Meet the LCL Mentor Team: Guiding Your Success with Expertise, Compassion, and Dedication

Tyson has been called an entertainer, a comedian, and most importantly an educator. His life mission is to educate people through humor, shared experiences, and win-wins, about the phenomenal power of helping those around you by activating them to help each other.

Although Tyson spent his first career educating in public schools, colleges, and corporate events, these days he serves educators in the classroom, in personal development, and even in retirement.

Tyson lives in Salem, Oregon. He enjoys travel, scuba diving, and hugging strangers, which he has done in 45 U.S. states and 15 countries.

Gary L. Rupert was a music educator for 40 years and was most recently the Band Director at Smithsburg High School in Smithsburg, Maryland where his bands consistently achieved Superior ratings at local, state and national levels. He is a sought-after conductor and adjudicator in the areas of symphonic bands and jazz ensembles. An avid blogger whose daily entries are followed by people in over 57 countries, Mr. Rupert is the author of a daily inspirational book for students and teachers, "Today, No Every Day." He is also a sought after speaker on leadership, motivation and creating a positive learning environment.

Mr. Rupert has been named an Outstanding Maryland Music Educator, a Teacher of Excellence in both the Frederick and Washington County public schools, and has been twice nominated as a Disney Teacher of Excellence.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Program finances / strategic planning / effective rehearsal and communication systems / building a highly effective band staff (including volunteers).

Paul has a strong leadership background in both the marching and business worlds. For 15 years, he held a corporate level director position for one of the nation's fast growing and most successful audio-visual companies while founding and running a world class WGI percussion ensemble, Gateway Percussion.

This unique pedigree has allowed Paul to take lessons from top business leadership concepts and apply them to the marching world. Whether it's budgeting, planning a marching season, or developing systems for a flawlessly run rehearsal with your band staff, Paul brings positive energy and experience to find actionable steps to move your program forward. Paul has developed a DCI endorsed program to help DCI / WGI marchers plan for financial success paying for dues in those activities which you can find here: https://marchingartseducation.com/paying-for-drum-corps/. He has performed with the Blue Stars (1999, 2000), Blue Knights (2001), and taught Magic of Orlando (2004). Paul is a proud Innovative Percussion educator.

John is an educator in music and leadership who also happens to be a band director, a role that he has served for 22 years in a variety of settings including middle school, high school, small college, large state university, and both private and public institutions. His diverse experiences in developing and growing band programs have provided opportunities for John to learn from his students how to help them become effective peer leaders in order to create positive, intentional, and goal-driven band cultures. John’s work as a leadership clinician ranges from self-development and improvement, effective communication and pedagogical skills, and the application of servant leadership in the music ensemble setting. His materials are adaptable for a variety of settings including large and small groups, one-on-one coaching, virtual and in-person clinics, and for both students and educators of all levels.

Dr. Gross is the Assistant Director of Athletic Bands at Auburn University, where she works with the Marching Band and Basketball Pep Band. She has previously held faculty positions at Indiana State University, the University of Dayton, and West Virginia University. An experienced educator, Dr. Gross teaches music appreciation and has supervised student teachers. She is also an active guest conductor, clinician, and drill writer, contributing to numerous high schools and colleges.

Veronica is a communication guru who has taught thousands the art of effective communication in a FUN, high-energy learning environment. She presents research-based methods in ways that are engaging and practical. This award-winning university instructor, wife, and mom-of-four can crack up an audience with her funny stories about life & miscommunication. With over a decade of experience as a public speaker and working in higher education, Veronica has a proven record of helping people create better organizations, workplaces, & families.

Betsy is the Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Marching and Athletic Bands at the University of Minnesota, where she directs the “Pride of Minnesota” Marching Band and oversees the Athletic Bands program. As the first woman to lead a Big Ten marching band, she has achieved major milestones, including performances at the Super Bowl LII Halftime Show and World Expo 2020 in Dubai. A sought-after guest conductor, clinician, and speaker, McCann also teaches conducting and presents on leadership and culture. Outside of music, she enjoys triathlon training, cooking, and parenting her two children.

Jim is a retired band director with over 30 years of teaching experience in Indiana, including positions at Edgewood Junior High and Belzer Middle School. His bands have earned numerous awards, including performances at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and IMEA conventions. Since retiring in 2013, DeCaro has worked with local school bands, served as an adjudicator, and directed honor bands. He is currently an Adjunct Lecturer and University Supervisor for music education at Indiana University. An active clarinetist, he performs with the Indiana Wind Symphony and other ensembles. He lives in New Palestine, Indiana with his family.

