Operations Director/Music and Visual Design

Evan Danielson has been involved in performing arts education for the last 9 years. In addition to his role as director for the Detroit Pistons Drumline, Evan is the percussion director for Lawrence Technological University and is the Board of Directors Treasurer for Ignite Performing Arts. He also works with the Lake Orion, Utica, Roseville, Chippewa Valley, and Anchor Bay High School marching bands teaching percussion.

Evan is thrilled to join the NCA family as a Co-Director!

Program Director/Battery Arranger/Visual Design

Paul Loos is a seasoned percussion educator, arranger, and director based in Clawson, Michigan, with over two decades of experience in music education and performance. He has held key leadership roles with renowned programs including Lake Orion Public Schools, NorthCoast Academy, Walled Lake Percussion, and elite drum corps such as Crossmen and Carolina Crown. A passionate instructor and arranger, Paul has led ensembles to numerous state and regional titles, including World Championship honors with both Walled Lake and Lake Orion Percussion.

In addition to his extensive background in the performing arts, Paul has spent the last decade as a prominent business owner in the real estate industry, combining strategic leadership with a deep commitment to client success. He is also an active adjudicator, clinician, and theatre percussionist, and continues to inspire students of all ages through private instruction.

Assistant Director/Visual Technician

With 25 years of experience in the marching arts, Kristin is dedicated to teaching, performing, and advancing the world of competitive band and percussion ensembles. A seasoned educator and performer, she brings a deep understanding of both the technical and artistic demands of the activity. Having marched in Walled Lake Percussion & Northcoast Academy ensembles, later transitioning into instruction with various ensembles.
Kristin has worked with programs at multiple levels—building strong foundations, elevating ensemble performance, and fostering student growth both on and off the field. She tailors her approach to the specific needs of each ensemble and student, ensuring that instruction is both effective and meaningful.
Her teaching emphasizes musical excellence, discipline, and teamwork, while also inspiring a passion for performance. Throughout her career, Kristin has helped ensembles achieve competitive success and has been recognized for her ability to balance precision with creativity. Her long-standing presence in the marching and percussion community reflects not only expertise but also a genuine commitment to meeting students where they are and guiding them toward their full potential.

Drill Designer

Cal Lennon is the current Director of Percussion at Noblesville High School but also an active visual educator, program coordinator, drill designer, and choreographer

With about a decade of WGI experience , He has worked for groups such as: Lawrence Township indoor percussion (PSO), Fishers High School (PSW), Decatur Central High School (PSO), Perry Meridian (PSA), HSE indoor percussion , many more and now Noblesville High School (PSO). He has four IPA gold medals, and double digit IPA medals as a staff member/designer. He has been a drill designer for many indoor percussion, and indoor winds programs, including 2024 WGI silver medalist Ben Davis Winds (A), & 2025 WGI Independent Open Gold Medalist Veritas Percussion.

He lives in Indianapolis, IN with his girlfriend Felicia & his bulldog Ollie.

Front Ensemble Arranger

A native to Michigan, Thomas graduated from Lake Orion High School and attended Oakland University, studying Philosophy and Music. Thomas currently works with North Coast Academy, Redline, The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps, Dakota Combined Schools, Huron Valley Percussion, Ferndale HS, and Chippewa Valley HS. As an instructor, designer, and arranger, Thomas has been instrumental in Dakota Combined Schools' rise to competitive prominence, achieving 5th place in Percussion Scholastic A at WGI FInals in 2025. Thomas also formerly served as Percussion Director at Lake Orion High School, leading the ensemble to their first ever State Championship in PSO.

Thomas is an alumni of The Cavaliers, Carolina Crown, North Coast Academy, and Cavaliers Indoor. Today, he continues performing with the Macomb Symphony, Warren Symphony, Oakland Symphony, and other local ensembles.

Battery Caption Head

Reece is a drumline instructor from Clinton Township Michigan. His performance experience includes Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps, Eastside Fury Percussion, Americanos Drum & Bugle Corps, Great Lakes Percussion, and 10 years with the Detroit Lions' Honolulu Boom Drumline.

Over the past 25 years he has had the pleasure of working with several groups in the SE Michigan area, including L'Anse Creuse High School, Eastside Fury Percussion, Walled Lake, and Farmington United Percussion Ensemble.

Professionally, Scott works as a project manager for a Security/IT integrator in the Metro Detroit Area.

Snare Technician

Austin Diehl began his musical journey at L’Anse Creuse High School, studying under Ralph Biggs, Scott Reece, and Jason Ihnat. From 2007 to 2012, he performed with Eastside Fury Percussion in the snareline, serving as Ensemble Section Leader in 2011 and 2012 while learning from notable educators including Nick Saputo, Paul Loos, Jeff Brooks, James Sparling, Alex Smith, and Dan Pulter. Austin was also a member of the Detroit Lions Honolulu Boom from 2008 through 2016, performing for fans at home games and tailgates.

