Michael Shapiro

Artistic Director, Color Guard Caption Supervisor, Designer

Michael Shapiro is returning to the Blue Stars for his eighteenth year as Artistic Director and Color Guard Caption Supervisor. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Michael currently resides in Dallas, Texas, where he serves as the Color Guard Director at Duncanville High School.

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 Mirage, Ménage, West Broward High School, Tarpon Springs High School, Carroll High School, Crown Guard, and Carolina Crown.

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 Color Guard Director at Timber Creek High School.

Throughout his career, John has had the privilege of teaching and choreographing for several notable programs, including West Broward High School, Tarpon Springs High School, Mayflower Winter Guard, and Mirage and Ménage Winter Guards.

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.

Wesley Tyree

Color Guard Instructor

Wesley Tyree graduated from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. During college, he was an active member of several performance ensembles, including Matrix Percussion, Onyx Color Guard, Juxtaposition Color Guard, and the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps. While performing with Onyx, the group earned both a WGI gold medal and a silver medal.

After graduation, Wesley was invited to perform and compete at Nationals with the Perkins School of the Arts in Norwich, New York. In 2014, they were awarded the Joe Noce Memorial Award and were named Senior Dance National Champions.

In addition to performing locally and nationally, Wesley directed the guard at his alma mater, Westland High School, and worked with numerous programs throughout central Ohio. He also spent a year in Chicago, Illinois, working with Lake Park High School (BOA Grand Nationals Semi-Finalists), Lincoln-Way East High School, and Lincoln-Way North High School.

Since moving to Texas in 2015, Wesley has performed with Black Gold (2016), CGT Dallas (2017, 2018), CGT Denton (2020), and most recently, Mirage (2023). He has also worked with many North Texas programs, including Legacy High School, McKinney High School, Aledo High School, Hebron High School, Azle High School, and Lakeview Centennial High School.

Alongside his performance and teaching career, Wesley earned his certification in secondary dance and mathematics. He is currently the Guard Director and a Mathematics Teacher at Plano East Senior High School, an instructor for MPE, and is pursuing a master’s degree in mathematics education with dual credit certification.

Wesley is excited to continue his journey this summer with the Blue Stars!

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.

Travis Larson

Brass Caption Head

Travis Larson believes in the power of music to change lives. His passion for music can be traced back to his earliest childhood, when he listened to records non-stop — eager for the day he could finally sign up for band class and learn to play an instrument himself. He first caught the marching arts bug in 1989 as a member of the Velvet Knights, later aging out with the Blue Devils in 1996. 

For over 30 years, Travis has worked with many band programs, encouraging young people to pursue music. He serves as brass instructor, program coordinator, wind composer/arranger and consultant for several high-profile band programs in Arizona,  including Millennium, Mountain View, Williams Field, Red Mountain, Peoria and Desert Ridge high schools. His ultimate goal is to provide a high-quality marching band experience, promoting musical values and arts education.

Born and raised in Mission Viejo, California, Travis was a member, then brass instructor for the Mission Viejo High School Marching Band from 1992-2005. In that time, the ensemble achieved great success, winning two state championships and multiple high music trophies. 

In 1998, Travis was a brass staff member of the Jim Ott Brass trophy-winning Blue Devils. He later joined the brass team for The Cadets from 2014-2016, winning the high brass trophy at the 2015 DCI World Championships. From 2017-2019 Travis joined the new brass team at the Boston Crusaders and helped build some of the most successful horn lines in their history.

Travis received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Grand Canyon University in 2016. He is currently the band director at Mendoza Elementary and Shepherd Junior High School in Mesa, Arizona. 

Travis resides in San Tan Valley, Arizona with his wife, Ann, their two children, TJ and Ava, and their Chihuahua Axl.

Craig Adams

Brass Caption Manager

Craig Adams is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting at Michigan State University where his principal instructor is Dr. Kevin L. Sedatole. Craig also holds the Master of Music degree in Band Conducting and the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he was a conducting student of Dr. Eric Wilson.

 At Michigan State, Craig is active in all aspects of the band program and guest conducts the Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, and Concert Band. He serves as a graduate assistant for the Spartan Marching Band, Spartan Brass, Campus Band, and is an assistant conductor for the Spartan Youth Wind Symphony.

Prior to graduate study, Craig was the Assistant Director of Bands at Curtis Middle School (Allen, Texas). He led the sub non-varsity band to consecutive UIL Sweepstakes ratings and team-taught beginning and intermediate band classes. Craig also co-conducted the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, which was named the 2023 TMEA MS State Honor Orchestra. Additionally, Craig served as a marching technician for the Allen HS Marching Band. In 2021, the Allen Band was a finalist at the UIL Area E Marching Band Competition.

Craig is an active educator and adjudicator in the marching arts. He is an alumnus of the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, and serves as the Brass Caption Manager at the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps.

 In 2024, Craig received the Graduate Academic Achievement Award from Baylor University. Craig actively attends conducting symposia and professional development opportunities around the country and has worked with such distinguished conducting pedagogues as Jerry Junkin, Mallory Thompson, Steven D. Davis, Craig Kirchhoff, and Jamie Nix.

