Our Team.

At Legacy Production Company, our team is the heartbeat of our mission. Comprising both the Winds and Percussion Staff, each member of our faculty brings a unique set of skills, experience, and passion to our organization. Together, they create a nurturing environment where creativity and ambition flourish.

Meet the Winds Design Team

The Winds Design Team at Legacy Production Company is a group of visionaries and skilled educators dedicated to elevating our students' performances. With a deep understanding of musicality, movement, and ensemble cohesion, this team creates compelling and innovative experiences for the Winds section. Their goal is to develop well-rounded musicians by combining technical expertise with creativity, ensuring each performer reaches their highest potential on and off the field.

Justin Samuels

Associate Director/Artistic Director

Meet Justin Samuels, a visual designer and educator making waves with The Bluecoats, The Cadets, and Legacy Production Company. Based between Texas and California, Justin crafts productions for WGI-winning programs and collaborates with high schools nationally. As part of Legacy, he champions arts education, instilling discipline and creativity in students, leaving a lasting impact in the world of fine arts.

Dylan Toombs

Winds Ensemble Specialist

Dylan Toombs is a arranger, consultant, and clinician for numerous bands from across the country. He is a brass specialist in the Dallas Fort-Worth metroplex, where he maintains an independent studio of middle-school through college-aged students. His students consistently win positions within the TMEA All-State ensembles, the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, and countless other drum corps and collegiate ensembles. Dylan currently serves as the Brass Coordinator for the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps. He has previously held titles as Assistant Brass Caption Head of The Cavaliers, and lead brass instructor of Carolina Crown. Dylan has been a part of six Jim Ott high brass awards as well as a two Drum Corps International World Championships. Dylan earned his degree from the University of North Texas in Music Performance with a concentration in Euphonium Performance. During his educational endeavors at the University of North Texas, he was honored to study with the world-renown Dr. Brian Bow-man. Dylan now serves as the co-principal euphonium for the Dallas Brass Band and plays with the Dallas Winds on occasion. Toombs co-founded and serves as the music arranger for Collective Marching Designs, a distinguished marching design team that focuses on bringing fresh and achievable productions to groups across the country. When not performing, teaching Dylan enjoys spending time traveling with his wife and daughter.

Robert Rivero

Composer/Arranger

Mr. Robert A. Rivero is the Composer and Arranger for Legacy Winds. He was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and studied Music Composition for Film and Television at the Berklee College of Music.

Mr. Rivero is currently the Director of Bands at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Prior to his appointment as Director of Bands at MSD, Mr. Rivero was the Director and Music Arranger for The Flanagan Falcon Sound Marching Band as well as the Director and Founder of the WGI Scholastic World Class Winds Ensemble, Flanagan Winds. Their accomplishments over the past four years include 2016 WSO Silver Medalist, 2017 WSO Silver Medalist, 2018 WSW Gold Medalist, and 2019 WSW Silver Medalist. He has also had the opportunity to work as a Music Arranger, Design Consultant, Brass Instructor, and Music Caption Head with several competitive Band Programs across the country, many of which were WGI & BOA Regional Finalists under his instruction or design.

In addition to Mr. Rivero’s musical experience and accolades, he proudly served our country in the U.S. Army as a member of the 13th Army Band. From 2013-19, he was the Principal Trumpet in all ensembles as well as the Musical Director of the Jazz Ensemble. Mr. Rivero was also an Active Duty member of the South Florida Army Honor Guard, where he performed Military Funeral Honors for over 1,500 deceased veterans.

Meet the Winds Team

At Legacy Production Company, our Winds Staff comprises a diverse group of dedicated educators and musicians, each bringing their unique skills and passion to our ensemble. Guided by a shared commitment to excellence, these professionals work tirelessly to mentor and inspire our members, helping them to not only achieve musical brilliance but also to grow as individuals. From technique and musicality to performance and teamwork, our Winds Staff is here to ensure every member reaches their full potential.

