Meet the 2023 Percussion Staff
Joining our designers and caption leads, our full instructional percussion staff returns for 2023 with a couple of new faces- including an additional DCI Hall of Famer.
Along with the return of Michael McIntosh, Clif Walker, Josh Brickey, Russell Wharton, and Rick Drewry, we’re proud to have our entire percussion instructional staff return for 2023. We are thrilled to also welcome Tom Aungst and Dawson Kling to our extraordinary lineup.
Tom Aungst - Percussion Ensemble Specialist
Dawson Kling - Percussion Instructor
Bret Kuhn - Percussion Instructor
Jesse Backes - Percussion Instructor
Lee Allman - Percussion Instructor
Jack Holway - Percussion Instructor
Tim Jackson - Percussion Instructor
Joey Martinez - Percussion Instructor
Adam Norris - Percussion Instructor
Randy Sifuentes - Percussion Instructor
Nond Sil - Percussion Instructor
Scott Simon - Percussion Instructor
Shelby Shelton - Percussion Instructor
Dr. Lane Summerlin - Percussion Instructor
Tom Aungst comes with 40 years experience in Drum Corps International, which includes nine world championships with The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps and a DCI Hall of Fame membership. His 30-year involvement with Dartmouth Public Schools in Massaachusetts includes five WGI World Class Percussion Championships and consistent top three placements. Aungst is a true legend in the percussion world and will be a huge asset to our existing team of powerhouse instructors. He is thrilled to be on board, noting “I’m delighted and honored to become a part of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps’ team! Their consistent pursuit of excellence and creativity year after year have been inspirational for the entire drum corps activity. I am excited to contribute my energy and passion to an already great organization.”
Dawson Kling brings marching experience from esteemed groups such as The Academy, Carolina Crown, The Bluecoats, and Rhythm X. He teaches high school programs across Ohio, as well as Rhythm X winter drumline. Kling additionally teaches private lessons. Josh Brickey, Percussion Caption Manager, notes “Dawson brings a fresh energy to our team. He’s taken his passion in becoming a ridiculous performer and channeled into being a great teacher and leader.” Kling adds “I’m incredibly excited and humbled to join the amazing team at The Cavaliers and be a part of this historic organization. This opportunity is a dream come true for me and I’m very eager to get started!”
“Moving forward into 2023, it speaks volumes that we’ve kept almost the entire percussion staff intact” notes Michael McIntosh, Battery Percussion Arranger. “This continuity goes a long way towards building the championship culture that is our goal. With the addition of some incredible and talented educators, we feel we can provide a high level member experience and are looking forward to competing next summer!” Josh Brickey adds “This is a team of powerhouse teachers and leaders. I truly feel that we have created an incredible culture built on health, respect, toughness, and competition. This entire TEAM believes in what we’re building- but there’s always room for improvement! ‘Iron sharpens iron’- Tom’s influence and Dawson’s fresh perspective will make all aspects of The Cavaliers better.”
To learn more about each of our outstanding instructors, click their photos above for a link to their full biography. To join our 2023 percussion audition interest group, click here.