Our Team.
At Legacy Production Company, our team is the heartbeat of our mission. Comprising both the Winds and Percussion Staff, each member of our faculty brings a unique set of skills, experience, and passion to our organization. Together, they create a nurturing environment where creativity and ambition flourish.
Meet the Winds Design Team
The Winds Design Team at Legacy Production Company is a group of visionaries and skilled educators dedicated to elevating our students' performances. With a deep understanding of musicality, movement, and ensemble cohesion, this team creates compelling and innovative experiences for the Winds section. Their goal is to develop well-rounded musicians by combining technical expertise with creativity, ensuring each performer reaches their highest potential on and off the field.
Justin Samuels
Associate Director/Artistic Director
Meet Justin Samuels, a visual designer and educator making waves with The Bluecoats, The Cadets, and Legacy Production Company. Based between Texas and California, Justin crafts productions for WGI-winning programs and collaborates with high schools nationally. As part of Legacy, he champions arts education, instilling discipline and creativity in students, leaving a lasting impact in the world of fine arts.
Dylan Toombs
Music Caption Manager
Dylan Toombs is a arranger, consultant, and clinician for numerous bands from across the country. He is a brass specialist in the Dallas Fort-Worth metroplex, where he maintains an independent studio of middle-school through college-aged students. His students consistently win positions within the TMEA All-State ensembles, the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, and countless other drum corps and collegiate ensembles. Dylan currently serves as the Brass Coordinator for the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps. He has previously held titles as Assistant Brass Caption Head of The Cavaliers, and lead brass instructor of Carolina Crown. Dylan has been a part of six Jim Ott high brass awards as well as a two Drum Corps International World Championships.
Dylan earned his degree from the University of North Texas in Music Performance with a concentration in Euphonium Performance. During his educational endeavors at the University of North Texas, he was honored to study with the world-renown Dr. Brian Bow-man. Dylan now serves as the co-principal euphonium for the Dallas Brass Band and plays with the Dallas Winds on occasion. Toombs co-founded and serves as the music arranger for Collective Marching Designs, a distinguished marching design team that focuses on bringing fresh and achievable productions to groups across the country. When not performing, teaching Dylan enjoys spending time traveling with his wife and daughter.
Meet the Winds Team
At Legacy Production Company, our Winds Staff comprises a diverse group of dedicated educators and musicians, each bringing their unique skills and passion to our ensemble. Guided by a shared commitment to excellence, these professionals work tirelessly to mentor and inspire our members, helping them to not only achieve musical brilliance but also to grow as individuals. From technique and musicality to performance and teamwork, our Winds Staff is here to ensure every member reaches their full potential.
Evan Huyer
Winds Visual Coordinator
Evan Huyer is a proud alumnus of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, graduating in 2016. His musical journey was enriched by attending Florida State's Jazz and Concert Summer Music Camps throughout high school. Evan’s performance career began with Stryke Wynds during their inaugural winds season in 2015, where he quickly advanced to the role of ensemble leader, a position he held until 2020.
Evan started teaching visual and music disciplines in 2018 at his alma mater, continuing through 2023. He also contributed to several established programs across South Florida, including Cooper City from 2019 to 2021, Coral Glades in 2019, and Cypress Bay in 2022.
In 2021, Evan joined Legacy Production Company as the Visual Caption Head, followed by a year as Music Caption Head in 2023. He will return as Visual Caption Head for the 2024 season. Evan is known for his flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to the needs of the program, making him a key asset to Legacy’s leadership team.
Sebastian Villacis
Winds Music Caption Head
Sebastian Villacis has been an integral part of Legacy Production Company since its inception in 2021. A seasoned saxophonist and dedicated educator, Sebastian began his journey in the marching arts with FIU Winds, participating until 2020. He has been actively involved in the WGI winds activity from its outset, notably winning a championship in the A class with Nova High School Winds.
