Leadership

Ash is a multidisciplinary educator, performer, and arts leader with over two decades of experience creating high-quality learning opportunities for students. As a founding staff member of both an Independent A WGI World Champion indoor group and a multi-time high school state champion indoor percussion ensemble in Indiana, he has helped shape nationally recognized percussion programs. His performance career includes national tours and a run in London’s West End with various iterations of blast as a percussionist and keyboardist.

Based on Austin, Texas, Ash has recently served on the board of the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s young professionals group and helps lead NOVA Performing Arts in expanding access to music education. Outside the arts, he holds a doctorate in microbiology and genetics and helps lead a biotechnology startup.

James is an experienced music educator and administrator with a lifelong passion for the marching arts. He holds a degree in music education and has spent much of his career behind the scenes, helping competitive ensembles run smoothly and effectively. He served as a director for a WGI World Class indoor percussion ensemble and has been deeply involved in the drum corps world for many years. He currently manages food services for the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps, overseeing the logistics and planning that keep the corps moving during its national tour.

James is also the director of the music library at the University of Louisville, where he supports students and faculty with access to one of the region’s top academic music collections. At NOVA Performing Arts, he brings not only his deep love for the marching arts but also a strong background in operations, planning, and team management—contributing to the long-term stability and growth of the organization.