Taha Ahmed received his Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology from the University of Texas at Austin. He also has worked as a licensed Emergency Medical Technician. Currently, he resides in the Houston area where he the director of Cy-Fair High School and is an active coordinator, instructor, consultant, arranger, designer, and private lesson teacher at numerous other high schools in the area.

Taha is currently the Percussion Caption Head for The Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps and has been on staff since 2020. Prior to that, Taha was on the battery staff at The Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps from 2016 through 2019, and the snare tech at The Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps for their 2015 season. Taha’s performing experience includes being a snare drummer at the Bluecoats 2012, Academy 2011, Santa Clara Vanguard 2010, and the Troopers in 2009 and 2008. During his drum corps career, Taha was privileged to learn from instructors such as Mike Jackson, Murray Gusseck, Ralph Hardimon, Glen Crosby, Roger Carter, Eric Shriver, Matt Ramey, Jim Ragsdale, Kevin Welborn, Rick Barclay, Derrick Fields, and Brian Stevens.

In the indoor scene, Taha has also experienced multiple seasons of success as an instructor. Taha is currently the Program Coordinator and Battery Coordinator for Monarch Independent Percussion. He has been working with Monarch since their inaugural season in 2015. He also currently serves as the director of Cy-Fair High school and serves multiple roles for Clear Brook High School. Taha was the Battery Coordinator and Movement Specialist for the 2014 WGI Independent A Gold Medalist, Lone Star Independent.

Taha proudly endorses Pearl / Adams, Vic Firth, and Zildjian.

Nancy Cannon – Judging Movement

Judging History (WGI, DCI, High School Circuits etc)

I have judged color guard in the Utah High School marching band world, judged for Drum Line competitions, and movement within the Utah Circuit from school to school.

Education or Certifications (Formal Certifications or Degrees, Type NA if not applicable)

I have a BA in dance from Brigham Young University where I was a member of the dance company Dancers’ Company. I also taught dance at BYU, in Florida, and in California. I also am a WGI Circuit Movement certified judge.

Performace/Teaching or Specialty Experience (WGI, DCI, College etc)

I performed at Brigham Young University, UCF in Florida, Utah Valley University. Taught Orem High School Colorguard to multiple top three place finishes at the Denver Regionals. Started Envision at UVU which we placed 1st in multiple time in the Denver WGI Regional.

General Information (Personal/Work/Hobbies)

My day job is a costume designer for film, TV, and commercials, resident costume designer at Jackson Hole Playhouse. I have productions on Hallmark, Lifetime, Fox Nation, Netflix, and Amazon Prime.
Website: http://www.nancycannoncosutmes.com
iMDB: Nancy Cannon

Ally Edwards – Judging Guard Equipment

Judging History (WGI, DCI, High School Circuits etc)

This is Ally’s first-time judging competitions but, she has plenty of audition judging experience for high school circuits and independent groups.

Education or Certifications (Formal Certifications or Degrees, Type NA if not applicable)

Senior at BYU with a major in Spanish and a double minor in dance and business.

Performace/Teaching or Specialty Experience (WGI, DCI, College etc)

Performed at WGI regionals, World championships, and Grand Nationals, MCCG Open class Champions, as well as a tech with Armada Corps.

General Information (Personal/Work/Hobbies)

Ally is from Bentonville, AR and just got married in September. She has a love dancing, singing, and rock climbing.

Jeff Paradis – Judging General Effect

Jeff Paradis is the Director of Bands at Ridgevue High School in Nampa, Idaho and has been the sole Director since the school’s opening in 2016. Jeff is a proud graduate of Boise State University, holding degrees in both Music Education and Music Performance, as well as a Masters in Music Education from Central Washington University. Jeff is an active member of NAfME and IMEA, has served as the treasurer for District 3 Music Educators since 2020, and was awarded young music educator of the year for District 3 Music Educators in 2023. Jeff is an active trombone player, performing with the Treasure Valley Concert Band and the Brass Band of the Treasure Valley and is one of the co-directors of the newly formed Youth Brass Band of the Treasure Valley.

Outside of his professional life, Jeff is a lover of Idaho’s vast outdoors, being an avid hiker and trail runner. When he’s not getting lost in the mountains he enjoys spending time adventuring with his amazing wife Erin.