The Cavaliers Welcome Three New Consultants for 2023
These talented professionals bring best-in-class, industry-leading expertise and insight to our 75th anniversary production.
Michael Pote - Music Ensemble Specialist
Celeste Cooning - Artistic Consultant
Chad Berkstresser - Visual Design Consultant
We are honored and thrilled with the additions of Cooning and Berkstresser to our design team as well as Pote to the music team for 2023. David Starnes, Program Coordinator, notes “Celeste Cooning and Chad Berkstresser bring a wealth of knowledge, professional experience, and artistic vision to both the visual and production elements of the program. Additionally, Michael Pote is a veteran music educator, his name synonymous with excellence in musical performance and education. We are thrilled to welcome him to The Cavaliers as he joins others previously announced to this team including Tom Dean, Randy Greenwell, and Joni Perez.”
Michael Pote has been the Director of Bands at Carmel High School since 2013, after twenty years as an Associate Director of Bands with the program. Carmel’s marching band recently took first place at the 2022 Bands of America Grand Nationals championship. They additionally recently received the National Band Association Program of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award, and they are a two-time recipient of the Sudler Shield. Since Pote became head Director, Carmel’s wind ensemble has won the Indiana State School Music Association Concert Band Championship six times. Pote has published two wind ensemble method books, and last season he worked with the Cadets as a music ensemble specialist. Read His Full Bio Here
Celeste Cooning is a visual artist based in Seattle, known for monumental and immersive art experiences. Originally from Indiana, she grew up surrounded by Color Guard and Drum Corps and she incorporates rhythm, pattern, and movement into her art today. She regularly collaborates with choreographers, dancers, musicians, and playwrights in her studio art practice. She is thrilled to combine her experiences growing up around the marching arts with her artistic practice to bring expert-level artistry to our 75th anniversary production. Read Her Full Bio Here
Chad Berkstresser has been involved in the marching arts for over 30 years as an instructor, program designer, consultant, and choreographer. He works across Bands of America, WGI, Texas Color Guard Circuit, and Texas UIL/State Championship groups. Chad won several World Championships as a member of the San Jose Raiders, and has worked in a designer and Director capacity for notable groups including Carmel High School, Choctawhatchee High School, The Woodlands High School, and Father Ryan. His DCI experience includes partnering with the Blue Knights, the Boston Crusaders, and the Phantom Regiment. Read His Full Bio Here
To see the full list of talented, world-class staff we have in place for our 75th anniversary season, click here.