The Trail Blazer Groove Machine has assembled some of the best rudimental drummers in the country:

Vern Johnson (creative director). Vern performed with the renown Blue Devils drum corps for several years including their "A" corps from ‘87-‘90 and ‘92. He went on to become an original cast member of the Tony award-winning Broadway hit "Blast!". He helped organize and performed with Disneyland’s "Trash Can Trio" for 4 years. Vern has most recently served as a drum tech for The Cadets drum corps from 2003-2005, which garnered the DCI high-percussion trophy along with a world championship title in 2005.

Patrick Fitzgerald, (asst. creative director and performer)
Also a Blue Devils veteran, Patrick was a member of the BD quad-line during the legendary 1986 world championship year and in ‘87. He was the PASIC individual quad champion in ‘88 and ‘89. Patrick went on to instruct various organizations including the Blue Devils, the Phantom Regiment and the University of North Texas, including the renowned Marcus High School, 9 time PASIC National Champions.

Mike Stevens, (asst. creative director and performer).
One of the most accomplished quad instructors/players in the country; many hold Mike responsible for revolutionizing the approach to the tenor instrument. Mike is an endorsed drumstick artist and a sought after clinician. His signature quad mallets are among the cutting edge in the activity. He was a member of the Blue Devils quad line in 89 and 90 and the Cadets in ‘91. He went on to raise the Cadets percussion program to new heights, including the unbeatable 1993 DCI World Championship corps. Caption Head of the Blue Knights drum corps 1998-2000. WGI drum champs in 2003 as the Percussion Director and Composer with Churchill High School. Mike is currently owner/operator of Quad Inc in Portland Or.

To have your name added to the mailing list for the 2008-09 Groove Machine Auditions, E-Mail your information to Todd at toddtime@trailblazers.com.