ATLANTA QUEST STAFF
DESIGN
Alan Sears is a co-founder of Atlanta Quest. He has been the music and program director since the beginning in 2002. Alan now serves as the Director of Percussion for the Sprayberry High School “Band of Gold”, and is the Drumline Instructor and Arranger for the Kennesaw State University "Marching Owls". Alan arrangers for many ensembles and also has his arrangements published with CounterMotion Inc.
Along with his work in the Band world, he also composes for corporate events and commercial projects.
Alan is married to Monna Sears and the proud father of two sons Hayden Alan Sears and Cole Alexander Sears.
ALAN SEARS
Program Director & Music Arranger
Zack Marshall is in his 16th year with Atlanta Quest as Visual Designer + Creative Designer, while expanding his role to Ensemble Coordinator for the ‘27 season. He began as a snare technician with Atlanta Quest in 2012 before becoming the Visual Caption Head in 2013.
Other educational experience includes Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, Milton High school, Southlake Carrol High School, Kennesaw State University, and many others. He was a performing member of Pariah Marching Theater from 2005-2010, Music City Mystique in 2011, and Blue Devils International in 2015.
Zack currently works as a Talent Acquisition Specialist with Vibrantz Technologies.
ZACK MARSHALL
Creative & Visual Designer, Ensemble Coordinator
Kevin is in his 13th year with Atlanta Quest and 11th year as the music arranger. Kevin is currently the Assistant Band Director/Percussion Director with PSW-finalists, Milton High School (Milton, GA), the front ensemble arranger for AtlantaCV, and is on the percussion staff with the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps.
Kevin has an ED.S in Music Education from Auburn University, a Master's degree in percussion performance from Texas Christian University, and a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Jacksonville State University. He marched three years of WGI with Music City Mystique (07-09) and four years of DCI with the Cavaliers, Spirit of JSU, and Memphis Sound. He is an active composer, arranger, and educator as well as serves on the PAS Percussion Ensemble Committee, the GIPA Executive Board, and the GMEA Percussion Committee, where he organizes the All-State Percussion Ensemble.
Kevin is a proud endorser of Innovative Percussion Sticks/Mallets, Sabian Cymbals, REMO Drumheads, and Mapex/Majestic Percussion.
KEVIN KENNEY
Front Ensemble Arranger
Bryson returning for his 2nd season on the AQ Design team as Sound Designer. He is a full-time marching arts electronics arranger and sound designer based in New Haven, CT. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Audio and Music Production with a focus in Percussion Performance from Western Connecticut State University.
Originally a quad player, Bryson performed with 7th Regiment (2011–2013) and the Madison Scouts (2014) before shifting his focus to education and design. In 2019, he joined the Spartans' instructional team for their DCI Open Class Championship season and later served on the design team through 2024. During that time, the corps secured back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024.
In addition to a wide range of clients across the country, his electronic design work is featured with ensembles including The Bentonville Pride Marching Band (AR), Mililani High School (HI), and Milton High School (GA).
Outside of the marching arts, Bryson is a sci-fi bookworm, A24 film enthusiast, and Connecticut apizza connoisseur.
BRYSON TEEL
Sound Design
Kit Chatham is returning for his 3rd season as a Design Consultant with Atlanta Quest. Kit is an internationally recognized drummer, percussionist, performer, composer, and educator with experience in many forms of percussion, including drum set, world percussion, orchestral percussion, and marching percussion. He has been a Drummer/Percussionist, Bandleader, and Artist Coach for Cirque du Soleil since 2005.
He resides in Las Vegas and is currently the Bandleader/Drummer & Percussionist for Cirque du Soleil’s new creation in development under the working title, Arena 2025 - The Utopia Project, which will tour worldwide starting in 2025. This past February, after four years, Kit left Cirque du Soleil's Drawn to Life, a collaboration with Disney in Orlando, Florida. Kit has enjoyed performing throughout the world and in front of millions of spectators with other Cirque du Soleil productions: Drawn to Life (2019-2024), KURIOS (2014-2019), Kooza (2013-2014), Zumanity (2012-2013), Mystere (2012-2013), Viva Elvis (2009-2012), and Corteo (2005-2009). Kit has been the original Percussionist/Drummer and helped to create his characters for Drawn to Life, KURIOS, Viva Elvis, and Corteo. With the past 7 Cirque shows, Kit is known as the “Cirque-du-rummer” and has performed on stage in over 8000+ performances with Cirque.
