2021 Tournament of Champions Adjudicators
Stephen Meyer - Music performance
Stephen Meyer
Stephen Meyer is currently the director of bands and assistant professor of music at Northern Arizona University. He previously served as interim director of bands at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and interim assistant director of bands at the University of South Carolina. As director of bands at Clear Creek High School, the Clear Creek Wind Ensemble was a featured performer at the 2013 Midwest Clinic, was a three-time National Winner in the National Wind Band Honors project, a two-time national finalist for American Prize in Wind Ensemble Performance, and the Grand Champion of the 2013 Dallas Wind Symphony Invitational.
Prior to Clear Creek, Dr. Meyer taught at Harrison High School in Cobb County, Georgia, where he assisted with performances at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the Georgia Music Educators Association, and the University of Georgia. As co-director of the marching band, the ensemble was a consistent Bands of America Regional and Super-Regional Finalist, a Bands of America Grand National Finalist in 2007, and a featured ensemble in the 2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Dr. Meyer graduated magna cum laude from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music with a bachelor of music education degree and earned both a master's and a doctorate from the University of Michigan. He is the author of Rehearsing the High School Band Rehearsing the Middle School Band, published by Meredith Music/Hal Leonard.
Prior to Clear Creek, Dr. Meyer taught at Harrison High School in Cobb County, Georgia, where he assisted with performances at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the Georgia Music Educators Association, and the University of Georgia. As co-director of the marching band, the ensemble was a consistent Bands of America Regional and Super-Regional Finalist, a Bands of America Grand National Finalist in 2007, and a featured ensemble in the 2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Dr. Meyer graduated magna cum laude from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music with a bachelor of music education degree and earned both a master's and a doctorate from the University of Michigan. He is the author of Rehearsing the High School Band Rehearsing the Middle School Band, published by Meredith Music/Hal Leonard.
Ryan Brittain - Music Effect
Ryan Brittain
Ryan Brittain has completed 7 years of teaching and began his career as the Associated Director of Bands at Cedar Ridge High School in Round Rock, Texas. During his time at Cedar Ridge he served as the marching band director and conductor of the symphonic band. Within a short timeframe, the Cedar Ridge Marching Band was a consistent Bands of America Regional Finalist and Caption Winner, a UIL 6A State Marching Band Participant, as well as a BOA Grand National Finalist in 2013. In the same year, the Cedar Ridge HS Low Brass Choir was invited to perform at the prestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. Concert Bands under his direction have been awarded consistent UIL Sweepstakes awards and best in class awards at state concert band festivals.
After five years of teaching at Cedar Ridge, Brittain accepted a position as the Director of Bands at Wells Middle School in Houston, Texas. He helped the program achieve sweepstakes at UIL and grew the programs numbers substantially. His final year of teaching was as the Director of Bands at Westfield High School in Houston, where he aided in the continued success of the marching band and concert bands. Brittain’s primary focus now is being an active clinician in the Houston area and running the Brittain Insurance Agency.
After five years of teaching at Cedar Ridge, Brittain accepted a position as the Director of Bands at Wells Middle School in Houston, Texas. He helped the program achieve sweepstakes at UIL and grew the programs numbers substantially. His final year of teaching was as the Director of Bands at Westfield High School in Houston, where he aided in the continued success of the marching band and concert bands. Brittain’s primary focus now is being an active clinician in the Houston area and running the Brittain Insurance Agency.
William Plenk - visual performance
William Plenk
William Plenk has been on the faculty of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis since Fall 2017. Serving as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands, Dr. Plenk oversees the Mighty Sound of the South, University of Memphis Pep Band, Symphonic Band, and teaches Marching Band Techniques as well as other courses within the School of Music.
Outside of the University of Memphis, Dr. Plenk is highly active as a clinician and adjudicator. He has worked with concert bands and marching bands from across the United States, Singapore, and Japan, including a three-season tenure with the Tenrikyo Aimachi Marching Band from Nagoya, Japan, the eight-time All Japan National Champion. He has served on the staff of several drum and bugle corps including The Academy, The Cadets, Boston Crusaders, and Phantom Regiment.
Dr. Plenk previously served for six years as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Nevada, Reno, developing the athletic band program into one of the most respected in the region. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he was Conductor of the UCLA Symphonic Band, Associate Conductor of the UCLA Wind Ensemble, and Associate Conductor of the UCLA Brass Ensemble. He also received a Master of Music degree in tuba performance from UCLA, and a Bachelor of Music degree in tuba performance from Ithaca College. Dr. Plenk holds memberships in the College Band Directors National Association, College Music Society, National Association for Music Education, and is an honorary member of Phi Mu Alpha, and the national band fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi.
