James Rocillo – Program Designer/ Creative Director

James Rocillo is widely recognized and highly sought after for his exceptional expertise as a clinician, particularly within concert bands, jazz bands, and various ensembles.

His reputation extends across the region, and he is frequently invited to participate in prestigious events and honor groups facilitated by organizations such as the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) and similar festivals.

Over the years, Mr. Rocillo has conducted notable honors bands, including the SCSBOA Jazz Honor Band in 2018, the San Bernardino Junior High District Honor Band in 2016, and the Santa Ana Unified District Honor Band in 2017. He will direct the Chaffey Joint Union High School Jazz Honor Band this spring.

Under his leadership, his bands have consistently garnered acclaim and accolades at festivals and competitions, including but not limited to the Western Bands Association, Reno Jazz Festival, Bands of America Grand Nationals, and SCSBOA.

Mr. Rocillo’s distinguished achievements include significant recognitions such as being a Semper Fidelis Bowl Winner, a Fox Sports Honoree, and a Grammy Nominee as part of the esteemed Who’s Who in the music industry. Furthermore, his ensembles have graced internationally televised parades, most notably the Rose Bowl and Macy’s Day Parades, contributing to the cultural enrichment of audiences worldwide.

In addition to his illustrious career as a clinician, Mr. Rocillo holds the position of Associate Professor at Riverside City College, located in Riverside, California. Within this capacity, he serves as the director of the Community Concert Band, the Jazz Ensemble, and the renowned Riverside City College Marching Tigers, a testament to his profound commitment to music education.

Notably, Mr. Rocillo has been a member of the brass staff for the Blue Devils A Corps since 2008, a role that has contributed to an impressive tally of nine DCI Championships (in the years 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023). His influence and expertise have also resulted in four Jim Ott Awards for outstanding brass performance, specifically in 2008, 2010, 2014, and 2022.

Before his tenure at Riverside City College, Mr. Rocillo held the esteemed position of director of bands at Colony High School, overseeing all facets of the band program for six years. Throughout his two-decade career, he has significantly contributed to the band programs at Ayala High School, Nogales High School, and Valley View High School.

Mr. Rocillo’s dedication to continuous education is evident through his academic pursuits. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business/Marketing from the University of Phoenix in February 2008. He furthered his educational journey by earning a Master of Education degree in education from National University in May 2013.

He was a conducting student of Dr. Mitch Fennell from 2017-2020 and has completed a Master of Instrumental Conducting degree at California Baptist University under the tutelage of Dr. Gene Moon, showcasing his commitment to honing his craft.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Rocillo resides in the Inland Empire alongside his wife Sara, their son Miles, and their cherished canine companions, Aki and Coltrane.


Scott Director – Music Composer

Photo of Scott Director

Mr. Director is the composer of original music for Gold Drum & Bugle Corps, a position he has held since 2011.

Scott has over 20 years’ experience as a music educator and composer, and has extensive experience in the creation and development of fundraising programs for non-profit organizations.

His music has been performed by schools across the nation. As a percussionist, he has played for Operas, Orchestras and Ballets, in the “pit” for Broadway Musicals, and for a variety of popular entertainers from Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli to opera stars Pavarotti and Domingo. In addition, Mr. Director is a member of ASCAP and has several short film scores to his credit.

He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Miami where he studied with Clifton Williams, Frederick Fennell and Alfred Reed. Currently, Mr. Director resides in Los Angeles where he maintains an active composing, arranging, and teaching schedule.

 

Steven estudillo – Visual designer

Steven Estudillo has been a Visual Designer, Educator, Creative Director, and Adjudicator since 2006. His designs have been represented by ensembles within Bands of America, Winter Guard International, and Drum Corps International circuits.

Steven began his work as an instructor and designer within the drum corps activity in 2008. He worked with Pacific Crest as a visual instructor in 2009, later served as their Visual Designer from 2010 – 2012, and as Visual Designer and Creative Director from 2015 – 2021. Simultaneously, Steven was a visual instructor for The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from 2009-2015, serving as the Visual Caption Head starting in 2011. Steven currently has serves as the Visual Designer and Visual Director at Phantom Regiment, a post he has held since 2022.

During the winter seasons, Steven serves as a Visual Designer and instructor for Pulse Percussion since 2012, and at Chino Hills High School since 2012. He continues to design for several other award-winning indoor percussion ensembles throughout the country.

In addition to his work in the United States, Steven has had the opportunity to branch out internationally and work with performing ensembles in South America, Japan, and Canada, providing design, consultations, and clinics to further spread the marching arts in different regions.

Steven currently resides in Ontario, CA. with his loving wife Lexie, and his three children, Emily, Ezekiel, and Elle.

Jimmy Nguyen – Front ensemble & sound designer

Jimmy Nguyen is an educator, composer/arranger, sound designer, and clinician for programs across the country. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology (with a focus in Education) from UC Riverside and a Master of Science in Higher Education degree from CSU Fullerton.

Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of working with distinguished programs such as Ayala HS, RCC Indoor Percussion, the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps. Jimmy also holds design roles for ensembles across the country, including WGI World Championship medalists, BOA regional finalists, and various state marching band finalists/medalists.

Jimmy began his performing career with the RCC Marching Tigers and went on to become a member of RCC Indoor Percussion, Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, earning both DCI and WGI world championships during his time in these ensembles.

Jimmy currently resides in Anaheim, CA.