DESERT VOX 2026 STAFF
DAVID MIRANDA
CO-DIRECTOR/ 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 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.
VYVIAN PEREZ
DIRECTOR/ VISUAL CONSULTANT/ CHOREOGRAPHER/ CYMBAL TECHNICIAN
Vyvian Perez, El Paso native, is the Co-Founder and Director of Desert Vox, where for the past three years she has directed and overseen visual design, administration, choreography, and cymbal education. She has been a cymbal educator for the last 16 years and currently teaches cymbals at New Mexico State University while also working full-time as an ASL interpreter.
Since 2010, Vyvian has taught cymbal lines locally at Coronado HS, Del Valle HS, Pebble Hills HS, UTEP, NMSU, Sun City Independent, and her alma mater Eastwood HS where she spent ten years teaching. 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 including Alta Loma and Patrick Henry. After returning to El Paso, Vyvian co-founded DV Indoor (now Desert Vox) in 2023, leading the ensemble to an Open Class promotion in its inaugural season, and several Gold Medals at local WTCA Competitions since its inception.
As a performer, Vyvian marched cymbals with Pioneer (2010), Mandarins (2011–2013), and POW Percussion (2015), earning a DCI I&E Gold Medal and the Mandarins Felicia Louie Award. She has also performed on TV Shows Hell’s Kitchen and Euphoria.
A classically trained pianist since age five, Vyvian studied percussion at UTEP briefly before shifting her focus to linguistics and ASL Interpreting. 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 from EPCC and MT. SAC.
Noe Gomez is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, California and an 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, judge, and clinician for both high school bands and independent programs. Noe served on the visual staff and as Assistant Visual Caption head of the Santa Clara Vanguard as well as the Visual Design assistant for the Phantom Regiment. He is on the design team at Pulse Percussion, Blue Knights, Arcadia High School, Chino Hills 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
PROGRAM COORDINATOR/ DRILL & VISUAL DESIGN
NOE GOMEZ
JIMMY NGUYEN
Jimmy Nguyen resides in Southern California where he works as a composer/arranger, sound designer, and clinician for band and independent programs across the country.
Jimmy has worked with distinguished programs such as RCC Indoor Percussion, Meraki, Ayala HS, the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps. He has also had the privilege of composing and arranging for ensembles across the country, including medalists and finalists in BOA regionals, UIL state and area, WGI percussion independent open & world, WGI Winds, and DCI open class.
With numerous years of performance experience, Jimmy has performed with groups such as RCC, the Blue Devils, and Pacific Crest. Jimmy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology (with a focus in Education) from UC Riverside and a Master of Science in Education degree from CSU Fullerton.
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
JONATHAN GUZMAN
Jonathan is currently in his third 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
BATTERY INSTRUCTOR
Sire Islas is joining the Desert Vox staff for his first year in 2025 after aging out with the ensemble as a member of the snare line. 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.
JOSE-ANGEL RIVAS
BATTERY INSTRUCTOR
Jose-Angel Rivas is a decorated percussionist from the city of El Paso, Texas. Currently, he is pursuing a Bachelors degree in Music at the University of Texas at El Paso with a minor in education. Over the course of his schooling, Jose has performed with several premier ensembles at UTEP. His involvement as a musician includes performances with the UTEP Wind Symphony, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, and the Symphony Orchestra. He has performed with UTEP at conventions such as TMEA, PASIC, and CBDNA.
Within the world of the marching arts, Jose has been an exemplary member of ensembles such as the Boston Crusaders, Blue Knights, Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, and Sun City Independent. At Boston Crusaders, he had the privilege of recieving the prestigious Fred Sanford award along with a perfect score in the percussion caption at DCI World Championship Finals. The Boston Crusaders made history, earning the World Championship title for the first time in the organization’s 85-years of performing. Jose has been taught by renowned names such as Dr. Andy P. Smith, Colin McNutt, Alex Beltran, Jarod Sullivan, Jeff Ausdemore, Kody Wayne Jones, Nick Werth, Mikey Sheeran, Christian Gonzales, Harry Hutchins and Matt Zintgraff.
Jose-Angel teaches at various levels within the Percussive Arts, such as being an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant with the UTEP Marching Miners. His work with the Marching Miners focuses on the collective UTEP Drumline and ensuring their success at multiple exhibitions and performances- including the State UIL Marching Band Contest. Scholastically, Jose has taught at Pebble Hills High School, El Paso High School, and various other schools throughout the El Paso region. Jose is excited to teach and pass down the information that he has acquired through his multiple ventures to the performing members at Desert Vox.
NICHOLAS GALLEGOS
BATTERY INSTRUCTOR
Nicholas Gallegos is a graduate student and teaching assistant at the University of Texas at El Paso, pursuing a Master of Music with a Concentration in Conducting.
Born and raised in El Paso, Nick graduated from Eastwood HS in 2020, participating in the Trooper Marching Band and the Varsity Mixed Choir “Cavaliers.” He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from New Mexico State University in 2024, spending three semesters in the Pride of New Mexico bassline playing music arranged by Bluecoats alumni. Nick was a tenor drum technician for Eastwood HS in 2023 and has served as the bass drum technician at Pebble Hills HS for the last two years. Nick was a 2019 DCI finalist, having performed with Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps. Most recently, he performed two consecutive seasons with Desert Vox, becoming the group’s second ageout in 2025.
Nick’s musical expertise extends to opera and choral music. A brilliant tenor, he has studied voice for the last five years, honing his skills in classical and contemporary vocal music alike through participation in TMEA All-State Choirs, NMSU Choirs and Opera Workshop, Quintessence Summer Choral Festival, UTEP Choirs and Opera UTEP, and the Gilbert and Sullivan Company of El Paso. Nick currently serves as a volunteer choir assistant at Eastwood MS.
ADRIAN GONZALEZ PEÑALOZA
FRONT ENSEMBLE INSTRUCTOR
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.
FRANK GONZALEZ
FRONT ENSEMBLE MANAGER
Frank is the Front Ensemble Manager for Desert Vox, now entering his third year on staff. A proud El Paso native, he holds a BA in Music Education from the University of Texas at El Paso, an MM in Percussion Performance from George Mason University, and an MM in Conducting from UTEP.
As a performer, Frank began his drum corps career with the Patriots (2003) before marching three seasons with the Blue Knights (2004, 2006–2007). His skill was recognized nationally when he won first place in the DCI I&E Keyboard competition (2006) and as part of the first-place Percussion Ensemble (2007). These experiences shaped his approach as both a performer and educator, combining technical excellence with musical artistry.
Frank’s teaching career is extensive. He served as band director at Northwest High School in the Dallas–Fort Worth area (2014–2019), where he built strong programs and inspired young musicians. In 2019, he joined Sweetwater Sound as a Sales Engineer, connecting musicians with the tools they needed to excel. He later returned to the classroom as Director of Bands at Nacogdoches High School (2022). Now back in El Paso, Frank teaches at UTEP and continues to share his expertise with the next generation of percussionists.
At Desert Vox, Frank has been instrumental in shaping the sound and development of the front ensemble. With more than two decades of experience as a performer, educator, and conductor, he brings a refined perspective to the ensemble, helping define its identity on both the local and national stage. His return to El Paso represents not just a homecoming, but a continuation of his lifelong commitment to advancing the marching arts.
JARRETT GLADSTONE
AUDIO ENGINEER
Jarrett Gladstone is entering his first 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.
I’m excited to begin working with the organization this year!