The Faculty & Administration:@ The Mustang Colourguards
Carrie Abate' : Executive Director of All Mount Markham Colourguards ,
She is a Mathematics teacher at the Mount Markham Senior HS since 1998. Before that she was an Electrical Engineer for General Electric Corporation in Utica, NY ( later Martin Marietta Corp) (working in the field of radar and surveillance engineering for the US Military contractors. She is a graduate of Clarkson University with a BS in Electrical Engineering, A Graduate of SUNY Oneonta with a BA in Education/ Mathematics, and a graduate with a ME from Penn State University. Carrie has also attended Rennsalear Polytechnic Institute and Mohawk Valley Community College.
She is a member of the Oneida County Mathematics Teachers Association and The Omnicon Delta Mathematics Honor Society.
Carrie's background in performance pageantry started as a trumpet player in 4th grade then when she was in high school as lead trumpet in the New Hartford HS Band, Orchestra and Jazz band as well as the Marching Spartans, where she became a staff member after graduating and instructed both visual and music for 15 years and helping the band earn 3 New York State Field Band Conference Class Championships.
During her high school tenure Carrie attended All County, District and NYSSMA Music Festivals and for her constant performance excellence was named to The McDonalds All American High School Band in 1980 as well as receiving the John Philip Sousa Award for Outstanding Band Member from the New Hartford Central School.
Carrie has worked with a few winterguards in the past and was also the the director of the New Hartford Cadet Colorguard for 2 seasons in the mid 1990's.
She has been a member of the Steel City Ambassadors Drum and Bugle Corps, (1986-88) being part of a top 2 finish at Drum Corps Associate World Championships (also winning over all effect captions)within that time as well as a member of the Empire Statesmen Drum and Bugle corps finishing with a silver medal and winning overall effect and visual performance captions in 2006 and winning the High Brass Award in 2007.
Since 1989, Carrie has been a member of the New York Federation of Contest Judges and served on the Executive Board of the Mid York Color Guard Circuit from 2000-05, and has served as the Secretary/Treasurer for the NYFCJ from 1994-1997.
She is a timing and penalties judge for marching band, colorguard and does visual and music adjudication for summer parades and pageants.
Ms. Abate' still performs on trumpet for the Mount Markham Music Department and enjoys listening to music, making her new house a home and reading while spending time with her friends and of course her "children Petra, Hunter,Colette and Scarlett.
Her goal is to build a tremendous color guard machine at the Mount Markham School District that one day will lead to MTM's appearance at the Winterguard International Championships. Which if all goes to plans will be in 2008!
Ron Abate': Program Designer/Educational Consultant Instructor and Therapist of Pageantry and Pattern, Program Director of the Mustangs.
Michelle Inman: Colts Program Director:
I started in the color guard activity way back in 1984 marching with the New Hartford Band and Winter
guards and moved to the staff in the fall of New Hartford in 1987. There I worked with the national class
(SA1) guard until moving on to the CNS Northstars Marching band in 1990. I worked with Mayfield HS (5
years) and the Oxford Academy color guard (3 years) and was on the guard design team of the Eagles of CNY Drum and Bugle Corps (DCI DIV III competitors 1993-94). Over the years I've also worked with the Oneida
HS and Whitesboro HS marching bands and finally finished out the 90's with 3 glory filled years with the
Laurens Jaguars where the guard was consistent WGI regional finalists and MYCGC Medalists and Open Class Champions. I am employed at Utica Mutual Insurance as an Arbitration Specialist and live in NY Mills with my favorite pup “Tanner”. Little known fact : I came to Mt. Markham to help Mrs. A with teaching basic
techniques the very first year of the Mustangs guard.
Amy Lombardo:Consultant and staff member emeritus on staff since 2002: a former member of the 5 time WGI Scholastic World Champion: Bishop Kearney Performance Ensemble from Rochester, New York (a performer 1991 - 1996, instructor in 1997, and again a performer in 1998 when BK went into the Independent World Class).
Amy is best known for her solo rifle toss as the lead character flew through pane glass, at the conclusion of the 1995 "BK" production of "Sybil", as one of the most memorable moments in winter colorguard history.
Amy's face has graced the website and publications of Winterguard International over the years as well!
Ms. Lombardo went to Monroe Community College for two years and transfered to SUNY Geneseo where she received her BA in Communications - graduating in May 2000.