As an educator, Austin has been teaching in Southeast Michigan since 2007, working with programs at Chippewa Valley High School, Ferndale High School, L’Anse Creuse High School, and L’Anse Creuse North High School, as well teaching private instruction. Outside of music, he works professionally as a Digital Product Manager in Banking/Finance and is an active podcaster.

Snare Technician

Brendan has over 10 years of experience within the marching arts playing snare drum. He has performed with numerous ensembles at the world class level including Genesis Percussion and Redline Percussion. He also plays snare drum at the professional level, performing with the Redwings Drumline and Pistons Drumline. Alongside his experience as a player, he also has over 6 years of teaching experience with numerous indoor and outdoor programs.

Tenor Technician

Austin started his percussion career in 2010 at L’Anse Creuse High School marching quads and marched the following three seasons, two on quads and one on snare. Since then, Austin has been involved in many Michigan based ensembles including Eastside Fury Percussion in 2012 (cymbals), Motor City Percussion in 2013 and 2014(quads), Ferndale Independent Percussion in 2016(quads), North Coast Academy in 2017(quads), and Genesis Percussion in 2018 as the quad section leader. During the summer-fall he has also had the opportunity to work with Redford Thurston High School from 2014-2019 as a Battery Coordinator, and L’Anse Creuse High school from 2015-Current as a quad technician. In the winter of 2019 Austin worked with Divergent Percussion, Motor City Percussion and Genesis Percussion as well as Divergent Percussion the following season. Austin is very excited to be working with Michigan drums again this season!

Tenor Technician

Austin Schachinger devoted eight years to marching quads, beginning in 2009 at North Farmington High School. He continued his passion at Michigan State University from 2013 to 2016 and with NorthCoast Academy from 2014 to 2017, where he served as quads section leader during his final two seasons – demonstrating leadership, discipline, and a deep commitment to musical excellence. After graduating from Michigan State in 2017, Austin transitioned into the finance industry, quickly establishing himself as a versatile and client-focused professional. He spent five years in the mortgage sector, first as a loan officer helping individuals navigate home financing, and later as an account executive supporting broker businesses in their growth and operations. Over the past four years, Austin has deepened his expertise in wealth management as a key contributor on an investment research team. His work has consistently delivered high-quality insights, informed strategic portfolio decisions, and supported the development of innovative investment solutions—positioning him as a well-rounded and forward-thinking finance professional.

Bass Technician

Sam has over 10 years of combined marching and teaching experience in the Michigan marching arts community. He has performed with ensembles including Eastside Fury, Matrix, and the Detroit Pistons Drumline, and has taught multiple high school programs throughout the state. He’s excited to join the NCA team and share his love of bass drumming with the ensemble.

Front Ensemble Technician

Jake Brown has been involved in performing arts education for the last 7 years. Jake has performed with Farmington United Percussion Ensemble, Motor City Percussion and Redline. In his role as an educator Jake has taught at Farmington United Percussion Enemble, Holly High School marching band, Holly Indoor Percussion, Lake Orion Percussion and the North Farmington High School marching band. Jake is really excited for this season!

Front Ensemble Technician

Adrian is a teacher who has been instructing in various capacities and ensembles since 2018, including Stevenson High School (2018), Troy Athens High School (2018), L’Anse Creuse High School (2020-present), and Motor City Percussion (2024). Currently, he is the Front Ensemble Coordinator at L’Anse Creuse High School (alma mater), taking part in earning the caption for best percussion in 2024 at state finals, in MCBA competition. Adrian is also an English teacher at Summit Academy North High School. Adrian discovered his love for teaching while he was a band section leader in high school. His passion for performing arts was further ignited as he performed with Eclipse Percussion (2018) and Divergent Performing Arts (2019-2020) in WGI. While earning his Bachelor’s degree in English at Oakland University, Adrian also performed in ensembles of the OU Percussion studio.

Audio Engineer

Austin Michon has been involved in the marching arts for 12 years. He marched at Longmont High School and Rise Percussion in Colorado. He currently works as the front ensemble technician, audio engineer and sound designer for Troy Athens High School. Austin is incredibly grateful and honored to join an organization with such a strong legacy.

Audio Engineer

Duc Vuong is a Grand Rapids MI native, and is a freelance audio engineer. Currently he is working in the casino concert/festival side of the music industry as a front of house engineer, and/or monitor engineer. He has been pursuing audio professionally for about 15 years and has traveling worldwide doing so. Duc has been involved with several marching bands and indoor percussion groups in the state of Michigan involved in Bands of America and Winter Guard International since 2010, and is currently working with Jenison High School’s Marching Band.

