Ensemble Administration

Dr. Nick Riley – Director

Michael Reese – Program Coordinator

Brian Griffin – Board Treasurer / Finances

Operations Staff

Dr. Nick Riley – Director

Austin Ahlborn – Special Projects

Dr. Alyssa Iwinski, PT, DPT – Medical Advisor

Andre Rodriguez – Webmaster

Austin Sharp – Merchandise

Trey Singleton – Transportation

Jeremiah Gast

Melissa Gouge 

Micki Hayes

Marco Iannelli

Jo Walker

Design Staff

Michael Reese –Program Coordinator

Ryan Ellis – Artistic Director & Visual Designer

Andrew Markworth – Music Designer

Ross Werner – Graphic Designer

Byron Valentine – Uniform Designer

Jeff Hurr – Prop Designer

Andrew Polk – Battery Choreographer

Josh Brickey

Drew Brown

Dr. Nick Riley

Battery staff

David Ware – Battery Coordinator

Josh Brickey – Consultant

Jordan Kracus – Snares

Simon Slagle – Snares

Sam Eifert – Quads

Dylan Sammons  – Quads

Steven Rader – Quads

Bryson McPhail – Basses

Chloe Roh – Basses

Ian Anstaett – Cymbals

Evan Pliska –  Cymbals

Front Ensemble Staff

Aubrie Lynn – Front Ensemble Coordinator

James Beckner – Audio Engineer

Tyson Leazenby

Alexis Rodriguez

Andrew Seivert

Paul Walker

Mason Rhue

Layne Wellman

Darius McCann

Visual Staff

Jonah Ewing – Visual Coordinator

Andrew Polk – Battery Choreographer

Joy Corbett – Visual  Ensemble Coordinator

Hannah Hawryluk

Trinity Icaza

Dennis McGrew

Zach McKitrick

Media StafF

Joey Allen – Media Coordinator

Joey Chandler

Carlee McAfee

Abby Murphy

Dr. nick riley

Director, Show Designer

President, CPAA, Inc. Board of Directors | Education Director, ConneXion Educational Clinic Series

Dr. Nick Riley is thrilled to return to ConneXus for his 15th season in 2027.

Currently, Dr. Riley serves as Director and Show Designer for ConneXus and as Educational Director for the ConneXion Educational Clinic Series.  He has previously held numerous other administrative, creative, and instructional roles since co-founding the ensemble in the summer of 2012.  He has served as President of the ConneXus Performing Arts Association, Inc. Board of Directors since 2016. Dr. Riley led both the ensemble and design teams each time ConneXus made WGI World Championships Finals for the first time: PIO in 2015 and PIW in 2023.

He has been involved in the marching arts as a performer, instructor, composer/arranger, ensemble administrator, show designer, and adjudicator for over 20 years. Outside of ConneXus, Dr. Riley is Assistant Professor and Area Head of Music Education at Northern Kentucky University where he instructs courses in music teacher education, applied percussion, and supervises student teachers. A classically trained percussionist, Dr. Riley earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education from The Ohio State University in 2026, a Master of Arts in Music Education from Ohio State in 2023, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Capital University in 2011. Prior to pursuing a career in higher education, he was Director of Bands for Liberty Center Local Schools in rural northwest Ohio from 2012 to 2021.  Dr. Riley’s research interests include burnout, persistence, enrollment, music teacher and student wellness, and non-musical outcomes of music education, all centered within the marching arts as a research area.

He is the founder of the web-based pageantry arts music design business NPR Marching Concepts: The Music of Nick Riley where he has composed over 600 works for over 60 ensembles since beginning his writing career in 2007. A prolific composer, program coordinator, and show designer for marching bands, indoor percussion ensembles, drum corps, and winter winds, Dr. Riley’s compositions can be heard across the United States and South America. In addition to publishing his own work, his compositions for indoor percussion are published by Gary P. Gilroy Publications and Marching Show Concepts. His music has been recognized for its creativity, engagement, educational value, and competitive success. Ensembles performing his music have been local circuit, BOA, DCI SoundSport, and WGI championship finalists and medalists.