Outside of the University of Memphis, Dr. Plenk is highly active as a clinician and adjudicator. He has worked with concert bands and marching bands from across the United States, Singapore, and Japan, including a three-season tenure with the Tenrikyo Aimachi Marching Band from Nagoya, Japan, the eight-time All Japan National Champion. He has served on the staff of several drum and bugle corps including The Academy, The Cadets, Boston Crusaders, and Phantom Regiment.
Dr. Plenk previously served for six years as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Nevada, Reno, developing the athletic band program into one of the most respected in the region. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he was Conductor of the UCLA Symphonic Band, Associate Conductor of the UCLA Wind Ensemble, and Associate Conductor of the UCLA Brass Ensemble. He also received a Master of Music degree in tuba performance from UCLA, and a Bachelor of Music degree in tuba performance from Ithaca College. Dr. Plenk holds memberships in the College Band Directors National Association, College Music Society, National Association for Music Education, and is an honorary member of Phi Mu Alpha, and the national band fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi.
Kevin Nix - visual effect
Kevin Nix
Kevin Nix distinguishes himself as an artist with versatility toward marching band and musical visual art. Nix received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education with a minor in trumpet studies from the University of Oklahoma, studying with Gene Thrailkill, William Wakefield, and Roland Barrett.
Mr. Nix serves as Visual Coordinator for the Hebron High School Band program and has been a music educator, color guard instructor, visual design coordinator, and adjudicator for over 25 years. In addition to his many years of service as a band director, he has served as a visual designer and consultant for numerous performing ensembles competing in Bands of America (BOA) Regional and Grand National Championships, Winter Guard International (WGI), as well as various division I drum corps. His collaborative efforts with many high school bands and color guards throughout the country have helped mentor programs toward higher standards and establish himself as one of the respected designers of recent years.
Mr. Nix serves as Visual Coordinator for the Hebron High School Band program and has been a music educator, color guard instructor, visual design coordinator, and adjudicator for over 25 years. In addition to his many years of service as a band director, he has served as a visual designer and consultant for numerous performing ensembles competing in Bands of America (BOA) Regional and Grand National Championships, Winter Guard International (WGI), as well as various division I drum corps. His collaborative efforts with many high school bands and color guards throughout the country have helped mentor programs toward higher standards and establish himself as one of the respected designers of recent years.
Jordan Casey - color guard
Jordan Casey
Jordan Casey is originally from a small, rural town by the name of Ramseur, North Carolina. Following high school, Jordan received a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. While not in classes, he spent four summers performing with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, and one summer with the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. During the winter months, Jordan performed with Aria Winterguard, as well as Paramount World Winterguard. Most recently, Jordan had the opportunity to tour Japan for six months as a cast member of the stage show, BLAST! The Music of Disney in 2017.
Jordan has had the pleasure of working with various independent and scholastic color guard programs involved in DCI, WGI, and BOA. Groups include Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, Paramount World Winterguard, Relentless World Winterguard, Tarpon Springs High School, East Coweta High School, Father Ryan High School, Walton High School, Collierville High School, Northwest Guilford High School, and others.
Jordan Casey currently resides in Atlanta, GA, where he enjoys learning new things, spending time outside with friends, bike rides, and making music.
Jordan has had the pleasure of working with various independent and scholastic color guard programs involved in DCI, WGI, and BOA. Groups include Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, Paramount World Winterguard, Relentless World Winterguard, Tarpon Springs High School, East Coweta High School, Father Ryan High School, Walton High School, Collierville High School, Northwest Guilford High School, and others.
Jordan Casey currently resides in Atlanta, GA, where he enjoys learning new things, spending time outside with friends, bike rides, and making music.
brian tinkel - percussion
Brian Tinkel
Percussionist Brian Tinkel enjoys a career that draws on his background both in teaching and in performance as chamber musician, soloist and orchestral player. Currently, he is Associate Professor of Music at Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, North Carolina. As Director of Percussion Studies, he oversees all aspects of percussion education. He advises all percussion majors and manages two additional adjunct percussion faculty. He directs University Percussion Ensembles and co-directs the Mountain Lion Marching Band. During his tenure, Dr. Tinkel started additional percussion ensembles to include Marimba Band, West African Ensemble, and Brazilian Percussion Ensemble.
