Matt Lackey has been a Pacific Crest visual instructor for nine seasons, but in 2013 he will lead the visual program as Caption Head. To complete the reorganization, including changes to the corps’ marching technique and staffing, Matt is bringing aboard Bill Fritz as Co-Caption Head.
Matt performed with Pacific Crest in 2000 and 2001 and with the Blue Devils, where he aged out in 2003. He began teaching for Pacific Crest in 2004, and has been with the corps ever since. Matt takes over for Chris Cowling, Pacific Crest drum major from 2001 – 2005, who led the corps’ visual program from 2009 through 2012.
Reflecting on his new role, Matt notes, “Pacific Crest has been my family for almost half my life. I feel honored to serve the drum corps as Visual Caption Head, and I look forward to continuing the quality of excellence established by our alumni.”
To assist with the development of a new movement program, Matt is bringing aboard another alumnus of Pacific Crest and the Blue Devils, Bill Fritz. After aging out of drum corps, Bill became a band director, spent several years on The Academy’s visual staff, and is currently teaching at Etiwanda and Ayala High Schools.
Program Coordinator Mark Gunderson is spending these first months of the off-season refining the 2013 creative and instructional team. “I’m excited that Matt has accepted this position. He’s always done a great job at Pacific Crest as a performer and teacher and I’m confident he’ll be great in this position, as well. I’ve been fortunate to work with Matt over the past ten years or so through Pacific Crest or my high school bands, and he’s always been a class act, professional, and knowledgeable. I look forward working with him in his new role at Pacific Crest.”