Dr. Riley is an accomplished adjudicator for the marching arts, judging actively for the Central States Judges Association (CSJA) since 2013 and the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) since 2012. Specializing in music general effect, music performance, and percussion, he has judged in 13 states. He was appointed as Music Caption Head for CSJA in 2025 where he is responsible for recruiting, training, evaluating, and assigning music judges for over 60 international marching band competitions annually. Dr. Riley has judged championship-level competitions in Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Kansas, Tennessee, and New Mexico.

Dr. Riley is actively involved in circuit administration and contest coordination for indoor percussion, winter guard, and winter winds. Recently, he was re-elected to The Mid-East Performance Association Board of Directors as a Percussion Representative, a position he has held since 2022.

Dr. Riley’s previous staff assignments reflect a diverse background in the marching arts. He served as the Assistant Visual Supervisor for Legends Drum & Bugle Corps (2011-2013), a Percussion Consultant for The Ohio State University Marching Band (2011-2014), and Visual Technician for the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps (2016). Dr. Riley is currently the Program Coordinator and Percussion Composer/Arranger for the Gran Banda Drum & Bugle Corps of Medellin, Colombia, South America, where he has served on both the percussion and visual staffs since 2014. The “GB” is the 2014 DCI SoundSport Champion, runner up in 2017, and the first ensemble from South America to perform in DCI events.

Dr. Riley is a member of OMEA, CSJA, PFCJ, NAfME, and PAS. He holds endorsements from Innovative Percussion and Black Swamp Percussion.

A native of Centerville, Ohio, Nick currently lives in Independence, Kentucky in the metro Cincinnati area. 

Michael Reese

Program Coordinator

Member, CPAA, Inc. Board of Directors

Michael is an active music educator in the state of Ohio where he is a band director for Mason City Schools. He works primarily with the 7th and 8th grade students at Mason Middle School and as the Front Ensemble Coordinator for the BOA Grand Nationals Finalist William Mason High School Marching Band. Michael has earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Marietta College and a Masters of Music Education from Ohio University.

Outside of his public school teaching career, Michael has extensive experience in the marching arts. Michael has served as a Co-Director of ConneXus from 2022-2025 and is excited to take on a new role as Program Coordinator for the 2026 season. Additionally, Michael has worked as a Front Ensemble Instructor for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps for the last five years. In the fall, Michael is a percussion judge for the Central States Judges Association. During his performing years, Michael marched with Legends Drum and Bugle Corps (2014), Cap City Percussion (2014-2015), Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (2015-2016) and Rhythm X (2016-2017).

David Ware

Battery Coordinator

David is a software engineer and battery instructor based out of the Dayton area. He received his BS in Computer Science from West Virginia University and is currently working full-time as a data engineer at Realtor.com.

As a performer, David spent multiple years with Rhythm X and the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps. As an educator, he has served as a battery instructor for several high schools, including Bellbrook HS and Centerville HS.

2026 will be his second season on staff with ConneXus.

Aubrie Lynn

Front Ensemble Coordinator

Aubrie Lynn is an active percussion educator and performer local to Dayton, OH. They have performed with many independent marching organizations such as Resistance Indoor Percussion, the Madison Scouts, Rhythm X, and the Mandarins.

They have also taught many scholastic marching programs of all sizes in the greater Dayton/Cincinnati area, as well as across the country including: Westmoore HS (OK), Joplin HS (MO), Bellbrook HS (OH), Northmont HS (OH), and William Mason HS (OH). They are also the Front Ensemble Manager at Cincinnati Tradition Drum and Bugle Corps.

Aubrie currently lives in Dayton and is finishing her bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Wright State University, performing with their highly esteemed Percussion Ensemble. In their free time, they enjoy jigsaw puzzles, running, and exploring different cities.

2026 is Aubrie’s second season on staff with ConneXus.

Jonah Ewing

Visual Coordinator

Jonah Ewing is from Mason, Ohio. He attended the University of North Texas and Wright State University, where he earned degrees in Music Education and Percussion Performance.

He is an alumnus of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, Matrix Percussion, and the UNT Drumline. As an educator, he has formerly taught at Matrix Percussion, Music City Drum Corps, Allatoona High School, and William Mason High School.

In addition to his role as Visual Coordinator at ConneXus, he currently serves as Assistant Director of Bands and Marching Band Director at Springboro High School.

2026 is Jonah ’s first season on staff with ConneXus.

James Beckner

Audio Coordinator

James Beckner is a performer, educator, and composer from Lexington, Kentucky.