Sebastian earned his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Florida International University in Spring 2020. He is currently enriching his expertise by pursuing a Master's in Music Education at Florida State University. With five years of experience as a band director, Sebastian brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching to his role at Legacy, primarily focusing on enhancing the skills of the woodwind section.
William Rojas
Winds Music Caption Supervisor
Bio coming soon...
Matthew Chinea
Winds High Brass Consultant
Bio coming soon...
Ridehn Navarro
Winds High Brass Consultant
Bio coming soon...
Claire Morante
WInds Visual Caption Head
Claire Morante is a dedicated music educator and a proud alumna of Hialeah Senior High School, graduating in 2017. She has been a vibrant part of the marching arts community since then, starting her teaching career immediately after graduation. Claire has held significant roles, including serving as the Music and Visual Director at Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School from 2021 to 2024. Prior to that, she taught visual and brass at Hialeah Senior High School from 2017 to 2019, and returned as the Visual Caption Head from 2022 to 2023.
Most recently, Claire expanded her expertise to Hialeah Gardens High School, where she taught visual techniques for their Indoor Percussion Ensemble during the winter season. Now a member of the Winds Visual Staff at Legacy Production Company, Claire is enthusiastic about contributing to the ensemble's growth and success. She looks forward to witnessing and fostering the development and achievements of the talented musicians at Legacy.
George Pinillios
WInds High Brass Specialist
George Pinillos is a versatile musician and dedicated visual creative with a lifelong commitment to the performing arts. He began his musical journey on trumpet at W. R. Thomas Middle School and later discovered his passion for the mellophone at G. Holmes Braddock High School, where he marched for three years. George’s involvement in Drum Corps International began in 2014, auditioning for the Boston Crusaders and Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps.
In addition to performing, George served on the Boston Crusaders' administration team, managing prop crew responsibilities. His experience extends to WGI, where he marched with FIU Indoor Winds and later with Stryke Wynds until his final season in 2022. After serving as the Visual Caption Head for Legacy Winds in 2023, George now continues to contribute as a visual staff member. He also provides visual consultations for several South Florida band programs, including G. Holmes Braddock, South Dade, Miami Coral Park, Park Vista, and Hialeah Gardens High School.
Meet the Percussion Design Team
The Percussion Design Team at Legacy Production Company is committed to bringing energy, precision, and innovation to our percussion section. Drawing from a wealth of experience in both competitive circuits and music education, this team designs thrilling musical and visual experiences. Their mission is to instill discipline, creativity, and collaboration in each member, helping every performer thrive as an individual and as part of the ensemble.
Justin Samuels
Artistic Director
Justin Samuels is a full-time visual designer and educator with extensive experience in the marching arts. He has worked in the drum corps community with The Cadets (2021) as Assistant Visual Caption Head and Choreographer, and later with The Bluecoats, where he assisted with visual production and choreography while leading the marching fundamentals program from 2022–2025. During his tenure, The Bluecoats won the 2024 Drum Corps International World Championship and received the John Brazale Outstanding Visual Performance Award in both 2024 and 2025.
In addition to his drum corps work, Justin currently serves as Visual Caption Head and Choreographer for Broken Arrow High School (OK). He has also worked with Marcus High School (TX), Wakeland High School (TX), Braswell High School (TX), and has designed, choreographed, and consulted for award-winning programs across the country.
Justin’s design credits extend to the WGI activity, where he has created productions for ensembles such as Legacy Winds (FL), Legacy Percussion (FL), STRYKE Wynds (FL), Flanagan Winds (FL), Cooper City Winds (FL), Infinity Percussion (FL), and Pulse Percussion (CA). In 2017, he staged and choreographed a 360-degree winds and drumline performance for the world-renowned champagne company Veuve Clicquot at their Carnaval in Miami, FL.
Now in his fifth consecutive year as Artistic Director with Legacy Production Company, Justin continues to bring visionary design and leadership to the ensemble.