At the present Amy is an Advertising Account Executive employed by Entercom Radio (WBEE, WBBF, and WBZA) in Rochester, NY where she started off in the Promotions Department.
Ms. Lombardo is a former member of the Empire Statesmen Drum and Bugle Corps.
She was also on the instructional staff of the Victor Blue Devils Winter Guard in Victor, NY.
Amy has also served on the design staff of the Laurens Jaguars Colorguard (1998-2001) and the Eastridge Lancers Marching Band from 1999 to 2001. Currently she is on staff with perenial WGI Scholastic A Class competitor and past national finalist, Gates Chili HS, from Rohester NY.
Andrea Scalzo-Willson, Technician Assistant (on staff since 2003)
Andrea comes to the Mustangs new for 2002-2003 here's her own words in this biography:
"I am proud to have 6 years in New Hartford Marching Band and Varsity Winterguard: 1 year flag, 5 years weapons. I graduated from NH high school in 1995 and went on to study Theater, Visual Art, Dance and Music for children at SUNY Brockport where I choreographed and participated in many dance routines. My senior year, I studied independently with the theater department and I was the assistant stage manager of the main stage production of John's Brown Body. I graduated with a BS in Interdisciplinary Arts for Children in 1999. Then I went on to substitute teach at area schools, including Mount Markham. I Taught Art Classes at Kirkland Art Center and then was Director of Education at "The Childrens Museum " in Utica until October of 2001. While I was at the Children's museum, I introduced successful summer art classes and theater camp. My Music for Munckins class which consisted of song and dance for children and was very popular. Andrea has her Master in Ed. degree from Utica College.
Kassidee O'Neill Mustangs technician and Design
Kass has narched Seven seasons in the Homer Winterguard,
seven seasons in Homer parade marching band, six seansons
of Homer marching band, one season of Homer fall color guard, one season of Spectrum Winterguard,
and one season of Empire Statesmen. she is a student at SUNY Morrisville Click to go back to FACULTY
Laura Buchanan, Asst. Director Mustangs,Choreographer and Movement technician all guards (on staff since 2004)I dance to live, I live to dance. That's about all you need to know. I'm a 1999 graduate of Cicero-North Syracuse High School which gave me the foundation upon which I teach today. I participated in colorguard for 2 years, danced for the Northstars Dance Ensemble for 3 years and was a member of the Visual Corps section of the the Northstars Marching Band for 3 years. Since graduating I had the great opportunity to instruct the visual corps of my alma mater; the Northstars Marching Band for the 2001 and 2002 seasons. In December 2003, I was given the incredible opportunity to come on board as a choreographer here at Mt. Markham and I have been here ever since. In addition to being @ Mt. Markham, I was a movement consultant for the Susquehanna Valley Winterguard in 2006.
It has been amazing watching the Mt. Markham Mustang family of past and present grow into incredible performers. I look forward to many more wonderful years to come.
I graduated from Nazareth College in 2003 with my BS and recently graduated in May of 2007 with my MS in Speech Pathology from Syracuse University. I currently work as a Speech Therapist in several schools.
We'd like to mention that there have been a few special people whom have taught our guard programs over the first 7 years, we thank them all and stay true to our motto, "Without Our brothers and sisters we would not be here today, and because of them, we will always be Mustangs" The staff members of each season are listed in Show Archives" section. Without all of their generous and heartfelt contributions, be they great or small, this program would not be where it is today.
Tess Armondi: Consultant-Mustangs staff in 2001 05-present
Tess lives in Binghamton and is employed by a law firm. In pageantry she has recently been the Asst Director of the Pride of Binghamton Marching Band and ione of the director of the Susqehana Valley Winterguard.When not working or being involved in the pageantry arts, Tess enjoys spending her time with her 10 year old son Joshua.
In her own words, "I have been involved in colorguard and winterguard since I was in sixth grade and worked with various marching bands, colorguards and winterguards and was director of the Oxford Academy Winterguard from '94-'02. As a performer more recently I was a member of The Empire Statesmen Drum and Bugle Corps in'01-'02 and 06.
I had the privilege of working with the Mustangs in 2000-2001 and have enjoyed watching the Mt. Markham Colourguard program grow over the last six years.
