Heather Shrump’s involvement in the activity dates back to the “Pink Ladies” of McKeesport High School. Not only was she an instrumental member of the high school color guard, she was also a member of the McKeesport marching and concert band. After her graduation from McKeesport High School, she attended Robert Morris University, but couldn’t stay away from that McKeesport color guard. She continued to volunteer her time as an instructor and eventually became their director through the winter of 1992. She then joined the color guard staff of Norwin High School. In between having her two children, Riley and Kassady, she assisted with various local winter color guard units at Serra Catholic, Greater Latrobe, Penn Trafford and again at McKeesport High School. In the winter of 2004, she once again became a part of the Norwin color guard staff and remains a vital part of the program today. She has been instrumental in the ascension of the Norwin winter guard program from the scholastic A class, to the open class and to their present spot in the world class. Heather has also been a proud member of the Golden Triangles Ensemble not only during the winter season, but during their summer program as well.

Heather continues to be strongly committed to the Three Rivers Winter Ensemble Association and the students it serves. No matter how many things she is juggling, being a wife and a mom, her career, or her busy rehearsal schedule, she always finds time to address any concern that becomes before the management committee. You would be hard pressed to find an email that she does not take the time to answer. She has perfected the ability to “take off her director hat and put on her management committee hat” to ensure what is best for the circuit is what happens.

Arlene Meisner
The Top Hats, one of the longest standing members of our circuit, are amongst a few other local units that proudly represent TRWEA on a national level. The Top Hats, recognized 7 times as a WGI Championship Finalist continue to excel because of Arlene Meisner’s dedication to the students and the staff. Only a selfless individual would dedicate 36 years of her life as the director of an organization on a volunteer basis to provide youth an opportunity to learn, grow and develop, not only as performers in the competitive Winter Guard arena, parades and special events, but also in life. Many children otherwise would not be given such an opportunity without Arlene’s commitment and this organization would not be where it is today without her.

Paula Sikorski
Paula has been involved in the activity serving in many capacities. As a performer she was a marching member of the Golden Triangles, University of Pittsburgh Golden Girls, and received training at Point Park University and the Cervi School for performing arts. Paula used this training and experience to elevate herself as designer and director of the Top Hats. Through Paula’s fierce negotiation ability, articulate vision, strong movement focus, and outstanding staging skills she has helped guided the Top Hats from humble competitive beginnings to the perennial WGI finalists they are today. Under her direction the Top Hats were consistent WGI A class finalists being promoted to the Independent Open class by Winterguard International. The Top Hats have amassed over 7 WGI World Championship finalists’ placements a feat that distinguishes them as a premier member of TRWEA. Paula continued to place her stamp on the activity in the area by contributing as a TRWEA Management Committee member and served on the TRWEA review board. As elevated as her career on the floor is she is equally as successful off the floor. Paula is a Regional Vice President for the Concord Hospitality Enterprises.

Larry Gubash
Larry has a storied career within the activity. Best known for his contributions to WGI World Championship Finalist Sapphire Independent winterguard and his long and tenure career with the Northgate NRG and winterguard, Larry has supported the activity in many ways for over 20 years. Larry is an Alumnus of the North Star Drum and bugle corps from Massachusetts and continued marching with the legendary Penn State Syndicate winterguard. Larry spread his knowledge to many groups within TRWEA including numerous class champions including: Northgate Winterguard, McGuffey HS, Beaver Area HS, Wilkinsburg HS, and Thomas Jefferson HS. Larry was a long standing member of the TRWEA Management Committee where he vivaciously represented the views of the less experienced and less fortunate groups. Larry is best known for his superb time management skills, esthetically pleasing geometric staging, willingness to always lend a hand, and an uncanny ability to create championship programs for very inexperienced groups.

Bruno Zuccala
Bruno has distinguished himself as one of the finest instructors, judges, and administrators in the activity today. Bruno has worked with countless superior ensembles including Norwin High School, the legendary Escapade Independent World Winterguard, and is presently on the design and instructional team of the Sacred Heart Winterguard from Roslindale, Massachusetts. Bruno is best known for his roles with the seven time Drum Corps International World Champion Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from Rosemont, Ill. Bruno started on staff with the Cavaliers in 1985; he has served as their Colorguard Caption Head, Assistant Director, and presently holds the title of Corps Director. His direct influence on the indoor and outdoor activities has harbored the growth of some the most talented instructors, judges, and designers today. Continuing to contribute locally Bruno is the colorguard designer for the Slippery Rock University Marching Band and encourages all the graduating seniors attending Slippery Rock next year to attend their upcoming auditions.

Bruno contributes greatly in the Judging Field. He was a tier three WGI Equipment Judge and served as the Equipment Caption manager for Winterguard International. Bruno is locally known for guiding the Visual Judges of the Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judges as the Visual caption manager. His judging resume also includes work with the Midwest Judges Guild, where he is a 2006 Guild Appreciation Honoree, served 15 years with Bands of America, and was an 11 year representative for the DCI Judge-Instructor task force. Bruno has facilitated numerous clinics internationally in Japan and Italy and nationally including many clinics in the Pittsburgh Area.

Mr. Zuccala holds a Master Degrees as a Reading Specialist from Slippery Rock University and a Masters in Administration Supervision from Westminster College. Bruno has 31 years experience in the Educational field and has been nominated for the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Bruno currently resides in Butler, PA.

