Leo Werner - Director of Bands
Mr. Werner earned his Bachelors and Master’s degrees in Music Education from Arizona State University; Mr. Werner was Arizona’s first high school music educator to earn certification from the National Board For Professional Teaching Standards. In the past 34 years, Mr. Werner has taught primarily high school band – but has also taught percussion, orchestra, choir, piano, and guitar at various grade levels from elementary through high school.
Jason Bullock - Associate Director of Bands
Mr. Bullock, a 2019 graduate of Grand Canyon University, is in his sixth year of teaching and fourth year at Hamilton High School. While at GCU, he was a member of multiple musical ensembles and studied under several notable instructors. He is the co-director of the Hamilton Marching Huskies and Wind Ensemble and also directs the school's jazz bands. Recently named the Four Peaks Teacher of the Year for 2025, Mr. Bullock believes the arts are essential to a student's education. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, dog, and friends.
Mike Epping - Woodwind Caption Head
Mr. Epping earned his Bachelor’s degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He has studied saxophone and jazz pedagogy with Dr. David Nabb, Michael Kocour, Sam Pilafian, Michael Crotty, and Russ Schmidt. Throughout his performance career, he has performed with the Ruth Haan NY Dance Company, Gunther Schuler, Joe Alessi, and Chris Vadala.
Ben Chappell - Woodwind Instructor
Ben Chappell is a woodwind instructor for the Husky Pride Marching Band and also works with the visual caption and drum majors. An alumnus of Hamilton, Ben attended Arizona State University. While at ASU, he participated in the Sun Devil Marching Band, Wind Symphony, and Wind Ensemble. Chappell has also worked with the Hamilton High marching band and winter drumline for two seasons and co-taught the Drum Club at Tarwater Elementary. Ben currently teaches elementary school band in the Higley Unified District.
Davey Aguilera - Brass Caption Head
Bio Coming Soon!
Wardell King - Percussion Caption Head
Wardell King has been an independent music educator, arranger, consultant, and performer specializing in marching percussion for 29 years. He is currently the percussion caption head and arranger for several Arizona high schools and serves as the executive director for Vision Percussion Indoor Drumline. King has worked with over 30 different percussion programs nationwide, including Northern Arizona University and the WGI Scholastic A Finalist Page High School. He is also a sought-after clinician and educator who gives private lessons and performs in the W Quartet in the Phoenix area. Wardell proudly endorses Vic Firth Sticks, Zildjian Cymbals, Pearl Drums, Remo Drumheads, and PreSonus Audio.
Jacob Gardner - Battery Instructor
Bio Coming Soon!
Will Vogus - Front Ensemble Instructor
Will Vogus is one of the percussion instructors for the Husky Pride Marching Band, specializing in the front ensemble. He graduated with his Bachelor’s in Music Education from Arizona State University in May of 2024. He has been working with Hamilton’s marching band and indoor percussion ensemble for four years now. He has participated in both the Sun Devil Marching Band and Breakthrough Indoor Percussion, as well as some of the top ensembles at ASU. He loves playing all kinds of percussion instruments, but finds the most joy in teaching and playing mallet percussion instruments.
Ryan Turner - Visual Caption Head
Ryan H. Turner is a highly accomplished figure in the marching arts, with over four decades of experience as a performer, designer, instructor, and adjudicator. Starting his career as a drum major for the Pasadena City College and Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, he quickly became a respected educator and motivator. As a visionary entrepreneur, he founded Show Design Productions, creating over 300 award-winning shows for various marching groups nationwide. He also launched Dynamics of Leadership, a program focused on leadership training and high-performance coaching for students and staff. Currently, Ryan serves as the Vice President of Training and Education for the Southwest Judges Network, continuing to inspire and shape the next generation of performers and leaders.
Jillian Clark - Colorguard Caption Head
Hello! My name is Jillian Clark and I am the color guard director. I started coaching at Hamilton during winter season of 2021 and I have loved my time here. I grew up in San Diego and moved out to Arizona for color guard opportunities and college in 2018. I have spent many years spinning in DCI and WGI groups including three years at The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, one year at Fenix independent, and two years at Oasis winterguard. I have coached at a few different high schools here in Arizona and spent some time coaching at ASU. Aside from coaching, I am also a nurse and puppy mom! I can’t wait to continue growing with this great program.
Max Butler - Colorguard Instructor
Bio Coming Soon!