2022-2023 DeLand High School Band Staff
Director of Bands
Monica (Crew) Leimer was appointed Director of Bands at DeLand High School in 2019. Ms. Leimer holds both a bachelor's degree in Instrumental Music Education (Magna Cum Laude, 2001) and a master's degree in Music Education (2012) from the Florida State University. While at FSU, Ms. Leimer was a member of the Marching Chiefs, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Concert Band, and the Chiefly Brass Pep Band. She studied conducting with Patrick Dunnigan and Richard Clary and flute with Charles DeLaney. Ms. Leimer is highly involved with the Florida Bandmasters Association and the Florida Music Educators Association, having served on several committees as well as the FBA State Executive Board. She keeps an active schedule as an adjudicator and clinician throughout Florida and Georgia. Bands under Ms. Leimer's direction consistently receive Superior ratings at FBA District and State Music Performance Assessments and have received prestigious performance opportunities such as the National Band & Orchestra Festival at Carnegie Hall (2019 & 2022), the London New Year's Day Parade (2020), Essentially Ellington Regional Jazz Festival (2023), the National Memorial Day Parade (2023), and the Jazz Educators Network (JEN) Jazz Festival in New Orleans (2024). In 2019, Ms. Leimer founded the Florida Female Band Directors Network with the mission of creating a safe place for women band directors in Florida to find camaraderie, mentorship, support, and empowerment.
Ms. Leimer previously served as the Director of Bands at Lake Nona High School for 6 years and was a band director in the Tallahassee area for 12 years before that. She holds memberships in the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA), Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the National Band Association (NBA), the Jazz Education Network (JEN) and the Women Band Directors International (WBDI). She has previously served on the Board of Directors for the FSU Marching Chiefs Alumni Association as well as the Volunteer Service Team for Alpha Gamma Delta International Women's Fraternity. She currently resides in DeLand with her son James (a horn player in the FAMU Marching 100 and DHS Band alumni), daughter Madison (a current DHS band member), and their cats - Elsa, Molly, Percy, Dmitri, & Luxie.
Ms. Leimer previously served as the Director of Bands at Lake Nona High School for 6 years and was a band director in the Tallahassee area for 12 years before that. She holds memberships in the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA), Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the National Band Association (NBA), the Jazz Education Network (JEN) and the Women Band Directors International (WBDI). She has previously served on the Board of Directors for the FSU Marching Chiefs Alumni Association as well as the Volunteer Service Team for Alpha Gamma Delta International Women's Fraternity. She currently resides in DeLand with her son James (a horn player in the FAMU Marching 100 and DHS Band alumni), daughter Madison (a current DHS band member), and their cats - Elsa, Molly, Percy, Dmitri, & Luxie.
Percussion Instructors
Percussion Educator and Performer, Aidan Ervin (b. 1999), holds a Master’s Degree in Percussion Performance from Truman State University, where he studied under Dr. Michael Bump. His undergraduate degree is in Instrumental Music Education from Northwest Missouri State University, where he studied with Dr. Caleb Pickering, Dr. Andrew Morales, and Dr. Katy Strickland. Originally from the Northwest Missouri area, Aidan now resides in Sanford, Florida.
As a performer, Aidan has experience performing with a number of different groups including: the Quincy Symphony Orchestra as a section percussionist, River City Rhythm Drum & Bugle Corps on snare drum, and the Maples Repertory Theatre as a substitute drum set performer. Aidan performed with a diverse range of school ensembles during his undergraduate and graduate degrees, from wind ensembles, orchestras, and jazz groups, to percussion ensembles, steel pan bands and other ensembles.. As a soloist, Aidan placed 2nd in the Missouri Day of Percussion Marimba Competition in 2024, 3rd-place in the Mid-Missouri Percussive Arts trophy contest in 2020, and was a two-time honorable-mention awardee of the Southern Illinois Young Artist Association Instrumental Competition in 2023 and 24’. Aidan was also a winner of the 2023 Gold Medal Concerto Competition, where he performed Askell Masson’s snare drum concerto, Konzertstuck, with the Truman State University Symphony Orchestra.