Before joining Cirque du Soleil, Kit completed an exciting run from 2003 to 2004 as the featured percussionist soloist and music/percussion manager for the critically acclaimed instrumental theatrical show, CYBERJAM, in London, England’s West End. From 2001 to 2003, he was the featured snare drum/percussion soloist with the Tony and Emmy Award- winning Broadway show, BLAST! He has arranged, composed, designed, and consulted for some of the world’s top music ensembles and organizations. These include Cirque du Soleil, SmartMusic/Finale, the University of Georgia, London’s Royal Military Academy, Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corp, Terminus Percussion Theatre, Atlanta Quest, Odyssey Percussion Theatre, and many scholastic groups throughout North America, Europe, and Japan. He has made television appearances on The Late Late Show with James Corden, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Today Show, Miss Universe Pageant, Regis and Kelly, CNN, PBS, the BBC London, among others.
When he is not performing with Cirque du Soleil, Kit continues his involvement with the global music community. Kit runs his own recording studio/music production company and is a music casting consultant for companies like Cirque du Soleil and Disney. He has written six books on percussion published by Hal Leonard and is co-creator of The Principal Percussion Series for Percussion. Kit continues giving private lessons to aspiring percussionists in-person in the Orlando area and worldwide remotely online.
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Kit received his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from The University of Georgia. While at Georgia, he instructed, composed, and arranged for the UGA Redcoat Band, played in numerous music ensembles, and toured Europe at many prestigious jazz festivals. Kit received his master’s degree in Music Technology fromm Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, and is now an adjunct professor for their graduate music technology program.
KIT CHATHAM
Design Consultant
AYLIN VURAL
Consultant
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Zack Marshall is in his 16th year with Atlanta Quest as Visual Designer + Creative Designer, while expanding his role to Ensemble Coordinator for the ‘27 season. He began as a snare technician with Atlanta Quest in 2012 before becoming the Visual Caption Head in 2013.
Other educational experience includes Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, Milton High school, Southlake Carrol High School, Kennesaw State University, and many others. He was a performing member of Pariah Marching Theater from 2005-2010, Music City Mystique in 2011, and Blue Devils International in 2015.
Zack currently works as a Talent Acquisition Specialist with Vibrantz Technologies.
ZACK MARSHALL
Ensemble Coordinator & Designer
TJ is in his 14th season as part of the Atlanta Quest staff, serving as Operations Director + Consultant after previously acting as Ensemble Coordinator.
He has taught the Boston Crusaders (2025), Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps (2023-24), as well as multiple BOA and WGI finalist High Schools. He graduated from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business where he served two years playing snare drum in the UGA drumline, as well as Georgia-based WGI groups, Pariah and Terminus, before marching with Music City Mystique and the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps.
He lives in Smyrna, GA and works professionally as an Executive Senior Partner with Korn Ferry. In his free time, he watches sports, tries to have a nice lawn, plays golf, fantasy football, and hangs out with his wife, Chelsea, and #1 dog - Donut.
TJ CHOQUETTE
Consultant
Jason returns for his 3rd season on staff, stepping into the Staff Coordinator role in addition to his Visual Coordinator responsibilities. He was a member of AQ from 2021 to 2024 playing bass drum, and he has marched at Atlanta CV, Carolina Crown, Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, and the UGA Redcoat Marching Band.
Jason graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Mathematics. He currently works with InVeris Training Solutions as a Financial Analyst.
JASON GEORGE
Visual & Staff Coordinator
Claire Kenney is returning for her 13th season with Atlanta Quest and fifth as Front Ensemble Coordinator. Claire is a percussion educator, clinician, and performer in the Greater-Atlanta area. She is currently pursuing her DMA in Percussion Performance at the University of Georgia and teaches at Kennesaw State University as an adjunct percussion instructor.
She is originally from Cumming, Georgia and attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama for her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Claire then continued her education at Texas Christian University where she earned her Master’s degree in Percussion Performance.
Since 2004, Claire has been involved with many performing ensembles, including Spirit Drum and Bugle Corps, Music City Mystique, and most recently the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, Atlanta Wind Symphony, Atlanta Percussion Ensemble, and Atlanta Steel Collective. She is a member of the Percussive Arts Society, Georgia Music Educators Association, and an educational artist for Innovative Percussion and Sabian Cymbals.
CLAIRE KENNEY
Front Ensemble Coordinator
Luke Willingham is stepping into the Battery Coordinator role in his 5th season with Atlanta Quest. He previously served as snare tech in 2024-26, and 2015.
Prior educational experiences include Music City Mystique, Burleson Centennial High School, Southlake Carroll High School, Kennesaw Mountain High School, Forsyth Central High School, and many others. He was a performing member of Spirit of JSU in 2006-2007, Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps in 2009 and 2011, and Music City Mystique from 2008-2012.
