RUSSELL TANAKAYA is a longtime supporter of drum corps and Pacific Crest. He spent his career in the hospitality industry, and is recently retired as the General Manager of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Los Angeles in Glendale.
In addition, he is an adjunct instructor at Glendale Community College where he teaches Introduction to Hospitality, Intro to Tourism, Restaurant Management, Bar/Beverage Management and Hotel Operations.
Russ is an avid photographer, who specializes in portrait, special event and marching music activity imagery. A veteran writer and photographer for the internet magazine Drum Corps World, Russell has taken pictures around the country for the niche youth activity of American drum corps for over a decade. His magazine contributions and social media postings feature thousands of action photos annually. He serves as the primary photographer for the World Class, Drum Corps International group Pacific Crest – and the WGI World Class organization Pulse Percussion.
In the off season, Russell’s photography runs the gamut from National Park landscapes, to night photography and his passion – studio and location portraiture and special events.
He also supports the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep organization as an affiliated photographer. He is a member of the Professional Photographers Association, and an avid Sony mirrorless artist.
Russ served on the Governing Board of the Japanese American National Museum from 2003 – 2018.