ADDITIONAL STAFF

Operational Staff

Chris Keri: Director of Operations

Chris Keri has been on staff with the Marching Scarlet Knights since 2013 after being a 4-year member and section leader of the trumpet section. Chris serves as the Director of Operations for the Rutgers University Athletic Bands; helping to recruit new members, plan band camp, place orders, and help organize other aspects of the season.
Chris has also been the voice of the Marching Scarlet Knights since 2016, announcing the band on and off the field for every performance.

Chris is married and lives with his wife, Leigh, and two sons, CJ and Lucas, in High Bridge, NJ. They also have a dog, Teddy. (Chow Chow/Schnauzer mix). He is a graduate of Rutgers; receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 2013 and his Master's Degree in Special Education in 2014. He is also a Certified Teacher of Orton Gillingham (2017). Most recently, he obtained his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University (2020). His full time job is serving as Principal at Kingwood Township School in Frenchtown where he began in July 2024.

Mona Garbely: Assistant Director of Operations

Mona Garbely returned to the MSK staff for the 2023 season after a long hiatus, though never far away as she cheered on the band from her football season ticket seat. Previously she was with the Rutgers Athletic Bands program for twenty years throughout the 80’s and 90’s, six years as a member, first in the drumline then as drum major, followed by fourteen years as an instructor.

Mona is a retired educator with a B.A in Biology from Douglass College, followed my two Masters degrees from the Graduate School of Education, one is Science Education, the other in Counseling Psychology. Throughout her career she never strayed from her involvement in music.

Mona is her eleventh year as the marching, drumline and percussion ensemble instructor with the Freehold High School Band. She is currently the tympanist with the Rutgers University Alumni Wind Symphony and the Brook Symphony Orchestra.

One of the many reasons Mona is thrilled to be back on staff is that some of the best people she has met along the way came into her life through music at Rutgers. Her husband of over thirty years, Jim, is a Rutgers Band alumnus. They have two adult children, Tessa and Alec.

Todd Vaccaro: Equipment Manager

Todd is returning for his tenth season as a staff member with the Rutgers University Athletic Bands. He was a visual/brass tech with the program for the 2015-16' & 2016-17' seasons before taking over the Equipment Manager position. He graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace Concentration) from Rutgers University in 2015. During his time at Rutgers, Todd was a member of the Marching Band, where he was a 4-year member and a co-section leader of the trumpet section during his senior year. He also performed in the Rutgers University Concert Band and could be seen playing in pit orchestras for numerous shows with the Livingston Theatre Company & Cabaret Theatre. He also marched with the Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps for their 2012 season. Todd is a Brother of Mu Beta Psi.

Today, Todd is an active freelance trumpeter throughout the state of NJ when he does not have Athletic Band obligations. He studied under Jerome Callet for 2 years and further honed his playing abilities under Russian jazz trumpeter Valery Ponomarev for 4 years through NJPAC's jazz program. He actively performs with the Rutgers University Alumni Wind Symphony, Greater Shore Concert Band, Atlantic Wind Ensemble, Hazlet Pops, Ocean Grove Summer Band, numerous pit orchestra gigs, and occasionally performs with the Edison Philharmonic / Edison Chinese Chorus. He currently works full-time for A.D.E. Systems in Sayreville, NJ as a mechanical engineer in the commercial HVAC industry and is an Associate Member of ASHRAE. Todd currently resides in Highlands, NJ.

Michael Verra: Assistant Equipment Manager

Michael (Smiley) Verra is returning for yet another season as a staff member of the Rutgers Band. He will serve as the 2024-25 Assistant Equipment Manager. Michael was formally the band’s Equipment Manager from 2011-2016, and now returning to the place he loves.

During his time with the Rutgers Band, he was a section leader of the Low Brass section while also working as the Equipment Manager before becoming ant full time staff member. Michael, also performed in the Rutgers University Concert Band. Michael is a Brother of Mu Beta Psi.

Abbey London: Photographer

Abbey graduated from Ithaca College in 2022, where she studied Communication, Management, and Design with a concentration in design. They also double minored in Sports Studies and Photography. At Ithaca College, Abbey worked in many roles at The Ithacan, Ithaca College Hillel, and the Ithaca College Athletics Department. Most summers, Abbey has worked at URJ Camp Harlam as a photographer, communications supervisor, and programming supervisor. Now, Abbey works at Rutgers Hillel as the Innovation Springboard Fellow. Abbey is also entering her 3rd year as a color guard instructor and visual tech at their high school alma mater, Morristown High School. This is Abbey's first year joining MSK as the official photographer. Abbey is a freelance photographer who photographs sports, concerts, weddings, and more! This position is a dream since it combines her passion for photography and marching band.

Teaching Staff

McKenna Blair

McKenna Blair graduated from New Jersey City University in 2023, where she studied music education. During her time at NJCU, McKenna has earned many awards and titles, such as being named a one of the top Clinical Interns for student teaching by the New Jersey Department of Education.