Casey McCoy: Equipment Technician and design Mustangs (started 2005)
2005 graduate of New Hartford Senior High School where I was an active member in the New Hartford Marching Spartans from 2001 until 2004, during that time we won the 2003 NYSFBC State Championship in the SS1 Class, I was also a member of the New Hartford Winterguard program from 2001-2005.
Aside from marching in my high school colorguard programs I am also a member of the Syracuse Brigadiers colorguard during the summer of 2004 and partially 2005 and possibly again in 2006, I also march with their Independent World Winterguard whom have placed in the IO class finals at WGI World Championships 3 times including a 2000 silver medal at WGIs and more recently placing 6th place in 2005. Other than marching I also assist with the New Hartford JV winterguard program whenever I can. In 2004 and 2005 I was the CNY Individuals Overall Champion earning one of the highest scores to date, this is one of my accomplishments I am extremely proud of!! Colorguard has become a major part of my life, it is such a rush to perform for several people and just knowing that after your championship performance no matter what the outcome you know you had an awesome performance. Down the road my goals are to eventually march with The Cavaliers, a DCI Drum Corp, and eventually have one of my own guards go to WGI World Championships and perform in finals. Other than colorguard I go to Paul Smiths College for Hotel Resort Tourism Management, however in the spring semester I will be transfering to MVCC. Eventually I plan to become a special events coordinator. I am really looking forward to working with the Mt Markham Winterguard program this season and help the guard grow in whatever way I can.
Shannon Spaulding: Mustangs Consultant
I started color guard in Trumansburg from 1989-1997 Marched at patriots 1998 summer and 1999 winter. At that time I had started teaching Homer in Summer of 1997 to the present ( wow ten years) I marched with Syracuse Brigs in the summer of 2002, 2003 and 2006.
Amy Devine: Equipment Technician and Design Mustangs I am a 2000 graduate of Laurens High School where I was a member of the very successful Laurens Jaguars Colorguard from 1997-2000, under the direction of Ron Abate. While marching with the Jaguars, we were WGI Finalists, MYCGC medalists, and 2000 MYCGC Scholastic Open Champions. At Laurens, I was also involved extensively in the music program and in 2000 was named Best Drum Majorette at the Sherburne Pageant of Bands. In 2001, while attending Utica College of Syracuse University, I began working with the Mt. Markham Mustangs Colourguard and continued as a technician through 2002. I worked as a technician again with the guard for the 2006-2007 season. Currently, I am living in Mount Vision and am taking courses through SUNY Morrisville. I am an assistant manager of a house at Springbrook (formerly Upstate Home for Children) in Oneonta, where I care for children with developmental disabilities. I am excited for the upcoming season and am proud to be working with the Mustangs.
Amy Preston: Consultant Mustangs staff in 2007-present
Amy's bio in her own words:
I have been involved in color guard for 11 years. I started out in 1997 holding the American Flag with the Laurens Central School Marching Band. In 1998 I was a member of the Laurens Jr. Jaguars. Then with the persuasion of Mr. Abate', I joined the Laurens Jaguars in 1999 while in the 7th grade. I remained a member of the Jaguars until my senior year. I also continued to march in the marching band at Laurens as a guard member as well.
In 2003, I had my first drum corps experience marching as a weapon performer as I was a member of the 5 time world champion, Syracuse Brigadiers.
I graduated from laurens in 2004 when the Jaguars went to the WGI World Championships and placed third in the scholastic Open Class.
I also received the award as "Best guard Soloist" at the 2004 Sherburne Pageant of Bands.
In 2005, I marched with Empire Winterguard (the empire Statesmen's winter guard) as the guard finished 6th, at WGI World Championships in the Independent world Class.
My first teaching experience came at Greater Johnstown HS in 2005 where I was on the staff of the marching bands and color guard (Amethyst Gold).
In 2006 I marched Spectrum in the Independent Open Class where we finished 11th at The WGI World Championships. Also during that season I instructed the Laurens Jaguars in the SA2 class where they won the MYCGC Gold Medal.
Color Guard is a huge part of my life and I owe a lot of my experience to Mr. Abate'. If it weren't for him and his amazing guidance, I probably wouldn't have marched past my 7th grade year. Thank You Mr. Abate' for everything.
