DESERT VOX 2027 STAFF
VYVIAN PEREZ
CO-FOUNDER/ OFFICE DIRECTOR/ VISUAL COORDINATOR/ CYMBAL INSTRUCTOR
Vyvian Perez, El Paso native, is the Co-Founder and Director of Desert Vox. Over the last four years since its inception she has been a director and overseen administration, visual design, choreography, and cymbal education. She has also been a cymbal educator for 16 years and currently teaches cymbals at New Mexico State University while working full-time as an ASL interpreter.
Since 2010, Vyvian has taught cymbal lines locally including at Coronado HS, Del Valle HS, Pebble Hills HS, UTEP, NMSU, Sun City, and her alma mater Eastwood HS. During her five years in Southern California, she taught at programs including Gold Drum and Bugle Corps (2017–2019), Gold Indoor (2019), Velocity Independent (2018), and several high schools.
Her marching career includes marching cymbals with Pioneer (2010), Mandarins (2011–2013), and POW Percussion (2015). She has earned a DCI I&E Gold Medal and the Felicia Louie Award during her time with the Mandarins. She has also performed on TV Shows Hell’s Kitchen and Euphoria.
Outside of percussion, Vyvian is a classically trained pianist since age five and a previous art instructor. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Texas Permian Basin, along with associate degrees in Sign Language Interpretation, World Languages/Global Studies, and Administration of Justice.
DAVID MIRANDA
CO-FOUNDER/ ENSEMBLE COORDINATOR/ BATTERY ARRANGER/ BATTERY DESIGN
David Miranda is the Co-founder of Desert Vox and a full-time percussion educator, arranger, and designer from Southern California. Active in the marching arts since 2006, he currently serves as Director of Percussion at Pebble Hills High School (El Paso, TX). He also sits on the Board of Directors for Pulse Percussion Inc. David holds a BA in Music Education from Cal Poly Pomona and an MA in Education from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Over his 19-year teaching career, David has worked with many of the nation’s top ensembles. In DCI, he taught basslines with The Troopers (2010), Santa Clara Vanguard (2011), and Blue Stars (2013–2016), later serving as Percussion Caption Head and Battery Arranger for Gold Drum and Bugle Corps (2017–2019), where the corps achieved its largest competitive jump in history. In WGI, he has taught with Pulse Percussion (2011–2013), led Gold Indoor to Finals in their first season (2019), arranged for Velocity Independent, and most recently guided Desert Vox to a promotion to PIO during their inaugural season.
As a high school educator, David taught with seven-time WGI PSW Gold Medalist Chino Hills HS (2015–2018), Rancho Cucamonga HS (2011–2013), and several other nationally recognized programs including Upland, Colony, Alta Loma, and his alma mater Warren HS within Southern California. Upon moving to El Paso in 2021, David served as the Percussion Director at Del Valle High School (2021–2023). He has written percussion books for programs across California, Texas, and New Mexico, including Gold Drum Corps, Pebble Hills, Del Valle, Bel Air, Andress, and others.
David’s marching experience includes Bass drum at Pacific Crest, Santa Clara Vanguard, and Phantom Regiment in DCI, and four seasons with Pulse Percussion (2007–2010), earning a WGI World Gold Medal in his age-out year. He has studied under leaders such as Paul Rennick, Murray Gusseck, Brian Mason, Glen Crosby, John Mapes, Ian Grom, and Eric Shriver. He proudly endorses Vic Firth, Zildjian, and Remo.
Noe Gomez is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, California and prolific educator and designer within the marching arts. He has over seven years of performance experience, including Impulse, Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets, and half of a decade with the Santa Clara Vanguard, where he served as drum major from 2012 to 2015.
Noe is immersed in the upper echelons of the marching arts, as he is a full time visual designer, for both high school bands and independent programs. Noe has served on the visual staff as Assistant Visual Caption head of the Santa Clara Vanguard, Visual Design assistant for the Phantom Regiment, as well as the Visual Designer for the Blue Knights. Most recently, he has been appointed as the Drill Designer for the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps and is the Visual Designer for Pulse Percussion, Arcadia High School, Naragakuen in Japan and many more. Noe also serves as an advisor to the Color Guard Alliance of the Philippines and Impulso Marching Latino America.
