Landon played tenor drums and snare drum for the Bronco Marching Band from 1995 to 1997. Landon performs regularly with the Kalamazoo, West Shore, Southwest Michigan, and South Bend Symphony Orchestras. He plays drumset for Remembrance Church in Walker, Michigan and has performed at the Mason Street Theater in Saugatuck, MI, the Gull Lake Cabaret in Richland, MI, and the Kalamazoo, Jackson, and Clark Lake Civic Theaters. He consults for numerous marching percussion programs, maintains a private lesson studio, and studies non-Western percussion. Casey Spring, Percussion Assistant Casey Spring moved to Portage, MI from East Lyme, Connecticut in 1987. He graduated from Portage Northern High School where he played tenor drums for four years. He was a member of the Bronco Marching Band from '92 to '94. After a few years in smaller Michigan drum corps, he marched with the Bluecoats of Canton, Ohio during the 1993 season. Casey graduated from WMU in 1997 with a BA in Art emphasizing in photography and computer design. Over the last ten years, he has taught several Michigan high school programs including Hartford, Portage Central, Jenison, and Roseville. He currently works in Kalamazoo as a free lance photographer, teaches private lessons for current and future BMB members, and dabbles in web design. Casey is also a member of the local indie rock band Posi. Claudia Schmitz, Graduate Assistant Claudia is pleased to be returning as a second year graduate assistant for the Bronco Marching Band. She is pursuing a Master's degree in trombone performance. During her first year at WMU, Claudia founded and directed the WMU Campus Band, a no audition ensemble of 60 members in its first semester. Additionally, she has performed with a variety of ensembles including Western Winds, Symphonic Band, Trombone Choir, and the Ninja Brass. She is a 2005 graduate of the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York with degrees in music education and trombone performance. From 2003-2005 she marched baritone with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps. From 2005-2006 Claudia taught at a variety of levels in the Huntington School District in New York, including middle school band, high school band, and elementary clarinet and low brass lessons. She is proud to have been a staff member of the Huntington Blue Devil Marching Band, of which she is also a 4 year alumna. Kris Dunlap, Graduate Assistant Kris Dunlap is very excited to be joining the Bronco Marching Band this fall as a graduate assistant as she pursues a Masters degree in Conducting. Kris is a 2002 graduate of Northwestern College in Orange City, IA where she received a BA in music education. While there, she performed with the NWC Symphonic Band, NWC Symphony Orchestra, and Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra. She has since taught elementary band and high school jazz band in Canton, SD, and for the past 3 years has taught elementary band and general music in Roswell, GA. Additionally, Kris teaches private flute lessons, conducts an annual flute clinic for Fulton County Schools, and performs with the Alpharetta City Band with her husband, Josiah. They have only one "child", a very hairy and slobbery chocolate labrador named Meisje. Kris is looking forward to a great season with the BMB and learning now to navigate the state on her hand! Go Broncos! Bryan VanToll, Senior Assistant Bryan VanToll is a music education major from Westland, MI. He is a member of the saxophone studio at WMU and performs regularly in the Jazz Lab Band and Symphonic Band. Bryan played alto saxophone in the BMB and Bronco Pep Band for the past three years, and has served as a Drill Instructor and Section Leader for the alto saxophone section. Bryan is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, the National Music Honor Society, as well as CMENC, the Collegiate Music Educators' professional development group. In his free time, Bryan enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as camping, jogging, and reading. Bryan is excited to work as Senior Assistant with the Bronco Marching Band this year because it will give him a chance to observe the BMB and watch everyone grow both as individuals and as an ensemble. Greg Johnson, Drum Major Greg is a Music Education Major from Imlay City, Michigan, where he served as Drum Major for three years under the direction of Scott F. Pries. This will be Greg's senior year at WMU as well as fifth year with the Bronco Marching Band. Before becoming Drum Major, he marched in the BMB trumpet section as a Drill Instructor. Greg is a student in the Tuba/Euphonium Studio in Western's School of Music where he studies