 Ascend Performing Arts and the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps are excited to announce the 2024 Percussion Leadership team.
Jeff Ausdemore, Percussion Supervisor
Jeff Ausdemore is the President and Co-Founder of Stryvemind.com, an innovative online music education platform that’s making a global impact. Jeff also heads Ausdemore Music, a composition and arranging house that publishes his music catalog through Tapspace Publications. Notably, he’s returning to his role as the percussion supervisor, composer, and music consultant for the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps.
His extensive career includes composing, arranging, instructing, and consulting with various renowned groups, such as the Blue Knights, Cavaliers, Phantom Regiment, Limited Edition, Northern Aurora, and Southwind. Jeff is also actively involved in professional associations, holding adjudication roles for Drum Corps International, Winter Guard International, Bands of America, and more. He currently serves as the Vice President of Percussion and Winds on the executive board of the North Texas Color Guard Association.
Christian Gonzales, Battery Co-Manager
Christian Gonzales is an alumnus of the University of Houston with a degree in instrumental music education. He boasts an impressive performance background, having participated in various ensembles, including the wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, percussion ensemble, steel band, and the renowned “Spirit of Houston” marching band. Christian’s journey in the world of music extends to DCI with the Phantom Regiment, and WGI Percussion with Monarch Independent. Christian continued to make his mark in the percussion world and joined the Blue Knights battery staff in 2023, promising a memorable season.
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Mikey Sheeran, Battery Co-Manager
Mikey Sheeran, is a percussion educator with a diverse background. His journey started in Round Rock, Texas, and he graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He boasts an impressive performance history with various drum corps and indoor percussion ensembles, including The Guardians, Genesis, The Spirit of Atlanta, The Crossman, Monarch Independent, and Imperial Percussion Theater. Mikey has been actively involved in teaching, with roles at multiple schools in Texas and as the Percussion Director of Westwood High School.
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Kyler Altenhof, Front Ensemble Co-Manager
Kyler Altenhof, a percussion educator from Goshen, Indiana, holds a degree in Music Media Production and a certificate in Entrepreneurial Music from Ball State University. His marching career began with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps, and later joined the Blue Knights and Legacy Indoor Percussion. Kyler has been a dedicated consultant for marching bands and indoor percussion ensembles and worked with several high schools in Indiana. He started teaching with the Blue Knights in 2020 and became Front Ensemble Manager for the 2023 season.
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Eric Roundy, Front Ensemble Co-Manager
Eric Roundy, an active educator and performer, is based in Fort Worth, Texas. He serves as a percussion specialist and clinician for Boswell High School and Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. Eric has an extensive background working with drum corps and indoor ensembles including Music City, the Colts, Carolina Crown, the Blue Knights, and Vigilantes Indoor Percussion. As a performer, Eric has had a notable solo career, earning recognition and accolades for his marimba and percussion skills. His marching journey includes the Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps, Carolina Crown, and Music City Mystique. Eric holds a degree in music from Tennessee Tech University.
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This ensemble of talent promises to bring an unparalleled experience of expertise and knowledge to the Blue Knights sound and performance this coming season.
