While Pacific Crest’s 2016 caption heads will be returning for 2017, fans will see new names on our roster of designers.
Brass Arranger and Music Director John Meehan resigned this past August after serving the corps for five seasons. “John came aboard in 2012,” explains Executive Director Stuart Pompel, “and we experienced immediate success that year with The Spectrum. He’s been an invaluable member of the team, and has helped us develop our program and teaching in a myriad of ways!”
To fill the void, Creative Director Steven Estudillo has hired Doug Thrower as the 2017 brass arranger/composer. Thrower holds that position at the Bluecoats and has done so for 25 years. Estudillo worked closely with Pacific Crest Creative Adviser, Scott Koter, to bring Thrower to Pacific Crest. “I am incredibly excited to have Doug join us. He brings a wealth of experience that will help us realize our artistic vision.” Thrower will continue working for the Bluecoats, as well.
Percussion Arranger/Composer Pete Lucero will return next year, and he will be joined by Jonathan Zuniga, who will arrange and compose the front ensemble score. Zuniga is a Southern California resident and recently completed a four-year tenure with the Blue Stars. “I’ve worked extensively with Jonathan for more than a decade,” says Estudillo, “He is an incredibly talented designer who brings a sense of energy and sophistication.” Zuniga will replace Brian Dinkel, who has shared his talents with the corps for the past two seasons.
On the visual side, Angela Tousley is leaving Pacific Crest after eight seasons with the corps. She served as Color Guard Caption Head and Visual Designer for the first seven years, and in 2016 she moved to the design team as the corps’ Visual Coordinator. Estudillo, who doubles as the corps’ drill designer will coordinate the visual production of the 2017 show, but will be assisted by color guard instructor, David Crook. In addition to working on our color guard staff, David teaches dance at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis.
Seth Murphy is Pacific Crest’s Program and Staff Coordinator. “We are honored to have Doug Thrower as our brass arranger, and excited to see how the music design team brings Steven’s vision to life for 2017. I wish to thank John Meehan and Brian Dinkel for sharing their talents with us. Most importantly, I want to thank Angela Tousley, who has been a full participant in what we’re trying to do here. She is incredibly talented, and PC is a better place because of her work.”
Pacific Crest 2017 Staff
Program and Staff Coordinator, Seth Murphy
Design Team
Creative Director and Visual Designer, Steven Estudillo
Brass Arranger/Composer, Doug Thrower
Battery Arranger/Composer, Pete Lucero
Front Ensemble Arranger/Composer, Jonathan Zuniga
Visual Designer, David Crook
Creative Advisor, Scott KoterInstructional Team
Brass Caption Head, Luis Cardenas Casillas
Percussion Caption Head, Pete Lucero
Front Ensemble Manager, Dalia Berman
Color Guard Caption Head, Jen Barton
Visual Caption Head, Pablo Coppola