Luke currently lives in Charlotte, NC where he works as a Thermal Design Engineer.
LUKE WILLINGHAM
Battery Coordinator
INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF
Colin is returning to Atlanta Quest snare staff for a fourth season after performing with the ensemble for the 2020 and 2022 seasons and teaching the Q2 snareline for the 2023 season. Colin has also taught the Madison Scouts snareline, as well as instructed and designed for several high school ensembles in the Metro Atlanta area including Denmark High School, North Gwinnett High School, and Norcross High School.
In addition to Atlanta Quest, Colin has performed with the ensembles Boston Crusaders, Infinity Percussion, Oregon Crusader, Tampa Bay Thunder, Marcato Independent, and Ancient City Ensemble, as well as worked as a musician for the Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios during his time at Valencia College in Orlando, FL. Originally from Inverness, FL, Colin currently lives in Atlanta where he works as an IT technician.
COLIN CARELLA
Snare
Mason is returning to Atlanta Quest for his sixth season as a snare tech. He has marched snare at AQ for four seasons, including being section leader in 2020 and 2021. His DCI experience includes Santa Clara Vanguard in 2019, winning the Fred Sanford Best Percussion Performance Award.
Mason currently lives in Hernando, Mississippi where he serves as a percussion instructor at Hernando High School and Hernando Middle School. He has also been on percussion staff for Music City Drum Corps and Memphis Blues Drum Corps.
MASON HILL
Snare
Christian is joining the Atlanta Quest staff as a snare tech following his age-out in 2026. He brings over half a decade of independent marching performance and leadership experience, including four years with Atlanta Quest, three years with the Sacramento Mandarins, two years with Q2, and one year with Atlanta CV.
Outside of performing, Christian runs an online marching arts mentorship program focused on helping performers develop their technical, mental, and performance skills. When he’s not working with students or teaching, he enjoys staying active, running, and spending time outdoors.
CHRISTIAN ELLIOTT
Snare
Jacob Morris returns for his third season on the Atlanta Quest staff as Lead Quad Tech. Jacob spent five years as a member of Atlanta Quest, serving as Quad Section Leader for his final four seasons.
Outside of AQ, Jacob has marched with and taught numerous ensembles throughout the metro Atlanta area. His teaching experience also includes DCI, where he has worked with The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps and Atlanta CV.
Jacob currently lives in Roswell, Georgia, and remains heavily involved in the Atlanta music scene. He plays drums in underground alt-rock band unlovely and works at an independent local music shop.
JACOB MORRIS
Quads - Lead Tech
Blake is returning for his 8th season on AQ staff as quad tech, having previously served as a lead quad tech and battery coordinator with Q2 in 2018.
Blake marched four seasons (2014-2017) on the quad line at AQ, serving as the QAQ section leader in 2017. He marched with ALLIANCE Drum & Bugle Corps in the summer of 2014 and toured Europe in the summer of 2015 as a member of the Blue Devils International Corps. He was also a member of the Georgia State University Marching Band from 2013-2016.
Blake graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems and holds his master’s in Analytics from Georgia Tech. He now lives in Woodstock, GA, and works as a Data Science Manager at The Home Depot.
BLAKE BENTON
Quads
Travis is joining the Atlanta Quest staff as a quad tech for the 2027 season. He has more than a decade of performance and instructional experience in the marching arts. His performance credits include the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps, The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps, and Rhythm X Percussion Ensemble. On the other side of the drum, Travis has had the privilege of instructing and directing many high school programs, Drum & Bugle Corps, and Winter Percussion Ensembles across the United States, including The Colts Drum & Bugle Corps, Oregon Crusaders Indoor Percussion, Bellbrook High School from the Bellbrook, OH and Glencoe High School from Hillsboro, OR.
After a long education career in the United States, Travis had the opportunity to live and work in Shanghai, China. Working with Motif Music, a music education company, Travis trained teachers and introduced marching band to students across China, along with being an in-demand clinician, designer, and adjudicator in China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. Following his time in China, Travis moved to Sydney, Australia. During his time down under, he published drumset and marching percussion literature, adjudicated the National Percussion Eisteddfod, and brought DrumLine Battle to Australia for its inaugural competition. Travis has his bachelor of arts in Psychology from Portland State University and a Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Sydney. Since 2019, he has lived in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, Jill, and their dog, Hendrix.
TRAVIS OPOCENSKY
Quads
Ben Mayton is back for his 2nd season with Atlanta Quest staff, and first as Bass Lead & Assistant Battery Coordinator.