As a designer, Noe prides himself on creating a cohesive visual package--one that is musically reflective, exciting, achievable, and fresh. He is passionate about cultivating a musical landscape that allows the performers to sound their best and integration that positively highlights the color guard. Noe upholds professionalism and communication as core elements of his work with all programs.
Website: noegomezproductions.com
Instagram: @noegomez.productions
VISUAL AND DRILL DESIGNER
NOE GOMEZ
JIMMY NGUYEN
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. Jimmy currently resides in Northern California.
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 has 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 is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and proudly endorses Innovative Percussion sticks & mallets and Zildjian cymbals.
FRONT ENSEMBLE ARRANGER/ SOUND DESIGNER
BRIAN GALLEGOS
CHOREOGRAPHER / VISUAL DANCE ENSEMBLE INSTRUCTOR
Brian G. has over 15 years of experience in the marching arts as a color guard educator, choreographer, and performer. Born and raised in Las Cruces, NM, he has served as Caption Head and instructor for numerous successful local programs, including V. Sue Cleveland High School and Volcano Vista High School in New Mexico, as well as Perry High School and Horizon High School in Arizona.
Brian's performance career includes some of the activity's most respected organizations, including The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, Adagio Winter Guard, FeniX Independent World, and even internationally with Mayflower World Winter Guard.
In addition, Brian currently serves as a Color Guard Technician and Choreographer for the Seattle Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps, as well as Choreographer for Black Gold Winter Guard in Dallas Texas, where he continues to develop and mentor performers at the national level.
Currently, he is the Color Guard Coordinator for the NMSU Pride Marching Band. Brian brings a passion for building strong programs, encouraging technical excellence, and creating an environment where performers can grow as both artists and individuals.
MARC MANCERA
Marc Mancera is a music educator and percussion specialist from El Paso, Texas. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from The University of Texas at El Paso and is currently in his fifth year of teaching, serving as Assistant Band Director and Percussion Specialist at Horizon High School and its surrounding feeder pattern.
Marc has worked with programs including Socorro High School and Sun City Independent. His students have earned multiple First Chair All-Region honors at both the middle and high school levels, 1st Place in Percussion at the Area A 5A level, and Horizon High School’s first All-State Percussionist honors.
Marc’s indoor percussion experience began as a performer with Sun City Independent, where the ensemble captured 1st Place at the 2019 WGAZ Championships. He brings that competitive experience into his teaching with a passion for developing strong musicianship, intentional performers, and ensembles driven to achieve excellence.
Marc is proud to continue contributing to the growth of percussion in the El Paso community and beyond.
BATTERY INSTRUCTOR
JONATHAN GUZMAN
Jonathan is currently in his fourth year on staff at Desert Vox and also works full time as a police officer for the EPPD. Having recently aged out from the vibrant and dynamic world of marching arts, Jonathan continues to show his deep love and unwavering passion for the activity by taking on the important role of an educator at both the high school and independent levels in his hometown of El Paso, Texas. He proudly graduated from El Dorado High School in 2020, and since that time, he has primarily dedicated himself to working there as a committed percussion instructor, honing his craft and expertly guiding young musicians to reach their full potential. In addition to this primary role, he began working with Horizon High School in the fall of 2023, further expanding his influence and reach within the community.
Throughout his impressive journey in DCI, Jonathan had the incredible opportunity to march with Arsenal Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018 and the esteemed Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets in the year 2022, where he celebrated a significant achievement by winning the prestigious DCI Open Class World Championship title. He also had the privilege of marching with the UTEP Drumline in 2021, which further enriched his overall experience. Jonathan looks forward with great anticipation to sharing and passing down all he has learned throughout his journey to future generations of the marching arts, inspired greatly by the remarkable educators he has had the pleasure to work with, including the talented Paul Rennick, Patrick Malone, Harry Hutchins, Daniel Hunt, Daniel Reyes, Anthony Yrigoyen, and the esteemed Dr. Andy Smith.