Zach Wilson
Music Arranger (Battery)
Zach Wilson joins the Legacy Percussion design team as Music Arranger, bringing a wealth of performance and educational experience. He began his marching career with Chino Hills High School (2014–2017) before performing with the Blue Stars (2017), Pulse Percussion (2018–2022), and the Bluecoats (2018–2021). With the Bluecoats percussion ensemble, Zach also had the honor of performing at PASIC in 2021. In 2020, he was part of the Marching Vlogs “MV Drumline,” which raised funds for a local California food bank.
As an educator, Zach worked with the Bluecoats percussion program for three years, contributing to visual instruction before transitioning into the role of battery coordinator for the Mandarins. He has also been an integral part of the Pulse Percussion battery staff for four years, helping arrange battery/snare moments while contributing to visual detailing and instruction.
Zach’s teaching and design experience extends across multiple high school programs in Southern California. He has led the Townsend Jr. High School drumline program for six years—designing the visual production for the past three—and has served as Battery Manager at both Chino Hills High School (since 2021) and Gahr High School (since 2021), where he is also Program Coordinator for the indoor drumline. In addition, Zach has consulted and designed for several ensembles in Southern California, Northern Texas, and beyond, including independent groups competing at WGI World Championship Finals in Dayton, Ohio.
Aya Straus
Music Arranger (Front Ensemble)
Aya Strauss is a percussion designer and educator who currently lives and works in Torrance, California. Inspired by her upbringing in the southern California percussion scene, Aya strives to realize her dual passions for creative and emotionally striking musical composition, and humanistic and effective education.
Aya currently works with Broken City Percussion as a front ensemble instructor and audio technician, and is the percussion director and arranger at Woodbridge HS, and battery caption head/arranger at Mira Costa HS. She has worked with many independent ensembles such as the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps, and Gold Indoor Percussion and Drum & Bugle Corps, as well as many scholastic programs in Southern California. She creates full indoor percussion shows, as well as arranging battery, front ensemble, and sound design, for programs throughout the country.
Aya is currently studying music composition through the Berklee College of Music online degree program. She attended UCLA from 2014-2018, where she received a degree with honors in cognitive science. Aya is a proud member of the Vic Firth educational team.
Rafael Sotolongo
Percussion Ensemble Director
Rafael Sotolongo is entering his third year with Legacy Production as Percussion Ensemble Director. With over 20 years of experience in music, he brings a unique perspective that blends precision, creativity, and leadership.
Rafael’s musical journey began in middle school and continued through his time as a performer with the Florida International University Marching Band. He has since served as a drum instructor at Hialeah High School and, for the past two years, has been part of the percussion staff at Cooper City High School.
In addition to his work in the marching arts, Rafael is a seasoned IT executive, where he leads large-scale technology initiatives. His ability to balance these two worlds reflects his belief that music and technology share the same power: to connect, inspire, and transform.
At Legacy, Rafael is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and community for the next generation of performers.
Meet the Music Percussion Team
The Music Percussion Staff at Legacy Production Company are masters of rhythm and precision. This talented team of instructors brings a wealth of experience from the world's stages and classrooms to our practice rooms. They are not only educators but also innovators who design challenging and exciting experiences for our students. Our Percussion Staff’s goal is to cultivate a strong sense of musicality, discipline, and collaboration, ensuring that each member can thrive both on and off the performance floor.
Michael Lao
Percussion Ensemble Specialist
Mike Lao is an accomplished music educator and performer, now in his second year with Legacy Production as Percussion Ensemble Specialist. He holds a degree in Music Education from Barry University and brings extensive experience from competitive marching and percussion ensembles.
His performance career includes serving as bass drummer and section leader with The Boston Crusaders (2008–2011), STRYKE Percussion (2012), and The Cavaliers (2012), later returning to The Cavaliers as a Visual Instructor in 2013.
Mike spent eight years with the West Broward Performance Ensemble, advancing from bass tech to Director of Percussion. Under his leadership, the ensemble secured three State Championships, earned multiple High Percussion Awards in FFCC competitions, and, in 2023, achieved its first-ever 1st Place in Class PSA at the FFCC State Championships.
