We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. John Zarco as Director of Bands and Director of the Marching Band at Millersville University. Dr. Zarco comes from the University of Minnesota, where he studied wind conducting and served as a graduate instructor within the School of Music. He has also earned B.M. and M.M. degrees from California State University, Sacramento. Dr. Zarco previously taught at Saratoga High School in Saratoga, California, where he oversaw the marching band, conducted two symphonic bands, two jazz bands, and a percussion class.
Dr. Zarco has over twelve years of instructional experience with marching ensembles, including work with the Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps from 2003-2005. In 2006, he was inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda, an honorary music fraternity. In addition, Dr. Zarco is active as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator. He is very excited to begin his tenure as Director of Bands at Millersville University and is looking forward to the 2012 season with the Millersville University Marching Band!
You can reach Dr. Zarco at: john.zarco@millersville.edu
Scott Muenz is entering his seventh year of teaching as a music educator. He is currently serving as Band Director at Cedar Crest Middle School (Cornwall-Lebanon School District) where he is responsible for instrumental ensembles for students in sixth through eighth grade. Prior to his appointment at Cedar Crest, Mr. Muenz served as the Director of Bands at Columbia High School where he was responsible for the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, 'Crimson Tide' Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble and Pep Band. His duties also included teaching eighth grade general music and Music Theory. He has also served as Band Director at Sussex Central High School in Georgetown, DE directing the Symphonic Band, Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble.
Scott is a 2006 graduate of Millersville University and holds a Bachelors degree in Music Education. While at MU, he participated in ensembles that included the marching band, wind ensemble, University Chorale and Choir, men's choir and participated in a student operated brass quintet. He is also working on his Masters in Wind Conducting degree at Messiah College. Scott also has graduate credits from Lebanon Valley College and Illinois State University.
In addition to his duties at Cedar Crest, Scott fulfills the role of Assistant Director for the Ephrata Area High School Marching Unit. He is also serving as an adjunct professor at Lancaster Bible College. Scott's previous staff experience includes Brass Caption (2008 – 2010) at Spring Grove Area Senior High School, of which he is a graduate and field staff with the 'Black Knight' Marching Band at Hempfield High School (2003 – 2008).
A 2012 graduate of Millersville University, RC returns to the staff this season as the Administrative Assistant to the marching band. He holds a BSE in Social Studies Education with a minor in music. As a member of the Marauder Marching Band, RC was a member of the percussion section, serving as bass drum section leader for two years and Drumline Instructor in 2011.
While at Millersville, RC was a member of the percussion ensemble, wind ensemble, and orchestra, where he served as Principal Timpanist for three years. He was also a representative to the Music Department Student Advisory Council, PA Intercollegiate Band, and a member of Phi Alpha Theta, the history honor society. In 2010 he joined the staff of the Penn Manor Marching Unit as a percussion instructor. Since then his students have earned several “High Percussion” awards at various Cavalcade competitions throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. RC is a member of the Vic Firth Education Team.
You can reach RC at: muband.assistant@gmail.com
Devyn Heinbaugh, a Millersville University 2009 graduate will be joining the Millersville University Band as Color Guard Designer and Coordinator. She holds a BS in Communication and Theatre Management. Devyn was a leadership member of the Marauder Color Guard for 3 years while she attended MU. Her past includes 18 years of diverse experience from dance to color guard. Devyn has been on staff at Donegal High School, Chambersburg High School, and Manheim Central High School. She has performed with Chambersburg Area Senior High School, Millersville University, and Sitao Independent. She is very excited to begin her journey with Millersville University and is thrilled to be part of a staff of such amazing talent.
Holly Fite is a 2004 graduate of Millersville University with a BS in Business Management. Holly has been involved in the color guard activity for the past 18 years. She has performed with many North Penn School District ensembles, the Millersville University Marching Band from 2000 – 2002, weapon captain 2002 and the Black Watch Color Guard from 2001-2005. Teaching experience includes J. P. McCaskey High School from 2002 – 2007, Millersville University from 2003 – 2005, Lancaster Catholic High School from 2003 – 2009, and Sitao Winter Guard from 2006 – 2010. Holly lives in Lancaster with her husband Matt and springer spaniel Bean. She works for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia & Susquehanna Valley. She is very excited to be back on staff at her alma mater!
Erika Baer is a recent graduate of Millersville University, receiving her BSE in Music Education / Voice in May 2012. She has been involved with Millersville University's marching band for three years. She played baritone in the low brass section for two years and was one of the band's coordinators last year. Erika is very excited to join the MUMB staff for the 2012 season!
Shaun Ressler graduated from Millersville University in December of 2011 with a B.A. in Music Business and Technology (Voice) and a B.S. in Computer Science. He has been a member of Millersville's Marching Band for 5 years, with 2 years as a drum major and 2 years as a coordinator. Shaun played the clarinet and also was actively involved in the Keystone Singers while attending Millersville. He very glad to continue being a part of the Millersville University Marching Band as a staff member for what will surely be an exciting season!
Bill Powers is a retired music educator who taught elementary, high school, and college bands throughout his career. He was the band director at West York Area Senior High School from 1974-1977, Director of Bands at Gettysburg College from 1977-1983, and band director at Hempfield High School from 1983-2009. From 1987-2009 he served as the Hempfield School District Music Department Supervisor, where he led a coordinated and comprehensive K-12 Music program. He holds degrees from Gettysburg College (B.S.), The Pennsylvania State University (M.Ed.), and Millersville University (Supervisory Certificate).
Professional affiliations to his credit include PMEA, the National Association for Music Education, the National Band Association, the American Federation of Musicians, and the Cavalcade of Bands Judges Association. He is a past president of the Lancaster-Lebanon Music Educators Association and the Cavalcade of Bands. He received the Cavalcade "Director of the Year" award for 2007-2008, and was inducted into the Cavalcade of Bands "Hall of Fame" in 2008. He currently supervises student teachers at West Chester University, and was appointed Cavalcade’s Marching Band Administrator in January, 2010.