McKenna has years of experience working with several high school marching bands in the Central Jersey area, working as a winds instructor and on-field technician. Outside of marching band, McKenna works as an elementary music teacher, where she leads the band, orchestra, chorus, and general music classes. In addition to her elementary school position, McKenna also teaches private music lessons. She is very excited to be joining the MSK Marching Band this year to help instruct the Piccolo section!

Jessica Morley

From Colonia, NJ, Jessica Morley is currently a teacher in the Summit Public School District, where she serves as the 6th grade band director and the elementary band director at Jefferson and Franklin Elementary Schools. She graduated from Rutgers University - Mason Gross School of the Arts in 2022 with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education and Clarinet Performance, along with a minor in Psychology.

At Mason Gross, she studied clarinet under the guidance of Dr. Maureen Hurd, head of the woodwind department. Jess was an active participant in the Rutgers Athletic Bands, playing baritone and serving as drum major for the 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons. Additionally, she worked as an R Fund Student Ambassador during her final two years at Rutgers.

Since graduating, Ms. Morley has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and NJPAC with her school district and has been involved in pit orchestras for their musical productions. Jess is thrilled to return to “The Banks” this season as a woodwind instructor for the RU Marching Band.

Richard Hartsuiker

Richard Hartsuiker is the Director of Bands at Morris Hills High School in Rockaway, NJ, where he was recently honored as the 2023-2024 Outstanding Educator of the Year. Mr. Hartsuiker is a co-adjutant with the RU “Marching Scarlet Knights”, serving as a brass technician and drill instructor. Ensembles under Mr. Hartsuiker’s assistantship were selected to perform at the 2008 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Music for All National Concert Band Festivals. Marching bands under his direction have won state and national championships, plus named finalist bands at Music for All Regional Championships. Mr. Hartsuiker received his Artist Diploma in Trumpet Performance at Rutgers University as a student of Kenneth DeCarlo, holds a Masters of Music degree in Conducting from Messiah College, studying with Dr. Bradley Genevro and Eugene Corporon, and is an honors graduate from William Paterson University. He has studied trumpet with Dr. J. Craig Davis, Roger Ingram, Chris Jaudes, Dr. William Stowman, John Sheppard, Lyle Steelman, and Garth Greenup, and has participated in master classes with the Boston Brass, Fred Mills, Allen Vizzutti, Andrew Hitz, and Wynton Marsalis. Mr. Hartsuiker and his wife Michelle are the proud parents of three wonderful sons.

Percussion Staff

Carlos Vazquez: Percussion Caption Head

Carlos is a graduate of the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where he double-majored in Music Education and Psychology. Carlos has been a percussion educator in New Jersey for over a decade teaching at several high schools, private lessons and clinics. He is an active freelance musician in the New York and New Jersey area specializing in classical, marching and Latin percussion. He has played on the national tour of Hair! the musical and currently plays for the NY Giants Drum Line as an employee of Gallant Entertainment. He has had the honor to play alongside musicians such as Eddie Palmieri and Delfeayo Marsalis and has recorded with the popular hip-hop group The Wu-Tang Clan. This will be Carlos’ 8th season as an instructor for the Rutgers University Drumline.

Mark Monaghan

Mark Monaghan has 4+ years teaching experience at all levels ranging from beginner high school to world-class marching ensembles, including collegiate teaching experience. Mark’s drum corps experience started Crossmen in 2012 and 2013. Later he joined the Santa Clara Vanguard for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, winning the Fred Sanford High Percussion award in ’14. Mark also marched with United Percussion for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Mark’s teaching experience includes United Percussion, Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights, Edison HS, and Bridgewater Raritan HS. Mark Monaghan has a bachelors in psychology, with a minor in music. He is currently pursuing his second bachelors in music education, with a concentration in classical percussion.

Matt Blood: Front Ensemble Caption Head

Matt Blood is a percussion arranger, educator, and performer from South Jersey. He has arranged percussion scores for many ensembles on the East Coast from middle school level to world class drum and bugle corps. Currently, Matt is the Percussion Supervisor/Arranger for the West Deptford Band, Front Ensemble Caption Head/Arranger for the Hawthorne Caballeros, and Front Ensemble Caption Head/Arranger for the Rutgers MSK, Front Ensemble Designer for the Jersey Surf, and a front ensemble technician for the perennial WGI PIW Finalist, United Percussion. Matt received his Bachelor’s degree in classical percussion performance from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, where he also has performed in some of their top ensembles. In addition, Matt has performed as a member of the United Percussion Front Ensemble during their 2012-2014 seasons.

Tom O'Hara

Tom O’Hara is a percussionist and educator based in Central New Jersey. He is a graduate of Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and has been teaching in the area for over a decade. He has given clinics and worked with numerous schools and organizations throughout New Jersey, including the Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps and the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra. Tom also has several snare drum solos published through Bachovich Music Publications. Solos from his book “Six Impressions for Solo Snare Drum” were featured on the repertoire list for the 2017, 2020, and 2024 Modern Snare Drum Competitions hosted by the Cleveland Institute of Music. He currently serves as an instrumental music teacher in the Highland Park Public School District and is excited to continue his role as front ensemble instructor for the Marching Scarlet Knights!