Alex Sanchez in a black suit, holding a French horn, while smiling at the camera.

Alexander Sanchez

Winds Staff Coordinator

Alexander graduated from Everglades High School in 2012 and was a member of the Gator Marching Band all 4 years. He went on to pursue a Bachelor's in Music Education at Florida International University, where he was a member of the FIU marching band 12-13 and 18-20. He also spent a summer marching with the Boston Crusaders in 2014 on mellophone performing "Animal Farm."

Alexander has worked with multiple schools as a visual and music instructor in the Dade and Broward county areas including Everglades HS 13-18, Monarch HS 18, Hialeah Gardens HS 21, & Flanagan HS 21-22. Currently, Alexander is in his second year as the Director of Bands at Coral Glades High School.

Evan Huyer

Winds Visual Coordinator

Evan Huyer is a proud alumnus of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, graduating in 2016. His musical journey was enriched by attending Florida State's Jazz and Concert Summer Music Camps throughout high school. Evan’s performance career began with Stryke Wynds during their inaugural winds season in 2015, where he quickly advanced to the role of ensemble leader, a position he held until 2020.

Evan started teaching visual and music disciplines in 2018 at his alma mater, continuing through 2023. He also contributed to several established programs across South Florida, including Cooper City from 2019 to 2021, Coral Glades in 2019, and Cypress Bay in 2022.

In 2021, Evan joined Legacy Production Company as the Visual Caption Head, followed by a year as Music Caption Head in 2023. He will return as Visual Caption Head for the 2024 season. Evan is known for his flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to the needs of the program, making him a key asset to Legacy’s leadership team.

Jeancarlo “JC” Napoles

Winds Music Coordinator

Jeancarlo “JC” Napoles, a dedicated music instructor from Miami, Florida, graduated from Hialeah Gardens High School in 2019. He honed his musical skills at Miami Dade College, where he performed extensively with the Miami Heat Street Band, now known as the 305 Street Band. After receiving his associate degree in 2021, JC joined the Florida Army National Guard’s 13th Army Band, performing across Florida and serving in the Honor Guard at military funerals, a role he considers highly honorable.

JC is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music education at Florida International University, expected to graduate in December 2024. He has extensive teaching experience, having worked with several high-profile band programs across South Florida, including his alma mater and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. In 2023, he also taught at the FIU Marching Band under Professor Barry Bernhardt.

Rejoining the Legacy team as Winds Music Coordinator, JC brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role, eagerly anticipating contributing to another successful season.

Chris Artau

Winds Music Sound Design

Christopher Artau is a distinguished composer, arranger, sound designer, and educator based in Miami, Florida. Starting his career in music composition and arrangement at the tender age of 14, Chris's works now grace a diverse array of ensembles, including wind bands, jazz ensembles, marching bands, and indoor winds groups. He is an ASCAP-registered writer and has earned multiple accolades from the J.W. Pepper and Son Editors' Choice program.

In 2023, Chris was selected for the prestigious Bluecoats Fellowship, where he honed his skills as a Music Composition and Arranging Fellow under the guidance of Douglas Thrower. As an alumnus of Legacy Winds, Chris is excited to continue contributing to the group as an instructor and designer for the second year, bringing his extensive expertise and creative vision to enhance the ensemble’s performances.

Sebastian Villacis

Winds Music Tech

Sebastian Villacis has been an integral part of Legacy Production Company since its inception in 2021. A seasoned saxophonist and dedicated educator, Sebastian began his journey in the marching arts with FIU Winds, participating until 2020. He has been actively involved in the WGI winds activity from its outset, notably winning a championship in the A class with Nova High School Winds.

Sebastian earned his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Florida International University in Spring 2020. He is currently enriching his expertise by pursuing a Master's in Music Education at Florida State University. With five years of experience as a band director, Sebastian brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching to his role at Legacy, primarily focusing on enhancing the skills of the woodwind section.

