Colt Cadets Announce New Leadership

December 14, 2018

The Colt Cadets are excited to announce a new leadership team for the 2019 season. Andrew Eaton will serve as Corps Director and provide the organizational and structural foundation to position the corps for success. Andrew will be the group's liaison with Drum Corps International, and he will also work with the Colt Cadets design team, where he served as program coordinator during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Alex Albertson will be Program Director for the Colt Cadets. Alex will lead the design team and be responsible for the educational oversight of the Colt Cadets staff. He will continue to supervise the percussion section, which he has led as percussion caption head since 2015. Rich Waddington joined the 2018 Colt Cadets staff as Tour Director and will continue in that role in 2019. Rich will work with the volunteers, make sure the students are well nourished, and lead the corps down the road as efficiently as possible. The trio will provide the organization with a greater division of duties and a heightened focus on student success.

Providing support in the office, Megan Hobbs recently became a full-time employee, serving as accountant for the Colts Youth Organization, along with her continued role as front ensemble instructor with the Colt Cadets. Megan will support the Colt Cadets leadership team from the office, assist with recruiting and front ensemble instruction in the offseason, and also spend time on the road teaching the Colt Cadets in the summer.

Director of Youth Programs Vicki MacFarlane is excited about the opportunity to work with the team. "The strength of this combination is sure to serve the corps well. The experience and leadership of each individual is only going to be magnified in this group effort," said Vicki. "Andy has been with us for over a decade, Alex has been a mainstay on Colt Cadets staff since aging out of the Colts in 2011, and Rich is an incredible band director. This announcement is exciting for us to make now, but this team's heart, focus, drive, and dedication has been present since the end of the 2018 season."

 

Andrew Eaton is entering his twelfth year with the Colts organization. He has filled various roles during his time with the Colts, including instructional staff, program coordinator, and assistant corps director for the Colt Cadets. Based in the Chicago suburbs, Andrew has worked in brass repair in one of the nation's largest music shops and is currently the head of brass repair. He has taught marching band with Lake Central High School in St. John, Indiana, Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana, Clay City High School in Clay City, Indiana, and Lincoln-Way Marching Band in New Lenox, Illinois. Read Andrew's full bio here.

"For me, this really is a dream team to work with," said Andrew Eaton. "The experience, skills, and knowledge Alex and Rich bring to the table truly are one-of-a-kind, and I know they have the care and success of the members as their top priority. I'm looking forward to continuing to work closely with the staff, students, and volunteers at Colt Cadets, and I think this will be another incredible season for the corps."

 

Alex Albertson is entering his ninth year with the Colts organization. After aging out with the Colts in the front ensemble in 2011, Alex began working with the Colt Cadets and has served as instructor, percussion arranger, and percussion caption head. Alex is currently a music teacher at Logan-Magnolia Community Schools in Logan, Iowa, as well as director and designer for Railmen Indoor Percussion, based in Omaha, Nebraska. Read Alex's full bio here.

"I am excited to work alongside Rich and Andy, two of the most driven people I have had the pleasure to meet in this wonderful activity," said Alex. "To play a part in continuing to provide a quality experience for young performers is a dream come true, and I cannot wait to formally begin the 2019 season!"

 

Rich Waddington is entering his second year with the Colts organization. Rich is currently the band director at Oskaloosa High School in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Under his leadership, the concert band, jazz band, and marching band have enjoyed considerable success in various competitions throughout the state. Initially a parent and volunteer, Rich quickly assumed the role of tour director in the 2018 season and is looking forward to returning in 2019. Read Rich's full bio here.

"My first experience with the drum corps activity and the Colts organization was incredible, and I’m looking forward to another great season!" said Rich. "The entire staff of the Colts and Colt Cadets are top notch and so much fun to work with. I’m honored to be part of this amazing organization and look forward to more great experiences for my family and I!"

 

"Alex, Andy, and Rich were a driving force for the Colt Cadets last summer. I'm excited for the students, parents, and teaching staff to continue the momentum from last season and experience another great summer in the long history of the Colt Cadets program," said Executive Director Jeff MacFarlane.

 

Colt Cadets will begin rehearsals in February, but students interested in being a part of the Colt Cadets are encouraged to attend a Colts rehearsal weekend for experience. More information about joining Colt Cadets will be posted in January — including rehearsal schedule, 2019 general membership information, and more! Students interested in being a part of Colt Cadets should fill out an Information Request to receive information about Colt Cadets and upcoming Colts rehearsals. There is no audition requirement for Colt Cadets. To learn more about the Colt Cadets, check out the Colt Cadets Program Information webpage. Visit the Colts website or the Colt Cadets Facebook Page regularly to stay up-to-date on 2019 information for Colt Cadets!

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