Visual Instructor
AKASH WATSA is a Michigan-based music educator specializing in visual movement, with a diverse background in teaching K-12 music. Most recently, he taught band and choir at Washtenaw International High School & Middle Academy. Currently, he is a graduate student at the University of Michigan, pursuing a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy.
Akash currently serves as the Visual Caption Head for the Walled Lake Schools Marching Band and Indoor Visual Ensemble. Both programs have experienced significant growth and achieved recent competitive success, including being named BOA AAA Bronze Medalists (2023) and WGI Scholastic World Class Finalists (2024). In addition to his work with Walled Lake, he is entering his first season as Visual Caption Head with RedLine Percussion. Akash also remains active in Drum Corps International (DCI), having served on the Troopers Visual Team from 2022 to 2024.
Before his time at Walled Lake, Akash worked with several other performance ensembles across Michigan. While pursuing a double major in music education and mathematics at Central Michigan University, he served as an undergraduate teaching assistant with the Chippewa Marching Band, where he redesigned and implemented the visual fundamentals program. Akash also provided visual instruction and design for several winter guard programs, including Troy Athens High School’s WGI groups and Metamorphosis. As the Assistant Guard Director at Troy Athens, he helped lead the program to a state championship and a position as WGI Scholastic A Class Semi-Finalists in consecutive seasons.
In every program he works with, Akash is dedicated to fostering a culture of lifelong learning, commitment, and teamwork. He consistently prioritizes student-centered learning and strives to create an environment where students, staff, and the community feel valued. Akash is excited to join Pacific Crest this season and looks forward to the future of the organization.