Josh Guttveg

Audio Caption Manager

Josh Guttveg is an arranger, sound designer, and all-around audio specialist, having worked with and designed for numerous groups across the state of Florida and beyond for both indoor percussion and outdoor marching programs. Josh has been involved in the marching arts for over 15 years, assuming multiple responsibilities and positions over the years. He started his indoor marching career with Stryke Percussion, playing synthesizer from 2011 and then 2013-17. In 2013, he also started his DCI career with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps as their assistant conductor for the 2013-14 seasons. Josh would then earn the position of synthesizer with the world championship organization Carolina Crown, spending 2 years with them and aging out in 2016.

After aging out, he returned to Crown as their Audio Intern in 2017, launching his career in marching audio and becoming one of their Audio Engineers in 2018 and Lead Audio Engineer for the 2019 season. He would also return to Stryke Percussion after his age out to become Audio Caption Head for both the World and Open groups from 2018-present, also consulting with the championship-winning ensemble Stryke Winds throughout the years.

This will be Josh's third year as Audio Caption Manager, and he is excited to continue tributing to the Blue Stars and helping elevate their production through his and his team's audio program!

David Nekula

Lead A1

Since 2018, David Nekula has been active in the art as a fan, educator, and audio engineer. David has served as a music and visual tech, as well as audio tech, at Broadneck High School in Annapolis, MD. In 2023 he was an A3 at the Cadets and later that year started working on the audio team with George Mason University Indoor Percussion, with whom he has been working with since. In 2024, David joined the Blue Stars as A1 audio engineer and has continued that work in the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

David marched in 2018 with Jersey Surf and aged out with the Blue Stars in 2022.

David graduated with a B.A. in Music Technology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He currently works at Studio 39 in Annapolis, MD as the recording studio manager and touring audio manager.

Douglas Stevens

A1

Douglas Stevens is an A/V Production and Installation Technician and percussionist from Kernersville, NC. He graduated from Guilford Technical Community College in May of 2023 with degrees in Recording Engineering and Concert Sound and Lighting.

Douglas has worked as an audio engineer with multiple groups including; the Blue Knights DBC, Civitas Independent, and Northwest Guilford HS. Outside of the marching arts, he also works at Imagine Design & Production Services, the NC Folk Festival, Fountain of Life Church, and Joymongers Brewing. He has previously done stagehand work with I.A.T.S.E. along with several other positions in the A/V field.

Douglas is also a tenor drummer and marched with multiple DCI/WGI ensembles. He marched DCI with the Vanguard Cadets in 2022 and the Watchmen DBC in 2018. He also marched WGI with Civitas Independent in 2022,2023,2024 and CATALYST Percussion in 2020.

Leo Hall

A2

Leo Hall is a student in audio production and technological music composition. They attend CU Boulder in Colorado where they play in several groups on multiple instruments. 

Leo currently works for the CU school of music in auditoriums such as Mackey and Grusin Hall, recording, mixing and mastering performances of all kinds. 

In their work they prioritize creative innovation for electro-acoustic music and pushing the boundaries of classical performance. 

In the marching arts, Leo has marched the Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble and now works at local Colorado high schools doing marching arts sound design. 

Brendan Murphy

A2

Brendan Murphy was born and raised in Stratford, Connecticut and studied Music and Sound Recording at the University of New Haven. Brendan has nearly 10 years of experience with the pageantry arts as a performer and educator, and is excited to start his first year as an A2 for the Blue Stars.

Brendan performed as a trumpet player for 5 years of middle and high school, 4 years at New Haven, and the Madison Scouts in 2022, 2023, and aged out in 2025. He currently is a visual technician at the Francis T. Maloney High School Marching Band and is a visual tech, drill designer, and A2 for their Winter Percussion program.

Since the beginning of college, Brendan has worked in various roles in the audio space. He was a Stagehand for the Music Industry Club assisting in both lights and sound. He also briefly co-hosted a weekly radio show on the campus radio station 88.7 WNHU.

Brendan has mainly found work in musical theater as a Board Operator and various stagehand roles. He hopes to pursue a career in professional theater spaces in New York City.

Julian De Leon

Audio Engineer Intern

Julian De Leon is an audio-visual technician based in Anaheim, California. He has recently earned a Bachelor's Degree in Theater with an emphasis in Technical Design and Production and seeks to gain experience in live audio engineering. He currently works for Encore AV, where he provides technician work across lighting, video, and audio areas for corporate event productions and aims to elevate to the touring events industry.

His marching experience consists of the Tournament of Roses Honor Band, Pasadena City College Lancer Marching Band, and aged out with Meraki Percussion for their first year competing in Percussion IW. He has also served as an audio consultant for Glendale High School and Herbert Hoover High School.