He is a bass drummer from Marietta, Georgia and has nearly a decade of experience in the marching arts, including world class ensembles such as the Atlanta Quest Indoor Drumline and the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, where he went on to win the Sanford Trophy for High Percussion in 2022. Ben also has experience teaching bass drum within numerous percussion ensembles since 2019, and is a part-time private lessons instructor. He loves playing mario kart, listening to clean beats, and spending time with his friends and family.
BEN MAYTON
Bass Lead & Assis. Battery Coordinator
Corey Watkins is in his 5th season on staff with Atlanta Quest as bass tech.
He is a freelance educator, percussionist, and arranger from Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to Atlanta Quest, Corey is a bass drum instructor with The Cadets, and has taught the Spartans Drum & Bugle Corps as well. His marching career began in the Western Carolina University “Pride of the Mountains” marching band from 2015-2017, with independent marching experience including Atlanta Quest, The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps, and Matrix World.
COREY WATKINS
Bass
Grayson is joining the Atlanta Quest staff as a bass drum instructor in 2027. This is his second year with the Atlanta Quest Organization in a teaching role, after working with Q2B for the 2026 season. He was a member of AQ from 2023 to 2025 playing bass drum. He has also marched at Atlanta CV, Spirit of Atlanta, the Cavaliers, and the UGA Redcoat Marching Band.
Outside of teaching with Atlanta Quest, he works with Atlanta CV, Kennesaw State University Marching Owls, and Sprayberry High School. Grayson graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. He currently works with Yancey Caterpillar as a Service Manager. In his free time he enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones, and cheering on the Dawgs.
GRAYSON HORNE
Bass
Caleb Pitt returns for his 4th year on staff, and 3rd as a lead cymbal tech. He spent 7 seasons with the Atlanta Quest organization with both Q2 and AQ playing cymbals and bass drum. His other marching experience includes Carolina Crown, Phantom Regiment, and Atlanta CV.
Caleb is a free lance instructor and has worked with North Paulding High School, Chattahoochee High School, Marist High School, Cherokee County High School, and currently serves as a bass tech for East Paulding High School.
CALEB PITT
Cymbals - Lead Tech
Brennan is joining the AQ cymbal staff for the ‘27 season after one year with Q2 in 2026. He is from Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he started his independent band career with Kinesis Percussion, following by Atlanta CV (2021), Q2 (2022), Atlanta Quest (2023), and George Mason University (2024-2025). He extended his pursuit for cymbal excellence to the drum corps field with the Madison Scouts cymbal line (2023-2024).
Brennan went to The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Since aging out he has taught cymbals at Q2 and the Colts drum and Bugle Corps. Outside of teaching he is a barista.
BRENNAN MCDONOUGH-KERSHAW
Cymbals
Seaon Carter is returning for his 3rd season on staff as a cymbal tech. He is an educator who continues to give back to the community serving as a cymbal consultant and technician across the Southeast. Seaon has several years of marching and performance experience with various marching organizations.
He began his world class marching career with Atlanta Quest in 2015, continued with Rhythm X in 2016, and returned to Atlanta Quest in 2017 for his age-out. Seaon went on to teach and provide guidance to several organizations including Equinox Percussion, The Appalachian State University Marching Mountaineers, and continues to work with The Western Carolina University Pride of the Mountains Marching Band and Paradigm Percussion.
Seaon currently resides in Charlotte, NC and manages a team of engineers within his company, Leidos. In his free time, Seaon likes to go to the gym, enjoy cars, and spend time with his friends and family. Seaon is excited to be back with AQ for his first season on staff!
SEAON CARTER
Cymbals
Branden Annakie will be returning to the Quest organization for his 7th year, and 5th year working with AQ.
He is a native of McDonough, GA, graduating from Ola HS in 2014. He spent time at Jacksonville State University before working towards a degree in veterinary medicine and a minor in music at the University of Georgia. Branden has performed with several group such as the Marching Southerners in 2016, JSU’s Chamber Winds, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble, as well as the University of Georgia Symphonic Band.
BRANDEN ANNAKIE
Cymbals
TJ is in his 9th season as a front ensemble instructor with Atlanta Quest. He is a percussion instructor, performer, arranger, and sound designer in Metro Atlanta. A Georgia State graduate in Percussion Performance, he has taught, played, and arranged in Atlanta since 2014 across the full range of percussion.
He teaches front ensemble at five area schools and works with Atlanta Quest Indoor Drumline and Atlanta CV Drum and Bugle Corps, with past credits including the Colts and The Madison Scouts. His arrangements have been featured by corps and ensembles nationwide. TJ’s drive is developing music and life skills through the marching arts — the habits of preparation, accountability, and excellence that outlast any season.