As an Educator, Aidan was most recently the Percussion Director at Kirksville High School where he directed the Marching Tigers Percussion, the Spring Percussion Ensembles, and assisted with the Symphonic and Concert bands. Aidan also held a Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantship at Truman State University, where he directed the Statesmen Drumline, coached the Percussion Ensemble II, assisted with Truman Steel, and taught undergraduate lessons. Aidan has been teaching marching percussion groups since 2017, helping direct groups ranging from small rural bands to large highly-competitive percussion sections - with experience teaching both front ensemble and battery sections as well as composing and arranging for indoor and outdoor shows. Aidan has also taught private lessons and presented masterclasses on a variety of topics in the Northwest Missouri area. Aidan is a member of the Percussive Arts Society, and the Salyers Percussion Education Team.
As a performer, Aidan has experience performing with a number of different groups including: the Quincy Symphony Orchestra as a section percussionist, River City Rhythm Drum & Bugle Corps on snare drum, and the Maples Repertory Theatre as a substitute drum set performer. Aidan performed with a diverse range of school ensembles during his undergraduate and graduate degrees, from wind ensembles, orchestras, and jazz groups, to percussion ensembles, steel pan bands and other ensembles.. As a soloist, Aidan placed 2nd in the Missouri Day of Percussion Marimba Competition in 2024, 3rd-place in the Mid-Missouri Percussive Arts trophy contest in 2020, and was a two-time honorable-mention awardee of the Southern Illinois Young Artist Association Instrumental Competition in 2023 and 24’. Aidan was also a winner of the 2023 Gold Medal Concerto Competition, where he performed Askell Masson’s snare drum concerto, Konzertstuck, with the Truman State University Symphony Orchestra.
As an Educator, Aidan was most recently the Percussion Director at Kirksville High School where he directed the Marching Tigers Percussion, the Spring Percussion Ensembles, and assisted with the Symphonic and Concert bands. Aidan also held a Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantship at Truman State University, where he directed the Statesmen Drumline, coached the Percussion Ensemble II, assisted with Truman Steel, and taught undergraduate lessons. Aidan has been teaching marching percussion groups since 2017, helping direct groups ranging from small rural bands to large highly-competitive percussion sections - with experience teaching both front ensemble and battery sections as well as composing and arranging for indoor and outdoor shows. Aidan has also taught private lessons and presented masterclasses on a variety of topics in the Northwest Missouri area. Aidan is a member of the Percussive Arts Society, and the Salyers Percussion Education Team.
Ethan Mercer was appointed to the percussion staff at DeLand High School in 2025. He grew up in Melbourne, Florida where he attended Viera High School before moving to DeLand and joining the Stetson University percussion studio. As a member of the Marching Hawks, Ethan played Snare and served as a Percussion Captain. He now continues to play snare as a member of the Hatter Band of Stetson University. As a member of the Viera High School band program, Ethan had the opportunity to perform at Steinmetz Hall, march indoor percussion with the FFCC, and take part in the Crown Jewel marching band competition. Throughout his 4 years at Viera High School, he earned many superior medals as both a soloist and an ensemble member at Solo and Ensemble performances. Following his high school career, Ethan joined the Marine Corps Reserves. In the Marine Corps, Ethan has had the opportunity to attend a multitude of leadership seminars taught by senior Marines and complete training in many parts of the world. While still serving, Ethan became a member of the Studio of Professor Dan Johnson, pursuing a degree in percussion performance and digital arts. In his college career, he has had the opportunity to play in Steinmetz Hall once again with the University Symphonic Band, as well as tour Costa Rica with the same ensemble led by Dr. Chandler Wilson.
Blake Sutliffe was appointed to the percussion staff at DeLand High School in 2025. He grew up in Naples, Florida where he attended Golden Gate High School before moving to DeLand and joining the DeLand High School Band program. As a member of the Marching Bulldogs, Blake played tenors and served as a section leader. He previously played marimba and bass drum in the Titan Marching Band at Golden Gate HS. As a member of the DeLand Band program, Blake had the opportunity to perform at the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC, the National JEN (Jazz Educators Network) Conference in New Orleans, LA, and the Chicago International Music Festival at Symphony Center in Chicago, IL. Throughout his 4 years, he earned a plethora of superior medals as both a soloist and an ensemble member at Solo and Ensemble performances. Blake is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Music in Percussion Performance at Stetson University.