Dr. Tinkel performs with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, Asheville Lyrics Opera, Asheville Symphony Chorus, Southern Appalachian Repertory Theater, Asheville Community Theater, Brevard Philharmonic, and the Johnson City Orchestra. Dr. Tinkel is currently on faculty with the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra serving as Director of Percussion. He was Principal Timpanist with the Enid Symphony and has performed with the Oklahoma Philharmonic. He is Co-Founder of the Brio Chamber Series, a chamber music series in Western North Carolina, and is a member of Mosaic Flute and Percussion Duo with his wife, Cynthia Roop. Dr. Tinkel earned the Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Oklahoma. His dissertation, “Rebonds: A Pedagogical Analysis” is published by UMI. He received both a B.M. and M.M. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His past teachers include Thom Hannum, Eduardo Leandro, Dr. Peter Tanner, and Dr. Lance Drege.
While being involved in the drum corps activity for two decades, Dr. Tinkel’s performance opportunities led him to being a member of the Boston Crusaders and Star of Indiana. He went on to perform with Star of Indiana’s Brass Theater production where he toured extensively with The Canadian Brass and Nexus. Since devoting his time to teaching, Brian has been on faculty with the Crossmen, Glassmen, and has coordinated percussion activities for Magic of Orlando and the Madison Scouts. In addition he has served as Percussion Caption Director and Arranger for Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps and served as a percussion consultant for The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps in 2008 and 2009. Dr. Tinkel served as Percussion Caption Head for The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps from 2010 to 2013. In 2011, Tinkel led The Cavaliers Percussion Program to the Fred Sanford Award for Best Percussion Performance. In 2014, Dr. Tinkel began a position as percussion consultant with The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps.
Dr. Tinkel has been a featured clinician and adjudicator at numerous events across the United States and at the 25th National Cultural Festival and International Exchange in Okayama, Japan. Additionally, he arranges for percussion ensembles across the country.
Dr. Tinkel is an artist and clinician for Avedis Zildjian Company, Innovative Percussion, Pearl-Adams Corporation, REMO Inc., and StickTape.com. Brian resides near Asheville, North Carolina with his wife Cynthia, and his two children Lydia and Asher.
Dr. Tinkel performs with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, Asheville Lyrics Opera, Asheville Symphony Chorus, Southern Appalachian Repertory Theater, Asheville Community Theater, Brevard Philharmonic, and the Johnson City Orchestra. Dr. Tinkel is currently on faculty with the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra serving as Director of Percussion. He was Principal Timpanist with the Enid Symphony and has performed with the Oklahoma Philharmonic. He is Co-Founder of the Brio Chamber Series, a chamber music series in Western North Carolina, and is a member of Mosaic Flute and Percussion Duo with his wife, Cynthia Roop. Dr. Tinkel earned the Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Oklahoma. His dissertation, “Rebonds: A Pedagogical Analysis” is published by UMI. He received both a B.M. and M.M. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His past teachers include Thom Hannum, Eduardo Leandro, Dr. Peter Tanner, and Dr. Lance Drege.
While being involved in the drum corps activity for two decades, Dr. Tinkel’s performance opportunities led him to being a member of the Boston Crusaders and Star of Indiana. He went on to perform with Star of Indiana’s Brass Theater production where he toured extensively with The Canadian Brass and Nexus. Since devoting his time to teaching, Brian has been on faculty with the Crossmen, Glassmen, and has coordinated percussion activities for Magic of Orlando and the Madison Scouts. In addition he has served as Percussion Caption Director and Arranger for Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps and served as a percussion consultant for The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps in 2008 and 2009. Dr. Tinkel served as Percussion Caption Head for The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps from 2010 to 2013. In 2011, Tinkel led The Cavaliers Percussion Program to the Fred Sanford Award for Best Percussion Performance. In 2014, Dr. Tinkel began a position as percussion consultant with The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps.
Dr. Tinkel has been a featured clinician and adjudicator at numerous events across the United States and at the 25th National Cultural Festival and International Exchange in Okayama, Japan. Additionally, he arranges for percussion ensembles across the country.
Dr. Tinkel is an artist and clinician for Avedis Zildjian Company, Innovative Percussion, Pearl-Adams Corporation, REMO Inc., and StickTape.com. Brian resides near Asheville, North Carolina with his wife Cynthia, and his two children Lydia and Asher.