Currently, James serves as the percussion caption head and front ensemble arranger/sound designer for the Madison Central Marching Band in Richmond, KY. The program has won a grand championship and four reserve grand championships during his time there. He is an audio engineer for the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps and is a former member of Rhythm X.

James has been commissioned by top colleges and high schools for his compositions. His most recent projects include commissions from Jim Campbell and the University of Kentucky, the University of Maryland, and Texas high schools performing at the TCU Percussion Festival.

James also serves as an arranger of winds, battery, and front ensembles for schools in California, Texas, and Kentucky.

While attending the University of Kentucky, James is an active percussionist, pianist, and educator in the Tri-State area. 

2026 is James’ first season on staff with ConneXus.

andrew markworth

Music Designer

Andrew Markworth is a composer, arranger, and consultant writing for marching bands, indoor percussion and winds groups and drum corps all over the world. He has been on the Connexus team since 2018.

Andrew
is also the music director for Rhythm X (4 time WGI Independent World Gold Medalist). He is currently the full music ensemble designer for the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps from La Crosse, WI. Previously he was the full ensemble music designer for the Crossmen from San Antonio, TX from 2015-2020 and the front ensemble designer for Carolina Crown from 2007-2014.

Some of his current full music design bands include: Vandegrift High School, McNeil High School, and Centerville High School while some of his current percussion design bands include: Cedar Park High School, Rouse High School and Tarpon
Springs High School.

Andrew is a Yamaha Performing Artist and a proud endorser of Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, and Promark Drumsticks which produces his signature mallet collection.

He currently resides in Centerville, Ohio with his wife Kara, daughter Natalie, and son Brady.

ryan ellis

Artistic Director & Visual Designer

Ryan Ellis is a Visual Designer, Music Arranger, Program Coordinator, and Educational Consultant for marching bands, indoor drumlines and drum corps.

Ryan spent 2018 and 2019 teaching the Crossmen, where he served as the Snare Tech and Battery Coordinator. From 2020-2023 Ryan had the privilege of being the Battery Arranger and Percussion Caption Head for the Madison Scouts, and in 2024 remained on the design team as the Battery Arranger. Ryan is currently the Program Facilitator for The Cavaliers.

Ryan remains involved in WGI as a designer and educator where he works with both scholastic and independent programs. He is the Visual Designer for Rhythm X and the Artistic Director, Visual Designer, and Battery Arranger for ConneXus.

Ryan currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife Kayla and sons Theo and Louie. Before transitioning to pageantry design full-time, he had a successful career as the Percussion Director for Lebanon City Schools in Lebanon, Ohio. Ryan also spent 6 consecutive summers marching DCI with Spirit of Atlanta, the Bluecoats, and the Blue Devils.

Ryan remains incredibly active in show design through the Marching Arts Society, an educational and design resource that he founded in 2017.

andrew polk

battery choreographer

Andrew Polk is a visual designer located in Dayton, Ohio.

He has spent several years working with groups such as ConneXus, The Cavaliers, and Springboro High School (PSA). As a performer, he marched with The Crossmen, ConneXus, The Cavaliers, and Rhythm X on snare drum.

Andrew received his B.S. in Education from Miami University in 2021 and works as a high school English teacher.

drew brown

Show Designer

Advisory Board Member, CPAA, Inc. Board of Directors

Drew Brown has been involved with the marching arts since 2001 as a performer, educator, and
designer. He is currently the Program Coordinator of ConneXus and Vice President of the ConneXus Performing Arts Association, Inc. Board of Directors.

From 2015-2019, Drew worked with the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps as a front ensemble technician, front ensemble coordinator, and electronics coordinator. In 2020 and 2021, Drew worked with the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps as a front ensemble technician.

Currently, Drew is the Percussion Director for Beavercreek City Schools, where he teaches marching band, indoor percussion ensemble, and classroom percussion to high school and middle school students in the district.

Drew studied music education, composition, and percussion performance at Bowling Green State University, Wright State University, and the University of Cincinnati – College-Conservatory of Music.

Drew is proud to be endorsed by Innovative Percussion, Evans Drumheads, Sabian Cymbals, and
Ludwig/Musser.

He currently resides in Dayton, OH with his wife, Cierra, and their dogs, Bobo and Duke.

jEFF hURR

pROP dESIGNER

Coming soon!

