Meet the 2024 Bluecoats Fellows
The Bluecoats Fellowship aims to create a pathway to a more diverse and inclusive world in the marching arts. Bluecoats Fellows are individuals who are a part of, or are committed to supporting, traditionally under-represented communities in marching arts design, and are selected by demonstrating excellent skill and potential in their field. Fellows are paired with the Bluecoats designer in their field to grow their skills, receive advice and guidance on their work, and learn from a renowned world-class designer.
Today, we’re excited to introduce the third class of Bluecoats Fellows! Find out more about them below.
Jordan Green (he/they) is a choreographer, designer, drill writer, and graphic artist from Livonia, Michigan. Having worked with groups across the Midwest such as Greenwood and Lake Orion High School, he’s spent most of his time directing and designing for the Huron Valley Color Guard and winter programs since 2022. His passion for color guard and teaching has lead him to create various educational opportunities across Michigan and receiving awards like the WGICON Instructor Scholarship in 2022. Jordan’s favorite projects create an emotional connection between performer and audience and curates an experience rather than just another show.
““Getting the opportunity to learn from some of the best designers and artists in the industry means the world. This organization has always proved its commitment towards taking risks and thinking outside of the box, all while building an inclusive and ever-growing culture that celebrates its people. I’m greatly looking forward to my time with the Bluecoats and can’t wait to get started.””
Marco Iannelli (he/him) is a pianist, low brass player, and composer based in Maineville, OH. He is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance Degree, and is an alumnus of The Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and Rhythm X Indoor Percussion. He is currently an educator for a number of ensembles, including but not limited to The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps (Brass Staff), ConneXus Independent (Front Ensemble/Audio Staff), and William Mason High School Marching Band (Brass Staff). As a designer, he is currently the Program Coordinator for the Licking Heights High School Marching Band and the Brass and Front Ensemble Arranger for The Columbus Saints Drum and Bugle Corps. As an autistic man, he hopes to bring a unique voice to the world of marching arts design.
““As the son of an alumnus and as a fan of the Bluecoats since my high school band days, getting to be involved in the organization with the Bluecoats Fellowship is a surreal and beautiful feeling. It’s an opportunity that will not only refine and enhance my work, but will hopefully inspire fellow neurodivergent artists to pursue marching arts design. I am deeply honored to join this talented group of creatives and learn from some of the best designers in the activity!””
Megan Karwoski (she/they) is a visual designer, choreographer, and educator in the Southeast Pennsylvania area. Currently, she is in her sixth year at Fusion Winterguard, and is in her fourth year on Fusion’s Leadership Team. She graduated from West Chester University with a BFA in Studio Art, and a Minor in Art History. During her time in college, Megan was a Sister of both Tau Beta Sigma and Sigma Alpha Iota. Megan has previously created costumes, props, flags, and floor tarp designs for multiple programs within the Tri-State Area. She strives to foster an atmosphere of community and empowerment for those around her.
““The Bluecoats continuously push the activity to new heights through artistic and conceptual innovations while still remaining authentic to the core of the activity! I’m honored and excited to be a part of the Bluecoats Fellowship because it enables me to further my artistic skills within the marching arts, while also being able to bring back newer practices and techniques that would benefit students and peers in the marching arts.””
Jeremy Loui (he/him) is in his second year as the Director of Bands at Rockwood Summit High School in Fenton, MO. His responsibilities include lead teaching high school jazz band, marching band, and Wind Ensemble, as well as teaching beginning band at Rockwood South Middle School.
Jeremy began his career teaching 5th-12th grade band in Illinois before later moving to Missouri to serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Missouri State University. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Illinois and a Master of Music in Conducting from Missouri State University. Jeremy has been on the instructional staff of The Battalion Drum and Bugle Corps and is active as a visual designer for marching bands across the country. On the rare occasion that he is not doing something music-related, Jeremy enjoys cooking and trail running.
““Joining the Bluecoats’ Fellowship program is beyond exciting! I am eager to learn from Dean Westman, as well as from the other fellows and the whole team at The Bluecoats. The opportunity to grow as an individual and participate in this learning community feels like a dream come true!””
Orynn Danielle Murphy (she/they) is a 4th year music education major at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. She is a co-owner, composer, and social media manager for Blue Aster Music Publishing. Orynn aspires to continue her education after graduation to study music composition in media.
““It’s an incredible honor to get to join the fellows and be able to watch the best in the field at work, while getting to hone my craft! I have always looked up to the Bluecoats organization, I am very excited to be able to work alongside the amazing designers and be a part of something truly special.””
Michael W. Pettis (he/him) is a passionate educator, musician, composer/arranger, conductor, and leader whose life’s work is to inspire creativity, growth, and understanding through music. Originally from Delran, New Jersey, Michael began his composition career in the middle and high school band program winning awards for his wind band compositions. He earned a Bachelor’s in Music Theory and Composition from West Chester University and a Master’s of Tuba Performance at Rutgers University. Returning back to PA, he received his Teaching Certificate at Temple University and is working towards a Masters in Music Education. During that time, he was teaching, arranging, and composing for high school and college concert and marching bands in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. During the summers, he marched with Reading Buccaneers, and taught at Cadets 2. Currently, Michael is the Director of Bands and Marching Band Director at Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, PA.
““I am so grateful to the Bluecoats for welcoming me into their family through this fellowship. It feels like a dream come true to be working with a corps that is so innovative, creative, and one that defines excellence! Through this fellowship program, the Bluecoats have set themselves apart as a family that wants to expand, give opportunities, and open doors. I look forward to all that I will learn as a Bluecoats Fellow through interactions with the design/writing staff, teaching staff, admin, and members.””
Landy Wyatt Roberson (they/them) is a 27 year old color guard director, choreographer and visual designer currently residing in Austin, Texas. Originally from Mountain Home, AR, Landy relocated to Texas in 2016 to pursue their professional goals within the marching arts. They have enjoyed meeting and learning from performers, instructors and designers from all over the country as they have worked in a variety of positions in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Landy is impassioned by creating wholistic programs and “solving the puzzle” of coordinating cohesive performance projects. When they aren’t on a field or in a gymnasium, Landy enjoys drawing inspiration from nature explorations and cultural events.
““To have the opportunity to learn from and engage with the creative and innovative minds at the Bluecoats is a dream come true. I feel so honored to be able to witness the entire process of creating the next timeless moments in the marching arts and beyond. I believe that the Bluecoats Fellowship will foster creative growth in our community, and I can’t wait to be a small drop in this Bloo ocean of progress!””
