JUDGES
Drill Team Competition Judges
KC Martin
KC is known for his time with the Metro Youth Program Drill Team. He served as Head Drum Major, Head Drum Captain and helped with operations of the group for several years. He was the youngest tenor drum captain in Rock Island High School Marching Band. His dad Ken Martin was famously known as one of the “Founding Fathers” of the drill team and he worked tirelessly to keep that legacy alive. Because of drill team KC was able to be flown to Washington DC to talk about youth empowerment and perform for President Barack Obama. He is currently serving as the Riot Pro Wrestling General Manager and is enjoying his new role in pro wrestling. KC Martin believes in the power of opportunities and continues to guide and mentor people of all ages to seek their dreams.
KC Martin’s slogan is “Just Keep Marching” and will continue to push people to march to their dreams and goals until they can’t march anymore.
KC has been known to work with up and coming drill team drum lines and is excited to teach some of these techniques in his session. You can expect to learn some fundamental techniques and create a fun new experience in the world of percussion.
Shantavia Parker
Shantavia Parker is a Waterloo, Iowa native and has remained in the Waterloo community her entire life. She is a wife and mother of 2 beautiful children, ages 10 and 2. Shantavia has over 10 years of Social Work experience and received her bachelor's degree from Wartburg College and her masters degree from the University of Northern Iowa both in the field of Social Work with an emphasis on trauma-informed practices. She is currently a coach/facilitator for Leader Valley, a nonprofit that brings the Leader In Me program into schools and businesses within the Greater Cedar Valley area. Prior to this position she has worked within the Waterloo Community School District and MercyOne Hospital. Shantavia has a passion for empowerment, leadership, and just enjoys spreading her sparkle in the world.
Willie Garfiled
Willie Garfield, Founder of the Garfield Institute of Music, is an accomplished professional in the Arts. Honored with the prestigious Yamaha Music 40 under 40 Achievement Award in 2021, Willie provides comprehensive support in arts education and youth development. Willie studied at Morehouse College and Columbia College Chicago. He excelled as an Instrumental Music Instructor/Artistic Director and trained in Instrumental Music, Music Composition, Advanced Ballet, and Jazz under renowned performers and instructors. With over 20 years of experience, he previously worked as a traveling performer and contributed significantly to projects and programs on the East Coast. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Philosophy, Willie mentors aspiring professionals in Music and Dance performance, fostering remarkable success.
Anthony Hughes
His most favorable achievement in this life has been grandparenting. Who knew God would bless him so generously. This has been a wondrous journey. He began judging the competition in 2000, and still finds it to be a blast. So blessed to be a part of touching these lives. As the years go by, the competition continues to improve each year, from the quality of drill teams to the judging, this show is becoming a hallmark for excellence. Can't wait to see what's in store for the future.
Montay Thomas
Montay Thomas was born and raised in Omaha Nebraska. Has been in and around the Drill team world for 24 years. He was formally a Drill team Instructor for PGBC Marching Saints for 9 years. He went on to become the Director of the Pryme Time Steppers in 2020.