Thomas A Tarbox ,Performance Consultant /Technician and Art Design
A 2002 Graduate and a founding member of the Mustangs Colour Guard. He has a graduated with degree in theatre arts from Le Moyne College in Syracuse. In guard Tom performed as Rifle, Flag, and Saber. Tom was awarded the 2002 Mustang of the Year award. He was also awarded one of the 2002 Mid-York Color Guard Circuit Scholarship, being the first male performer to receive this honor. Tom has worked internationally in theatre as a stage manager. His favorite credits include "Good Canary" Staring Lucy Lui, "A Safe Harbor for Elizabeth Bishop" staring Amy Irving, and "Guys and Dolls" in Macau China. Tom is privileged to be working with the organization that helped become the person he is today.
Amy Devine: Equipment Technician and Design Mustangs I am a 2000 graduate of Laurens High School where I was a member of the very successful Laurens Jaguars Colorguard from 1997-2000, under the direction of Ron Abate. While marching with the Jaguars, we were WGI Finalists, MYCGC medalists, and 2000 MYCGC Scholastic Open Champions. At Laurens, I was also involved extensively in the music program and in 2000 was named Best Drum Majorette at the Sherburne Pageant of Bands. In 2001, while attending Utica College of Syracuse University, I began working with the Mt. Markham Mustangs Colourguard and continued as a technician through 2002. I worked as a technician again with the guard for the 2006-2007 season. Currently, I am living in Mount Vision and am taking courses through SUNY Morrisville. I am an assistant manager of a house at Springbrook (formerly Upstate Home for Children) in Oneonta, where I care for children with developmental disabilities. I am excited for the upcoming season and am proud to be working with the Mustangs.
Jenn Drake: Equipment Technician and Design Ponies
I graduated in 2002 from Mount Markham. I was a member of the Mustang Colourguard from May of 2000 to June of 2002. I also was lucky enough to be a staff member for the Colts in 2002, the Mustangs in 2004, and the Ponies in 2005 (beginning of the season only). In that time I have tought some of the current and past Mustangs, including my sister (YES, that does makes me feel old if you were wondering!) I am currently a store manager for the Clifford Fuel Nice & Easy in New Hartford. I live in East Utica and I have two kitties named ALF and Cubbie Bear. Since being a member in the first few years I have been able to see much of the Mustang colourguard history and I can't wait to be a part of its future!
Ms. Amber Denza (Davis) Alumni Association Chairperson-
2001 Graduate of Mount Markham High School where I was a founding member of the Mount Markham Colour Guard from 2000 until 2001. I then prepared myself for entrance into the United States Navy. I served my country as a Deck Seamen for four years; 2001-2005. I decided it was time to take my leave from the military when I and my husband started our family. Currently I am the Clinical Assistant at Families, Inc. based out of Jonesboro, Arkansas serving the Searcy area. My loving husband and I are in the midst of raising two wonderful and very handsome boys. I am proud to be known as a Mount Markham Alumni and I am excited that I have been given the opportunity to show current and future alumni a way they themselves can continue to participate in this outstanding program.
Amber was also the very first alumnus to be on staff with the Mustangs in 2002, prior to her deployment to the US Navy.
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Stephanie Lounsbury ,Technician and Design Ponies/Colts and Fillies
My first experience in colourguard was as a founding member of the ponies in 2003. After ponies I was then old enough to join the mustangs and I stayed with them from 2004 to 2007 and those were some of the best years of my life. I was the first Pony member to make it all the way in guard and graduate. I am going to school for psychology at Mohawk Valley Community College and will then transfer to a different school to further my education and some day acquire my masters. When I finish school I want to develop programs for children with special needs I will continue to work with the guard in every way that I can. I cannot wait to see all the amazing things that they will do!
Ms. Roze Kintner , Consultant in Performance and Design- Mustangs
I am a 1996 graduate of Sidney Central High. I joined the Sidney Color Guard in 6th grade became captain in 8th grade where I remained up to my senior year. While with the Sidney Guard I also designed and choreographed movement and equipment.
Since graduation I have had the enjoyment of attending local shows while working with local guards in the southern tier. Today I live in Vestal,NY with my husband Tom and 6 year old daughter Kazmira. I work in Binghamton as an Art broker and Designer for the Garland Gallery. I am also the "Member at Large" on the executive board of the Gorgeous Washington Street Association.I am greatly looking forward to being part of the Mustangs this 08/09 season!