under Dr. Deanna Swoboda. Along with Drum Major, he is active in many WMU performing ensembles such as the Symphonic Band, Basketball Pep-Band, and Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble. On campus, Greg has acted in the capacity of a Resident Assistant in Hoekje Hall(3yrs), NRHH Member(2yrs), Orientation Leader(summer 07) and is currently serving his second term as the President of WMU's Mu Delta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. Greg has performed with groups such as the Kalamazoo Concert and Community Bands under the direction of Dr. Thomas G. Evans. During the summer, Greg can be found making his annual "tour de band camps," where he will instruct students from Webberville, Kelloggsville, Imlay City, Rochester, Wayland, Port Huron, Onsted and Leaper. In his "free-time" Greg teaches music lessons and performs with his hometown music ministry, as the church's lead drummer. Greg is, again, very excited about supporting the Broncos in this upcoming season and is praying for another Bowl Game! Adam Noaeill, Drum Major Adam Noaeill is an Instrumental Music Education major and is a member of the clarinet studio. Adam graduated from Jenison High School in Jenison, MI where he was drum major for three years in the marching band. After high school Adam attended Grand Valley State University for two years when he left to take a year off. Adam then auditioned and was accepted to the School of Music at Western Michigan University. He has attended Western since fall of 2006 and marched euphonium with the BMB in 2007. Adam has taught the Jenison High School marching band since 2005 as a flute/low brass marching and music instructor, as well as working with the drum majors on conducting and leadership. Adam has taught the Hastings High School marching band since 2006 as the flute/clarinet marching and music instructor as well. During the summers of 2004 and 2005 Adam had the distinct honor of conducting the world class drum and bugle corps, Capital Regiment. Adam is a brother of the Mu Delta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, national honorary band fraternity serving as the previous treasurer. Along with being in the BMB Adam enjoys participating in other University ensembles including the University Concert Band, Symphonic Band and the Basketball Pep-Band. He is really looking forward to a great year from both the BMB and the football team. GO BRONCOS!!! Mark DeDeckere, Drum Major Mark is a junior, Secondary Education English and History double major from Gibraltar, Michigan. He is a graduate of Oscar A. Carlson High School where he served two years as drum major of the Marauder Marching Band. This marks his third year in the Bronco Marching Band, and first as drum major. Mark played tenor saxophone in both the bronco pep and marching bands, and recently served as drill instructor during the 2007 season. In addition to saxophone, Mark is also a bassoonist. He is an active member of the Delta Iota chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, music fraternity for men, where he serves as the Fraternal Education Officer. Mark is actively involved on campus in organizations such as the Student Education Association, Colleges Against Cancer, and Phi Alpha Theta-History honor society. During the summer months, he works with many high school band programs teaching woodwinds and marching technique, as well as teaching leadership philosophy at drum major clinics throughout Michigan and the Midwest. In his free time, Mark takes pleasure in spending time with his family and friends, reading, working out, and catching up on homework. Mark takes great pride in being associated with "The Sound of Western," and looks forward to an amazing season! Let's go Bronco Band! Suzanne DeMarois, Drum Major Suzanne DeMarois is a Senior majoring in Communication. She has spent three years in the Bronco Band playing cymbals and this is her first as Drum Major. She is a 2005 graduate of Novi High School in Novi, Michigan where she was Drum Major for two years (and played flute prior to that). In the winter, you can find Suzanne competing with the NorthCoast Academy Percussion Ensemble playing cymbals. She has competed in indoor percussion for 6 seasons (2 at Novi, 3 Motor City Percussion, 1 NCA) and she intends to spend her final season of WGI at NCA. Suzanne is looking forward to 2008-2009 season of BMB and can't wait to get started! GO BRONCO BAND! Ben Kahler, Drum Major Ben is a senior, from Lapeer, MI, majoring in secondary education with a minor in music. This is his fourth year in the bronco marching band and first as drum major. Ben's first three years in the band were spent as