Ross Werner

Graphic Designer

Coming soon!

Byron Valentine

Uniform dESIGNER

Coming soon!

josh brickey

consultant

Coming soon!

Jordan Kracus

Snare Technician

Jordan started his marching career in 2011 at Xenia High School and moved to Bellbrook High School in 2014.

After graduating, he spent the summer of 2016 on tour in Crossmen’s snareline and spent the next 3 winters in ConneXus where he aged out during their first year in PIW in 2019.

He has taught at several schools in the Dayton area including Bellbrook High School, Kettering Fairmont High School, Milford High School, and Northmont High School where he was the battery arranger/coordinator. 

2026 is Jordan’s 5th season on staff with ConneXus.

Simon Slagle

Snare Technician

Simon Slagle started his marching career in middle school with the WarEagle Winterline in 2015. He then marched at Olentangy Liberty High School starting in 2016. Simon’s independent marching experience includes the Madison Scouts, Cavaliers, Matrix, and Rhythm X where he aged out in 2024. Simon was a 4-year member of the Ohio University Marching 110 Drumline where he had the honor of being the section leader for the 2024 season.

Currently, Simon lives in the Columbus area where he is in his second year as a battery instructor at Worthington Kilbourne High School. Outside of the marching arts, Simon works in the mental health field and loves to rock climb in his free time.

2026 is Simon’s first season on staff with ConneXus.

sam eifert

quad technician

Sam Eifert is a percussionist and composer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He recently graduated from Miami University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Music Composition with a minor in Arts Management. Sam is now pursuing his Master’s Degree in Composition from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Sam has performed with several high-achieving organizations, including Cincinnati Tradition, ConneXus, The Cavaliers, and Rhythm X.

In addition to teaching privately, Sam currently teaches percussion at Centerville High School and Sycamore High School, where he works with both the marching band and indoor program.

As a ConneXus alum, Sam is excited to return now as a member of the battery staff!

Dylan sammons

quad technician

Dylan Sammons began his marching career in 2011 with Milford HS in Cincinnati, OH. He began his time in the independent scene marching tenors with ConneXus in 2018, and stayed until his age out in 2020. He was also a member of the 2018 Madison Scouts.

His instructional experience includes teaching the battery at multiple schools around the Cincinnati/Dayton area. Currently, he resides in Cincinnati where he is the tenor technician at Milford HS.

2026 is Dylan’s 5th season on staff with ConneXus.

Steven Rader

quad technician

Steven began his marching career in 2016 with Newcomerstown HS. Since then, he has performed with numerous ensembles including Rogues Hollow Regiment, Matrix Performing Arts, Legends Drum & Bugle Corps, Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps, and Infinity before aging out in 2025. In addition to performing, Steven has previously taught at Matrix A (M3) and is currently on staff with Rogues Hollow Regiment and Spirit of Atlanta. He has also helped teach at various high schools across Ohio.

Outside of the marching arts, Steven earned his BA in Graphic Design from Kent State University and currently works as a drone photographer and graphic designer in northeast Ohio.

2026 is Steven’s first season on staff with ConneXus.

bryson mcphail

Bass Technician

Bryson McPhail began his marching career in middle school with War Eagle Winterline from 2014-2016 and continued performing at Olentangy Liberty High School from 2017-2021.

After high school, he went on to march for the UC Marching Band for 5 years. Independently, Bryson marched with CC2 from 2022-2023 before moving up to Cap City World and marching through his age out in 2026.

He currently resides in Cincinnati, where he’s in his third year teaching at Oak Hills HS as a Battery Tech.

Chloe Roh

Bass Technician

Chloe began her performance career in 2015 with the Monroe High School marching band. She continued her marching journey at Miami University, performing for two seasons while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology and Arts Entrepreneurship.

While at Miami, Chloe was an active member of several other ensembles including the percussion ensemble, laptop ensemble and symphony band. Her independent marching experience includes seasons with Cap City and Cap City 2.

Currently, she is in her second year teaching PK-8 general music and serves as the battery caption head at Oak Hills High School. She also spent part of her summer teaching the Colt Cadets.

Chloe is super excited to be joining the ConneXus staff for the 2026 season!