Guard Staff
Jamont Britt was appointed to the band staff at DeLand High School in 2024. Jamont is a proud alumni of DeLand High School and was a member of the Bulldog Bands for four years, performing as a tuba player in the Marching Bulldogs, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band. He was a member of the Emeralds Winterguard for two years. After graduation, Jamont was a member of the UCF Pegasus Open Winterguard, finishing as a Top 10 WGI Finalist in 2023. Jamont currently serves as a substitute teacher for Volusia County Schools and as a counselor at the Florida Sherrif's Youth Ranch in the summer. He has previously served as the guard director at Viera High School and is very excited to return to his alma mater as a member of the colorguard staff.
AJ Cusack was appointed to the band staff at DeLand High School in 2023. They attended DeLand High School where they performed with Avant Garde, the DHS Choral Program, and eventually, the DeLand High Emeralds. She received a superior on a dance solo at FBA State Solo & Ensemble and finished out senior year with a bronze medal at FFCC Championships. After graduation, AJ used their passion for guard and performing to become a member of the George Mason University Winterguard for the 2024 season and the Pegasus World Guard for the 2025 season.
Currently, AJ is working towards her Associate of Science degree in Paralegal Studies while fulfilling her passion of teaching students how to break out of their shells and watching their performance growth.
Currently, AJ is working towards her Associate of Science degree in Paralegal Studies while fulfilling her passion of teaching students how to break out of their shells and watching their performance growth.
Kevin Griner was appointed to the band staff at DeLand High School in 2019. Mr. Griner studied Business Management and Marketing at The University of North Florida. He has served as an entertainment performer and stage manager for the Walt Disney Company for over 24 years. He toured as a Disney Entertainer and worked for 12 months on board the Big Red Boat representing Disney. Kevin wrote and created the educational auxiliary workshop "Auxiliration" for the Disney Magic Music Days, in addition to hiring and training all color guard clinicians for the workshop. Kevin is a color guard adjudicator for Heritage Festivals, OrlandoFest, and Festival Disney Music Competitions. He also serves as an active color guard adjudicator for the Florida Bandmasters Association and as a winter guard equipment judge for the Florida Federation of Judges Association.
Mr. Griner currently serves as the Color Guard Director for the University of Central Florida Marching Knights and WGI World Gold Medalist Pegasus Winter Guard. He is highly sought after as a color guard director and designer for numerous outstanding high school visual programs. In 1991 he was a member of the bronze-medalist Winter Guard program - Alliance of Miami and is a 30 year member and instructor in both the Winter Guard International and Drum Corps International organizations.
Mr. Griner currently serves as the Color Guard Director for the University of Central Florida Marching Knights and WGI World Gold Medalist Pegasus Winter Guard. He is highly sought after as a color guard director and designer for numerous outstanding high school visual programs. In 1991 he was a member of the bronze-medalist Winter Guard program - Alliance of Miami and is a 30 year member and instructor in both the Winter Guard International and Drum Corps International organizations.
Miscellaneous
Jean Diaz was appointed to the band staff at DeLand High School 2019. Originally from San Juan, PR, he currently resides in Orlando, FL. He attended Lake Nona High School where he was a member of the Jazz Band, Marching Band and the Wind Ensemble. Jean started playing euphonium when he was in middle school and kept playing until his junior year in high school when he also began playing bassoon. Jean is recently graduated from Valencia College and plans to study Political Science and International Relations at the University of Central Florida starting in the Spring 2021 semester. Jean is also an avid Disney fan and currently serves as a food & beverage cast member at Disney Springs.
Christian Ricketts serves as Director of Bands at DeLand Middle School as well as on the band staff at DeLand High School. Mr. Ricketts serves on the Board for Unity Performing Arts in the West Volusia area, in which he also directs the Clarinet Ensemble. He also annually spends a part of his summer on staff with Stetson University’s Clarinet Clinic. Originally from South Florida, Mr. Ricketts graduated from Coral Springs High School and currently resides in Deltona, FL. He studied Music Education at Stetson University and graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in 2019. He has consistently maintained his clarinet/bass clarinet performance career, performing with groups such as Southern Winds, Central Florida Winds, Space Coast Wind Ensemble, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Epcot Candlelight Processional Orchestra at the Walt Disney World Resort. Mr. Ricketts is an active member of the Florida Bandmasters Association and also teaches private clarinet and bass clarinet lessons in Volusia County.