Stephen graduated in 2022 from Arizona State University with two bachelor's degrees: Business Administration and Global Politics, and a minor in Organizational Leadership. He is going on six (6) years with the instructional staff for Convergence Indoor Percussion. Stephen was a Percussion Caption Head in the west valley for five (5) years, and is now the Visual Caption Head at Canyon View HS and Estrella Foothills HS. Outside of Convergence, Stephen serves as a Timing and Penalty Judge for AzMBA, and is the Vice President of Winter Guard Arizona, Inc.

Jeff Whipple brings a rich history in the marching and pageantry arts activities and has served as an educator, clinician, designer, and adjudicator for over a decade. Ensembles he has worked with consistently achieve superior ratings and are highly competitive in Class & State championships as well as BOA and WGI circuits. He also serves as a clinician for programs throughout the country. Jeff currently serves as the Visual Caption Head at Desert Vista High School, is an active designer for programs across the country, and is a member of both Vision Percussion and is the Assistant Caption Head at the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps visual teams.

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Ian performed in 8 seasons of World Class Drum Corps and WGI along the West Coast before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a Master’s of Education. He’s served as a designer, composer, and educator for several programs in the Northwest as well as for Impulse Youth Performing Arts Organization in Southern California. Currently he teaches elementary music in Beaverton, Oregon, is the program coordinator for the Westview Marching Band, and has served on the percussion staff of the Columbians Drum and Bugle Corps since 2019.

Specializing in Sound Design for the marching arts, Tim brings a wealth of experience from many genres of storytelling to create powerful, dynamic, and engaging productions. Tim began working in radio broadcasting at KCWU-FM, where he produced nationally-awarded promos and podcasts recognized by College Broadcasters Incorporated and the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System. Fusing radio production techniques with theatrical sound composition, Tim has produced sound design for numerous marching band, winter percussion, and drum corps shows. Well-versed in the marching arts as a performer and educator, he studied Music at Central Washington University and performed with the Oregon Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps and indoor percussion. Valuing both the fine details and the big picture, Tim has worked in electronics design and management with top ensembles in the Pacific Northwest, including Columbians Drum & Bugle Corps (DCI Open), IMPACT Percussion (WGI PIO), OC Indoor (WGI PIW), Oregon Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps (DCI World), and Seattle Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps (DCI World).

Mark is an active and passionate percussion performer/educator based in the northwest valley. Mark earned his bachelors degree in Music Performance with an emphasis in Jazz from ASU and brings his experiences with The Academy, Vision Percussion, and The Seattle Cascades to further grow the West Valley in marching percussion by passing down the technical application, tradition, and life skills embodied in the upper echelon of the activity. He is thrilled for the upcoming season, a new chapter in the world of marching arts, and a front row seat to grow Arizona!

Renée is dedicated educator born and raised in Tucson, Arizona with over 5 years of teaching under her belt. With multiple years marching at Flux Indoor Percussion, she hopes to use her experience to inspire a new generation of percussionists in the state of Arizona. Renée’s priority as an educator is to teach self accountability, help students find and achieve their highest potential, and provide a safe space for creative expression as a performer. Above all she hopes that every performer she comes across will leave Convergence a better version of themselves. This is Renée’s second year with Convergence Indoor Percussion and she is thrilled for the season to come!

Manny is a highly skilled Percussion Educator based out in the west valley with over five years of experience. He brings his experience through performing with groups Phenom and Vision Percussion. His passion and knowledge has lead him to teaching percussion in high schools throughout the valley. Manny is currently finishing his Undergraduate Degree for Music Education through Ottawa University and will further his education next fall for a masters degree. He’s excited to be working with Convergence Indoor Percussion for another season!

Born and raised in the small town of Catalina, AZ, just outside of Tucson, Leela found her way to bass drum while attending Ironwood Ridge HS. She has more than a decade of musical experience, marching a total of 6 seasons on bass drum with groups including Pacific Crest and Vision Percussion. This is her 4th year as battery caption head at Mountain View HS, where the band program continues to break its own score and placement records in AzMBA Championships each year. Leela is passionate about pushing the talent level of bass drummers across Southern Arizona. She prioritizes a positive educational environment and a close-knit culture in her ensembles. This is her first season with Convergence, and she is so excited to be here!

Skylar is a new cymbal tech from the West Valley. She is currently studying business at Glendale Community College as a part of the President's Honors program. This upcoming season will be her fourth year being a part of Convergence Indoor Percussion. She performed two seasons with Convergence and has recently become a part of the staff. Skylar is honored to still be involved with Convergence and is excited to see what the ensemble will achieve in this upcoming season.