Julian is super stoked to be joining the Blue Stars team as the Spring Training Audio Intern, where he can continue his passion for the marching arts while advancing his career goals!

Michael Shapiro

Artistic Director, Color Guard Caption Supervisor, Designer

Michael Shapiro is returning to the Blue Stars for his 19th year as Artistic Director and Color Guard Caption Supervisor. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Michael currently resides in Palm Springs, California.

Michael was the founder, director, and designer of Corona Winter Guard in Los Angeles, California, and has been the creative force behind Mayflower Winter Guard in the United Kingdom since 2000. He has taught and designed for numerous programs, including West Broward High School, Tarpon Springs High School, Carroll High School, and Crown Guard.

Michael has been inducted into the WGI, WGASC, and Blue Stars Halls of Fame.

John Kregler

Color Guard Caption Manager, Choreographer

John Kregler is excited to return to the Blue Stars for his fifth year as Color Guard Caption Manager. He currently lives in Fort Worth, Texas, where he is the founder and director of Pearle Winter Guard.

John has choreographed and designed for several programs, including West Broward High School, Tarpon Springs High School, Mayflower, Mirage and Ménage.

Most recently he was the color guard director at Timber Creek High School in Fort Worth.

Originally from Central Florida, John began his marching career at Tarpon Springs High School. He is an active choreographer and designer, working with programs across the United States and internationally. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations from the University of South Florida.

Malan Messemore

Color Guard Caption Manager

Malan Messemore is returning to the Blue Stars for his sixth summer with the color guard staff. During the winter season, he co-directs both Mirage and Ménage Winter Guards. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Texas at Arlington.

Malan also works as a designer and creative at Band Today, where he produces costumes, flags, prop graphics, and more.

Anthony Garcia

Color Guard Choreographer

Anthony Garcia is returning for his fifteenth year with the Blue Stars as a color guard choreographer. Originally from Los Angeles, California, he currently serves as the Color Guard Director at both Arcadia High School and William S. Hart High School.

Anthony has taught and choreographed for numerous programs, including Mirage and Ménage, Vox Artium, Icon Winter Guard, and Mayflower Winter Guard. He is also a former performer with the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps and Corona Winter Guard.

Justin Turner

Color Guard Instructor, Choreographer

Justin Turner began teaching the Blue Stars in 2014 after aging out with the corps, where he marched for two seasons. Since then, he has choreographed and taught for numerous organizations, including Onyx World, Icon Winter Guard, Milford High School, Onyx A, The Collective, The Pride of the Netherlands, Campbell County High School, Lakota East High School, and many other schools in the Cincinnati area.

He is currently the Head Director at Campbell County High School and serves as the Color Guard Designer for The Forest Hills Marching Band.

Justin’s performance career began in 2012 with O2 Independent Open, where he discovered his passion for the activity. He went on to march with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps from 2012 to 2013, and with Onyx Independent World from 2013 to 2016, serving as captain during his final season. In 2017, he returned to Onyx for a special performance at The Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

Justin currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he works as a freelance User Experience Designer for clients across the country.

Kristen Zotti

Color Guard Instructor, Choreographer

Kristen Zotti is originally from Cheshire, Connecticut, where she began her marching career with the Cheshire High School Band and its Scholastic World Class Winter Guard from 2005 to 2009. While in high school, she also performed independently with the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps (DCA) from 2007 to 2010.

After high school, Kristen performed with the Independent World Guard, Alter Ego, from 2010 to 2012. She then moved to Dayton, Ohio, to march with Zydeco Winter Guard for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. In addition to her winter guard experience, Kristen marched with the Blue Stars during the 2011 and 2012 seasons and now spends her summers teaching with the corps.

Since 2014, Kristen has been the Color Guard Director at Little Elm High School in Little Elm, Texas. In North Texas, she has also worked with CGT Dallas, CGT Denton, Icon Winter Guard, and currently serves as a choreographer for several local schools.

Seth Thomas

Color Guard Instructor, Choreographer

Seth Thomas is currently the Color Guard Director at Lebanon Trail High School in Frisco, Texas. Before his appointment at LTHS, Seth served as a technician and choreographer for various programs across the DFW Metroplex. He also contributes to the color guard staff at both the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps and Mirage Performance Ensembles.

As a performer, Seth was a member of the WGI World Class Finalist CGT Performing Ensembles from 2016 to 2020 and was also a member of the 2015 Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps.

A native Texan, Seth earned his Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication with a concentration in Music Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce. He currently resides in Frisco, Texas.

Joshua De Guzman

Color Guard Instructor

Joshua is a Southern California native who grew up in the Ventura County area and moved to Chicago in 2015 to be closer to family. He has designed, choreographed, and taught for organizations across both Southern California and the Chicagoland area.

