Staff
Our band staff is the backbone and life-blood for our organization. Please take a moment and get to know them, here online and in-person.
Mr. Robert Schreib, Director, Show Coordinator
Mr. Schreib was named Director of the Blue Knights in January of 2009 and is proudto return for another season. He began marching in 1985, developinginto an accomplished brass musician and award winning drum major.
For many years Robert pursued the stage, working with Fisher Players, Shipping Dock Theater and Pittsford Musicals where he performed, designed/built sets and directed. Most recently worked as dramatic coach and production assistant with award winning musical productions at Eastridge High School. (2004-2006).
He returned to the marching field with the Eastridge Lancer Marching Band, contributing as a Low Brass Technician (1999-2001) and Marching Technician/Visual Coordinator (2002-2004).
Drum and bugle corps experience includes The Empire Statesmen;where he performed in the brass line (2000 -2004), designed and builtfield props (2000, 2003, 2004) and served as a Marching Technician(2004). Robert also served as Head Marching Technician for the Rochester Crusaders (2006, 2007).
Performed as a founding member of The Hitmen Brass Band (2002, 2003) participating in various events and the DCA Individual/Ensemble competition.
From 2005 to 2008, he served as Assistant Director of the Greece Marching Band. Responsiblefor visual design and instruction, he developed the marchinginstruction program, wrote and taught field drill and assisted in thedevelopment of the current program.
Robert is especially proud of the BlueKnights' members and parents who have trusted in the vision of themarching band and worked so very hard to make it a reality.Currentlypursuing a degree in Adolescent Education at Roberts Wesleyan College;Robert lives in Rochester with his darling Julie and their critterfamily of three dogs, three cats, a bunny and a gecko. J
Noteworthy Accomplishments:
- 2004 DCA World Champion: Empire Statesmen, performer, staff member
- 2003 DCA Brass Ensemble Champion: The Hitmen Brass Band, performer
- 2002 DCA Brass Ensemble Champion: The Hitmen Brass Band, performer
- 1999 NYSFBC Champion: Eastridge Lancer Marching Band, staff member
- 1985 NYSFBC Champion: Eastridge Lancer Marching Band, performer
Julie Christensen, Associate Director, Pit Instructor
Julie has been working with the Blue Knights since 2005, and is currently the associate director and front percussion ensemble (Pit) instructor for the group. She is very excited to be part of Muppets and Mayhem this year!
Julie graduated from Syracuse University with dual degrees and advertising and music. While pursuing her vocal performance degree at SU, Julie marched in the trumpet section of the Syracuse University Marching Band, played bass clarinet in Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, and was a trumpet player in the Sour Sitrus Society pep band. She went on to Roberts Wesleyan College for a Masters in Music Education, and taught general music and chorus for the Hilton Central School District. She also spent several years touring as a singer and trumpet player for Nick and the Nice Guys, a Rochester-based cover band, travelling throughout the United States and Canada. Additionally, Julie performed on the marimba with the Rochester Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps as a member of the front percussion ensemble.
Outside of the music realm, Julie also pursues her other passion: working with at-risk youth. Julie received her Masters in Social Work degree from Roberts Wesleyan College, and is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Rochester. She works with youth in a variety of capacities including as a project coordinator at the University of Rochester overseeing a transition-to-work program for youth with disabilities, and as a consultant to the City of Rochester for after school and summer programs designed for academically and behaviorally at risk city youth. Julie also works part-time as a counselor for the Center for Youth's shelter for runaway and homeless teens.
While Julie will always consider Berkeley, California to be home, she is proud to be a City of Rochester resident. She lives in the Highland Park neighborhood with many fuzzy animals and her sweetie, Rob.
Matthew Jaeger, Musical Technician
Matthew is very excited to have the opportunity to work with the Greece Marching Band for his fourth year now. Matthew started marching in 1998 with the Medina Mustangs Marching Band, and marched with them until 2003 when he graduated. While in Medina he held a position of leadership in his last year and also was a member when they won three straight championships. Matthew began to get involved with Drum and Bugle Corps in 2004 when he joined the Ghost Riders Mini Corps. Matthew has continued to be involved in Drum Coprs since then and has marched with the Rochester Crusaders, and was also on staff from 2005 until 2008.
Matthew is currently in his last year at Roberts Wesleyan College where he will finish his undergraduate work in Music Education in May. Matthew is also the President of the Roberts Wesleyan College Wind Ensemble and is very active in other ensemble as well as teaching private lessons at St. Rita's School in Webster.
Matthew is looking forward to another season with the Greece Marching Band Blue Knights and is excited to continue working with the band.
Brad Coudriet, Visual Technician and Assistant Director, Marching Instructor
Brad has been with the GMB since 2006, beginning as a marching technician and teaching marching, maneuvering and proper visual technique. In 2010, he was elevated to Assistant Director and primary Marching Instructor.
Brad began marching in 1995 and instantly had a passion for the activity. Although originally a saxophone player, he joined the Grey Knights Drum and Bugle Corps of St. Mary's PA in 1998, where he picked up a baritone and became a low brass player. While performing with the Grey Knights he become a tuba player and hasn't looked back since. Brad was also a founding member of the Allegheny Nightstorm Drum and Bugle Corps out of Pittsburgh, PA from 1999-2001.