Frank Stanko
Frank has been involved within the indoor and outdoor activities for over 25 years. He was a marching member with the General Butler Vagabond Drum Corps. Frank has held a prominent role with the Kiski Area High School Band from 1986 until now. Frank has been a marching instructor, percussion instructor and staff coordinator for Kiski High School during his tenure. Frank was the Corps director of the Robinettes from 2000 until 2005 and is currently an instructor and supporter for the Golden Triangles.

Personally Frank is known for his quick and sharp wit. His dedication to the activity and his common sense approach makes him a strong influence to the operations of the Three Rivers Winter Ensemble Association. Professionally he is a graduate of Butler High School and holds a BA in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Frank has been employed in managerial roles for the Sam Goody and National Record Mart corporations and is currently a District Manager for Spencer Gifts.

William Marshall gained a wealth of experience over the years marching with many DCI finalist drum corps. Mr. Marshall got his start with the Finleyville Royal Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, moving on to march with the Crossmen and Steel City Ambassadors. His marching career is highlighted by his involvement with the world-renownded 27th Lancer Drum Corps from Revere, Massachusetts. Billy served as the Drum Major of the 27th Lancers in 1984.

Off the floor, Billy graduated Summa Cum Laude from Robert Morris University and is currently a Vice President for the Bank of New York-Mellon Financial. Currently, Billy serves as a visual judge for the Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judges. He is well known for his demeanor, integrity, communication skills, and passion for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Bringing his wealth of pageantry experience and knowledge to the area, Billy has had strong influence designing for and instructing some of the most notable programs in the area, including stints with East Allegheny, Norwin, Kiski Area, the Top Hats, and the Golden Triangles. Billy has also lent his talents across the country, including J.J. Pierce High School (TX), The Ventures Drum and Bugle Corps (Canada), and the Spirit of America Band (Orleans, MA).

Billy continued contributing to the youth of the area by becoming the TRWEA Management Committee Coordinator from 1998 until 2001, a position that later evolved into the Executive Director position. Billy's guidance provided much growth to the activity during his tenure with TRWEA.

John Rose

Louis Joseph (L.J.) Hancock
After his graduation from Gettysburg College in 1974, L.J. dove into Music Education head on offering passion, resilience, and dedication to every endeavor he undertook. As Director of Bands, L.J. was the foundation, cornerstone, and frame work for the program that was built at Norwin High School. L.J. served as a music educator from 1974 until 2001, earning the Teacher of the Year Award from Norwin High School in 2001. L.J. went on to claim over 1200 competitive first place finishes as the director of Norwin’s program, none more important the 1982 Bands of America Grand National Championship. L.J. served as Director of the Bands of America Summer Symposium, and as a member of the Bands of America Advisory Board Education Committee, Music Educators National Conference, Sigma Nu Fraternity, and locally serving as an Adjunct Music Professor at Duquesne University. During his tenure at Norwin, the band was awarded the Sudler Order of Merit by the John Philip Sousa Foundation, and was recently named a "Lowell Mason Fellow" by MENC - The National Association for Music Education at a ceremony in Washington D.C. He was the recipient of a Citation for Teaching Excellence by Duquesne University, named to Who's Who Among American Teachers, and named to Outstanding Men of America. He is also the recipient of a "Mouseker," Disney Corporation's Highest Award recognizing outstanding people. L.J. continued to share his wealth of knowledge and passion as an adjudicator for the Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judges and as a founding member of the PFCJ Winter Ensemble Association which later became the Three Rivers Winter Ensemble Association. L.J. was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame in 2003. His passing in January of 2002 left an indelible void in the world of education, music, and activity.

Bonnie Beal
Decades of service to her own high school program and her tireless work for TRWEA have elevated Bonnie's love for this activity to a fanatical passion. Her continuous involvement with Northgate High School has made her a fixture of pageantry in this area. She served on the TRWEA Management Committee and as its Individuals Coordinator.

Peter J. Spadaro was a band director at Central Catholic high school, a well-known music arranger in the area, and a founding father of TRWEA. Peter's involvement with TRWEA from its inception was crucial in providing a positive performance and competitive environment for all winter ensembles. A scholarship founded in Peter's name is presented yearly to a deserving youth that excels both on and off the floor.

Lee Kumer is a staple of the pageantry activity in the Pittsburgh area. Her continuous and ongoing involvement in the activity has taken on many roles. She has been involved with the Golden Triangles from its inception in 1963. As a model instructor, Lee has produced many award winning ensembles including East Allegheny High School. Lee has been as an adjudicator for Winter Guard International, Drum Corps International, and Bands of America, and served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judges for five years. Lee was an instrumental figure in the creation of TRWEA, providing her knowledge and expertise to structure an environment harboring for both students and instructors.

Lee has carried her love for pageantry into her professional life. She is the owner and operator of the Performer’s Corner, a retail establishment that caters to the needs of dancers, colorguards, gymnasts, twirlers, marching bands, and ice skaters.

Jan McMahon’s continuing support of youth as an instructor at Penn Trafford high School, as an adjudicator for the Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judges, and as the current Executive Director for TRWEA has earned her the honor of being an inductee of the inaugural class of the TRWEA Hall of Fame. Her guidance, patience, dedication, and passion continue to lead the circuit in a very promising direction.