The Marching Mavericks Staff
Fall 2024 Edition
Josh Barro, Director of Bands
Mr. Barro is entering his fourth year as the Director of Bands at Mountain View High School. Mr. Barro earned his B.M. in Music Education from Boise State University. During his time at Boise State, he studied trombone with Dr. David Mathie and Dr. Sarah Paradis. He performed in numerous ensembles including Symphonic Winds, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Trombone Choir, Blue Thunder Marching Band, Brass Quintet, and All-Campus Concert Band. He has also performed with Opera Idaho, the Hymns of Thanksgiving Orchestra, and the Living Christmas Tree Orchestra (Nampa).
Prior to teaching at Mountain View High School, Mr. Barro taught 6-8 band and choir at Star Middle School, and 5-8 band and K-5 general music at Galileo STEM Academy and Pioneer School of the Arts. Mr. Barro has actively participated in marching band either as a performer or instructor for the last 18 years. He served as a drum major for the Boise State Blue Thunder Marching Band in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He has worked as an Assistant Director for the marching bands at Timberline High School and Eagle High School. Mr. Barro has also been maintaining a trombone and euphonium studio since 2012.
During his “free time” he likes to travel with his wife, take photos, play the occasional video game, and pet his Manx cat (Bittie) and Golden Retriever (Bellarue).
Niko Jasniewicz, Percussion Director
Niko Jasniewicz is an active percussion educator, designer, composer, and performer. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities/Music. He studied music performance, music education, and recording arts.
Niko began his performing career in high school and continued on with the USC marching band and USC concert orchestra. He was also heavily involved with DCI and WGI as a snare drum performer. Niko is an alumnus of Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps, RCC Indoor Percussion, and the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. He was the 2002 WGI Percussion World Champion with RCC, and the 2003 DCI World Champion with the Blue Devils.
Niko is currently the music director for Aerial Experience Productions. He composes, arranges, and performs across the country putting on live cinematic shows. He has also recorded at the legendary Sony Scoring Stage for League of Legends as a snare drummer.
Niko has had the privilege of studying with some of the best performers, educators, and composers in both the academic and marching arts settings including: Tom Float, Scott Johnson, Sean Vega, Morten Lauridsen, Neal Desby, Roy McCurdy, and Sinclair Lott.
As an educator for the past 16 years and counting, Niko has worked with both scholastic and independent ensembles of all levels and skill sets. These include drum corps, marching bands, drumlines, and percussion ensembles. The knowledge he has acquired as a performer and educator continues to serve the programs, and students he works with on a daily basis.
Niko proudly uses Evans drumheads, Promark sticks, Mapex drums, and Sabian cymbals.
Shiloh Arlit, Color Guard Co-Director
Shiloh has been coaching the Mountain View colorguard since the winter of 2019. She has previous coaching experience starting in 2016 with Fruitland High School and 2017 with Borah High School.
She has been part of colorguard either as a performer or a coach for the last 12 years. She participated on her high school colorguard team for 4 years at Kamiakin High School, then 4 years at Boise State, with a couple seasons overlapping as a performer with the Columbians Drum and Bugle Corps in 2016 and 2017.
Shiloh moved to Boise, ID from Kennewick, WA to attend Boise State where she graduated in the summer of 2021 with a BA in Multidisciplinary Studies with emphasis in leadership and music and a minor in American Sign Language. She currently works for La Petite Academy, an early childhood learning center, where she works full-time as a teacher to 19 two-year-olds and is in the process of obtaining her Child Development Associates.
In what little free time she has, she hangs out with her cat, Jasper, and enjoys all sorts of drawing and art as well as music. Shiloh has a background as a violinist and actively played for 12 years. She originally attended BSU to pursue a music education degree. While taking marching band and music classes, she met a really cool clarinetist (Mr. Arlit) who she is marrying this summer.
