Springs Valley Blackhawk Brigade Staff & Design Team

Luke Aylsworth '95 - DIRECTOR/WEBMASTER

Mr. Aylsworth marched in the drumline of the Blackhawk Brigade for seven years (1988 - 1994). When at Indiana University, he was a member of the IU Marching Hundred drumline (snare) for four years. While at IU, Mr. Aylsworth studied percussion with Gerald Carlyss, Wilber England, Jim Ancona, James Strain, and Todd Sheenan.

Mr. Aylsworth is a 1999 graduate of Indiana University with Bachelor's of Music Education and a 2007 graduate of Indiana University with a Master's degree in Music Technology.

As a member of the Blackhawk Brigade, Mr. Aylsworth marched at ISSMA State Finals six times including the 1992 State Runners-up band. He also enjoyed membership in a 3rd, 6th, 9th, and two 4th place State Finals bands.

Now as a director, Mr. Aylsworth led Springs Valley back to the State Finals in 2006. The Brigade placed 4th in their first trip back to RCA Dome (Formally the Hoosier Dome) since 1994. He was also named the Indiana Marching.com Director of the Year for leading the Brigade back to the ISSMA State Finals.

Mr. Aylsworth also has several percussion ensemble arrangements to his credit. He has arranged for various marching percussion and concert percussion ensembles. Some of his works have been published by Drop6 Media Inc.

E-mail: Click Here

John Aylsworth '64 - MUSIC/MARCHING
Pictured with wife, Patti.

John Aylsworth was the Director of Bands at Springs Valley for twenty-six years. He took the position after his father (Gilbert Aylsworth) retired in 1969.

John is easily considered one of the greatest band directors in Indiana history. Under his direction, Springs Valley made sixteen state finals appearances including one state championship (1977) and two state runners-up. Over his tenure, the Brigade became the fourth most successful ISSMA Class D band in state history.

John received the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash in 2001 from former Governor Frank O'Bannon for his accomplishments.

He also was an honored guest at the State House in 1995 where a house bill was introduced in his honor. John is also a Kentucky Colonel.

John was a student of the legendary brass professor Bill Adam during his tenure at IU.

Laura Aylsworth - GUARD

Laura is the wife of Luke Aylsworth. The two met while working at a Springs Valley band camp in 1996. Laura is a speech pathologist at East Washington Elementary School in Pekin, IN.

Laura was a member of the Bedford North Lawrence marching band and color guard while in high school. She was also a member of the Obsidian Independent Winter Guard. She has a multitude of ballet and dance experience.

Justin (Beavis) Wininger '00 - PERCUSSION/PROPS/VISUAL

Justin, better known as Beavis, is a 2000 graduate of Springs Valley High School. He marched for six years including the 1994 fourth place finish at state. He was in the pit for one season and marched on the drum line his last five. He also had the distinct privilege of marching with the "Great Cola."

Beavis is a graduate of Indiana University with a B.S. in Computer Science. Justin is the Director of Operations at the Orange County Beverage Company in French Lick and is married to former Brigade and Springs Valley High School Alum, Cherish '04.

Beavis' responsibilities with the Brigade include Prop Design and construction and percussion instructor.

Jermaine Williams '02 - WEBMASTER/MEDIA RELATIONS

Jermaine is a 2002 graduate of Springs Valley High School. He marched in the Brigade for 6 years, marching trumpet for two years, baritone for two years, and drum major for two years.

Jermaine is a graduate of Greenville College with a B.S. in Sports Management. He currently is the Assistant to the Athletic Director of the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington as well as working with the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Baseball / Seattle Mariners). He is also earning his masters in Athletic Administration from California University (PA).

Jermaine's responsibilities for the Brigade include serving as webmaster, pit instructor, and media relations. Should you have any questions regarding Blackhawk Brigade.com, media questions, or other inquiries, please contact him at the number or e-mail listed below.

Contact Number: 812/630-9790 (Cell), 253/879-3458 (Office in Tacoma, Wash.)
E-mail: info@blackhawkbrigade.com

John M. Meehan - MUSIC ARRANGER (Full Bio, See Here)

John M. Meehan has been an arranger, composer and clinician in the drum corps and marching band activity for the past 15 years. John is a brass instructor and arranger for all three of the Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps, and has a client list that includes the Yamato Drum & Bugle Corps, the Yokohama Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps, Ayala High School, Upland High School, Ooltewah High school, American Fork High School and the Springs Valley Blackhawk Brigade.

Outside of John's active involvement in the marching arts, he also writes original music for local businesses as well as student and independent films. John lives in Martinez, California with his wife Jackie and their wonderful daughters Ashley and Katelyn.

John is proudly endorsed by Sibelius (www.sibelius.com) and Dynasty and was recently interviewed by Dynasty (www.dynastyband.com) on their website.

Link to John Meehan's Website

Dee Skaggs - ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Dee is not only the brigade's administrative assistant, she is also a band mom. Dee is the mother of band member Amanda. Dee is the foundation of the Brigade. She gets everyone fitted into uniforms, makes sure everyone has an instrument and music, and takes care of everyone.