BATTERY INSTRUCTOR
SIRE ISLAS
Sire Islas is joining the Desert Vox staff for his second year after aging out with the ensemble as a member of the snare line in 2025. An El Paso native, Sire is currently studying percussion at New Mexico State University, where he has performed with the NMSU Percussion Studio and Marching Band.
His marching career includes time with Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, Seattle Cascades, Sun City Independent, and Desert Vox. In recognition of his excellence and leadership, he was awarded Best Performer with Desert Vox in 2025.
As a performer, Sire has developed a reputation for precision and musicality on snare, contributing greatly during his time as a member. Now stepping into an educational role, he brings both his performance experience and his passion for teaching to the ensemble. Sire looks forward to giving back to the group that shaped his own journey in the marching arts while continuing his studies in percussion performance and education at NMSU under Jeff Ausdemore.
BATTERY INSTRUCTOR
SHANE NEWMAN
Shane is a percussion educator and performer based in El Paso, Texas, with experience spanning competitive marching percussion, indoor percussion, and jazz performance. Shane began developing his passion for percussion at Pebble Hills High School, where he performed on snare drum before continuing his education and performance career with the UTEP Marching Miners.
As a performer, Shane has performed on snare drum with Sun City Independent in 2023 and 2024, followed by Desert Vox in 2025. He also performed with the UTEP Marching Miners, serving as snare section leader for two years. Shane has also gained substantial knowledge from educators including Colin McNutt, Andy Smith, Dan Hunt, Dave Miranda, and Kody Jones.
From 2022–2025, Shane served on the battery staff at Pebble Hills High School, helping students develop their technical fundamentals, musicality, and performance abilities. Working under Dave Miranda, he gained valuable instructional experience and developed a strong appreciation for building confident performers while maintaining a positive and focused rehearsal environment.
Shane is passionate about helping performers in the Borderland become well-rounded musicians, emphasizing strong fundamentals, musical expression, individual accountability, and the importance of enjoying the process of becoming not only a better performer but also a better person.
BATTERY INSTRUCTOR
NEIBY CARILLO
Neiby Carrillo recently graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences. She has been a percussionist and involved in music for about ten years. Since then, Neiby has developed a keen passion and dedication for the percussive arts.
After graduating high school in 2021, Neiby began teaching as a battery technician at Pebble Hills High School for three years (2021-2023), working under Daniel Hunt and David Miranda. During that time there, she helped guide the group towards continued success, including achieving back-to-back titles as Sun City Throwdown champions.
Throughout undergraduate studies at UTEP, Neiby was a member of the UTEP drumline for two years, where there was an opportunity to learn from accomplished educators such as Dr. Andy P. Smith. In 2023, Neiby was a member of Desert Vox, where the group advanced as semi-finalists at the WGI World Championships.
Neiby's primary focus includes snare drum performance and musical consistency. Neiby finds it crucial as an educator to teach skills that not only serve students in music, but shape work ethic, discipline, and perseverence throughout their lives.
Neiby looks forward to being part of the team and alongside an incredibly talented and skilled staff.
BATTERY INSTRUCTOR
JESUS GAUCIN
Jesus Gaucin is a percussionist from El Paso, Texas, with experience across both indoor percussion and drum corps. He began his marching career with Sun City, performing in the front ensemble from 2018–2019 before moving to the quad line in 2020. He also marched with Arsenal Drum and Bugle Corps in 2019, Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps in 2022, and spent part of the 2025 season with Spirit of Atlanta.
Jesus is a graduate of Hanks High School, where he was a two-time I&E champion at the Eastwood Throwdown competition with original compositions. He currently attends New Mexico State University, where he is pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science. He looks forward to bringing his performance experience, creativity, and passion for the marching arts to the ensemble.