Ian Anstaett

Cymbal Technician

Ian Anstaett started his marching career in 2013 at Lebanon HS in Ohio. He marched DCI with the Crossmen in 2017 and 2018 and WGI with Music City Mystique in 2020.

Based out of Cincinnati, Ohio, Ian’s instructional experience includes teaching visual for the Milford HS Marching Band, as the visual coordinator for The Three Rivers School District Marching Band, and as the visual coordinator/cymbal technician at Milford HS Indoor Percussion Ensemble.

2026 is Ian’s third season on staff with ConneXus.

Evan Pliska

Cymbal Technician

Evan Pliska began his cymbal playing career with Cap City Percussion in 2012 where he continued to march during through the 2019 WGI season.

He also marched three years of DCI, spending the 2015 summer with the Crossmen and the 2017 and 2018 summers with Pioneer. Evan’s teaching experience includes several high schools in the central Ohio area, INOV8 during the 2020 season, and 4th Wall in 2022.

He is currently teaching visual with the Columbus Saints Indoor Percussion Ensemble.

2026 is Evan’s third season on staff with ConneXus.

Paul Walker

Front Ensemble Technician

Paul Walker is a percussionist and educator in the Dayton area. He has performed with groups including ConneXus, the Madison Scouts, and Rhythm X.

He currently works with Beavercreek High School and Cincinnati Tradition Drum & Bugle Corps and has previously worked with several other programs in the Dayton and Cincinnati areas.

Paul is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in music education at Wright State University and is an active performer within the school’s ensembles as well as some regional performance ensembles in the area.

2026 is Paul’s first season with ConneXus and he is excited to get to work with the group!

Andrew Seivert

Front Ensemble Technician

Andrew Seivert is a Percussionist, Teacher, and Composer based in Dayton, OH.

Andrew received his Bachelor of Music Performance in Percussion at Wright State University. He is currently teaching percussion at Archbishop Alter High School, and teaches percussion lessons and classes in the Dayton area.

Andrew is a founding member of Neutrals, a percussion duo based in Dayton, OH that performs contemporary percussion and electronic music.

2026 is Andrew’s second season on staff.

Tyson Leazenby

Front Ensemble Technician

Tyson Leazenby is a rhythm section specialist based in Indianapolis, IN. He spent the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons with Rhythm X as their rack player.

As an educator, Tyson spent the 2023 and 2024 WGI seasons with Westfield High School. There, he helped them achieve a WGI finalist position in 2023 and a semi-finalist position in 2024.

He currently attends Indiana University Indianapolis pursuing a degree in Nuclear Medicine.

2026 is Tyson’s first season on staff with ConneXus.

alexis rodriguez

Front Ensemble Technician

Alexis Rodriguez is excited to join ConneXus for the 2027 season! Her marching experience includes Veritas in 2020, Madison Scouts in 2022, and Rhythm X from 2022–2024.

Since aging out, she has stayed involved in the activity as a member of the Cavaliers audio team from 2023–2025 and the Rhythm X admin team in 2025.
Outside of the marching arts, Alexis works as an epidemiologist at the Indiana Department of Health and is currently completing her Master of Public Health, with an expected graduation in December 2026. She has also worked as a pharmacy technician for the past six years.

Alexis is excited to be back in the indoor percussion world in a new role and is looking forward to a great season with Connexus!

layne wellman

Front Ensemble Technician

Layne Wellman is a freelance percussion instructor based in Ashland, KY. Layne graduated from Morehead State University where he studied Percussion Performance. During his time at MSU, he performed with many ensembles including the MSU Percussion Ensemble, Steel Pan Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Winds, and the Marching Band. Recently, he has returned to Morehead State to begin working on his Masters in Percussion Performance as the Graduate Assistant to Dr. Brian Mason and Dr. Ben Cantrell.

Layne currently serves as the Assistant Band Director for Portsmouth West High School. Additionally, he serves as the Percussion Caption Head for the Seattle Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps. He continues to work as an instructor, arranger, and composer for several high school programs in Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Oregon, and Washington.

Layne proudly endorses Mapex and Majestic Percussion.

darius mccann

Front Ensemble Technician

Darius McCann, from Indianapolis, Indiana, is a 2026 graduate from Indiana University, having studied under the guidance of Professors Joseph Gramley, Kevin Bobo, John Tafoya, and Sean Dobbins; previously studying underneath Dr. Joseph Galvin as his primary instructor for Afro-Cuban and salsa studies.

