Meet Our 2017 Brass Student Leadership
The Battalion’s 2017 brass student leadership team was selected at the corps' March brass camp, and we couldn't be more excited to introduce you to them. Get to know a little bit more about them below!
Max Heavner (Trumpet Section Leader)
Max Heavner is a freshman at Colorado State University studying Music Performance. He currently plays with the top wind and jazz ensembles at CSU, and studies trumpet under Caleb Hudson of the Canadian Brass. Max has marched throughout high school and marched during The Battalion's inaugural season.
Personal Statement: "The Battalion presents the best of what DCI has to offer, from outstanding instruction to a true sense of family and encouragement. I am proud to contribute to that legacy."
Nicole Hackett (Mellophone Section Leader)
Nicole Hackett is a freshman studying Music Therapy and Psychology at Colorado State University. She plays French horn for multiple campus groups as well as a season with the CSU Marching Band. Nicole marched her freshman year of High School with Stony Point High School in Round Rock. She went on to march as a member for Rampart High School in Colorado Springs for 3 years, as well as a member of their state championship winter guard for 3 years. Nicole served as Rampart’s Mellophone section leader her senior year. In addition, she marched in The Battalion’s inaugural season in 2016.
Personal Statement: "I am extremely exited and honored to watch this corps continue to grow in it's second year, there is something special about this corps and I'm incredibly proud to be a part of it"
Michael Bigelow (Baritone/Euphonium Section Leader))
Michael Bigelow is a sophomore at the University of Utah, where he is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He studies euphonium under Donn Schaefer and plays in the University of Utah Wind Ensemble and Symphonic band. He also plays Sousaphone in the University of Utah marching band as a field assistant. Michael performed as a soloist in The Battalion’s inaugural season on the euphonium and has received the ‘Maestro award’ for superior performance in the World Strides Heritage Festival in California 2014. He also received the ‘John Philips Sousa’ award in his senior year at Davis High School for his musical performance and contribution to the band.
Personal Statement: "I am amazed at all of the progress we have been able to make as a drum corps in one year & I am ecstatic to see where we can grow from here! The Battalion fulfilled my lifelong dream of competing in drum corps, which has helped me gain important musical and life skills. I am honored to be a section leader for The Battalion to further enhance my skills as a future music educator."
Justin McKeen (Tuba Section Leader/Horn Sergeant)
Justin McKeen is a sophomore at Utah Valley University where he studies Computer Science and Piano Performance. He recently returned from his LDS Mission in St. Louis Missouri. Justin is the returning Horn Sergeant and was the Baritone/Euphonium Section Leader for The Battalion in 2016. He’s received multiple 1’s at State Solo Ensemble throughout his high school career.
Personal Statement: “Never have I wanted something to succeed as much as I’ve wanted this corps to succeed, but my legacy ends here. Everything’s on the line. What we do now echoes in eternity."