Joseph Fabre

Winds Music Tech

Joseph Fabre, born in the Bronx and raised in Miami, is an accomplished trumpet player studying for his Bachelor's degree in Music Performance at Miami Dade College. He achieved Principal Trumpet at Hialeah Gardens High School, earning Superior ratings with the Brass Choir, Brass Quintet, and in a solo performance of the Haydn Trumpet Concerto. He also performed with the All-County Honor Band, showcasing his musical versatility.

Active in the South Florida music scene, Joseph performs with jazz bands, salsa bands, and orchestras. His musical education has been shaped by mentors like Philippe Brunet of the York Symphony, Jack Wengrosky of the Jazz Ambassadors, and Claudio Osorio at Miami Dade College, who emphasized consistency, organization, and excellence.

Joseph began his teaching career at Hialeah Gardens High School in 2019. Under his guidance, the band won 2nd runner-up in class 2A in 2021 and State championships in 2022 and 2023, demonstrating his ability to inspire and lead.

Joseph is excited to join Legacy Production as a Music Tech for the 2025 season. This new role marks his debut with an indoor group, and he is eager to bring his extensive experience and passion to the ensemble.

Nino Mejia

Winds Music Staff

Nino Mejia is a multifaceted music educator, enhancing Legacy Production as a Winds Visual Tech. His background includes DCI performances as a mellophone player and proficiency in bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, and French horn across Dade and Broward counties. Starting as a band director, Nino has since held roles such as Technical Director at a cultural arts center and Assistant Director of Athletic Bands at Florida International University. Over the past decade, he has significantly shaped the musical and technical aspects of these programs, emphasizing excellence and student development.

Now at Legacy, Nino leverages his extensive musical expertise to design impactful performances and lead the ensemble towards artistic excellence. His teaching combines technical precision with creative vision, supporting the caption head's objectives and the ensemble's growth. Nino remains a dedicated advocate for music education and community engagement, influencing leadership and Drum Major training across educational levels.

Gabriel Espinoza

Winds Music Staff

Gabriel Espinoza began playing trumpet in 2013 and is largely self-taught. He marched with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps for three years, earning two silver medals and a world championship. A graduate of G. Holmes Braddock Senior High (2017–2021), Gabriel also performed with FIU Indoor Winds in 2020.

Now transitioning to a staff role, Gabriel provides private lessons nationwide, focusing on advanced technique, musicianship, and performance excellence. His mission is to contribute meaningfully to WGI and inspire the next generation of performers.

Claire Morante

WInds Visual Tech

Claire Morante is a dedicated music educator and a proud alumna of Hialeah Senior High School, graduating in 2017. She has been a vibrant part of the marching arts community since then, starting her teaching career immediately after graduation. Claire has held significant roles, including serving as the Music and Visual Director at Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School from 2021 to 2024. Prior to that, she taught visual and brass at Hialeah Senior High School from 2017 to 2019, and returned as the Visual Caption Head from 2022 to 2023.

Most recently, Claire expanded her expertise to Hialeah Gardens High School, where she taught visual techniques for their Indoor Percussion Ensemble during the winter season. Now a member of the Winds Visual Staff at Legacy Production Company, Claire is enthusiastic about contributing to the ensemble's growth and success. She looks forward to witnessing and fostering the development and achievements of the talented musicians at Legacy.

Yuval Shati

Winds Visual Staff

Yuval Shati, a distinguished solo trumpet performer and educator, graduated from Cooper City High School in 2019. During her high school years, Yuval participated in four years of marching band and three years of winter guard. She continued her passion for marching arts at Florida International University (FIU), where she performed from 2019 to 2022 before transitioning to a staff position teaching music and visual arts.

Yuval's engagement with Drum Corps International (DCI) has been notable, including performances with The Blue Knights in their 2022 production "Vibe" and with The Bluecoats in their 2023 production "The Garden of Love," which earned a silver medal. She is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Music this summer.