During his time at IU, Darius has performed in several of the university’s ensembles, including but not limited to the IU Percussion Ensemble, various Bands/Orchestras, New Music Ensemble, and Steel Pan ensemble. He has also performed alongside Kevin Bobo and recorded alongside Dr. Liam Teague for his and Kevin Bobo’s work “Origins and Expansions for Steelpan and Wind Ensemble,” as well as performed with the IU Percussion Ensemble at PASIC in 2023, premiering Kevin Bobo’s “Phobias.”

Darius has taught at multiple high schools around the Indianapolis/Bloomington area, and is currently on staff with Music City Drum Corps, beginning during the 2026 seasons.

Darius has also previously marched with multiple drum corps and WGI groups, which include Veritas PIW (2022-2023), Music City Drum Corps (2023), Rhythm X (2024-2026), and The Bluecoats (2024-2025). His accolades from his marching career include receiving two silver medals with Rhythm X, as well as a gold medal with the group during the 2026 season. His DCI accolades include receiving the gold medal at DCI Finals in 2024 with The Bluecoats, and receiving the silver medal with the Bluecoats for the 2025 season.

Mason Rhue

Front Ensemble Technician

Mason was born and raised in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where he performed with the award-winning marching band and indoor percussion ensembles. His independent performance experience includes Resistance Indoor Percussion (2017–2018, 2020) and the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps (2018). He previously served as a Front Ensemble Technician (2021–2022) and the Front Ensemble Caption Head (2023–2025) for Resistance Indoor Percussion before relocating to Dayton, Ohio.

Professionally, he holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Oklahoma) and currently works as a Research Scientist at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

2026 is Mason’s first year on staff with ConneXus.

Joy Corbett

Visual Ensemble choreographer

Joy Corbett is from the Indianapolis area. She began dancing at the Ballerina’s Academy of Dance studio at the age of 8. She learned and performed all styles of dance but had a strong focus on ballet. She danced both recreationally and competitively throughout high school. In school, Joy played percussion and joined the drumline, performing in both marching band and indoor percussion. After graduating, Joy marched in the visual ensembles with Veritas (2022) and Rhythm X (2023-2025).
 
Outside of the band world, Joy graduated from IUPUI with a bachelor’s in biology and forensic science. She currently works as a research study technician for a drug development company researching reproductive and developmental toxicology.

2026 is Joy’s first season on staff with ConneXus.

Hannah Hawryluk

visual staff

Coming Soon!

Trinity Icaza

Visual Staff

Coming Soon!

Dennis McGrew

Visual Staff

Coming Soon!

Zach McKitrick

Visual Staff

Coming Soon!

Jack Obermeyer

Visual Staff

Jack Obermeyer is a music educator born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has a Bachelors of Music in Music Education and Arts Administration from Miami University. He was a band director in Indiana before working as the Program Manager for the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra.

As a performer, Jack marched with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps in 2022 and with Matrix in 2023. He has taught locally at Northwest HS, Hamilton HS, and Centerville HS, and has also been on the visual staff for Matrix Open.

2026 will be Jack’s first year with ConneXus!

Andre Rodriguez

Webmaster

Member, CPAA, Inc. Board of Directors

Andre Rodriguez is based out of Troy, OH and is a Full Stack Developer and Data Engineer for Whirlpool Corp. Andre is a founding member of ConneXus where he marched snare drum from 2013 to 2015. Andre is ConneXus’ first ever ageout member. 

Andre has been involved in the marching arts since 2006 where he began his career at Westerville South HS in central Ohio.  The exposure he received as a member of the band program at Westerville South aided in the path that has led him back to his first independent ensemble. Giving back to the programs that have aided Andre has always been a passion of his and being able to assist his ageout group makes him extremely happy and eager to hit the ground running. 

Now having a background in data and technology, Andre will be working with the admin team to assist on the back end as Webmaster where he’s had success with organizations such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Google on a national scale. His goal is to help wherever the ensemble needs him in order to be successful throughout the upcoming seasons. 

Andre is thrilled to return to ConneXus for his fourth season on staff in 2026, backed by the support of his daughter Era and partner Emily.

