Scott Johnson's musical training began at the age of four when he began taking drum lessons from a local percussion instructor. Before his fifth birthday, Scott joined the Red Knights Drum and Bell Corps at 5 years old, and when he turned 18 he began as a marching member in the Blue Devils, from 1976 through 1979. He became a member of the Blue Devil staff from 1978 through 1989 and in 1994 became the Blue Devil’s Director of Percussion and Percussion Arranger, a position he holds today.
Awards include over a dozen DCI championships, ten DCI High Percussion awards, two WGI championships, three DCA championships, two DCA High Percussion awards, ten DCE championships, nine High Percussion awards in DCE, four High Percussion awards in Japan, and 1977 DCI Individual Snare champion…to name a few.
Scott’s judging assignments have included numerous marching band and percussion competitions throughout the world, including P.A.S. championships, W.G.I. championships, South African Championships, Indonesia Championships and the Bands of America Grand National Championships. drum lines across the USA, Europe and Japan.
Stephanie Vasilakis joins the System Blue teaching team as a featured clinician after aging out of the Blue Devils snare line in 2011. Having played snare at Ayala High School and in the Bluecoats before joining the Blue Devils, Stephanie has become one of the most well-known and accomplished drummers in the marching activity. Stephanie was also a member of the famed RCC Indoor Drum Line for several seasons and is an accomplished drum set player. Stephanie teaches privately and at camps across the nation.
Andrew Odello aged out of the Blue Devils in 2011 after an amazing 19 years in the Blue Devil organization. During his marching career Andrew was part of 3 DCI World Championships (2007, 2009, 2010) and won the 2010 DCI Solo Snare competition. Andrew was also a member of the Freelancers Indoor Drum Line and currently performs in the Niner-Noise Drum Line and for Blue Devil Entertainment. Andrew teaches for several programs including Foothill High School (Pleasanton, Ca), Blue Devil B and is a featured clinician for System Blue Live Events and Educational Series camps.
If possible, please bring a drum and stand. If you do not have access to a drum, or are unsure if the drum you have access to is appropriate, please contact pat@systemblue.org and we will make sure you are properly outfitted. Be prepared for a variety of Midwestern weather (hot, humid, rain, cold). Be sure to bring or fax this medical release form [download pdf].
Students have the option of commuting, securing their own overnight accommodations, or stay at the UM dorms, under the supervision of System Blue staff.
Optional - $50: Dorm rooms on the campus of the University of Minnesota campus. Suite-style dorm rooms include private showers and 4 occupants per dorm.