TJ SHAHEEN
Front Ensemble
Tyler is returning the AQ staff for his eighth season. Heattended Georgia Southern University where he earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Music Performance in the Fall of 2018 under the direction and guidance of Dr. Matthew Fallin. He marched Atlanta quest from 2015-2017, and has been on staff since aging out. He also marched with Spirit of Atlanta 2014 & 2015, and finished out at Carolina Crown in 2016.
In 2019, Tyler was granted an assistantship with Georgia Southern University as a band area graduate assistant while pursuing his master’s degree in Music Technology and earned his Masters in the Spring of 2021. After graduating, Tyler worked at many schools in the metro Atlanta area as a freelance educator. He currently serves as the percussion director at Norcross High School and has been there since 2022. Tyler lives happily in Norcross, GA with his girlfriend and cat and in his off time, he enjoys running, hiking, rock climbing, video gaming and going on spontaneous adventures.
TYLER ROQUEMORE
Front Ensemble
Willie Burke returns for his 5th season as a front ensemble tech. He is a percussionist residing in the Metro Atlanta area.
He is currently serving as the percussion director at Decatur High School and Beacon Hill Middle School, the battery coordinator for the Duluth High School marching band and teaches the Atlanta CV front. He also teaches drum set lessons and rock band classes at Bach to Rock in Alpharetta, GA. Willie received a Bachelor's degree in Commercial Music and Audio Production from Western Carolina University in 2020. In the marching world, he has performed with the front ensembles of Atlanta Quest and Carolina Crown.
WILLIE BURKE
Front Ensemble
Dudley is returning to the AQ Front Ensemble staff for his fourth year. He graduated with a degree in Music Engineering at the University of Miami in 2023. Currently living in Nashville, TN, he tours the world with country music artist Gavin Adcock as audio department head and monitor engineer.
He was a performing member in the Front Ensembles of Atlanta Quest and the Bluecoats, where he was a winner of the Fred Sanford Best Percussion Performance Award in 2022.
DUDLEY MERRIAM
Front Ensemble & Audio
Michael is returning for his 2nd season with the Atlanta Quest Front Ensemble staff. Before joining the education team at AQ, he served as a Front Ensemble technician with Rhythmic Force Percussion in Austin, TX. Beyond his work in WGI, Michael has an extensive educational background in DCI, where he has taught both World Class and Open Class ensembles, including Phantom Regiment, Music City Drum Corps, Genesis, and Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps.
Currently, Michael is the Director of Percussion at River Ridge High School and Mill Creek Middle School in Cherokee County, Georgia. Before returning to Georgia, he spent five years in Texas as a Band Director and Percussion Educator. Michael earned his degree in Percussion Performance from Kennesaw State University in 2018. Michael was a member of the Atlanta Quest front ensemble as a performer from 2013 to 2015.
MICHAEL OLLMAN
Front Ensemble
Euan is joining the Atlanta Quest Staff after aging out in 2026. He performed with Atlanta Quest from 2021-2026 and The Bluecoats from 2021 and 2023-2025. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Georgia and currently works as a freelance percussion educator throughout Metro Atlanta.
He is a designer and arranger for the Lambert High School Indoor Percussion program. Outside of teaching and arranging, Euan created and continues to develop Aubel, a musicianship practice platform for ear training, sight-reading, intonation, and classroom use.
EUAN MALEY
Front Ensemble
Landen Dunn is joining the Atlanta Quest front staff for the 2027 season. He previously performed with the organization for four years, with Q2 in 2023, and Atlanta Quest from 2024-2026. He also performed with The Cavaliers in 2025 and Atlanta CV from 2019-2023.
Landen currently resides in Woodstock, working as the front ensemble coordinator for Milton High School. He also works with various high schools and middle schools around the Metro Atlanta area.
LANDEN DUNN
Front Ensemble
Nicholas joins the front staff at Atlanta Quest front staff for the 2027 season. Nicholas Bryant is a percussion educator and performer currently pursuing his master’s degree at the University of South Carolina.
He has taught throughout the Miami, FL and metro-Atlanta areas, including with the University of Miami’s marching band and Infinity Percussion. As a performer, Nicholas has marched with Boston Crusaders, The Cadets, Music City Drum Corps, Atlanta Quest, and Equinox Percussion.
