Atlantic Indoor Association

The Hall of Honor is the highest recognition given to those individuals who make a significant contribution to Atlantic Indoor Association, and who have in some way influenced the course of our history. Their contribution may be made through leadership, adjudication or instruction. Regardless of the vessel of their work, these people represent dedication, determination and a commitment to serving others through promoting education in the performing arts.

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2010
Tim Bray - Inducted April, 2010

Tim has been teaching percussion at Tunstall High School for the past 24 years and is the founding director of the Virginia Helmsmen.  The Virginia Helmsmen and the Tunstall Concert Ensemble are perennial finalists and medalists at WGI. Tim has also served on the WGI advisory board for many years shaping the percussion activity nationally. He has consulted with many AIA high school groups and represents AIA on the national level. He and his wife Debra have raised two children who are both highly active in the winter percussion activity.

AIA is currently benefiting by Tim’s involvement early on in helping to charter the percussion activity in the circuit. His marching and concert units were one of few founding member units competing when the percussion activity started in AIA. His participation, support, and guidance have enabled AIA to grow into the level of participation we are now seeing in 2010.

2010
Dwayne Barnes - Inducted April, 2010

Dwayne Barns founded Carolina Visual Productions 23 years ago and the organization continues to thrive. Dwayne is also the current Executive Director of Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps. He is a former member of the Long Island Kingsmen, 27th Lancers, and Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps. He has instructed many units in AIA over the years as well and most notably his long tenure with East Wake HS.

Dwayne has kept CVP thriving for twenty-three years now representing AIA on the national level. His former members concur that he makes sure to tell the CVP history to the new members and welcome the vets and alumni back with open arms. Jordan Hurley writes: The best example of this comes each year just before CVP's first show of the season. Dwayne gathers the entire guard, any vets, staff, etc around and welcomes everyone into the family. It's typically an emotional moment for the vets because we know that no matter where you go or what you do, once you're family, you're always family.

2010
David S. Duffy - Inducted April, 2010

David Duffy is current Band Director and Winterguard Director at West Johnston HS in Benson NC.   The band has performed in many local, regional and national events including the Bands of America Grand Nationals many times and the West Johnston Winterguard are perennial finalists at Winterguard International. David is a graduate of James Madison University and is a former marching member of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.  He also was the former director of Nelson Co HS, Powhatan HS, and Bassett Middle School.

Many will remember his contributions to AIA as founding director of Dominion Winterguard and The Study Winterguard as well as being responsible for guiding them and many other units into WGI World finals while continually carrying the banner for AIA. He also served at the A Class representative on the WGI advisory board for many years.

In one of his nomination letters, it states that “David has had more of an artistic impact on our activity and the guards in our local area for two decades than any other instructor/designer I can think of.  My long term view of David that I have of him is as a teacher who has influenced thousands of students in a positive manner, and he has passed along the color guard tradition to many local and nationally recognized instructors and judges.  His creativity has been successfully represented at the national level year after year with the numerous color guards listed above.

2009
Scott Gordon - Inducted April, 2009

Scott Gordon has been a member of AIA since its inception supporting multiple color guard and percussion units and has been an integral part of the success of AIA. He is a graduate of Liberty University, a former member of Star of Indiana and is currently the Band Director at Powhatan HS. AIA is currently benefiting by Scott's involvement early on in pioneering the percussion activity in the circuit. His unit was one of approximately 4 competing units when the percussion activity started in AIA. Scott also served on Executive Board helping to develop the infrastructure to support and grow the percussion activity in AIA to the levels of participation we are seeing today.

Scott has hosted WGI Percussion and Color Guard regional contests at his school with great success and in doing so presents AIA and our region in the utmost fashion on a national stage. His organization has hosted AIA Championships for multiple years as well. Scott worked continually for many years hosting the AIA Website to effectively communicate updates to the membership all policies, procedures, and schedules and provided this support "free of charge".

In 2004, Scott is the person who submitted the concept and chartered the formation of the "AIA Hall of Honor" and was responsible for the induction of Dave and Darlene Priester. It is only fitting that now Scott is being recognized as the next AIA Hall of Honor recipient for his outstanding contributions to the circuit.