Reilly Gerardi, Color Guard Co-Director
Reilly has been coaching Colorguard since 2019 when she joined the staff at Mountain View High School during the Winterguard Season. She has also recently become part of the staff at Boise High School where she has been the Colorguard coach since fall of 2023.
She has actively participated in Colorguard during both fall and winter seasons either as a performer or a coach for the last 10 years. She has competed in the SCSBOA and WGASC circuits and was awarded a Gold Medal for Winterguard in the Scholastic AAA division both in 2017 and 2018.
Reilly was under the instruction of Sarah Abdulal, who is the current Caption Head of Vox Artium, an independent Winterguard based out of San Diego. Vox was awarded a Gold Medal in the Independant Open Classification at WGI finals in 2023 and a Finalist in the Independant World Classification in 2024. Reilly has also been taught by Laurèn Manriki, Aaron Ayala, and Benjamin Contraras.
Originally from San Diego, California, she came to Boise to attend Boise State University where she graduated in 2022 with a Bachelors in Integrated Media and Strategic Communications with an Emphasis in Strategic Communications and a Minor in Communications. She is also aware of how long and redundant that sounds. She was a part of the Blue Thunder Colorguard from 2018-2022 and a section leader in 2021/2022.
In her free time Reilly likes to watch winterguard shows, do escape rooms, visit her friends who live in other cities and binge watch a good tv series. She has two dogs, Autumn and Coco, back home in San Diego who have her entire heart.
Amanda Barro, Flute Instructor
Amanda Barro is an engaging clinician, pedagogue, and performer. She enjoys performing as a freelance musician in the Treasure Valley area of Idaho, and her main passion lies in teaching young flutists and guiding them on their journey of musical growth and fulfillment.
Amanda’s private flute studio in Boise, Idaho includes students ranging from beginners to adults. In addition to their weekly lessons, flute studio members enjoy additional opportunities within the studio including multiple recitals, guest artist masterclasses, community performances, chamber ensembles, and competitions. Many graduated studio members have continued their musical education and experiences at the collegiate level. Amanda is also an active Flute Sectional Coach throughout the Treasure Valley and works with many different schools each year.
Amanda’s freelance performance career has led her to perform as Principal Flutist of Timberline’s production of Les Misérables, tour as Principal Flutist with Opera Idaho and The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players production of The Pirates of Penzance, as guest solo artist and member of the orchestra for Hymns of Thanksgiving, substitute as Principal Flutist and Piccolo with Meridian Symphony Orchestra, and perform alongside Boise Women’s Chorus and Opera Idaho’s Children’s Choir.
Amanda Barro received her M.M. from Boise State University with Dr. Nicole Molumby and her B.M. from the University of Northern Iowa with Dr. Angeleita S. Floyd. Other instructors have included Dr. Claudia Anderson and Anne Stein. Additionally, she has performed in masterclasses for renowned flutists such as William Bennett, Marianne Gedigian, Sir James Galway, Jill Felber, Dr. Claudia Anderson, Dr. Angelita S. Floyd, Dr. Hannah Leffler, In Sterio, and Areon Flutes.
Zach Arlit, Clarinet and Visual Instructor
Zach Arlit is a local Idahoan who grew up in the valley attending Centennial High School and Boise State University achieving a degree in Music Education. Zach’s primary instrument is the clarinet which he has performed in Boise State’s Symphonic Band, Blue Thunder Marching Band, and All-State Campus Band. He also has experience and proficiency in performing on bass clarinet.
In addition to the musical achievements he has developed, Zach has knowledge of effective leadership in his roles as drum major for his high school, section leader within the Blue Thunder Marching Band, chapter president and district officer for the honorary band service fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Vice President for Boise State’s National Association for Music Education chapter.
While in college, Zach was hired as an intern for the Bureau of Land Management. Upon graduation he decided to continue his career with the government. He is now going into his eighth year currently as a Land Law Examiner for mining claim adjudication.