Her teaching credentials are extensive, having worked at FIU, Doral Academy, Coral Glades High School, Cooper City High School, Miami Springs Senior High School, and delivering masterclasses at local schools. Yuval brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic approach to teaching, contributing significantly to the Legacy team as a Winds Visual Tech.

George Pinillios

WInds Visual Tech

George Pinillos is a versatile musician and dedicated visual creative with a lifelong commitment to the performing arts. He began his musical journey on trumpet at W. R. Thomas Middle School and later discovered his passion for the mellophone at G. Holmes Braddock High School, where he marched for three years. George’s involvement in Drum Corps International began in 2014, auditioning for the Boston Crusaders and Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps.

In addition to performing, George served on the Boston Crusaders' administration team, managing prop crew responsibilities. His experience extends to WGI, where he marched with FIU Indoor Winds and later with Stryke Wynds until his final season in 2022. After serving as the Visual Caption Head for Legacy Winds in 2023, George now continues to contribute as a visual staff member. He also provides visual consultations for several South Florida band programs, including G. Holmes Braddock, South Dade, Miami Coral Park, Park Vista, and Hialeah Gardens High School.

Meet the Percussion Design Team

The Percussion Design Team at Legacy Production Company is committed to bringing energy, precision, and innovation to our percussion section. Drawing from a wealth of experience in both competitive circuits and music education, this team designs thrilling musical and visual experiences. Their mission is to instill discipline, creativity, and collaboration in each member, helping every performer thrive as an individual and as part of the ensemble.

Justin Samuels

Artistic Director

Rafael Sotolongo

Percussion Ensemble Director

Rafael Sotolongo is a man of two worlds: a tech executive by day and a percussionist by night. With over 15 years of experience in IT and a 20-year passion for music, he blends his two passions to create a unique and inspiring story.

Sotolongo's musical journey began in middle school, where he honed his drumming skills and discovered the power of music to connect and inspire. He went on to share his knowledge and love of music as a drum instructor at Hialeah High and then later joined as a member of the Florida International University marching band.

While pursuing a successful IT career, Sotolongo never lost sight of his musical roots. Embarking on a new chapter and returning to teaching with Legacy Production Co., his goal is to share his passion with others and inspire them to reach their full potential.

Meet the Percussion Team

The Percussion Staff at Legacy Production Company are masters of rhythm and precision. This talented team of instructors brings a wealth of experience from the world's stages and classrooms to our practice rooms. They are not only educators but also innovators who design challenging and exciting experiences for our students. Our Percussion Staff’s goal is to cultivate a strong sense of musicality, discipline, and collaboration, ensuring that each member can thrive both on and off the performance floor.

Rafael Sotolongo

Percussion Ensemble Director

Michael Lao

Percussion Ensemble Specialist

Mike Lao, an accomplished music educator and performer, joins Legacy Production as the Percussion Ensemble Specialist. He holds a degree in Music Education from Barry University and brings a rich history of involvement in competitive marching and percussion ensembles. Mike's performance career includes roles as a bass drummer and section leader with The Boston Crusaders (2008-2011), STRYKE Percussion (2012), and The Cavaliers (2012), where he also served as a Visual Instructor in 2013.

Previously, Mike was integral to the West Broward Performance Ensemble, where over eight years he progressed from bass tech to Director of Percussion. His leadership contributed to the ensemble's three State Championships and a High Percussion Award in FFCC competitions. Most notably, he led the indoor percussion group to their first-ever 1st Place in Class PSA at the FFCC State Championships in 2023.

Mike has also consulted, instructed, and arranged music for several high schools within the South Florida area, and has been involved with independent groups like Velocity Indoor Percussion and STRYKE Percussion. As he steps into his role at Legacy, Mike is eager to continue his tradition of fostering excellence and innovation in percussion education.