Currently, Joshua teaches full-time and serves as the Head Coach at Evanston Township High School. He also works with Prospect High School, Victor J. Andrew High School, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, and Northwestern University.

Joshua began his color guard journey during his sophomore year of high school and started teaching soon after graduating. He joined a local winter guard called Allusion, where his passion for the activity continued to grow. In 2003, he performed with the Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps and aged out in 2005. He also marched with Corona Winter Guard in 2004 and again in 2006.

Most recently, Joshua co-founded the Chicago Pride Guard, which has performed at numerous LGBTQ+ events throughout the Chicagoland area.

Krystal Cookie Shepherd-Greene

Color Guard Instructor

Krystal Cookie Shepherd-Greene is a passionate color guard instructor with deep roots in the vibrant world of performing arts. Born and raised in sunny Southern California, Cookie honed their skills as a member of the renowned Corona Winter Guard, where they developed a love for movement, expression, and teamwork. Their journey continued as they marched with the prestigious Blue Devils Drum Corps, an experience that not only refined their technical abilities but also instilled a profound appreciation for the art of color guard.

Now residing in Houston, Texas, Cookie brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to their teaching. With a commitment to fostering creativity and discipline in their students, they inspire the next generation of performers to push boundaries and embrace their unique artistic voices. Whether on the field or in the classroom, Cookie, is dedicated to cultivating a supportive environment where every student can thrive and shine.

Brittany Shepherd

Color Guard Instructor

Brittany Shepherd began her marching career in Southern California, where her passion for the activity quickly took root. She went on to perform with several renowned organizations across the United States, including the Boston Crusaders, Blue Knights, Blue Devils, and Corona Winter Guard.

Dedicated to sharing her love for color guard, Brittany has worked with numerous respected groups throughout California and Texas.

Alex Serrano

Color Guard Instructor

Originally from Odessa, Texas, Alex Serrano marched with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps from 2013 to 2016. He later moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, where he performed with CGT Denton Winter Guard from 2018 to 2020, Origins Winter Guard in 2022, and Mirage Performance Ensembles from 2023 to 2024.

In 2021, Alex had the opportunity to teach the Colts during the DCI Celebration Tour, and he went on to serve as a choreographer for The Cadets in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He is currently on staff with the FIU Winter Guards and serves as the director of Royse City High School in Royse City, Texas.

Alex is excited to return to the Blue Stars this summer!

Charlee Facundo

Color Guard Instructor

Charlee Facundo is a Houston, Texas native who teaches and choreographs extensively throughout the Greater Houston Area. He currently works at Clear Lake High School, where he serves as the Color Guard Director and as an administrative assistant for the fine arts programs. Charlee has had the pleasure of working with groups such as Pearland High School (Scholastic Open), Undaunted (Independent Open), and Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps.

His passion for the performing arts began at Westfield High School in Spring, Texas. Charlee went on to march with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps from 2017 to 2019, serving as captain during his final two seasons. He was also a founding member of Undaunted Winter Guard (Independent Open) and is currently performing with Mirage Performance Ensemble (Independent World), recently completing his second season.

Charlee graduated magna cum laude from Lone Star College with a degree in Visual Arts.

David Arvin

Color Guard Instructor

David Arvin, originally from Moore, Oklahoma is currently a resident of McKinney, Texas. He began his participation in the marching arts as a percussionist before he began his color guard career. As a performer he spent his time amongst the Troopers and the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps while in the winter seasons performing with Eclectix Independent, Central Independent and concluding his performance career with CGT Dallas in 2018.

David’s teaching career began in Oklahoma where he taught Union High School from 2011-2017, while also working with The Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps from 2012-2017. In 2018 he made the move to Texas where he assisted with multiple high school programs as well as the CGT Dallas & Denton programs in the DFW area. In 2020 David opened Rock Hill High School as the Guard Director in its inaugural year and has continued to work in that capacity to this day while also helping with Melissa High School and Little Elm High School. 

Marina Attalla

Color Guard Instructor

Marina Attaalla is a Southern California native who started color guard at Torrance High School. She has over 10 years of teaching experience and performed with Impulse and Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, as well as Diamante and Mirage Winterguards. She has worked with several Southern California programs, including Warren High School and Aliso Niguel High School.

After moving to the Dallas–Fort Worth area in 2020, Marina has worked with programs including Lamar High School, L.D. Bell High School, Grapevine High School, and Emerson High School, and currently serves as Color Guard Director at Timber Creek High School. She holds a BA and MS in Psychology from Arizona State University. Marina is passionate about developing strong performers and confident individuals, with a deep commitment to excellence.