This will be Zach’s third year with the Marching Mavericks teaching clarinet and visual. He is excited for the opportunity to design choreography for the winds this fall and to be marrying a wonderful colorguard coach (Shiloh) this summer.
Minnie Aagard, Saxophone Instructor
Minnie Aagard has been a dedicated saxophonist and aspiring educator in the Boise area for nine years. She graduated from Timberline High School in 2023 and will be a sophomore at Boise State in fall 2024, pursuing a music education degree. She studied saxophone under Rodney Zuroveste for five years, and currently studies with Dr. Matthew Castner. She has played various saxophones in many groups at Boise State including Symphonic Winds, Blue Thunder Marching Band, Boise State Jazz Orchestra, and Girl Jazz. As the soprano saxophone of the newly formed MANTA quartet, she has been able to perform at the Treefort Music Festival and in a masterclass for Grammy-winning Imani Winds. She also won the Boise State Music Department’s 2024 Concerto Aria competition. Beyond performing she also finds immense joy in teaching her private saxophone students.
Outside of music, she will be an Orientation Leader for Boise State’s New Student Programs in the summer of 2024, and she can’t wait to continue outreach and connecting beyond music. She enjoys spending free time with her family and friends, hiking in the foothills, and playing pickleball.
Kim Enriquez, High Brass Instructor
Kimberly Enriquez is a trumpeter and lover of music from Las Vegas, Nevada. Her passion for music and the marching arts brought her to the Treasure Valley to study Music Education at Boise State University. She is currently a 4th-year student and studies under Dr. Zach Buie and Dr. Derek Ganong. During her time in college, she has had the pleasure of performing with the Boise State Blue Thunder Marching Band, Pep Bands, Symphonic Winds, Jazz Orchestra, All Campus Concert Band, and Trumpet Studio. She has also had the opportunity to perform in and attend masterclasses led by musicians like Anthony Plog, Mary Elizabeth Bowden, Colonel Jason Fettig, Wiff Rudd, and Armida Rivera.
Kimberly’s desire to pursue music education stems from her participation in the marching arts. During her years in middle school, she began marching trumpet and continued that through her years in high school and college. Much of her passion also comes from her experiences gained while marching cymbals with indoor percussion groups in the Las Vegas area, during which she performed at the 2019 Latin Grammys.
Aside from playing her instrument, Kim takes pride in the various leadership positions she holds, as well as teaching her students the value of becoming a leader in your own right. She is ecstatic to serve as a drum major for the Blue Thunder Marching Band, as Chapter President and Western District President for Kappa Kappa Psi – National Honorary Band Fraternity, and as one of the Boise State Bands music librarian. Kimberly has previously taught at Chaparral High School in Las Vegas where she worked as a Student Leader and Drum Major Instructor. Additionally, she enjoys teaching her private trumpet students.
During her free time, Kim enjoys facetiming her six dogs back home, reading a good book, and playing Minecraft.
Jake Robinson, Low Brass Instructor
Jake Robinson is a second-year graduate student at Boise State pursuing a Masters of Music Education, and Graduate Teaching Assistant with the Blue Thunder Marching Band. He is primarily a tubist. Jake received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, and performed with the UMKC Wind Ensemble at the CBDNA and MMEA conferences. Jake spent 3 summers in World Class DCI with the Colts and Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps on contrabass. Outside of music, Jake is an accomplished marathon runner and loves hanging out with his cat, Sugar Pudding.
Lo Becker, Percussion Instructor
Lo Becker is a passionate percussionist and musician in the Boise area. She is entering her ninth year of teaching private lessons, fourth year of battery instruction, and second year with Mountain View High School. Lo has taught at Rocky Mountain High School and Eagle High School. She has been active in the professional marching arts scene since 2020, when she was the first female to march quads at Boise State University. She marched with Battalion Drum and Bugle Corp in 2022, as well as many seasons of indoor, which include a bronze medal awarded at WGI Finals in 2023.