In addition to his work with West Broward, Mike has consulted, instructed, and arranged for numerous high schools across South Florida, and contributed to independent programs including Velocity Indoor Percussion and STRYKE Percussion. At Legacy, he continues his commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in percussion education.
Ethan Colón
Ensemble Coordinator
Ethan Colón has been involved in the marching arts since 2016. He has experience marching every drum, he marched with Stryke Percussion in 2020 and 2023, & he has also been an educator and music writer for Seminole Ridge High School and Palm Beach Central High School over the last 6 years.
Ethan’s goals for Legacy Percussion are to create a safe, fun and educational space for the members, the audience and the thousands of musicians waiting to be inspired!
Sabrina Scavuzzo
Front Ensemble Coordinator
Sabrina Scavuzzo is an experienced educator and performer with a strong background in the South Florida percussion community. She began her marching career with Hialeah High School and went on to perform with STRYKE 2, gaining valuable experience as a front ensemble performer.
As an educator, Sabrina has taught at West Broward High School, contributing to the growth and success of one of Florida’s premier percussion programs. Now in her second year with Legacy Percussion, she leads the Front Ensemble caption, where she is dedicated to developing performers’ technical skill, musicality, and confidence both on and off the stage.
Sabrina brings a passion for teaching and a commitment to excellence, continuing Legacy’s mission of inspiring and empowering the next generation of performers.
Angela Apolaro-Sudol
Front Ensemble Technician
Angela Apolaro-Sudol is a dedicated front ensemble coordinator, arranger, and educator based in Miramar, Florida, who works with scholastic marching music programs across Broward County. She began her WGI career as a front ensemble performer with Pembroke Pines Charter High School in 2016, REEF Independent in 2017, and FIU Indoor from 2018–2020. She was also a member of the FIU Marching Band during her time at Florida International University, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education, continuing to grow her experience as a performer and educator.
Since 2021, Angela has served as the front ensemble coordinator for Pembroke Pines Charter High School, where she focuses on developing strong musicianship, technical proficiency, and ensemble cohesion among her students. She has also contributed her expertise to other Broward County programs, including Somerset Academy, Coral Springs High School, and Franklin Academy Charter High School. Angela has worked with students of all ages, from 5 to 18 years old.
When she’s not working with front ensembles, she is an elementary music teacher. She is passionate about building supportive, musically expressive front ensembles and empowering performers to develop their artistry and confidence through performance.
Jeremiah Morel
Battery Technician
We’re excited to welcome Jeremiah Morel to the Legacy Percussion staff! Based in Miami, Jeremiah brings years of experience in the marching arts as both a performer and educator. His performance career includes marching with STRYKE Percussion (2015–2017) and the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps (2015).
As an educator, Jeremiah has taught with STRYKE 2 (2018–2019), Hialeah Gardens High School (2014–2025), and most recently STRYKE Percussion (2023–2025). Known for his ability to build strong foundations and inspire growth, he is dedicated to pushing performers to reach their full potential while creating an educational experience that extends beyond music.
Nick Arza
Snare Technician
Nick Arza is a dedicated educator and performer with extensive experience in the South Florida marching arts. His performance career began at Pines Charter (2012–2016) and continued with REEF Independent (2017), FIU Indoor Percussion (2018, 2019, 2021), FIU Marching Band (2017–2020), and Infinity Percussion (2020, 2022).
As an educator, Nick has taught at Pines Charter, Somerset Academy, G. Holmes Braddock High School, Hialeah Gardens High School, and the FIU Marching Band. He has also been part of the instructional staff at STRYKE Percussion, helping train and inspire performers to achieve their highest potential.
Now serving as Snare Technician with Legacy Percussion, Nick brings his performance expertise, technical knowledge, and enthusiasm for percussion education to help build precision, confidence, and excellence within the battery section.
