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Judges
Equipment
Alice Hays
Bakersfield, CA
Alice has participated in competitive music activities since 1987. She received the bulk of her experience with the Southern California Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps in the late '80s early '90s although she also had valuable experiences with The Musketeers and Anozira-both from Arizona. While she began her journey in the percussion section, she ultimately transitioned into winter guard and color guard. She taught a number of color guards in Arizona, as well as the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps color guard.
As the founding president of the Winter Guard Assocation of Arizona, she saw a need for judges while the circuit was in its infant stages. She, along with other founding board members, brought in multiple experts to train judges, and her own judging knowledge and experience grew along with the circuit over the last 20 years. 2018 will be Alice's second year of judging for WGI.
Alice recently began a new career as an Assistant Professor of Education at California State University, Bakersfield.
Movement
Jaycee Bentley
Draper, UT
Jaycee Clarke Bentley is currently a Physical Therapist at the Intermountain Hospital in an outpatient setting. She has been involved in the WGI Sport of the Arts activity for nearly thirty two years. She has performed with a number of world class organizations including The Blue Devils, The Santa Clara Vanguard and the Tony Award winning Broadway show BLAST!. She has also performed with Fantasia and the 1998 WGI World Champion Blue Devils Winterguard. Mrs. Bentley has made her reputation in teaching excellence with such groups as Chaparral High School from Temecula CA, Westview High School from Beaverton OR and Mt. Carmel High School from San Diego. who were the 2008 WGI Scholastic A silver medalist.
Mrs. Bentley currently judges throughout the United States with organizations such as, Northwest Pageantry Association, Texas Winterguard Circuit, Utah Winterguard Circuit and the Winter Guard Association of California.
Originally from Vancouver Washington she graduated from California State University San Marcos and obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in San Marcos California. She currently lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, son and puppy Baxter.
Design Analysis
Michael Tran
Redmond, WA
Michael Tran is currently in his eighth year as a middle school band director in the Lake Washington School District. The program has a long-standing tradition of excellence, capturing first place at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival as well as being invited to perform at the NAfME NW Conference. Tran is also the Head Basketball Coach at the school, leading the girls’ varsity team to a district championship in 2019.
Prior to becoming a band director, Tran spent several years consulting for numerous high school ensembles throughout Washington State. Additionally, he devoted three years to coordinating and writing for the Central Washington University “Wildcat” Marching Band. Michael graduated from CWU, earning a dual degree in music education and psychology. During his enrollment, he performed in a varying array of instrumental and vocal ensembles and served as the NAfME Collegiate Senator, a position he held for three years. He is currently enrolled at Eastern Washington University, pursuing a master’s degree in music education.
Tran’s marching band experience began back in sixth grade in parade band and continued through high school. He participated in the drum corps activity as a lead trumpet player for The Seattle Cascades and The Troopers. After serving his final year as Drum Major, Michael returned to the Seattle Cascades as an administrator where he would later be promoted to Executive and Corps Director. Under his leadership, the group secured their highest finishing score since 2007.
Michael now resides in Redmond, WA with his wife and enjoys spending his time in the wilderness. He has completed over 1,000 miles of hiking through the Sierra and Rocky Mountain Ranges. Michael enjoys the opportunity to make an impact each day and is thrilled to be adjudicating in the NWAPA circuit! He wishes all the performing ensembles the best of luck and skill!
General Effect
Travis Moddison
Grants Pass, OR
Travis Moddison is an optimist, a trumpet player, composer, and band director. His high school bands have received numerous concert, jazz, and marching awards including NWAPA Championships and OSAA District champions and Bronze Medalists. In addition, Travis has taught The Cadets, Santa Clara Vanguard, and The Oregon Crusaders.
Mr. Moddison has won World Championships in WGI and DCI, as well as many regional accolades with his ensembles. He has had the pleasure of judging for NWAPA, MBOS, OSAA, USBands, and the Western Band Association. He lives in Grants Pass, Oregon and serves as the Director of Bands at Ashland High School.
Travis also enjoys a career as an active arranger writing for bands all over the country. His clients frequently remark how the programs are enjoyed in competition as well as home football games. He also has many works for choir and chamber music as well.
His sons, Gabriel and Wynston, both enjoy playing brass instruments as well as digging in the dirt and being kids.
General Effect
Brian Ward
Portland, OR
Brian grew up in Philadelphia, PA and now calls Portland, OR as his home. He has built his career as a people manager by day and as a marching arts adjudicator on the weekends. As an adjudicator Brian is affiliated with the WGI, Western Bands Association and the NWAPA circuits.
In his personal time outside the performance gym or store setting, Brian is an avid music fan and attends concerts regularly. He is currently completing course work for a MEd in Adult Learning, and relaxes by spending time with his dog, Maddie.
Timing & Penalties
Gordon Williford
Vancouver, WA
Chief Judge
Jeff Mitchell
Portland, OR
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