2022 Tournament of Champions Adjudicators
David Maccabee - Music performance
David Maccabee was Director of Bands at United Township High School from 1986-2016. He previously taught in the Geneseo and Nokomis, Illinois, school systems. At United Township High School, he was director of all instrumental music ensembles, including Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and pep band. During Mr. Maccabee’s tenure, enrollment in the UTHS Band program has grown from 100 to nearly 170 members.
Mr. Maccabee was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and raised in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. He moved to Illinois at age 16, and graduated from J.D. Darnell High School in Geneseo, Illinois. In 1982, he received his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Augustana College in Illinois. He received his master’s degree in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music Education in 1989.
David Maccabee is a frequent guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the country. He has conducted numerous summer band camps, including Western Illinois University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Illinois. Mr. Maccabee has also served the Illinois Music Educators Association as Division Chair, All-State auditioner, and the IMEA Mentoring Council.
His professional affiliations include the United Township Education Association, the National Education Association, the Illinois Music Educators Association, the Music Educator’s National Conference, the National Band Association, and Pi Kappa Lambda. Mr. Maccabee has received citations for excellence from the city of East Moline, the East Moline Rotary Club, John Deere and Co., United Township High School, and Western Illinois University. In addition, he has received the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence on 6 different occasions. Under Mr. Maccabee’s direction, the United Township High School Symphonic Band earned a national reputation for excellence, performing at such prestigious events as the Bands of America National Festival (4 times), the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Music Convention, the Western Illinois University Band Showcase, and on numerous occasions at the prestigious University of Illinois Super-state Band Festival. In 1998, Mr. Maccabee became the first recipient of the “Dr. Victor Zajec Award”, given to him in recognition of the United Township High School Symphonic Band performance at the 1998 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Convention. In 2000, Mr. Maccabee was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmaster’s Association. David is currently a co-Director of Bands at in the Palos Verdes High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, and serves as a program consultant.
Mr. Maccabee was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and raised in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. He moved to Illinois at age 16, and graduated from J.D. Darnell High School in Geneseo, Illinois. In 1982, he received his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Augustana College in Illinois. He received his master’s degree in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music Education in 1989.
David Maccabee is a frequent guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the country. He has conducted numerous summer band camps, including Western Illinois University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Illinois. Mr. Maccabee has also served the Illinois Music Educators Association as Division Chair, All-State auditioner, and the IMEA Mentoring Council.
His professional affiliations include the United Township Education Association, the National Education Association, the Illinois Music Educators Association, the Music Educator’s National Conference, the National Band Association, and Pi Kappa Lambda. Mr. Maccabee has received citations for excellence from the city of East Moline, the East Moline Rotary Club, John Deere and Co., United Township High School, and Western Illinois University. In addition, he has received the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence on 6 different occasions. Under Mr. Maccabee’s direction, the United Township High School Symphonic Band earned a national reputation for excellence, performing at such prestigious events as the Bands of America National Festival (4 times), the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Music Convention, the Western Illinois University Band Showcase, and on numerous occasions at the prestigious University of Illinois Super-state Band Festival. In 1998, Mr. Maccabee became the first recipient of the “Dr. Victor Zajec Award”, given to him in recognition of the United Township High School Symphonic Band performance at the 1998 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Convention. In 2000, Mr. Maccabee was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmaster’s Association. David is currently a co-Director of Bands at in the Palos Verdes High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, and serves as a program consultant.
Kristopher Quaale - Music Effect
Kristopher Quaale is a member of the sales and design team at Integrated Lifestyles, a Dallas-based custom audio/video integration company. Prior to working at Integrated Lifestyles, he spent 9 years as a band director at schools in the Leander, Plano, and Keller Independent School Districts.
Mr. Quaale holds a Master of Music degree with a specialization in wind conducting from the University of North Texas, where he studied Eugene Corporon, Dennis Fisher, and Nicholas Williams. He also holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree in instrumental music from Texas Christian University. He was involved with Drum Corps International (DCI) for eleven years, where he was on the visual staff for the seven-time world champion Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps. Before teaching for The Cavaliers, he was a marching member of the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps (2003)and The Cavaliers (2004- 2006). Mr. Quaale is also active as a drill writer, clinician, and adjudicator in the United States and internationally.
Mr. Quaale holds a Master of Music degree with a specialization in wind conducting from the University of North Texas, where he studied Eugene Corporon, Dennis Fisher, and Nicholas Williams. He also holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree in instrumental music from Texas Christian University. He was involved with Drum Corps International (DCI) for eleven years, where he was on the visual staff for the seven-time world champion Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps. Before teaching for The Cavaliers, he was a marching member of the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps (2003)and The Cavaliers (2004- 2006). Mr. Quaale is also active as a drill writer, clinician, and adjudicator in the United States and internationally.
John Stutts - visual performance
Dr. John Stutts is a native of Louisville, Kentucky. He has been an educator in the pageantry arts activity for over 25 years. He has served as the visual coordinator at Louisville Male High School in Louisville, Kentucky and on the visual staff at North Hardin High School in Radcliff, Kentucky. He currently serves as a visual consultant for the Coppell High School Varsity Marching Band in Coppell, Texas.
Kevin Nix - visual effect
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 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
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.