BATTERY INSTRUCTOR
Matthew Piñon is a percussionist, audio engineer, music producer, and DJ from El Paso, Texas, specializing in marching tenor percussion. A graduate of Pebble Hills High School, Matthew continued his percussion studies at the University of Texas at El Paso, performing with the UTEP Marching Percussion program from 2023–2024.
His independent marching experience includes Sun City Independent Open in 2024 and Desert Vox in 2025. Through his experiences in high school, collegiate, and independent ensembles, Matthew has developed a strong foundation in marching tenor technique, musicality, and ensemble performance.
Outside of the marching arts, Matthew works in audio engineering, sound design, music production, and DJing, bringing a broad understanding of both the technical and creative sides of music to his approach as a performer and educator.
BATTERY INSTRUCTOR
MATTHEW PIÑON
TIWALADE ADEMORIJIMI
Tiwalade Ademorijimi is a first-year staff member at Desert Vox as Front Ensemble Manager. While existing as a full-time percussion educator, Tiwalade is on a mission to expand communication and expression within the marching arts and life, itself. Since his introduction to the marching arts through participation at Etiwanda High School, Tiwalade has performed with the Sacramento Mandarins (’18-19), Vessel Indoor (’20), the Boston Crusaders (’22, earning a silver medal at DCI 2022 Championships), and Broken City Percussion (’22-23), where he completed his career as an independent marching performer. While a performer in the independent circuit, Tiwalade began his music education career at both Temescal Canyon HS and Baldwin Park HS, environments he believes allowed him to define his approach and philosophy to the marching arts. Specifically, in ensemble culture and performance, Tiwalade is deeply passionate about the members’ capacity to break down mental walls and inspire virtuosity with their instrument.
Currently, he serves as Front Ensemble Manager at Arlington High School (Riverside, CA), Upland High School (Upland, CA), and Front Ensemble Caption Head at Glendora High School (Glendora, CA). Aside from his scholastic experience, he is currently in his third year in the independent circuit, serving as front staff with Pulse Percussion (2024/25-Present). After 5 years of development, Tiwalade takes pride in is earning his first Gold Medal as an instructor with Upland High School, alongside his first Bronze Medal as an instructor with Pulse Percussion (both in 2026)
While music education is a huge passion for Tiwalade, he continues to explore other realms of expertise, such as music production, financial consultation, and fitness. While it is not straightforward, learning how to balance multiple industries of business, Tiwalade is determined to master them, day-by-day, industry-by-industry––with patience. He aspires to lead with that same patience to benefit his students’ growth.
He attributes the core of his instructional growth to leaders such as Andrew McAfee, Ian Grom, Trent Gronewold, Brian Dinkle, and Matt Ponce. Despite having many influences Tiwalade actively tries to learn from, he is thankful for the direct, hands-on information the above instructors have provided him on his journey towards undeniable excellence as a music educator.
FRONT ENSEMBLE MANAGER & INSTRUCTOR
ISRAEL VASQUEZ
Israel Vasquez is a percussionist from El Paso, Texas currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music at the University of Texas at El Paso. During his undergraduate studies, he has performed with several of UTEP’s featured ensembles, including the Wind Symphony, Pantastics Steel Band, Samba Bateria, Percussion Studio, and the Symphony Orchestra. His involvement with UTEP’s percussion program has included performances at major conventions such as TMEA and PASIC, representing the university on regional and national stages.
In the marching arts, Israel has performed with Arsenal and Sun City Independent, developing well-rounded skills in both front ensemble and drumline environments. A graduate of Pebble Hills High School (Class of 2021), he has taught percussion at a wide range of levels, working with programs such as Americas High School, Eastlake High School, and a children’s choir within his church community. Throughout his musical development, Israel has worked with and learned from educators including Art Jimenez, Daniel Hunt, Dr. Andy P. Smith, Kody Jones, and Anthony Yrigoyen.