Amanda Brigham

Brass Caption Manager

Amanda Brigham has been the Assistant Director of Bands at Leander High School since 2022.  Prior to joining Leander ISD, she was an Assistant Band Director at Dripping Springs High School for 3 years.  Amanda has been on the Brass Staff with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps since 2021.  She is an active choreographer and adjudicator for bands across the country, and was recently a presenter during Student Day at the 75th Annual Texas Bandmasters Association Convention/Clinic in 2022.

Amanda received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 2019.  During her time at IU, she studied trumpet with Professor Joey Tartell, as well as performed with the IU Concert Band, IU Marching Hundred, IU Big Red Basketball Band, and the Brass Band at Indiana University.

Amanda performed with the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps from 2015-2018, serving as the horn sergeant in 2018.  She was the 2017 recipient of the Jim Ott Scholarship, Diane Thompson-Wells Scholarship, and Friends of DCI Scholarship.  She served on the Phantom Regiment Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2018-2022, serving as Vice President from 2020-2022.

Outside of teaching, Amanda enjoys hiking and drinking coffee.  She lives with her husband, Caleb, and their two dogs, Luna and Leo.

Roger Marquis

Visual Caption Coordinator

Roger Marquis, graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, is in his fourteenth year as a band director and currently an Assistant Band Director at Tomball Memorial High School in Tomball, Texas. 

Roger has been involved in the drum corps activity for over fifteen years and has led the Blue Stars visual program as a Visual Co-Caption Head and Visual Caption Coordinator since the 2016 season. He began as a member of Revolution Drum & Bugle Corps and aged out after multiple seasons with the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps. As a drum corps instructor, he has had a variety of responsibilities with Genesis, Blue Stars, Crossmen, Boston Crusaders, and the Troopers.

Roger is a founder and current Board Member of Monarch Arts Education where he previously served as Visual Coordinator of Monarch Independent Percussion, a perennial Winter Guard International World Class Finalist. Additionally, Roger is a consultant, clinician, and adjudicator for high school marching band programs across the country.

Luke Zamprelli

Visual Caption Head

Luke Zamprelli is a resident of Houston, Texas where he is a full-time designer and program coordinator for pageantry groups across the United States.  He is also the visual coordinator for Monarch Independent Percussion, a perennial WGI World Class Finalist.

Luke has been involved in the drum corps activity for over a decade.  He was a member of the Phantom Regiment, and he served on the visual staff of the Boston Crusaders beginning in 2013.  Luke joined the Blue Stars in 2016, becoming Caption Head in 2021.

Prior to designing full-time, Luke held band director positions at Morton Ranch Junior High and, most recently, at Paetow High School in Katy ISD.  Luke has been involved in the marching arts as a designer, clinician, and adjudicator with groups all over the United States and Europe.  His groups have earned numerous accolades such as Bands Of America Class Champions and multiple state recognitions including Texas UIL Area Champions and State Finalists.  

Tyler Propfe

Assistant Visual Caption Head

Tyler currently resides in West Chester, PA where he is an elementary music educator. He is also a designer, choreographer, instructor, and drill writer in the mid-Atlantic.

Tyler’s marching career began with the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum & Bugle Corps from 2006 to 2015 and served as horn sergeant in 2015. Tyler spent 2013 and 2014 with the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps.

Tyler has been a part of the Blue Stars organization since 2023. Outside of the Blue Stars he has been with United Percussion since 2019 where he is also a designer for UP2, is the program coordinator and drill designer for Downingtown East Winter Percussion, and is the visual caption head for the Downingtown East High School Marching Band. He has previously served as visual co-caption head for the Jersey Surf in 2016 & 17, served on the Cadets2 staff in 2018, and the Academy visual staff from 2019 to 2023. He has also had roles as caption head, choreographer, designer, and program coordinator for multiple marching bands and indoor ensembles throughout southeastern PA.

Tyler attended West Chester University where he received a dual degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance as a baritone. He received a Masters in Music Education from Lindenwood University.

Jeff Whipple

Assistant Visual Caption Head

Jeff Whipple is a professional visual designer and educator based in Centerville, Ohio.  With more than two decades of experience in the pageantry arts, his design and instructional work spans highly competitive programs across state and national circuits, with ensembles appearing in Bands of America Regional Finals, multiple state championships, and WGI regional and World Championship finalist ensembles—including numerous Visual and General Effect caption winners. Jeff is in regular demand as an adjudicator, across the visual spectrum including Winter Guard International, and numerous local circuits.

He is currently the Visual Caption Head for The Centerville Jazz Band, where he is excited to contribute to the program’s rich history. Jeff is a graduate of The University of Iowa, where he performed with the Hawkeye Marching Band and also served as the university’s mascot. He has  served on the visual teams at The Blue Knights, The Cavaliers, and The Mandarins.

When not immersed in the pageantry arts, Jeff enjoys traveling and exploring new hiking trails around the world.