Ethan Colón

Battery Coordinator

Ethan has been a percussionist for 10 years, and has been involved with the Marching Arts since 2016.

Ethan has experience marching every drum, from bass, to snare, to quads. He marched Stryke Percussion in 2020 and 2023, he has also taught with the band program at Seminole Ridge for 6 years and Palm Beach Central High School for 2 years.

Ethan’s goals for Legacy Percussion is to create a safe, fun and educational space for the members, the audience and the thousands of musicians waiting to be inspired to be great!

Jackson Alley

Front Ensemble Technician

Jackson Alley is a percussion and visual instructor from Coral Springs, FL. After winning a WGI gold medal with Stryke 2 in 2016 and returning to the same group again in 2017, he went on to perform with the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps as the xylophonist for their 2017 season.

He later joined FSU's Big 8 Drumline and served as a section leader for 2 years while teaching front ensembles around the Tallahassee area.

Since graduating FSU, he's been teaching percussion at Coral Glades High School and coordinating the visual program at Coral Springs Charter School, where he also teaches 9th grade English.

Meet Legacy
Visual Ensemble Team

At Legacy Production Company, our Visual Ensemble Team brings creativity and precision to the forefront of every performance. With a deep understanding of movement, choreography, and design, this talented group works to craft visually captivating shows that elevate our members' storytelling and emotional impact. Focused on excellence, they ensure that each visual detail enhances the overall performance, creating unforgettable experiences for both performers and audiences alike.

Natalie Santana

Dance and Movement Specialist

Natalie Santana has been deeply involved in the colorguard and winds community as both a performer and educator for over 10 years. Her marching career includes notable seasons with Flanagan World Guard from 2015-2017, Relentless Independent World in 2018 and 2019, and the Phantom Regiment Color Guard in 2019 and 2021.

Natalie has also built a strong reputation as an instructor and director, having taught at Flanagan High School, Hollywood Hills High School, and Legacy Independent Winds. Currently, she serves as the Color Guard Director for Coral Glades High School in Coral Springs, where she continues to inspire and lead the next generation of performers.

She looks forward to this upcoming season with the Legacy Winds and Percussion Ensembles.

Meet Legacy
Strength

&

Wellness Team

At Legacy Production Company, our Strength and Wellness Team is dedicated to ensuring that every performer reaches their full potential, both physically and mentally. Led by experienced professionals, this team focuses on optimizing performers’ strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall health. Through customized training programs, wellness coaching, and injury prevention strategies, they create a supportive environment that promotes peak performance on and off the stage. By prioritizing holistic well-being, the Strength and Wellness Team empowers our members to thrive in the demanding world of performing arts.

Tyrone Hayes

Strength & Wellness Coach

Tyrone Hayes is a powerhouse in the health and wellness industry, with over 15 years of experience dedicated to helping people achieve their physical best. He is the founder of two impactful organizations: Ripped City Inc., a company that focuses on fitness and bodybuilding, and Digesting Life Balance, a nonprofit that raises awareness about critical health issues and promotes health literacy for diverse audiences.

Tyrone’s marching arts background includes performing with Magic of Orlando, Boston Crusaders, and The Cadets, three of the most prestigious drum corps in the country. His passion for both physical fitness and the marching arts makes him uniquely equipped to guide the next generation of performers.

As a semi-professional bodybuilder, Tyrone’s dedication to fitness is evident in his numerous accolades. In 2021, he won the Prestige Crystal Cup Transformation Award for losing an incredible 97 pounds of fat in just 8 months. In 2023, he took first place in the Super Heavy class at the NPC Triumph Competition, further solidifying his place in the world of competitive bodybuilding.

Now, Tyrone is bringing his expertise to Legacy Production Company as the new Strength & Wellness Coach. His mission is to help Legacy members not only excel in their performances but also build the strength and stamina needed to thrive in life.