In addition to his performance experience, Israel serves as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the UTEP Drumline. In this role, he supports rehearsals, mentors students, and contributes to the ensemble’s preparation for performances and exhibitions throughout the season. His focus is on reinforcing strong fundamentals, musical responsibility, and ensemble cohesion, drawing from his diverse experiences as both a performer and educator.
FRONT ENSEMBLE INSTRUCTOR
Gabriel Garcia is a percussionist born in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Music Performance from New Mexico State University (NMSU), where he studied percussion under Dr. Fred Bugbee and Jeff Ausdemore. Gabriel is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Percussion Performance at NMSU under the direction of Jeff Ausdemore.
Gabriel has performed with the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra, Paso del Norte Chamber Orchestra, and the Orquesta Sinfónica de la UACJ. He has also performed internationally across the US, Mexico, Canada, and Europe.
Notable performances with the NMSU Wind Symphony include concerts at the WASBE Conference in Prague, Czechia, and regional CBDNA Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Gabriel has attended the Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy (PRISMA) in British Columbia, Canada, and was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Mexico (OSIM) from 2017–2019, the Esperanza Azteca National Orchestra (Mexico), The Bridge Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and La Via Dei Concerti festival orchestra in Trento, Italy. Additionally, he has appeared at jazz festivals across the US with NMSU Jazz Ensembles.
As a graduate assistant at NMSU, Gabriel serves on the percussion staff for the PRIDE of New Mexico Marching Band—an ensemble in which he previously marched snare drum.
Recent teaching roles includes serving as a percussion instructor at Centennial High School in 2023, and as a student teacher at Organ Mountain High School and Mesa Middle School in 2025.
FRONT ENSEMBLE INSTRUCTOR
GABRIEL GARCIA
ADRIAN GONZALEZ PEÑALOZA
Adrián González Peñaloza is a graduate student at New Mexico State University, where he is pursuing a Master of Music in Percussion and serving as a Graduate Assistant. A native of Morelia, Michoacán, he began his musical studies at the age of nine at the Conservatorio de las Rosas, later completing his Bachelor of Music there and graduating with honors.
As a performer, Adrián has appeared at the Miguel Bernal Jiménez International Music Festival in its 30th and 31st editions as a member of the Sinfonietta. He has participated in masterclasses across Spain, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the United States with renowned artists such as Katarzyna Myćka, Conrado Moya, Roberto Palomeque, and Evelyn Glennie. His orchestral collaborations include performances with the Conservatorio de las Rosas Chamber Orchestra, Esperanza Azteca Michoacán Orchestra, Tzintzuni Philharmonic Orchestra, Mexico City International Orchestra, Boca del Río Philharmonic Orchestra, Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra, and the Michoacán Symphony Orchestra, with the latter also featuring him as a soloist.
Adrián has performed in major venues including the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Sala Niños Cantores, Foro Boca, Teatro Ocampo, Teatro Mariano Matamoros, Teatro Stella Inda, Teatro Isabela Corona, and Atkinson Hall. His competitive achievements include second place at the 2019 Costa Rica International Marimba Competition and third place at the 2024 Tierras South Texas Percussion Competition. He also served as a drum set instructor for one year at the middle school division of the Conservatorio de las Rosas. Currently, he continues to grow as both a performer and educator while advancing his academic and artistic career in percussion.
FRONT ENSEMBLE INSTRUCTOR
JARRETT GLADSTONE
Jarrett Gladstone is entering his second year as sound engineer for Desert Vox. A graduate of New Mexico State University, he earned his degree in Digital Filmmaking in 2023 with a concentration in sound design and production sound mixing. His professional audio credits include work with Centennial High School, Box5 Media, and projects in film and documentary mixing.
Jarrett has called Las Cruces, New Mexico home since 2007, and has been involved with music and the marching arts in the area since 2016. He marched baritone and bass drum with the Centennial High School Marching Band, and went on to perform as a baritone player with The Pride of New Mexico and Arsenal Drum & Bugle Corps.
Jarrett is excited to begin working with the organization again this year!
AUDIO ENGINEER