Javier Delgado
Tenor Technician
Javier Delgado is an alumnus of Hialeah High School, where he graduated in 2007. During his time there, he played tenors all four years, serving as center tenor for three of those years and drumline captain for two. Immediately after graduating, he began teaching percussion at his alma mater, helping develop a strong and successful program. These early experiences as both a performer and educator laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to the marching arts.
Javier has carried that passion forward, staying connected to drumming and music throughout his life. Now joining Legacy Percussion as Tenor Technician, he brings a renewed energy for teaching and a dedication to guiding the next generation of performers.
Outside of music, Javier is a devoted husband and proud father of two. With the support of his family, he continues to embrace the arts as a way to connect, inspire, and create lasting impact.
Jesus Alvarez
Tenor Technician
Jesus Alvarez is an accomplished educator and performer with a strong background in the South Florida percussion community. His marching career includes performing with Hialeah Gardens High School (2013–2016), Velocity Indoor Percussion on drum set (2014), FIU Indoor Percussion on quads (2015), and STRYKE Percussion World on quads (2019–2020).
As an educator, Jesus has taught at Hialeah Gardens High School (2018–2019), J.P. Taravella High School (2020), and FIU Indoor Percussion (2021), where he has helped develop percussionists through both technical instruction and mentorship.
Now joining Legacy Percussion as Tenor Technician, Jesus brings his performance expertise, teaching experience, and passion for the marching arts to inspire and guide the next generation of performers.
Erick Perez
Bass Technician
Erick brings recent performance and teaching experience to the Legacy Percussion staff. He marched bass drum with STRYKE Percussion from 2022–2025 and performed with the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps in 2023, experiences that shaped his understanding of performance excellence and ensemble cohesion.
As an educator, Erick has taught at Palmetto Ridge High School and Naples High School, where he focused on building strong percussion programs and helping students reach their potential. He finds the greatest reward in watching members grow as individuals, both musically and personally.
Now in his first year with Legacy, Erick applies his knowledge and passion for percussion education to inspire growth, discipline, and confidence in the bass line.
Meet Legacy
Percussion Visual Team
At Legacy Production Company, our Visual Team brings creativity and precision to the forefront of every performance. With a deep understanding of movement, choreography, and design, this talented group works to craft visually captivating shows that elevate our members' storytelling and emotional impact. Focused on excellence, they ensure that each visual detail enhances the overall performance, creating unforgettable experiences for both performers and audiences alike.
Carlos Ojeda
Percussion Visual Caption Head
Carlos Ojeda is an accomplished visual instructor with over eleven years of experience in the marching arts. A member of the Boston Crusaders from 2012 to 2016 and STRYKE Percussion in 2017, Carlos draws on a strong performance background to shape a teaching philosophy rooted in discipline, creativity, and excellence.
Carlos has instructed numerous ensembles across South Florida and Las Vegas, including West Broward Indoor and STRYKE Percussion. Now in his second year with Legacy as Visual Caption Head, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the program. Dedicated to inspiring the next generation of performers, Carlos continues to advance Legacy’s mission through his passion for education and performance.
Judith Ortega
Percussion Movement Specialist
Judith Ortega began her musical journey in middle school playing the clarinet. In high school, she performed with the band and participated in winter guard, sparking a love for both music and movement. After graduating, she joined the inaugural year of STRYKE Winterguard, where her passion for the activity continued to grow.
Since 2016, Judith has taught and mentored young performers, beginning at Forest Hill High School and now serving as the director of the Seminole Ridge Colorguard. In 2025, she joined the visual staff at Legacy Percussion, continuing to give back to the activity that has shaped her life.
With a deep love for the marching arts, Judith is excited to keep sharing her passion with the next generation of performers.
William Caicoya
Visual Ensemble Specialist
William Caicoya is a versatile performer and educator whose background spans brass, movement, dance, and theatrical performance. A proud South Florida native, he has performed with some of the most recognized ensembles in the marching arts, including the Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps (2018–2019), Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps (2016–2017), Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps (2015), STRYKE Percussion (2018), FIU Indoor Percussion (2017), and FIU Winds (2015), with whom he earned a WGI Open Class Championship during the circuit’s inaugural year.