Beyond her achievements on the field, Lo aims to impact students beyond the drumline environment. As an advocate for gender equality in the marching arts, she has inspired many young musicians to pursue their passions fearlessly and break through barriers with unwavering determination- regardless of background, gender, or physical capabilities.
Lo is currently a student at Boise State, gaining a Bachelor of the Arts in music and pursuing her prerequisites to be a physician’s assistant. In her free time, she likes to paint, hike, make jewelry, and watch shows on her comically large TV alone in her room.
Drew Whitaker, Percussion and Visual Instructor
Alan Salvador, Percussion Instructor
Alan Salvador is an educator and percussionist based in Boise, Idaho. With over a decade of teaching experience and numerous professional performance engagements, Alan is dedicated to sharing his passion and knowledge with musicians of all ages. Originally from Hawai’i, Alan directed two wind bands, marching band, and the musical theater pit at Kapolei High School from 2013-2022. Recently relocated to Boise, Alan has performed professionally with Opera Idaho, Meridian Symphony, and the Treasure Valley Brass Band. As a graduate teaching assistant at Boise State in the masters of music program studying under Kramer Milan (ant. graduation May 24’), Alan has worked in every facet of operation, organization, teaching, and conducting of the Blue Thunder Marching Band. As a versatile performer and educator, he actively maintains a rigorous schedule of private teaching, drumline and front ensemble coaching, and performance across the treasure valley. He earned his Bachelors in Music Education from Boise State studying under John Baldwin. In his free time, Alan enjoys binge watching TV shows, playing video games, swimming, working out, and spending time with his dog and family.
Mikey Camacho, Percussion Instructor
Michael Camacho is a versatile musician, educator, and composer deeply dedicated to fostering a love for music in both his students and audiences. Originally from Los Angeles, California, his musical journey has taken him across prestigious stages in the Northwest. This includes the largest concert hall in the Pacific Northwest, where he showcased his percussive talents with ensembles such as the Boise State Symphonic Winds and Symphonic Orchestra, Bronco Percussion Group, Blue Thunder Marching Band, and Millennial Choir Orchestra.
Complementing his performance endeavors, Michael shares his passion for music education as a dedicated marching and concert percussion educator in Boise, Idaho. His commitment to musical excellence is further emphasized by his participation in premieres of numerous compositions by regional composers, as well as, his engagement in enriching masterclasses led by esteemed figures like Colonel Jason Fettig, Peter Magadini, and Paul Rennick.
Amy Johnson, Drum Major Instructor
Coming into college, Amy found her community with the Blue Thunder Marching Band. As a freshman, she made her start in the program as a trombone performer. She was then selected as a drum major her sophomore year, a leadership position responsible for conducting and leading the marching band, and would continue to serve in that role for the rest of her college career. Through Blue Thunder, she traveled and performed in amazing stadiums, experienced exhilarating basketball tournaments, and left her marks of dedication and excellence within the program. Her passion for marching band led her to join an independent competitive marching arts corps, Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, where she served as a drum major for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. She was able to complete two national tours with the group, culminating in two of the most successful seasons that Pacific Crest had ever experienced. Her musical pursuits shaped her college experience and gave her the confidence not only to perform in front of tens of thousands of people, but to dream big.
Outside of her passion for music, Amy is also an accomplished scholar of environmental studies. Whether it be becoming a research assistant for an Indigenous-led buffalo restoration project, or serving as a field technician in collecting sagebrush data in the Boise Foothills, she was always on the hunt for new academic experiences. In her senior year, Amy was elected as the Financial Officer of the Environmental Club, where she helped foster a community around a shared passion for the environment. This also led her to being selected as the Environmental Studies representative on the Geosciences Student Advisory Board, where she worked on a team to identify issues of diversity, equity and inclusion within the program and devise solutions that enable students to connect with their peers and with faculty. To round out her studies, Amy was selected as a 2024 Andrus Scholar, where she will spend her summer working with the Boise Bureau of Land Management.
Amy is from Meridian, Idaho.