Behind the Baton

Dr. Adam Gumble

Dr. Adam J. Gumble is the Director of Athletic Bands at West Chester University. Dr. Gumble’s primary responsibilities include directing the 324-member “INCOMPARABLE” Golden Rams Marching Band, “Sixth Man” Basketball Band, and WCU Concert Band. Since his arrival at West Chester University, the WCU Marching Band has performed in featured exhibition at the Bands of America Grand National Championships, was named the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Sudler Trophy (the “Heisman Trophy” for collegiate marching bands), performed halftime shows at multiple NFL playoff and regular season football games, and hosted Championship events for both USBands and the Cavalcade of Bands Association. Prior to his appointment at West Chester University, Dr. Gumble taught for 13 years in the Pennsylvania public schools as the Director of Bands at Hempfield High School and Associate Director of Bands at Quakertown Community High School. Dr. Gumble has been a quarterfinalist for the GRAMMY Foundation’s Music Educator Award and has been nominated for “Who's Who Among America's Teachers” as well as multiple "Teacher Impact Awards" through Central Pennsylvania's NBC affiliate, WGAL. Dr. Gumble graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree in 2005, a Master of Music Education Degree from Boston University in 2007, a Master of Music Degree in Wind Conducting from West Chester University in 2016, and a Doctor of Education Degree from West Chester University in 2022.   Connect with Dr. Adam Gumble * Email: AGumble@wcupa.edu [AGumble@wcupa.edu] * Instagram: @wcugumble

Dr. Frank Pérez

Dr. Frank Pérez serves as Director of Instrumental Music at Gloria Willis Middle School in Kansas City, KS. He formerly served as Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at Baker University, where he conducted the Symphonic Winds, Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, taught low brass and music education courses. Dr. Pérez has conducted honor bands throughout Midwest and presented clinics and workshops for music educators nationally and internationally. As a trombonist, he has performed with the La Jolla Symphony, L.A. Guild Opera, Des Moines Big Band, De Soto Brass Band, and KC Bone Connection. He co-founded and co-conducts Trombone Christmas Kansas City. Dr. Pérez is Immediate Past-President of the Kansas Bandmasters Association, KMEA Representative for the Society for Music Teacher Education, and a Conn-Selmer and Denis Wick performing artist & clinician. Connect with Dr. Pérez * Website: https://www.frankperezmusic.com [https://www.frankperezmusic.com] * Photography: https://www.facebook.com/FrankPerezDigitalImages [https://www.facebook.com/FrankPerezDigitalImages] * Email: fperez@alumni.usc.edu [fperez@alumni.usc.edu]

Chris DeVona

Chris DeVona is the Assistant Director of Bands at James Madison University, where he conducts the Symphonic Band, directs the basketball Pep Band, and works with the Marching Royal Dukes. In addition to his ensemble responsibilities, Chris also teaches conducting and marching band procedures courses. Prior to joining the band team at JMU, Chris was on faculty at Eastern University (PA), and he taught high school and middle school band/orchestra in his home state of Connecticut. In addition to his teaching, Chris’s works as an author span from educational literature to research in the wind band field. His recent textbooks include Small Band, Big Sound, a resource guide for music educators, as well as Expanding the Canon, a conducting excerpt book that foregrounds music by living composers. Chris’s research primarily addresses score interpretation and connections with contemporary music analysis; his articles are published in the Journal of Band Research and the journal of the International Conductor’s Guild. When not working with the JMU bands, Chris travels frequently as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for concert and marching ensembles. During the summer and fall seasons, Chris stays actively involved with marching band and drum corps, most recently serving in leadership roles on the staffs at the Blue Knights and Jersey Surf Drum & Bugle Corps. Chris holds undergraduate degrees from the Hartt School and the University of Hartford in music theory and mathematics, and he completed his M.M. in conducting at West Chester University (PA).   Connect with Chris DeVona * Books * Small Band, Big Sound by Chris DeVona * https://giamusic.com/resource/small-band-big-sound-book-11191 [https://giamusic.com/resource/small-band-big-sound-book-11191] * Expanding the Canon by Andrew Yozviak and Chris DeVona * https://murphymusicpress.com/products/t-100 [https://murphymusicpress.com/products/t-100] *  Facebook * https://www.facebook.com/chris.devona.7 [https://www.facebook.com/chris.devona.7]

Behind the Baton - Micah Bolton

Micah Bolton is the Director of Bands at Goddard High School, currently in his third year, where he works with students across intermediate, middle school, and high school levels. An active percussionist, educator, and conductor, he is highly sought after as a private instructor and percussion coach for schools, camps, and honor bands. He also maintains an active performing schedule as a member of the Wichita Wind Symphony.  Micah is a graduate of Friends University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education and was recognized as a Kansas Teacher of Promise. He resides in Wichita with his wife, Madison, and their dog, Marilyn.   Connect with Micah Bolton * Email * micahboltonmusic@gmail.com [micahboltonmusic@gmail.com]

Sunday Spark - October 26, 2025

If you leave your growth to randomness, you’ll always live in the land of mediocrity. ~Brendon Burchard