Dr. James Latten is a Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Music at Juniata College, where he has been a central figure in the College’s music program since joining the faculty in 1997 and assuming full-time leadership of the wind and percussion ensembles in 2002.  He holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from Penn State University (2003), where he also served as a doctoral graduate assistant with the Penn State Bands and contributed to the Penn State Indoor Drumline from 1997 to 2000.  Earlier, he earned a Master of Music Education from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University Bloomington in 1990 and developed foundational teaching and conducting skills that would define his career.  Dr. Latten’s marching experience includes performances with the 1984 Empire Statesmen and the 1985 Garfield Cadets, both prominent drum and bugle corps with deep histories in competitive marching arts.  He has also marched with the Rochester Crusaders (1988, 1990) and Syracuse Brigadiers (1992, 1994), bringing firsthand expertise in high-level ensemble performance to his students. Dr. Latten is widely respected for his work as an educator, conductor, arranger, and adjudicator across symphonic and marching ensembles, and his influence extends through clinics, ensemble direction, and scholarship. His teaching blends rigorous musicianship with a deep commitment to student growth, making him a cornerstone of music education at Juniata.

Jacob Derges began his marching career with the Shenandoah University Marching Band, where he was a member during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His drum corps experience includes the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps, where he marched during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Jacob is currently pursuing a degree in Music Education at Shenandoah University and is expected to graduate in 2027. He has served as a percussion instructor at Sherando High School during the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 seasons, working closely with the percussion section.

Jacob will be serving as the Bass Drum Technician and is excited to help students grow musically while contributing to a strong and supportive ensemble environment. His instructors and mentors include Matt Penland, Kevin Hanrahan, Karli Viña, and Chris Braun.

Derique Young was born in Port Arthur, Tx and Served in the US Army as a Combat Artilleryman. His marching journey began with the Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm, where I proudly performed from 2008–2013, including the honor of marching in the 2009 Rose Bowl Parade. In 2010, He expanded his career into the drum corps world with Gulf Coast Sound Drum and Bugle Corps (DCA) on tenors, and the same year performed on synth with Imperial Percussion Theater (WGI). In 2014, He helped create the Houston Rockets Drumline and also performing on tenors. He later taught percussion at Sharpstown High School in Houston, where his students achieved multiple honors, including 1st place in Solo and Ensemble, Best Jazz Percussion, and several All-State medals.

On the international stage, he marched and performed with the Blue Devils International Corps, touring Europe, and in 2015, he performed with the Top Secret Drum Corps at the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland. In 2016, he became percussion arranger with Bayou City Blues Drum and Bugle Corps, where we proudly performed at DCI Southeast SoundSport and recieved a gold rating. More recently, he performed at the first-ever DCI All-Age Inaugural in 2024 with Fusion Core on snare, and in 2025, He marched with the Long Island Sunrisers, serving as Tenor Section Leader.

Academically, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Prairie View A&M University, and is currently pursuing hus Master’s in Music Composition for Film, TV, and Games at Berklee College of Music (Online).

As a performer, educator, and leader in the marching arts, his goal is not only to continue advancing my artistry but also to create opportunities for ensembles such as the Long Island Sunrisers to build musicians for the world of music that they are about to pursue!

Henry is deeply committed to nonprofit and community initiatives, with a long-standing record of leadership and impact. He is a founding member of the Cardinal Drum & Bugle Corps Alumni Association, where he played a key role in planning, operations, and coordination of local DCI competitions.  Over more than two decades, the organization awarded over $100,000 in music scholarships to DCI corps participants.

A lifelong supporter of the marching arts, Henry marched with the Beverly Cardinals from 1969 to 1975 and later taught drill for local drum corps and marching bands. His continued involvement reflects a passion for performance, discipline, and mentorship, values that carry through both his professional career and community contributions.

He also serves on the executive committee of the Frankies Voice Memorial Fund, supporting operations and digital presence for an organization dedicated to combating substance abuse in young adults. Through its annual fundraising efforts, the organization has raised and donated approximately $200,000 to support the North Shore Recovery High School.

He holds a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from Bentley University.  His career reflects a consistent focus on building scalable systems, and delivering reliable, client-centered solutions in complex environments.