NICHOLAS BRYANT
Front Ensemble
Briggs is returning for his 3rd season on AQ's audio team, first as Lead Audio Engineer. He performed as the bass guitarist for Q2 in 2021 and AQ from 2022-2024, as well as Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps in 2021. His audio experience includes an internship with the Boston Crusaders, serving as lead audio engineer at Guardians DBC in 2023, and the Madison Scouts in 2024. Briggs has also worked with Pope High School's marching band as their audio engineer since 2023.
BRIGGS SHARPLES
Lead Audio Engineer
Brian McKenzie is returning as Audio Systems Designer in his 5th season with AQ. He is an avid supporter of the marching arts, and in particular the sound reinforcement technology and creative electronic enhancement techniques being developed for use in the activity.
Brian is a musician, engineer, designer, and educator based in Marietta, GA. This is also home to his private music and production studio, Para Machina. Through his company, he offers a variety of services, and mentors aspiring artists, instrumentalists, and producers of all ages and abilities. He is also the percussion director at Roswell High School in Roswell, GA and is the audio and rock band technician for the Georgia State University marching band. Brian began his career as a contract performer and technician. His work included playing drums for an international ad campaign directed by MKTG, and seasonal performances at music, arts, and cultural festivals across the United States. Between 2017 and 2018 Brian worked with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps on their productions ‘Jagged Line’ and ‘Session 44’. He then joined the Boston Crusaders where he worked from 2019-23 on their productions, “Goliath”, “Paradise Lost”, and “White Whale”", and is currently an Audio Engineer with the Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps.
BRIAN MCKENZIE
Audio Systems Designer
Austin Mellen is joining the Atlanta Quest audio staff for the ‘27 season. He is a percussion educator and performer based in the Metro-Atlanta Area. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Industry from Middle Tennessee State University and received his Master of Music from Georgia State University in 2026. At these institutions, he is proud to have studied under Dr. Brian Mueller, Lalo Davila, Julie Davila, Russell Wharton, Dr. Stuart Gerber, and Dr. Kellen King.
Austin is the Director of Percussion for both The Atlanta International School and Lanier Middle School. Additionally, Austin works closely with the front ensembles of Pope High School, Sprayberry High School, and Creekview High School.
AUSTIN MELLEN
Audio
Devin is returning for his 2nd season on the AQ audio team and brings a wealth of performing arts and production knowledge to the staff. He currently serves as an audio systems design consultant and recording engineer for dozens of Metro Atlanta schools and organizations, and is an also an active photographer and media coordinator in the Marching Arts. His marching experience includes time with Carolina Crown and he has designed and instructed for multiple award winning band programs.
Devin’s audio specialities lie in live sound, install, and systems design, and he has brought that experience to project management in festivals, concerts, and special events in commercial, classical, jazz, and chamber environments through his production company Captiv8 Music Services.
He resides in Powder Springs, GA and is a proud alumnus of Kennesaw State University (’18, Music Performance)
DEVIN WITT
Audio
Meagan is returning for her 2nd year on our Visual Staff. She aged out at Atlanta Quest in 2025 and prior had marched one season with Palmetto Indoor Theatre on their visual ensemble. Prior to that she has marched 10 years in Colorguard through Highschool at D. W. Daniel, at Clemson University, and Adventure independent Winterguard. She has coached Colorguard at Liberty Highschool for 5 years. She has been in dance competitively for 21 years and will continue to teach dance technique at Quest. She graduated from Clemson University and is a 7th grade teacher at Liberty Middle School in South Carolina.
MEAGAN JOHNSON
Visual Ensemble
Keshav is returning to Atlanta Quest for his 3nd season as Strength and Conditioning and Front Ensemble Instructor. He is four year veteran of Atlanta Quest from 2021-24, as well as Q2 in 2020, and Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps in 2020 on trumpet. Keshav has also had the privilege to play both trumpet and percussion in several other scholastic groups, and was a semifinalist in the National Trumpet Competition.
Keshav actively competes in the USAPL powerlifting circuit, and trains a portfolio of buidding strength athletes. He has also taught percussion at various metro Atlanta schools for marching band and indoor percussion, including South Forsyth High School, Lassiter High School, Norcross High School, Harrison High School, and other high-achieving programs. He studied physics at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and plans to continue studying alongside teaching.
KESHAV ANAND
Strength & Conditioning/Front Ensemble
Kwan is joining the audio staff for the 2027 season after aging out with Atlanta Quest. He is a timpanist, arranger, and audio engineer. He marched four seasons of timpani with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps (2022-2025) and four with Atlanta Quest (2023-2026), earning a DCI World Championship in 2024 and the 2022 Fred Sanford High Percussion Award.
As an arranger, he has written front ensemble and rhythm section charts for Atlanta Quest, the Bluecoats, and the Georgia Tech front ensemble. On the audio side, he has worked as a sound designer and audio staff for the Georgia Tech Marching Band, Lambert High School, and Duluth High School.
