BOCOOK, GILLIGAN-MARTINEZ, OTHERS RETURN FOR 2020
The Cadets are excited to announce the return of several familiar faces from Cadets history and welcome a few new faces for 2020. Jay Bocook, Jeff Sacktig, April Gilligan-Martinez and many more Cadets greats will rejoin The Cadets in a continuing effort to drive the corps towards the future. In addition, Denise Bonfiglio will step into the role of Corps Director bringing decades of experience and knowledge to the corps.
"To say we're excited for the 2020 season is an understatement," said Denise. "We've already assembled a great team and we're actively working on the upcoming season. The combined experience and excellence of the group is just outstanding and the future looks bright with what we have in store."
Scott Litzenberg, Cadets Corps Director for the 2018 and 2019 seasons, will be taking on a critical, new role for the 2020 season in addition to working with Denise as an advisor for the corps. He will be stepping into a community relations role for YEA! and supporting the directors of all of YEA!’s programs. He will be integral in recruiting new students and ensembles for YEA! programs in addition to managing relationships with current supporters. Part of Scott’s role will also include alumni relations for The Cadets, a group near and dear to his heart.
“I am excited to see the progress we are making on the Big Three Goals of providing excellent programs, being financially secure, and being a great place to work and volunteer,” said Doug Rutherford, Chairman of the Board of Directors for YEA! “The Cadets are continuing to build on the foundation of 85 years of history and a dedication to excellence. We are incredibly grateful for the tireless efforts of Scott Litzenberg over the past two seasons. I am glad to know Scott will be with us for the next phase of our journey as we go forward to being The Cadets”
Leading the charge with Denise is Ron Lambert, who will be stepping into the role of Assistant Corps Director for The Cadets. Ron served as the Assistant Director for the Boston Crusaders for the last three years and the 2020 season marks his 36th year in the activity. He is entering his 16th year as the Director of Bands and is the Fine Arts Department Chair for Lakewood Ranch High School. A former member of the Illiana Lancers and The Cavaliers, Ron has also served as an instructor and arranger for band programs and drum corps around the country. He is a 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 Best and Brightest Teacher Scholarship Award recipient and is a GRAMMY nominee, finishing as a quarterfinalist for the 2017 GRAMMY Educators Award.
Please join us in welcoming some of the members of our staff for 2020!
ADMINISTRATION
Denise Bonfiglio - The Cadets Director DCI Hall of Fame WGI Hall of Fame Current Cadets Staff
Ron Lambert - The Cadets Assistant Director
BRASS
Jay Bocook - Arranger DCI Hall of Fame Cadets Hall of Fame Former Cadets Staff
Marc Whitlock - Program Coordinator Current Cadets Staff Cadet Alumnus
Matt Stratton - Brass Caption Manager Cadet Alumnus
Aaron Witek - Assistant Brass Caption Manager & High Brass Coordinator Current Cadets Staff
BATTERY
Tom Aungst - Program Facilitator & Battery Arranger DCI Hall of Fame WGI Hall of Fame Cadets Hall of Fame Current Cadets Staff Cadets Alumnus
Jake Gall - Caption Manager Current Cadets Staff Cadets Alumnus
VISUAL
Darcie Aungst - Artistic Director Current Cadets Staff
Jon Bilby - Designer Cadets Hall of Fame Current Cadets Staff Cadets Alumnus
Josh Brenneis - Visual Caption Manager Former Cadets Staff Cadets Alumnus
Jeff Sacktig - Visual Consultant DCI Hall of Fame Cadets Hall of Fame Former Cadets Staff Cadets Alumnus
Joe Sowders - Visual Consultant
COLOR GUARD
April Gilligan-Martinez - Coordinator Cadets Hall of Fame Former Cadets Staff Cadets Alumna
Manny Miranda - Caption Manager
Curtis Ulhman - Movement Choreographer Former Cadets Staff
FRONT ENSEMBLE
Brandon Carrita - Designer Current Cadets Staff
Neil Larrivee - Caption Manager Cadets Hall of Fame WGI Hall of Fame Former Cadets Staff
Additional staff announcements and full biographies will be available soon.
