Meet the 2022 Front Ensemble Staff of STRYKE Percussion World (PIW)

Jack Mizutani currently resides in Miami Beach, FL where he serves as the Sr. Director of Special Events for the New World Symphony.

In addition to his commitment to the symphony, Mr. Mizutani currently serves as the Sr. Development Consultant for BD Performing Arts (2020-Present) and part of the instructional staff for the Blue Devils Front Ensemble in Concord, CA (2006 - present) and Soka Renaissance Vanguard in Tokyo, Japan (2006 - present). 

Other past teaching experiences include, Director of Percussion for Woodbridge High School in Irvine, CA (2000-2012 ) and Front Ensemble Caption Head for Fountain Valley High School in Fountain Valley, CA (2010-2012). His marching percussion experience include: 2002 Blue Devils, 2002 RCC and 2003 & 2004 Santa Clara Vanguard. 

When not immersed in music, Mr. Mizutani enjoys staying active, reading, eating with friends, hiking, visiting his hometown of Los Angeles, CA and traveling.

Percussionist Justin Sun is an active performer and educator in San Francisco. He currently teaches in the Pre-College at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and with the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. A native of Chino Hills, California, Justin received his Bachelor Degree in Percussion Performance from California State University, Long Beach, and his Master Degree in Percussion Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Christina Cheon is an active musician and educator based in Orange County, CA. Christina has performed as a touring artist throughout the United States and Europe, along with being invited to perform in festivals such as the 2013 Zeltsman Marimba Festival, the 2018 Lansum International Music Festival, and the 2018 Trinidad Bay Arts and Music Festival in Northern California. As an educator, Christina has presented numerous master classes and appeared as a guest lecturer for Chapman University, San Jose State University, and the U Music Education Foundation.

Christina’s advocacy for serving underprivileged students led to creating Southern California Marimba (SCM), a non-profit organization that provides educational programs and serves as a major platform for artistic development. SCM has invited numerous artists over the last seven years to perform at local venues while offering free admission for students. The organization has expanded to include outreach programs, masterclasses, and the biennial International Artist Competition that will have its 2nd event online this upcoming summer.

Christina holds music degrees from Chapman University (B.M. in Percussion Performance) and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee (M.M. in Marimba Performance). She currently teaches private lessons in the area and maintains a regular performing schedule as a soloist and ensemble percussionist. She is proud to endorse Marimba One as an Educational Artist.

Carlos Martinez is an Orlando, Florida native studying Computer Science at the University of Central Florida. Carlos has taught at several High Schools throughout Florida as a Front Ensemble instructor including: 2016 & 2017 Winter Park High School, 2017 & 2018 Apopka High School, and 2019 Park Vista High School. His past percussion experience includes: 2015 & 2016 INFINITY 2 Percussion; 2017-2019 STRYKE percussion, and 2019 & 2020 Blue Devils. When not involved in music, Carlos enjoys rock climbing and playing tennis.

From Nashville, Tennessee, Teddy Audley ventured out of his southern roots to experience his first season of DCI with the Spirit of Atlanta Drum Corps. Two memorable seasons formed his balanced foundation, where he was fortunate to continue the next four seasons as a performer in the Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps. In addition to DCI, he expanded his mallet experience in the RCC & Music City Mystique Front Ensembles.

Discovering the rewards of curiosity, Teddy found his passion for flow. As an eager educator, he encourages percussionists to seek every arrangeable element as a chance to orchestrate music, beauty, and art.

Michael Tran is an experienced percussionist specializing in front ensemble. As an instructor, his focus is in music theory as he enjoys dissecting and analyzing music to increase comprehension. His favorite hobbies include jazz and aggressive inline skating. He has been a part of RCC indoor percussion, Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps, and Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps between 2015-2020. He has a B.A. in Music from Cal Poly Pomona and is currently studying to receive a teaching credential in music.

Ben Seidner is a South Florida native and currently serves as the Percussion Director at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This will be Ben’s 4th season working with the STRYKE Front Ensemble. His past marching experience includes: 2021 Colts, 2014 Cavaliers and 2011-2015 STRYKE Percussion on drumset. When not involved in music, Ben enjoys fishing and golfing.

Please join our 2021-2022 STRYKE Front Ensemble Interest Page for more information and materials concerning the 2022 process.

TBA: Electronics Staff and audition process for electronics will be announced in the coming days.