2009
Scott Gordon - Inducted April, 2009

Scott Gordon has been a member of AIA since its inception supporting multiple color guard and percussion units and has been an integral part of the success of AIA. He is a graduate of Liberty University, a former member of Star of Indiana and is currently the Band Director at Powhatan HS. AIA is currently benefiting by Scott's involvement early on in pioneering the percussion activity in the circuit. His unit was one of approximately 4 competing units when the percussion activity started in AIA. Scott also served on Executive Board helping to develop the infrastructure to support and grow the percussion activity in AIA to the levels of participation we are seeing today.

Scott has hosted WGI Percussion and Color Guard regional contests at his school with great success and in doing so presents AIA and our region in the utmost fashion on a national stage. His organization has hosted AIA Championships for multiple years as well. Scott worked continually for many years hosting the AIA Website to effectively communicate updates to the membership all policies, procedures, and schedules and provided this support "free of charge".

In 2004, Scott is the person who submitted the concept and chartered the formation of the "AIA Hall of Honor" and was responsible for the induction of Dave and Darlene Priester. It is only fitting that now Scott is being recognized as the next AIA Hall of Honor recipient for his outstanding contributions to the circuit.

Jeffery Dale has been instructing color guard students for over sixteen years, twelve of which he has been an independent instructor in AIA. Jeffery has successfully built a nationally competitive program at First Flight that has fostered and nurtured several of today’s noted color guard writers and desi gners. First Fight has represented AIA on the national level since its inception and has been a world finalist 4 times and has won numerous WGI Regional events. Jeffery has consistently held the education and positive life changing experiences of the members of his unit as the highest priority. His passion and dedication to education has encouraged many of his students to become instructors for other local units where they are able to pass on their knowledge and love of the art. For the last six years, Jeffery has also offered an annual spin clinic for hundreds of high school units, their members and instructors. Approximately 100-125 individuals from AIA attend this clinic yearly. Jeffery’s love of color guard has influenced many through the years as he’s been a role model, mentor and friend to both his colleagues and students.

In addition to the work with his unit, Jeffery has been an avid supporter of AIA. Jeff has served on the Executive Board of Directors for multiple years and also produced the first ever AIA yearbook for the circuit. In working with other volunteers and member units, Jeffery displays commitment and unwavering resolve to increase educational opportunities and develop our students of today to become our instructors and leaders of tomorrow. Jeffery Dale has been and continues to be an ambassador of AIA and education in the performing arts.

2008
Jody Jones - Inducted April, 2008

Jody Jones has been an integral part of the success of AIA since the inception of the circuit. He has been involved in AIA as an instructor, a board member, and as a performer. He did these roles SIMULTANEOUSLY and not in succession which makes this even more impressive. He currently is the color guard coordinator and is an advocate to all of the units. While serving on the Executive Board of AIA in the roles of President and Color Guard Coordinator, he always strived to provide support to the units and instructors in any way he could as a board member and a fellow instructor. He is especially mindful of the new units coming into the circuit and is there in many ways to support them on their new journey into AIA. In addition, he is available at any time to lend a helping hand to other board members, show coordinators, show hosts and directors in helping a show to operate as smoothly as possible. He works continually to ensure the success and growth of AIA. It is not uncommon for the board to get emails from him at 3am providing solutions for AIA.

Jeff H. Richardson states: “For Jody, It’s not about placement. It has always been about the guard members themselves and whether they are growing as performers and more importantly as young mature adults in this ever-changing world”. When everyone else is tired and worn out, he never seems to run out of energy and enthusiasm. Jody Jones is the ultimate “Cheerleader” of the Color Guard World. He is very deserving of this honor and we would like to welcome him now into the AIA Hall of Honor. Congratulations Jody!

2007
Tracey Hedrick - Inducted April 1, 2007

Tracey Hedrick has been an integral part of AIA since its inception in the mid 1990’s, holding many different offices and responsibilities. She is currently the contest coordinator for AIA. Tracey Hedrick has served AIA in many different capacities since the circuit formed. She has primarily been color guard instructor for Roanoke Rapids HS. She held this position for 18 years, which speaks clearly to her dedication to her program and to her kids. Her programs were consistently unique, thought provoking, and always changing from year to year. Tracey is currently a successful elementary school teacher in the Roanoke Rapids school system.
Tracey has also served AIA in leadership roles as a board member, color guard coordinator, and is presently the AIA contest coordinator. Her contributions as the contest coordinator are myriad, and she dedicates numerous hours of her personal time to coordinate these shows. Though many of her activities may not be apparent to the average person, anyone who participates in, judges in, or hosts a show knows exactly how valuable Tracey is to AIA. Her attention to detail is second to none. Tracey's tireless efforts include communication with show hosts, units and judges, compiling schedules for all shows, preparing tapes, running the recap programs, making judges sheets, coordinating the judges and tabulation areas, running critiques, and much more. Her passion for doing things right is notably beneficial to individual show hosts, because when a problem arises Tracey is one step ahead, and usually has the solution in place or not far behind.

