Percussion Section
Kyle Cherwinski
Instrument: Percussion
Member Since: 2022
Hometown: Montrose, Michigan
Hobbies/Interests: travel, watching stand-up comedy, the occasional hockey game (LET'S GO RED WINGS!)
Biography: Kyle Cherwinski is a percussionist and pedagogue from a small town several miles outside of Flint, Michigan. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University, he left the Midwest to earn his Master of Music degree from the University of Northern Colorado and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Louisiana State University. Before his current appointment as the Percussion Instructor at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Dr. Cherwinski resided in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he was an active teacher and a regular performer with choral groups, operas, musical theatre productions, and churches. He also served a season as Acting Principal Percussionist with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. His primary mentors have been Chuck Iwanusa, John Hill, Andrew Spencer, Gray Barrier, and Brett Dietz.
Nicholas Gigante
Instrument: Percussion
Member Since: 2017
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Hobbies/Interests: hanging out with my dogs, watching football, playing video games with my wife
Biography: Nicholas Gigante received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree from the University of South Florida and a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from New York University. He has performed all over the country, from touring the Midwest with the Madison Scouts in 2015 to multiple concerts with The Manhattan Symphony to The Temptations National Broadway Tour in 2021. As a full-time job, Nick is Chief Operating Officer for his family's business, Gigante Productions, where they photograph nearly 100 local schools and sports leagues.
Michael Davis
Instrument: Percussion
Member Since: 2017
Hometown: Fort Pierce, Florida
Hobbies/Interests: travel, cooking, puzzles
Biography: Michael Davis obtained a music degree from Stetson University, where he studied percussion with Carl Rendek, David Coash, and Kevin Garry. He performs with many large and small ensembles in the Tampa area. When not playing music, Michael works as a certified public accountant.
Tyler Carr
Instrument: Percussion
Member Since: 2017
Hometown: Land O' Lakes, Florida
Hobbies/Interests: marvel comics, watching football, video games, golf
Biography: Tyler Carr is a percussionist from the Tampa area. He graduated from Wharton High School and then the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree. Since 2017, Tyler has served as Director of Bands at Orange Grove Middle Magnet School of the Arts. Tyler also teaches percussion for the Sickles High School Marching Band.
Daniel Melendez
Instrument: Percussion
Member Since: 2018
Hometown: Dover, Florida
Hobbies/Interests: spending time with friends and family
Biography: Daniel Melendez is a percussionist based in Tampa, FL. Daniel received a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance degree from the University of North Florida, where he studied with Charlotte Mabrey and Kevin Garry. Currently, Daniel is pursuing a Master of Music in Percussion Performance at the University of South Florida under the direction of Dr. Kevin von Kampen. As an educator, Daniel teaches masterclasses to middle and high school percussionists in Hillsborough County and maintains a private lesson studio with students of all ages. He is also the Percussion Director of the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. As a performer, Daniel serves as principal percussionist for Tampa Bay Pride Band, Symphonic Winds, and the Tampa Brass Band. Kevin is the founder of Tampa Percussion Ensemble, a chamber group featuring local percussionists and music educators.
Zach Wadsworth
Instrument: Percussion
Member Since: 2021
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Hobbies/Interests: running, hikes with my mother and daughter
Biography: Zach Wadsworth is currently pursuing a Master of Music (M.M.) degree in Instrumental Conducting at the University of South Florida, studying with Dr. Matthew McCutchen, Dr. Tina DiMeglio, and Mr. Trevor Butts. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. While at JMU, Mr. Wadsworth participated in several of the ensembles, including the JMU Brass Band, and served as the drumline captain for the Marching Royal Dukes. While performing with the JMU Brass Band, he earned first place in the Adult Percussion Solo at the 2010 NABBA Championships in Raleigh, NC. Upon graduating from JMU, Zach taught band at Shelburne Middle School in Staunton, VA, from 2013-2016 and Riverbend High School in Fredericksburg, VA, from 2016- 2021. While at Riverbend High School, Mr. Wadsworth expanded the program's numbers, directing the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Left Bank Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and the Emerald Sound & Guard Marching Band. He led the program to its first “Virginia Honor Band” designation in the school’s history. Zach is an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi and enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and three pets.
Mike Garcia
Instrument: Percussion
Member Since: 2016
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Hobbies/Interests: watching movies, cooking, traveling with my girlfriend
Biography: Mike Garcia is a Tampa native who received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Florida. After receiving his degree in Music Education, Mike became a music educator for Hillsborough County Schools. Currently, he is the Director of Bands at Williams Middle Magnet School in Tampa. Besides his teaching role, Mike is an educator in various percussion programs throughout Hillsborough County. His students are consistently recognized at a district and state level for their accolades. As a performer, Mike can be seen as a member of the Florida Wind Band, Tampa Percussion Group, and the Tampa Bay Lightning Drumline.
Fai Fai Ho
Instrument: Percussion
Member Since: 2011
Hometown: Port Richey, Florida
Hobbies/Interests: USF Bulls, Buccaneers, Rays, Lightning, Nascar, F1, Golf
Biography: Fai Fai Ho is a freelance musician and a public-school music educator. His involvement with education includes elementary and secondary music education, distance learning, instructional technology, contract negotiations, government relations, and executive board member of the United School Employees of Pasco. As a musician, Fai Fai performs with musical ensembles throughout Florida. He studied percussion with Robert McCormick, jazz drums with David Via, and conducting with Dr. William Wiedrich at the University of South Florida. In the community, Fai Fai is an active volunteer for several organizations and has served as a volunteer firefighter and first responder. Fai Fai is a Life Loyal Sinfonian of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and a Life Member of the University of South Florida Alumni Association.