Jaycee Wilson Appointed Colorguard Caption Head, Kathy Pearson & Samia Vanderkolff Promoted To New Roles

Bloo24Bluecoats
Written By Mike Scott

BLUECOATS HALL OF FAME MEMBER KATHY PEARSON HAS BEEN APPOINTED COLORGUARD CAPTION SUPERVISOR, AND SAMIA VANDERKOLFF PROMOTED TO MOVEMENT CAPTION HEAD. JAYCEE WILSON WILL LEAD COLORGUARD PROGRAM AS CAPTION HEAD.

Jaycee Wilson has been named Colorguard Caption Head at Bluecoats. Jaycee has devoted his career to colorguard education and performance, and first taught the Bluecoats Colorguard during the 2014 season. Together with Director of Choreography & Colorguard Jim Moore and newly-promoted Colorguard Caption Supervisor Kathy Pearson, he will lead the Bluecoats Colorguard - otherwise known as the BCCG - beginning with the 2024 season.

In addition to serving as Assistant Caption Head at Bluecoats from 2014-17 and a Lead Technician from 2022-23, Jaycee has years of experience as a colorguard educator and caption head in both DCI and WGI. He is a past colorguard caption head at Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, and served as a designer & choreographer for WGI World Guard finalist Imbue from 2010-2020. He currently works as a designer and instructor for the American Fork High School colorguard near Salt Lake City, Utah, where he resides. 

Jaycee is preceded in his role by Lindsay Kusmierczak, who recently stepped down in order to pursue the next chapter of her career. Lindsay’s devotion to the success of the BCCG and the Bluecoats organization will be sincerely missed. She will be forever remembered for her dogged commitment to the recovery of the organization during the Covid-19 pandemic and canceled season. Her tireless work keeping the colorguard program organized, active, and striving for new heights brought a new level of excellence never before achieved by the organization’s colorguard program.

“As I reflect on all of the achievements of the Bluecoats Colorguard over the past 6 years, I'm filled with so much joy and appreciation. The talent of the members, the inspirational teaching from the staff, and the incredible productions that we have put together have shaped me into the person I am today,” said Lindsay. 

“As I turn the page to my next chapter, I believe it's time to pass the torch to the next leader. Jaycee Wilson is a phenomenal educator and leader. He was a part of a team that shaped some amazing seasons of the BCCG before me, and he will continue to do so now. I want to thank Bluecoats for providing me with so many gifts that I will take with me, and I will forever be cheering you all on in the future.”

Colorguard Caption Supervisor Kathy Pearson at her Hall of Fame induction celebration.

Kathy Pearson has been the bedrock of the Bluecoats colorguard program since 2008. Known for her fierce devotion to her students and the program, Kathy’s extensive work as a technician, educator, and Assistant Caption Head, has cemented her as the preeminent example of professionalism and expertise among her colleagues. Known throughout the colorguard community as a master technician and pedagog, Kathy’s teaching experience stems from decades of teaching at programs like the Santa Clara Vanguard, SCV Winterguard, Origins, Bluecoats Indoor, the Bluecoats and more. She is also a highly successful finance professional outside of the activity. Kathy’s leadership will now extend to the role of Colorguard Caption Supervisor, with Jim Moore taking the new title of Director of Choreography & Colorguard. 

Samia (Mooney) Vanderkolff has been promoted to the role of Movement Caption Head. As dance and movement have become essential skills and an integral performance component  for all performers in the corps, Movement has become a true caption in need of expert and seasoned leadership. This promotion reflects Samia’s commitment to the program, and dedication to the success of all Bluecoats performers. Currently pursuing a Masters in Kinesiology-Biomechanics, she possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field. Her dedication to her craft is evident as she enters her eighth season with Bluecoats and twentieth season in the activity, where she will continue to inspire and nurture her students as a teacher and choreographer. 

Audition Experience Events for colorguard and musicians were recently announced. Events will be held in Ohio, California, Texas, and Georgia with a virtual option available via video submission. For more information and to register, visit bluecoats.com/join.

Movement Caption Head Samia Mooney teaches dance class to the colorguard.

Mike Scott
Mike Scott is a clinician, consultant, and the CEO of Rhythm X, Inc., a non-profit music education company in Dayton, Ohio. Mike earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2012. There he studied percussion and conducting and completed the Farmer School of Business Summer Institute. Before beginning his career as an administrator and teacher, Mike was an active performer in the marching arts. In 2011 Mike was the conductor of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps of Canton, Ohio and was a performer in Rhythm X’s percussion ensemble from 2011-2012. Mike was also a member of the Miami University Marching Band for four years, serving as the drum major during the 2011 and 2012 seasons. In 2013 Mike began work at Rhythm X, Inc. as the Operations Director, managing the business development and logistics of the organization. He was also the Director of Instrumental Music at St. Ursula Academy in Toledo, Ohio. There he taught band, orchestra, and general music in grades 6-12. Prior to the 2015 competitive season, Mike became the first full-time employee at Rhythm X, Inc. as the company’s CEO. There he works with the organization’s President Tim Fairbanks to develop the future strategy of the company. During the summer months, Mike travels the country with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps as the group’s Tour Administrator. He has also served as the tour manager of The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Mike proudly endorses Innovative Percussion, Etymotic Research, and Fred J. Miller Inc.
http://mikewscott.com
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