Joey Allen

Media Coordinator

Joey Allen is a videographer, photographer and editor based out of Cincinnati, Ohio.

She attended the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where she earned her bachelors degree in media production. After graduation, Joey began working in the music video industry, photographing and filming countless live events and full-scale productions.

As of 2024, Joey began working in the corporate field where she has helped numerous companies expand their presence through video and photo content. She is excited to join the ConneXus staff as the Media Coordinator so she can continue to showcase their incredible talent!

Carlee McAfee

Media staff

Carlee has been a part of the marching arts for almost a decade. Her time in the activity began at Westerville North High School where she was a member of the Westerville Indoor Percussion Ensemble, WGI Scholastic A Bronze Medalists. She graduated in 2017 and then transitioned to staff. She was the Visual Coordinator there from 2019-2021.

Carlee was a trumpet player for The Colts Drum and Bugle Corps from 2017-2018. She was also a cymbal player for ConneXus from 2017 through their transition into World Class in 2019.

She has taught at several high schools around Ohio including Westerville North, Central Crossing, and Kettering Fairmont. She has also taught cymbals and choreographed for Westerville Independent Percussion.  Prior to becoming the Media Coordinator, Carlee taught visual with ConneXus in 2023.

Carlee currently serves as a Movement Designer for JJ Visual Design and choreographs for marching bands across the country. She is also a photographer for J.Honey Media.

Outside of the marching arts, Carlee graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communications from The Ohio State University with a focus in New Media and Communication Technology.  2026 is Carlee’s 4th season on staff with ConneXus.

joey chandler

Media staff

Joey Chandler is a Purdue University graduate with a bachelors in film and video production.

He currently works for a video production company in the greater Cincinnati area creating content for local and national accounts.

Joey has also been a part of the music video industry working with local artists in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

abby murphy

Media staff

Abby Murphy graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a bachelors in electronic media and broadcasting and communications in 2024.

She specializes in photography, videography, and editing.

After graduating she stepped into the video production world with a Kentucky-based company and has been creating video and photo content for major corporations across the nation.

Dr. Alyssa Iwinski, PT, DPT

Medical Advisor

Dr. Alyssa Iwinski has been a part of the marching arts since 2007, having marched with Phantom Regiment, Tates Creek, Gateway Indoor, and Matrix. 

Since aging out in 2015, she has participated in Matrix Taiwan and has taught at Legacy, Veritas, Madison Scouts, and ConneXus. 

She is currently practicing as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in an outpatient orthopedic setting, with a special interest in athletic and neurological populations.  She has enjoyed integrating her skills from her academic background with her passion for education and percussion performance and has worked as a health and wellness coordinator for WGI ensembles. 

In her free time, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her husband, cooking and hosting, being active outdoors, and snuggling with her sweet kitten Amelia.

Austin Ahlborn

Special Projects

Austin Ahlborn is a music educator and nonprofit specialist originally from the Cincinnati, OH area, where he first became involved in the marching arts as a student at Lakota East HS. As a music educator, he has since worked camps for schools across the state, and led marching band programs as a 5-12 music teacher and band director at Lincolnview Local Schools and Fairbanks Local Schools. He recently completed an MA in music education, an MPA in public policy and administration, and a Graduate Certificate in nonprofit management at The Ohio State University.

In addition to his work with ConneXus, Austin is a PhD student and graduate teaching associate in music education at OSU, where his research focuses on issues of accessibility in music education and the role of nonprofits in serving students and educators. He also serves as the OMEA state advocacy chair, working with teachers, lawmakers, and various stakeholders across Ohio to advocate on behalf of music students and music educators.

Austin currently lives in Hilliard with his wife Alyssa, a choir teacher at Olentangy Liberty HS, and their three cats, Jubal, Phoebe, and Rat. In his free time, he enjoys tennis, a good fantasy or sci-fi novel, and exploring new coffee gear.

trey singleton

Transportation Lead

Trey Singleton was a member of ConneXus for three seasons. In addition, he performed with Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps, Matrix World, the 2018 Army All-American Marching Band, and the Miamisburg HS band program.

Trey holds dual bachelors degrees in music and biology from Wright State University. He is the Sound Designer for West Carrollton HS and previously taught the front ensembles at West Carrollton HS and Miamisburg HS from 2018 to 2024. Trey was also a member of the ConneXus front ensemble staff from 2023 to 2025 before switching to an operations role. Outside of his work in the marching arts, Trey is a quality control lab technician at Sunstar Engineering in southwest Ohio.