Design Consultant

Eddie Hennessey is a nationally respected choreographer and designer whose artistry has left a lasting impact on the Michigan performing arts community and beyond. His performance career includes marching with the Rochester Patriots Winter Guard in WGI, as well as performing with both the Bluecoats and the Blue Devils in Drum Corps International (DCI)—two of the most iconic ensembles in the activity. As an educator, Eddie has spent decades shaping and elevating programs throughout Michigan, establishing himself as one of the state’s most decorated designers and choreographers. He has led numerous high school color guards and ensembles to state and regional championships, becoming a trusted creative force and mentor across generations of performers. Eddie’s influence extends far beyond Michigan. He has collaborated with some of the most celebrated designers in the country, including Marc Sylvester, and has contributed to the success of countless high schools and organizations nationwide. Recognized as both a visionary and a cornerstone of the community, Eddie Hennessey continues to define excellence in the pageantry arts.

Music Consultant

Drew Parent has 20+ years of music performing and teaching experience in both live and studio settings. Not only is he a seasoned and highly educated drummer and percussionist (BA/MM), he is also a multi-instrumentalist and has collaborated with a wide variety of musicians from all genres. Drew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Saginaw Valley State University and a Masters of Music Performance in Percussion from Central Michigan University.   As an educator, Drew has taught for a number of high school, college, drum corp, and indoor ensembles including Tiffin University, Bowling Green State University, University of Toledo, Owens Community College, Capital Regiment, and Northcoast Academy. Currently, Drew serves as the Percussion Advisor for Shaker Heights Public Schools and as Percussion Department Head at The Music Settlement in Cleveland, OH. As a performer in the marching arts, Drew participated in seven seasons of indoor (Arthur Hill HS/Northcoast Academy) and five seasons of drum corps (Americanos/Glassmen/Madison Scouts). Currently he performs all around the Midwest on drumset, percussion, and bass guitar with a wide variety of groups playing everything from Rock to Jazz. He is also a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers drum group The 216 Stix. As on OG founding member of NCA in 2002, Drew is excited to see the return of the group that shaped him into the person he is today and to help provide the best experience possible for future Coasters.

Music Consultant

Ross has taught percussion for 15 years and is currently a band director in Clarkston, MI. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in music from Central Michigan University. He was a member of the Cavaliers drum and bugle corps and NorthCoast Academy. Ross has also worked with a variety of programs including Carroll HS, Plymouth-Canton HS, Homestead HS, Petal HS, Redline Percussion, and the Madison Scouts. Ross is thrilled to return home for this landmark season with NCA!

Media/Videography

Jason Copenhaver has been involved with the marching arts as either a performer or in media since 2006. Jason has a degree in Audio Video Production and has worked in media since 2013. After starting his media career by doing video for his local indoor circuit, he has worked with Cincinnati Tradition, BOX5 Media, Mr. Video, and was previously the Media Guy for NorthCoast Academy. Jason is excited to help share the sights and sounds of NorthCoast!

Outreach

Corey Broschak is a proud alumnus of NorthCoast Academy, aging out as center snare in 2014 and later serving as Operations Director for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. A longtime veteran of the marching arts, he performed across DCI, DCA, WGI, and collegiate lines, including with the Michigan State Drumline, Eastside Fury, Glassmen, Crossmen, Hawthorne Caballeros, and Madison Scouts.

Beyond the marching world, Corey serves as Senior Director of Institutional Affairs at The Brookings Institution, one of the world’s leading public policy research organizations. He credits NCA with sharpening his discipline, teamwork, and leadership—qualities that continue to guide his career, life, and commitment to the activity today.

Administrative Staff/Visual Technician

Nathan Vleck marched at a non-competitive Chelsea High School on Tenors. He then continued into college band with 5 years on the quad line at WMU. During that time, Nathan marched 3 years of Legend Drum and Bugle Corps and 5 years at North Coast Academy. He also spent 1 year on the North Coast staff, marched 1 year with the Chicago Bears drumline, and 2 years with the Detroit Lions drumline.

From Nathan: “NCA shows Roots and Un² got me excited about the activity and to audition. I’m excited to be apart of a team the puts a show on the floor that inspires students to continue on past high school!”

Battery Consultant
Dan Cenci has been and active educator in Michigan since 2006. He has been fortunate to spend time as a staff alongside Anthony Leithouser, Jason Inhat, Ralph Biggs, Sean McElroy, Lee Beddis, Roland Chavez, Colin McNutt, and Thom Hannum. As a performer and longtime member staff of Michigan percussion he’s extremely excited to contribute to the relaunch of Northcoast Academy.