He holds a Computer Science degree from Georgia Tech and currently is in the process of building software for musicians.
KWANWOO LEE
Audio
Anthony Frazier is joining the AQ visual team for the 2027 season after moving back home to Kennesaw, GA from Dayton, OH. Anthony was born with one hand and believes fully in delivering the best member experience possible. While in Ohio he was involved with Rhythm X for 8 years and Centerville High School for 5. He is currently a visual instructor at Kennesaw Mountain high school, and is teaching music around Cobb county. Outside of music, Anthony is serving as a studio operations manager at NE Studios.
ANTHONY FRAZIER
Visual
This will be Neechelle’s first year with Atlanta Quest. Her performance career began in the dance industry in 1994, expanded into the music industry in 2003, and shifter her focus to teaching in 2007 as a studio assistant and fully launched into marching band instruction in 2011. Neechelle is a full-package visual designer covering uniform section, drill, set and prop design, choreography, marching technique, and narration and music edits that affect the through-line of each production. She uses her dance background to build a basic movement foundation with an emphasis on ergonomics and marching health. Each season she designs and teaches for around 10 ensembles including marching band, indoor percussion, indoor color guard, and indoor winds. Some of the independent ensembles she has instructed include Pulse Percussion (2016), Pacific Crest (2014), The Academy (2015-2019) ,Flux Indoor Percussion (2026), and Epicenter Indoor Percussion (2026).
Neechelle possesses a dual BA in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, an AAS in Healthcare Administration, and is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant through the NHA. She previously worked as a SPED and preschool teacher and is currently a hospital administrator. She lives in Atlanta along with her beloved dogs and curated coffee collection.
NEECHELLE TAKINEN
Choreographer & VE Lead Tech
Adam is returning to Atlanta Quest this year after a few years away, switching roles to join the visual team. Previously, he taught the Atlanta Quest cymbal line from 2015 until 2022
Adam lives in Decatur, Georgia where currently serves as the Visual Caption Head at Georgia State University as well as the Lambert High School Marching Band
As a performer Adam attended Georgia State University, where he was a charter member with the Georgia State Panther Band, and has stayed involved with the program through multiple roles for every year of its 17 year history. Independently, Adam marched Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps for three years, as well as Atlanta Quest Indoor Drumline for two. Since aging out, Adam has served as an instructor/clinician/drill writer for numerous high school marching band and indoor percussion programs across the country. Outside of the school year, Adam has also been on the educational staff most recently at Carolina Crown, as well as Spirit of Atlanta and Pacific Crest.
ADAM STELTENPOHL
Visual
Grace will be returning to Atlanta Quest for her fourth year on staff after aging out of the Visual Ensemble in 2023.
Grace is currently attending Jacksonville State University, majoring in Communication with a focus in PR. During her time at JSU, she has been a member of the Marching Southerners and Marching Ballerinas, where she has served as a section leader over the past two seasons.
Her independent marching experience began in 2019 with Divenire Winterguard and ended in 2023 with Atlanta Quest. She has instructed multiple high school danceline and colorguard groups throughout Northern Alabama.
GRACE ELSAESSER
Visual Ensemble
Nabra is joining the Atlanta Quest Visual Staff for the 2027 season. Nabra is an instructor, clinician, and visual designer based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Prior to joining Atlanta Quest, Nabra served as the Visual Co-Caption Head at Civitas Independent for their inaugural season into world class and currently teaches on the visual team at Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps.
Throughout his marching career, he marched Blue Stars and Bluecoats and has participated in both alumni corps. While in Virginia, he studied mechanical engineering with a minor in music at Virginia Tech.
Nabra has served as a clinician for the Bands Across the Savannah (BATS) and Celebration of Bands Clinic, as an adjudicator, and a choreographer for numerous marching band and indoor drumline groups. He was previously on the visual team for Atlanta CV Drum and Bugle Corp, and serves as the Visual Coordinator at Marietta High School and is an active drill writer for indoor drumline & marching band, choreographer, and REALTOR® across the southeast.
NABRA ASGEDOM
Visual
MEDIA
Zoe is returning to Atlanta Quest for her 4th year leading the team as the Media Coordinator. She is a photographer and Social Media Manager out of Cullowhee, NC where she currently works with the Pride of the Mountains marching band at Western Carolina University. Zoe specializes in both photography and content creation. She has past WGI social media experience and percussion experience with Civitas Independent and is excited to continue her career with Atlanta Quest!