Visiting judges always comment on how organized AIA shows are compared to other shows around the country. Tracey has the ability to juggle many different tasks and tough situations and she always carries with her the same warm, friendly demeanor regardless of the situation. Just like the Right Guard commercial from long ago, you will “never see her sweat.” Her professionalism, values, and work ethic are qualities we recognize and respect, and that is why she is most worthy of receiving this recognition as the next inductee into the AIA Hall of Honor. Thank you Tracey for everything you have done for AIA and congratulations.

2007
Paul Orsett - Inducted April 1, 2007

Paul Orsett has been an integral part of AIA since its inception in the mid 1990’s and is currently the 1st Vice President for AIA.

Paul Orsett has served many roles during his tenure with AIA. He has been an instructor of various units within the circuit, and his attention to detail in instruction was outstanding. He was always the prepared director who came into critique with his questions in hand. He most definitely led the discussion about his units and was the epitome of accountability. He introduced the activity to people like Jay Jernigan, Trey Alligood, John Leonard, Jeff Dale and Michael Townsend to name a few. All of these individuals have gone on to teach, design and perform at the highest levels of WGI. Paul definitely embodies the belief of “Teaching Tomorrows Teachers.”

His contributions to the improvements and reliability of the sound system used at all contests are tremendous. He implemented a standard set up for each of the shows. He introduced the concept a few years back of running a show without CD’s and completely utilizing digital technology for playbacks which practically eliminated the incidents of re-starts. He continues to develop the process and local talent for announcing the shows. The professionalism demonstrated by the announcers is a tremendous asset to the circuit and promotes a positive image to all who attend AIA sanctioned shows. He continues to be an active volunteer for WGI and represents AIA in the highest fashion. He is one of the announcers at the WGI World Championships; and you can hear his voice announcing the best color guards in the country on the DVD’s sold by WGI.

His contributions to AIA as 1st Vice President are numerous. He puts in long hours working on communications, budgets, planning, judges support, and as facilitator of the board meetings just to name a few. His dedicated work with improvements in the financial system and policies to ensure AIA’s continued financial success is alone worthy of this recognition. This presentation into the AIA Hall of Honor is well deserved. We ask Paul to now “present arms” to reach out to accept this award. Thank you Paul for all that you have done and will continue to do for AIA and congratulations.

2006
Doug Casteen - Inducted April 2, 2006

Doug Casteen has served AIA as a judge since its inception and is currently the Chief Judge responsible for recruitment; education and assignment of all color guard adjudicators for AIA sanctioned events. The ongoing education and development of qualified adjudicators for the pageantry arts as well as the development and betterment of competing marching and musical units in AIA has been realized under his direction.
Doug Casteen is originally from Raleigh, NC and is a graduate of NC State University. He has been judging marching bands and color guards for the last 18 years. He is a former member of Avant Garde from Saratoga Springs NY, the 27th Lancers from Revere, MA, and the Star of Indiana from Bloomington, IN. He has been active as an adjudicator for many judges associations for marching band and color guard. Some of these include USSBA (Pennsylvania), SCBDA (South Carolina), ISSMA (Indiana), CIPA (North Carolina), and FFCC (Florida). He has instructed various marching bands and winter guards throughout the Southeastern US. He presently is in his 6th year as a General Effect Judge for Winter Guard International and is in his 4th year as Chief Judge for AIA.
Many AIA instructors and judges have had numerous opportunities to work with Doug through the years and all can attest to his endless concern and dedication to this activity. When taking the role of AIA Chief Judge, it was his goal to build on the successes of the previous AIA judges’ administrators. Recent accomplishments that our units have experienced nationally make it clear that things are in good shape for the AIA color guard community. He continues to focus on improvements from the judging area, and when the opportunity presents itself, he makes things better. Under his direction, the judges continually train and reinforce the WGI judging philosophy and values. In addition to leading the local judges, he supplements panels with nationally based judges who continue to provide the AIA units a variety of viewpoints and evaluations. Many nationally based judges who come here communicate how impressed they are with AIA and continually request return visits. He ensures the continued bonafication status of the judging association with WGI. The job of chief judge is a nonstop exercise in patience, communication, and problem resolution. It is a balancing act of huge proportions and more often than not, thankless.
This presentation into the AIA Hall of Honor is taking place in his hometown and is an opportunity to give tribute to the person who has supported AIA and driven improvements in the judging community for many years.