Katie McMullan

Hello! I am the Cymbal Tech at Rutgers University! I have been teaching the cymbal line at Rutgers for the past 7 years and have enjoyed every minute of it! I attended the University of Delaware for my undergrad where I played cymbals all 4 years and was the section leader for 2. I began teaching cymbals right out of college where I have worked with various high schools in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, for both outdoor and indoor, as well as with Jersey Surf Drum Corp. Additionally, I taught the Temple University cymbal line for 2 years (where I attended graduate school) and have also worked with college students at Tulane University. I continue to play cymbals with the professional drumline company Blue Devils Entertainment (BDE) - who I have worked with for the past 10 years. Through BDE I have had opportunities to play cymbals for lots of NFL, NBA, and NHL teams, as well as played in a Superbowl parade, TV commercials, talk shows, and movie studio recordings - just to name a few! Full time, I am a School Psychologist at an elementary school and enjoy spending time with my dog Bear. I am so grateful to continue educating students on the awesomeness that comes with playing cymbals and helping to keep the instrument alive in the world of the marching arts!

Ryan Brodhead

Ryan is one of the Percussion instructors for the 2024 Marching Scarlet Knights Drumline. Upon graduating from Toms River North High School in 2014, he then went on to spend three years as a member of the Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights while studying for his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. The last two years he was fortunate to be bass drum section leader and Co-Captain of the RU Drumline. After graduating, Ryan pursued a career in the Information Technology Industry, and currently works as an IT Engineer based out of Point Pleasant, New Jersey.

Ryan’s marching arts career includes seasons spent with The Cadets2 (‘12,’13,’14) and The Cadets (‘15, ‘16, ‘17) for drum corps, and Cadets Winter Percussion (‘14, ‘15) for indoor percussion. After aging out, Ryan has been on staff with multiple DCI & DCA drum and bugle corps, most notably the Hawthorne Caballeros and The Cadets. Ryan has also been involved with WGI, and has been a part of the United Percussion family starting with UP2 in 2019, and has been with UP World since 2022.

Ryan is so excited to be ‘Back on the Bank’s’ with the MSK’s this year!

Joseph Echols

Joseph Echols is excited to continue working with the MSK for his second season on staff. His experience includes membership in the MSK’s battery from 2019-2022 serving as section leader for the last two years, membership at Carolina Crown, the Boston Crusaders, and United Percussion. He has also done many gigs with BDEntertainment, including performing with the New York Giants G-Line and performing in a Disney film score. Joseph has taught several high schools before ultimately coming to teach at Rutgers University. Outside of band, Joseph is working to complete his master’s degree at Rutgers in mechanical engineering and hopes to graduate in December.

Color Guard Staff

Louis Hellinger

Louis Hellinger is a NJ resident and has over 20 years of performance, design and instruction experience for color guard, drum corps and band. He began his passion for this activity quite humbly in a local Independent A guard and the Raiders Drum Corps, both from his hometown of Bayonne, NJ. Later, he was a member of the renowned Emerald Marquis color guard from Wakefield, Ma. Louis also performed with the Sunrisers (NY) and Westshoremem (PA) drum corps throughout his marching career.

After marching Louis has had the privilege to work with many wonderful groups in a design capacity. Louis has been the creative director/designer for West Orange HS for the past 12 years. Most recently, he has also worked with: Cypress Independent (TX), The Black Watch (NJ), The Blue Knight (CO), AMP (NJ) and Sacred Heart University (CT).

In addition to all of his competitive teaching, Louis is proud to be a part of the the Flaggots Color Guard (NY/NJ/PA/CT) and he has been the Creative Director since 2005. The Flaggots is known across the country to be one of the most well-known and exciting parade color guards.

Jen Lube

Jen Lube has actively been involved in the marching arts since high school. She has performed with a variety of drum corps and world class indoor groups on the East Coast.

Over the years she has also taught and consulted for several high school marching bands, winter guards, and independent programs in the tristate area.

Currently, Jen works with AMP winter guard from Camden, NJ. Jen is excited to work with the RU color guard for her second season.

Graduate Assistants

Kevin Cotter

Kevin Patrick Cotter is a 3rd year candidate for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University.

During his time at MGSA, Mr. Cotter has directed the Rutgers University Concert Band, conducted the Rutgers Symphony Band under Dr. Julia Baumanis, conducted the Rutgers Symphonic Winds under Dr. Todd Nichols, and the Rutgers Wind Ensemble as a student of Dr. Kraig Alan Williams. Additionally, Mr. Cotter serves as a graduate teaching assistant for the Marching Scarlet Knights and the Rutgers University Pep Bands.

Mr. Cotter has been in education for 20 years in both public and private schools throughout NJ. Mr. Cotter holds a Master’s Degree in Wind Conducting from Messiah University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with Honors from William Paterson University. In wind band conducting, Mr. Cotter has studied with Dr.J. Craig Davis, Dr. James Colonna, Dr. Julia Baumanis, Dr. Todd Nichols, and Dr. Kraig Alan Williams.

Mr. Cotter is a native of New Brunswick, is a brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and a member of Free and Accepted Masons of New Jersey.