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SFC Scott Arcangel Sergeant First Class Scott Arcangel is currently the jazz pianist and rhythm section leader with the US Military Academy’s Jazz Knights. He has a Music Education degree from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music. Prior to joining the Jazz Knights, Scott studied jazz at the University of North Texas with teachers including Dan Haerle, Mike Steinel, Neil Slater and Lynn Seaton. He has extensive performing experience in big band and combo settings, as well as experience as a soloist, teacher and clinician. SSG Scott Drewes Staff Sergeant Scott Drewes is originally from Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. In 1993, he received his high school diploma in percussion performance from the North Carolina School of the Arts where he studied with Massie Johnson. SSG Drewes went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from the Manhattan School of Music where he studied with Justin DiCioccio. After freelancing in the Washington, D.C. area for two years, SSG Drewes went back to school to pursue a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park, studying under Steve Fidyk. SSG Drewes then enlisted in the United States Air Force and spent the next four years at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois performing with the Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble and the Concert Band. In 2005, he transferred to the band at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts where he performed with the Liberty Big Band and the Concert Band. SSG Drewes joined the rhythm section of the Jazz Knights in December 2007. He has also had the opportunity to study with Bob Gullotti and John Riley, and perform with many great musicians to include Bobby Watson, Larry Goldings, Jiggs Whigam, Billy Pierce, Ted Rosenthal, Greg Hopkins, Maureen McGovern, and Anne Hampton Calloway. SSG Brandon Nelson Staff Sergeant Brandon Nelson joined the rhythm section of the Jazz Knights in 2006. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas and had begun work on his Masters degree in Jazz Studies when he joined the Academy Band. Brandon has studied with Randy Hamm, Sue Stubbs, Craig Butterfield, Paul Sharpe, Jeff Bradetich and Lynn Seaton. While in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, he kept a busy freelance schedule performing with a variety of bands in a variety of styles. SSG Mark Tonelli Staff Sergeant Mark Tonelli received a bachelor’s degree in jazz performance from William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. He was awarded a teaching fellowship to study at The University of North Texas, in Denton, TX, where he earned a master’s degree in jazz studies. While at UNT, Mark wrote for and directed The 335 Jazz Guitar Ensemble, taught undergraduate jazz guitar, and performed, toured, and recorded with the Two O’Clock Lab Band. Prior to his arrival at West Point, Mark maintained a busy schedule as owner of MTonal Music, a music services company, and as leader of The Mark Tonelli Group, which has recorded two award-winning and critically acclaimed CD’s of original music. Mark has worked with jazz artists Jon Faddis, Gregg Bissonette, Ed Soph, Lynn Seaton, Denis DeBlasio, Frank Mantooth, Dan Haerle, and Byron Stripling. He has also performed with Rita Moreno, Carol Channing, The Coasters, The Platters, and Bobby Rydell. Mark was an instructor for the Dallas and Collin County College districts, where he taught jazz combo, jazz guitar, class guitar, music fundamentals, and music appreciation. He has been a clinician and instructor for the Ft. Worth Jazz Festival, The William Paterson University Summer Jazz Workshop, and The Dallas Jazz Guitar and Bass Society. Mark has won awards for his compositions from Billboard Magazine and from The National Songwriter’s Resource Network. His articles and transcriptions have been published by Guitar Player, Downbeat, The Jazz Education Journal, Just Jazz Guitar, Jazz Improv, and The Instrumentalist. |
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