Having performed 14 seasons on synth in both outdoor and indoor groups, Trey has many years of experience with music software programs and libraries such as Mainstage and Omnisphere.

2026 is Trey’s fifth season on staff with ConneXus.

Melissa Gouge

Operations Staff member

Melissa Gouge is based out of Cincinnati, Ohio and started her performing arts journey at a young age as a performer in the Cincinnati Ballet’s production of Cinderella. She has since moved to the marching arts where she has played flute and marched with the color guard at both the high school and college level.

In 2022, Melissa graduated from Ohio Northern University with a degree in biochemistry and is currently a PhD student in the University of Cincinnati’s Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology graduate program. Melissa marched with Phoenix Independent and Bluecoats’ Rhythm in Blue.

Melissa currently teaches guard at Harrison High School and has previously taught at La Salle High School. Melissa is currently on admin and guard staff for Bluecoats’ Rhythm in Blue. 2027 is Melissa’s 4th season on staff with ConneXus.

Austin Sharp

Operations staff member

Austin Sharp is from Cincinnati, Ohio and attended La Salle High School. Austin performed with ConneXus for 8 seasons from 2015 to his ageout in 2022, playing rack, vibraphone, and marimba in the front ensemble. Austin’s additional performance experience includes Cincinnati Tradition (2017-2019) and Rhythm In Blue (2023).

Austin is an in-demand front ensemble educator in southwestern Ohio. He currently instructs William Henry Harrison HS and Forest Hills HS.

2026 is Austin’s third season on staff with ConneXus.

Micki Hayes

Operations staff member

Coming Soon!

Marco Iannelli

Operations Staff Member

Marco Iannelli is a pianist and tuba player based in Dayton, OH. A freelance musician, he works as a performer, educator, composer, and arranger. He writes music (with solo piano being his specialty) that encompasses a unique range of instrumentation, style, and genre. He also runs a freelance business, MJI Soundscape Designs, where he works as a Program Coordinator, Music Arranger, Sound Designer, and Soundtrack Designer for various marching ensembles around the country. Currently, he’s the Program Coordinator for the Licking Heights High School Marching Band and the Lead Designer for The Columbus Saints Drum & Bugle Corps.

Marco is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio, with a Bachelor of Music in Performance degree as a piano student of Dr. Frank Huang. He also co-majored in Film Studies and minored in Composition. At Miami, he participated in their wind ensemble, symphony band, jazz ensemble, and marching band, where he was a drum major in 2021. He also served as the music director for Miami’s chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was a finalist for the Geoffrey P. Hall Undergraduate Artists Competition in 2021, and graduated as a finalist for the Outstanding Performer Award for the Class of 2022, voted on by the faculty of the music department.

Marco marched tuba for the Madison Scouts from 2018-2021 (serving on the leadership team his final year), and was a synth player for Rhythm X from 2019-2023, receiving a silver medal in 2022, and a bronze medal in 2023. Previously, he was on the brass staff with the Troopers from 2023-2024, and was a member of the 2024 Bluecoats Fellowship, where he was mentored by the Bluecoats Design Team during their championship winning season. He currently works on the operations team for ConneXus, and is the Assistant Corps Director of The Columbus Saints. He also works on the brass and audio staff for the William Mason High School Marching Band, and the front ensemble/audio staff for Springboro High School’s Marching Band and Indoor Drumline.

When he’s not involved in music, Marco works as a personal banker at KeyBank. And in his free time, he likes to watch and analyze movies, try on fancy clothes, relax around the house, and hang out with his friends and family

Jeremiah Gast

Operations staff member

Jeremiah Gast is from Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from Sycamore High School in 2021. After graduation, he attended the University of Cincinnati and studied chemistry. At UC, Jeremiah played snare drum with the Bearcat Marching Band. He was a member of the ConneXus bassline from 2022 through his ageout in 2025.

Jeremiah has worked with several schools in the Cincinnati area, including Milford High School where he served as a bass tech, Ross High School as a battery consultant, and Campbell County High School as a quad tech.

2026 will be his first season on staff with ConneXus.

Jo walker

Operations staff member

Coming Soon!