ZOE SMITH
Media Coordinator
Ben will be returning to Quest for his second year as a member of the media team. Based out of Atlanta, Ben is a videographer and photographer who has previously worked with WGI groups including STRYKE Percussion. Ben has also filmed the sports industry, food and beverage industry and more.
Ben also spent his time in the activity with STRYKE percussion as a snare drummer, where he marched with the world ensemble 2019, 2020, and 2022
BEN SHEEHAN
Videographer
Max is joining the media staff at Atlanta Quest for the 2027 season. He hails from Wichita, Kansas and joins AQ after spending the last 3 years as a videographer with the Boston Crusaders and Infinity Percussion. He started his content career in the Wichita State Athletic Department working primarily with Women’s Softball, Men’s Basketball and Esports.
Having always been drawn to the marching arts since high school as a percussionist, the opportunity for the Crusaders came and he never looked back while finding a whole new world on the side of indoor percussion. He is very excited to join the AQ team!
MAX MASSAGLIA
Videographer
Emma Cayer is returning to the media team for a 3rd year as graphic designer. Originally from Tyrone, Georgia- is a student at the University of Georgia, working towards BFAs in Graphic Design and Sculpture. Emma’s work has been featured several times in the Athens, GA area, and she works in mediums such as metal and woodworking, robotics, and stained glass, to name a few.
Beyond the visual arts, Emma also has a passion for the marching arts- having marched bass drum with Atlanta CV and the UGA drumline.
EMMA CAYER
Graphic Designer
Blair is joining the media staff at Atlanta Quest for the 2027 season. Blair Charles is a professional photographer and percussionist with the Kennesaw State University Marching Band. He joined the Quest family for the 2025 season and now serves on the media team, excited to bring his eye to the group.
BLAIR CHARLES
Photographer
Aliza is returning for her 2nd season on the AQ media team! She is a native of Birmingham, AL and currently studying marketing + photography at UAB. She is a passionate photographer and serves as the UAB Marching Blazers’ principal photographer, as well as a photographer for the Hewitt-Trussvile HS Marching Band. She captures music events across the southeast, and is an assistant photographer for MarchingPhotography.com. When not doing photography, she enjoys participating in the Birmingham Film Walk, listening to folk music, and finding bugs outside!
ALIZA SCOTT
Photographer
SUPPORT STAFF
TJ is in his 14th season as part of the Atlanta Quest staff, serving as Operations Director + Consultant after previously acting as Ensemble Coordinator.
He has taught the Boston Crusaders (2025), Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps (2023-24), as well as multiple BOA and WGI finalist High Schools. He graduated from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business where he served two years playing snare drum in the UGA drumline, as well as Georgia-based WGI groups, Pariah and Terminus, before marching with Music City Mystique and the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps.
He lives in Smyrna, GA and works professionally as an Executive Senior Partner with Korn Ferry. In his free time, he watches sports, tries to have a nice lawn, plays golf, fantasy football, and hangs out with his wife, Chelsea, and #1 dog - Donut.
TJ CHOQUETTE
Operations Director
Danielle has been with the Atlanta Quest organization since 2014, first as a member and then as a cymbal tech before transitioning to the administrative side.
She is a native of Carrollton, Georgia, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Minor in Spanish from Shorter University in Rome, Georgia. When not with Atlanta Quest, Danielle works with several high school marching band and indoor drumline programs across the state including Sprayberry High School, Harrison High School, and Whitewater High School.
DANIELLE LANIER
Travel Manager & Admin
Michael has designed and built props and front ensemble equipment for Atlanta Quest since 2019 and has filled the role as the "Prop-Father” since the 2025 season. He graduated from Jacksonville State University where he marched tenors for 4 years. He also marched with Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps for 2 seasons. He went on to serve 4 years in the Army as a crytpo-logic linguist graduating from the Defense Language Institute.
He lives in Duluth, GA and works professionally as a Senior Software Engineer for Brown & Brown Insurance. In his free time, he likes to make things in his shop and spend time with his wife Carmen and daughter Carole (AQ alum).
MICHAEL GILLEY
Props Construction & Maintenance Lead
Brannen is in his third year with AQ’s prop team in 2027. His experience at the AQ organization includes 5 seasons performing on Quads, Q2 2017, and four in AQ from 2018-2020 and 2023. Other marching experience includes Alliance DBC 2016, Atlanta CV 2017, and The JSU Marching Southerners 2018.
He is currently working as a Regional Quality Assurance Technician for Waste Management Projects at Bunnell Lammons Engineering and is pursuing a Geospatial Sciences Degree.
BRANNEN HADLEY
Props Maintenance
Go Quest!