Announcing the 2023 Audio Team
Caption Manager Matthew Black heads up a team of returning audio team members, Cavaliers alumni, and 2023 newcomer Ken Masaki.
The Cavaliers are proud to present the six audio engineering experts who will be joining us for our 75th anniversary season:
Matthew Black: Sound Designer and Audio Caption Manager
Nick Mason: Lead Audio Engineer
Kyle Hollen: Audio Engineer
Ken Masaki: Audio Engineer
Dan Schmitt: Audio Engineer
Jacob Drake: Audio Engineer
Matthew Black is the associate director of bands and director of percussion at Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana. He’s worked with many prestigious groups including the Phantom Regiment, the Blue Stars, the Crossmen, Cavaliers Indoor Percussion Ensemble, and Veritas Indoor Percussion Ensemble. He also served as the percussion director for seven-time BOA Grand Nationals Champion Marian Catholic High School from 2014-2019. He has traveled across the country teaching percussion pedagogy and electronic music production. Black states “Looking back at 75 years of tradition, The Cavaliers have been pioneers in all areas of the marching arts including audio and sound design. We look forward to continued growth on the backs of those before us as we prepare for the 2023 season.”
Nick Mason returns this season in the elevated role of Lead Audio Engineer. His involvement in audio production in the pageantry arts began in 2012, and it includes 6 WGI seasons and 2 DCI seasons. is a Cavaliers alum, and he additionally marched with eight time WGI world champions Music City Mystique from 2017-2019, earning two placements in the top three (one being gold in 2017).
“We have a strong team of veteran staff members, and are thrilled to promote well-deserving alumni Nick Mason to Lead Audio Engineer” says Matthew Black. “Kyle Hollen, Jacob Drake, and alumni Dan Schmitt return for our 75th season, and we are excited for the addition of Ken Masaki this year. Our exclusive team of audio engineers is committed to bringing the best audio experience available to audiences both live and online while remaining true to The Cavaliers’ sound.”
To read more about all of our audio team members, click on their photos above. To join our audition interest groups to stay up-to-date with the latest info, visit our facebook page.