William’s professional achievements also extend beyond the marching arts. He has choreographed and assisted in productions with Miami Dade College, including The Exotic Rodgers and Hammerstein (2024) and The Rocky Horror Picture Show (2019). His performance experience includes tuba with the Miami Pixel Symphony Orchestra and a wide range of theatrical and character acting roles.
As an educator, William currently serves as Music Teacher and Brass Fundamentals Specialist at Weston Christian Academy. He has also taught at Pembroke Pines Charter High School and South Miami High School, specializing in brass instruction, drill design, and movement choreography.
At Legacy, William brings his passion for blending music, movement, and theatrical storytelling, striving to inspire performers to embrace artistry and connect deeply with their audience.
Franco Flores
Visual Ensemble Consultant
Franco Flores is a visual designer and educator with a strong background in the marching arts as both a performer and instructor. His performance career includes marching with The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps (2012, 2014), Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps (2015–2017), and STRYKE Percussion (2015–2018), experiences that shaped his foundation in movement and design.
As an educator, Franco has worked with several nationally recognized programs. He taught at John I. Leonard High School and Park Vista High School, where his instruction helped lead the ensemble to the Bands of America stage. From 2020–2023, he was on staff at Jupiter High School, where the program won a state championship in 2021. Franco has also worked with Flanagan High School and served with STRYKE Percussion World from 2019–2025, including three years as Caption Head (2020–2022, 2024).
Now serving as Visual Consultant with Legacy Percussion, Franco brings his experience, leadership, and passion for visual performance to inspire performers and elevate the program’s design.
Jeremiah Morel
Visual Technician
We’re excited to welcome Jeremiah Morel to the Legacy Percussion staff! Based in Miami, Jeremiah brings years of experience in the marching arts as both a performer and educator. His performance career includes marching with STRYKE Percussion (2015–2017) and the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps (2015).
As an educator, Jeremiah has taught with STRYKE 2 (2018–2019), Hialeah Gardens High School (2014–2025), and most recently STRYKE Percussion (2023–2025). Known for his ability to build strong foundations and inspire growth, he is dedicated to pushing performers to reach their full potential while creating an educational experience that extends beyond music.
Meet Legacy
Strength
&
Wellness Team
At Legacy Production Company, our Strength and Wellness Team is dedicated to ensuring that every performer reaches their full potential, both physically and mentally. Led by experienced professionals, this team focuses on optimizing performers’ strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall health. Through customized training programs, wellness coaching, and injury prevention strategies, they create a supportive environment that promotes peak performance on and off the stage. By prioritizing holistic well-being, the Strength and Wellness Team empowers our members to thrive in the demanding world of performing arts.
Tyrone Hayes
Strength & Wellness Coach
Tyrone Hayes is a powerhouse in the health and wellness industry, with over 15 years of experience dedicated to helping people achieve their physical best. He is the founder of two impactful organizations: Ripped City Inc., a company that focuses on fitness and bodybuilding, and Digesting Life Balance, a nonprofit that raises awareness about critical health issues and promotes health literacy for diverse audiences.
Tyrone’s marching arts background includes performing with Magic of Orlando, Boston Crusaders, and The Cadets, three of the most prestigious drum corps in the country. His passion for both physical fitness and the marching arts makes him uniquely equipped to guide the next generation of performers.
As a semi-professional bodybuilder, Tyrone’s dedication to fitness is evident in his numerous accolades. In 2021, he won the Prestige Crystal Cup Transformation Award for losing an incredible 97 pounds of fat in just 8 months. In 2023, he took first place in the Super Heavy class at the NPC Triumph Competition, further solidifying his place in the world of competitive bodybuilding.
Now, Tyrone is bringing his expertise to Legacy Production Company as the new Strength & Wellness Coach. His mission is to help Legacy members not only excel in their performances but also build the strength and stamina needed to thrive in life.