a member of the trumpet section, and in 2007, he had the privilege of being one of the trumpet section leaders. In addition to BMB, Ben is active in other University Ensembles such as concert band, campus band and the bronco pep band. Throughout the summer months, he is a counselor for the Smith Walbridge clinics in Charleston, Illinois which provides advanced instruction for drum majors, marching bands, percussionists, and guard participants throughout the country. In 2004 as a participant in the drum major clinic, he received SW's prestigious Drum Major First Class certification in the mace style. In his spare time Ben enjoys being outdoors; snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking, fishing, and camping in the summer. Ben is a proud member of the BMB, and more than hopeful that the 2008-2009 season will continue to represent the enriched traditions of excellence this program has created on campus. Christopher Momcilovich, Student Staff Chris Momcilovich is a music education major from Carleton, MI. He is an active member in the WMU Trombone Studio as a bass trombone player. Before being appointed to the senior staff, Chris marched with the trombone section for 3 seasons. During those three seasons he was a member of the equipment staff, office staff, and was the BMB's librarian for two years as well as being a Drill Instructor last year. Chris is a recipient of the Semper Fidelis music award from the United States Marine Corps as well as the Louis Armstrong award for leadership, dedication, and musicianship. During the school year, Chris is very active with the bands in such roles as librarian or manager in the concert band or playing trombone in the pep bands at WMU. Chris is an active member of the Mu Delta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi as the Parliamentarian for the 2008-2009 school year. He looks forward to an amazing 2008 Bronco Marching Band season!! Donald Kinnee, Student Staff Donald, a 2005 graduate of Coldwater High School, is a senior at WMU in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He has played Trombone for 10 years, 3 with the BMB, and served twice as a trombone Drill Instructor. Most of his time outside the Bronco Band is spent as an active member of the Air Force ROTC unit on campus. When not in uniform for the BMB or ROTC, he can be found studying. He is also an avid runner and traveler, having been to many parts of Europe, Asia, and the US. Upon graduating from WMU in 2010, Donald will commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force and seek to begin Pilot Training. Shane Mittan, Webmaster/Drum Captain Shane is a junior at WMU, studying Psychology and Communications. After a season playing snare with BMB his freshman year in 2006, Shane is now serving in his second year as Section Leader of the WMU Drumline. Aside from BMB, Shane is also an active performer with NorthCoast Academy Percussion Ensemble, an independent world-class competitive percussion organization based out of Saginaw, MI. Shane teaches percussion at various summer music programs in Michigan, while also offering private lessons. During the summer, he works as a semi-professional call-in studio/live musician with various groups and artists. Shane is also the drummer of the prog-metal band, Remains of the Day. In his free time, Shane enjoys being with friends and family, going to concerts, bonfires, eating chinese food, driving around with no particular place to go, singing to the radio, reading the road atlas, drinking lots of coffee, and messing around with computers. Mai Lan Vo, Webmaster Mai Lan is a junior majoring in Music Education from Muskegon, Michigan. She is super excited to be in her third year in the Bronco Marching Band, and her second as webmaster and part of the office staff. Mai Lan is a member of the Trombone Studio in the School of Music. She is active in other ensembles including the WMU Concert Band, WMU Trombone Choir, Campus Band, and Pep Band. She works as one of the WMU Concert Band librarians and is a part of CMENC. Throughout the year, Mai Lan enjoys being involved with the MSBOA District VII Middle School Honors Band and Orchestra, assisting in teaching sectionals and taking care of office work, and Reeths-Puffer Middle and High School's band program, giving low brass lessons and working in the band office. In her free time, she loves visiting her family and friends, volunteering at her middle school and high school band program, practicing the trombone, conducting, reading, listening to music, working with photography and computers, and playing video games. Her dream is to become a high school and/or middle school band director.