From 2001-2004, Brad took a break from marching and music activities to concentrate on his undergraduate degree in Information Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology, which he completed in 2006.
In 2005 he returned to marching, joining the Rochester Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps. He served as a staff member and has been on the Board of Directors for the last four years, with two years spent as President of the Board.
Brad works at the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences at the Rochester Institute of Technology as a Systems Administrator and Web Developer. He also does freelance web development for various clients across the city. Hobbies include working on his Jeep and motorcycle and getting away from computer screens.
Brad is very excited to have the opportunity to continue working work with the Greece Marching Band. Brad started marching in 1995 and instantly had a passion for the activity. In 1998 he joined the Grey Knights drum and bugle corp of St. Mary's PA, where he picked up a baritone and became a low brass player, although he was saxophone player. With the Grey Knights he was recruited to become a tuba player, and hasn't looked back since. Brad was also a founding member of the Allegheny Nightstorm Drum and Bugle corp out of Pittsburgh, PA. Brad was with the Nightstorm from 1999-2001
Between 2001-2004 Brad took a short break from marching activities and music in general to concentrate on his Undergraduate degree in Information Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology, which he recently completed in 2006.
In the 2005 season Brad once again found his love for the activity with the Rochester Crusaders Drum and Bugle corp as a marching member. He takes great pride in his marching ensembles and strives for excellence in the activity.
Brad has felt very proud and honored to be allowed to join the Blue Knights family in 2006, and will continue to work hard to see the success of the program, and the education of the members.
While originally from a small town in Northwestern PA, Brad has made Rochester his home. During the 'off hours' when not marching and playing his tuba. Brad works as a PC Systems Administrator and web application developer at RIT, plus doing free lance web development work for various clients across the city.
Brad is very excited, and looking forward to the coming seasons of the Greece Marching Band Blue Knights.
Jamie DiMarco, Colorguard Teacher
Jamie DiMarco is excited to be working with the Greece Marching Band as Color Guard Instructor and Winterguard Director. Jamie has worked with the Greece program since 2008, starting as a color guard assistant. Prior to joining the Greece staff, Jamie spent 2005 through 2008 as the Color Guard Director for the Aquinas High School exhibition field band program. She also started and sustained a successful competitive Winterguard program that finished 3rd in their final season.
Jamie's Color Guard/ Winterguard experience began in 1989 with the 5 time Scholastic World Champion: Bishop Kearney. After competing across the country for 5 years as a dancer/spinner/performer, Ms. DiMarco had earned bronze and two gold medals in Winterguard competition and two gold medals in dance competition.
When not working with Greece, Jamie works as an out-patient Social Worker and in 2008 completed her Masters Degree in Social Work. Any remaining time is spent as an aspiring writer. Go Blue Knights!
Kelsey Soeffing, Colorguard Technician
Kelsey has been a Color Guard Assistant Instructor for the Greece Marching Band since the spring of 2008. She began her marching experience with the Gates Chili Winterguard in 2000 and performed with them through 2007. She has also performed in drum and bugles corps with the Empire Statesmen drum (2005, 2006) and Rochester Crusaders (2007-2009). After high school, Kelsey continued performing with the Patriots Select Dance Ensemble (2007, 2008) and the Patriots Winterguard (2008, 2009). In addition to the Greece Marching Band, Kelsey has instructed the Patriots Jr. Winterguard (2007, 2008) and has been on staff with the Gates Chili JV Winterguard since 2008. Outside of marching band, Kelsey recently received her BS in Health Science with a minor in Psychology from SUNY Brockport. She is currently working on her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Nazareth College.
Bob Bond, Percussion Teacher
"Double O" began his introduction to music and drumming by joining local drum & bugle corps at the age of 5. Throughout his teen years, Bobby gained instruction from many sources, including private instruction with Ruth Kahn at the Eastman School of Music.
In 1982, he auditioned for and performed with The Garfield Cadets in DCI World Champion Competition, placing 3rd, and completing consecutive world championships in 1983 and 1984. Bobby then shifted his career by joining a local rock group.
Since 1985, Bobby and his drum set have been seen all over Rochester, playing in several rock groups and show bands including Evolution, Why Not, Kamyleon, Gravity Box, Reality Check, East Coast Connection, 3FU, Coil, The Long Live Rock Show, Mr. Hand, Jeff Cosco Band and currently with national recording artist D DRIVE. D Drive just released their latest record called "3D."
He became a part of the percussion staff for The Greece Blue Knights Marching Band in 2009.
Mike Ghinazzi, Percussion Technician
Mike is proud to come back for another season with the Greece Marching Band.
His music career began in 1992 with lessons on the trumpet and quickly transitioned to percussion where he had found something special. While performing with the Mendenhall Mustang Marching Band, Mike was selected for the California State Honor Band in 1994 and awarded Command Performance for a solo piece in 1995. His career at Granada High School enjoyed four years of state competitions, week-long sight reading camps, and performing on Main Street USA in Disneyland.
After moving to Rochester, Mike's drum corps career began in 2003 with the Rochester Crusaders where he spent the next five years performing with the marching percussion line, twice earning a bid to DCA Finals.
He began working with the Greece Marching Band in the spring of 2006 and has been a percussion instruction assistant ever since.
Mike has been working for Strong Memorial Hospital at the University of Rochester since 2003.