2005
Karen Watkins - Inducted April 3, 2005

Karen Watkins was an integral part of the inception of AIA. She was the first AIA president, a color guard instructor for several member units, and dedicated herself tirelessly to the success of AIA and to the advancement of the indoor activity.
Ms. Karen Watkins was one of the founding board members and served for five years as AIA’s first president.

During the formative years Karen provided sound guidance and strong leadership. Her vision for the circuit was one of growth. Not just growth in terms of size, but in finding ways to better serve the young people involved in the activity.

Karen has worked as a color guard instructor for several AIA member units, served as a competition coordinator and facilitated AIA championships several times during the first few years.

Under her leadership AIA began working toward becoming a bona-fide affiliate of WGI, and, AIA branched out through Virginia, Maryland, and eastern and central North Carolina.

Karen helped to institute a program of growth in adjudication by insisting on quality training and a program of evaluation for adjudicators.

She has dedicated herself tirelessly to the success of Atlantic Indoor Association and to the advancement of the indoor activity.

Through her leadership AIA was transformed from an idea into an organization which has served thousands of young people for more than ten years.

2004
David and Darlene Priester - Inducted April 4, 2004

The Priesters were an integral part of the inception of AIA, and laid the foundations for judging and operations. Their efforts bear witness to their tireless dedication to our children.
Darlene held a special place in the world of pageantry as a judge, instructor, and avid supporter of making color guard a unique experience for all performers. Darlene's own experience began as a small child watching her grandfather and father instruct drum corps in Ohio. At the age of ten, she began performing with the Brook Park Rangerettes. While a member, the Rangerettes won consecutive VFW National Championships and Darlene earned the Junior Drum Major National Championship. She also marched as a bugle and mellophone player with the Port Clinton Sweethearts, the Buckeye State Caballeros, and the Ohio Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps. She and other Drum Corps members later formed the Commanderes, a Ladies Senior Color Guard. At the age of 21, Darlene began judging with the All American Judges Association in Cleveland, Ohio, along with her father, Jack, and her brother, Dennis. She became the first woman to serve as assistant chief and chief judge for the American Legion competitions.
In 1978, Darlene brought her husband David into judging. Together they judged parades and marching competitions. When they moved to Virginia in 1980, they both joined the National Judges Association. Darlene learned the aspects of movement and equipment captions, while David learned General Effect. Together, they headed up TOB Chapter 12, the southernmost region within the organization. Darlene took great care in making sure the chapter ran as effectively as possible. She was often seen explaining terminology and helping new instructors to understand how their shows were judged.
For many years, Darlene volunteered for Winter Guard International. She started on the refreshment staff and worked her way up to become one of the top tabulators, often working during the World class performances. In 1991, David and their daughter, Darcie, joined her at WGI. All three staffed the Richmond and Mid-Atlantic Regionals, as well as volunteering at WGI World Championships.
Darlene also had two important roles outside the pageantry activity. Her most important was being a mother -- a job she truly cherished and took great pride in. Darlene was also a substitute teacher for Prince William County Schools and worked with severe and profound handicapped students. A job that many would find difficult, Darlene enjoyed every minute. In fact, Darlene enjoyed working with students and felt that they came first.
With this belief in mind, Darlene and David noticed the decline of their judges' association, Worried that the situation would only continue to worsen, they and several other people began discussions towards forming another organization. That organization became Atlantic Indoor Association.
For the past six years, Darlene also worked as a visual technician for Hylton High School's marching band. She helped them win many forst place marching and general effect awards, as well as overall first place awards