Frank is a renowned music educator with over 24 years of experience. His leadership has earned state, national, and international recognition for his students and ensembles. Committed to creating an inclusive and inspiring environment, he empowers young musicians to reach their full potential. Beyond teaching, Frank is the President Elect of the Oregon Band Directors Association and advocates for inclusivity and access in music education.

John is an in-demand conductor, adjudicator, and clinician, known for his work with music festivals and honor bands worldwide. He is an Adjunct Professor at Florida Gulf Coast University and has taught at several Canadian universities. Phillips has led arts education initiatives, served as a leader in the Ontario Arts Curriculum revision, and worked as Artistic Coordinator for the Southwest Florida Symphony. He is Chief Judge for Bands of America and a DCI Hall of Fame inductee. Phillips also contributes to Music for All initiatives and is a Conn-Selmer Educational Clinician.

Tremon is the Associate Director of Bands, Director of Athletic Bands, and Associate Professor of Music at the University of Central Florida. He leads the UCF athletic band program, conducts the Symphonic Band, and teaches music education and conducting. Under his leadership, the UCF Marching Knights have grown to over 400 members and performed at major events, including the Fiesta Bowl and Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. Dr. Kizer is also involved with the National Band Association and Florida Bandmasters Association, serves on several boards, and is a sought-after guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator.

Darcy is a visionary music educator and director of the Frenship High School Orchestras and Orchestra Coordinator for Frenship ISD in Texas. With over two decades of experience, she advocates for innovative, collaborative approaches in string education, using techniques like movement, improvisation, and memorization. Radcliffe is a sought-after conductor, adjudicator, and mentor known for her personalized, creative teaching style. Her work has earned recognition, including the American String Teachers Association Marjorie Keller Young Teacher of the Year Award. She continues to inspire students and educators with her passion and forward-thinking methods.

Julie’s mission is to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to nurture the whole child, ensuring that social and emotional well-being is at the forefront of learning. She strives to help educators navigate the complexities of trauma and learning to nurture the whole child. With a passion for fostering resilient and empowered learners, Julie is dedicated to advancing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in schools. As a current Hybrid K-12 Principal and mentor, she understands the profound impact of trauma on students’ educational experiences. Through her innovative strategies and compassionate approach, Julie believes that the arts can play a crucial role in fostering connection and creativity in the classroom. Julie holds a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from Linfield College (2007), a Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction emphasis in Trauma & Resilience and Inclusion Classroom from Concordia University (2020), and a Master's Degree in Administration in Education with a Principal Licensure from George Fox University (2024). Julie also has a vast array of virtual teaching experience and strives to help students feel supported, appreciated, and engaged within a digital environment.

Alison (Ali) Beidler is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with the Chester County Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania, working with learners aged 3 to 21 in autistic support, life skills, and behavioral disorder support. Using Applied Behavior Analysis, she helps improve their quality of life and educational access. With over 40 years of musical experience, Ali integrates her love of music with her behavioral health expertise. She holds degrees in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Autism Studies, and Applied Behavior Analysis. Ali also supports collegiate transitions and serves as the Executive Director of the West Chester University Bands Alumni Chapter.

Stephen Lytle is the Coordinator for Music and Drama for Salem-Keizer Public Schools (OR) where he oversees the performing arts programs in a district of nearly 40,000 students and 65 campuses. The SKPS music programs enjoy a strong reputation for excellence with all elementary students receiving compulsory music education and each middle and high school supporting band, choir, and orchestra programs led by content specialists. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Lytle served as the Associate Director of Bands at West Virginia University and Miami University (OH). In his thirtieth year of teaching, he began his career in the public schools of North Carolina.

In demand as a program coordinator and visual designer for marching bands, Dr. Jon Sweet has a reputation for his energetic performances. Dr. Sweet holds the position of Director of Athletic Bands, Associate Director of Bands, and Associate Professor of Music, Career track at Washington State University where he directs the Cougar Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and is instrumental in the instruction of musicians throughout the School of Music.

Dr. Sweet holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Kentucky in 2019, where his dissertation focused on the genesis and analysis of John Mackey’s Wine-Dark Sea: Symphony for Band, a Master of Music degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a Bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University. He makes frequent academic conference presentations at regional and national conferences, including the CBDNA Athletic Band Symposium.

An active member in marching band pageantry arts, Dr. Sweet has designed over 300 shows, adjudicates marching bands throughout the United States, and frequently consults with directors and students through program design and leadership training. His designs have been featured at major high school competitions including Bands of America Regionals, Super Regionals, Grand Nationals, State Marching Contests, and many major college football conferences including the SEC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 12, WAC, Sun Belt, and Conference USA. Dr. Sweet spent 11 years as a public-school band director in Texas, where his groups achieved superior ratings, best in class awards, best in festival awards, outstanding visual awards, and outstanding general effect awards.