DASSEL
COKATO
INDOOR
DRUMLINE
DC
MISSION STATEMENT:
"The DC Drumline goal is to create better people, instill character and teach life skills by providing an educational, challenging, and positive experience built on quality instruction and compelling performances. It seeks to develop students who are self-motivated, organized, disciplined and supportive when working in a team environment. In turn, we expect to make great musicians by practicing the principles outlined in the aforementioned."
Director's Notes
At our program, we truly mean it when we say that anyone can participate. About 90% of our members didn’t start as percussionists, and some have never played an instrument before. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to expand your musical abilities, there is a place for you here. We are committed to training you to become a high-performing percussionist, no matter where you start.
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Much like in any sport, we begin with the fundamentals. These building blocks are the foundation of a strong program. Our dedicated staff works with every student, no matter their experience, starting with the basics: how to hold a drumstick, how to strike the instrument, proper marching techniques, modern dance, balance, and choreography.
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By the end of the season, our students emerge not only as skilled musicians but as high-performing athletes. Even more importantly, we hope to have instilled in them the skills outlined in our mission statement—skills that will serve them far beyond the drumline.
Our Staff
Carlos Mendiola-Director
-Dassel-Cokato Marching Band 1987-1992
-Dassel-Cokato Indoor Drumline 1989-1992
-Dassel-Coakto Indoor Drumline Tech 1993
-Chopstix Percussion 1995
"I had an amazing experience marching with DC Drumline, and I helped bring on our first full-time instructional staff as a student. I was so passionate about it, I even convinced the band director to hire them. That was the start of something special. Now, I’m honored to serve as the Director of the DC Indoor Program, and it’s even more meaningful to me because all six of my kids have been part of it. I do this because I love seeing the students grow, both musically and personally, through their passion for this program."
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Anson Hanna-Program Coordinator Music Arranger, Designer
- Graduated from Elk River High School in 2020
- Graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2024 with a B.S in Manufacturing Engineering
- RVPT/728 2017-2020
- Shadow DBC Snare (Virtual) 2021
- DC Indoor 2021-Current Program Coordinator
- MBI Indoor Drumset/Snare 2022-2023
- MBI SoundSport Snare 2022-Current
I like sourdough pretzels, Avenged Sevenfold, and tattoos.
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Erin Schunk-Frontline Coordinator
-Graduated from Elk River High School in 2020
-Graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2024 with a B.S in Accounting
-DC Drumline 2022-Current Frontline Coordinator
-MBI Indoor 2022 (Glock)
-MBI Winds 2024 (Piano)
-MBI Soundsport 2025 Bass 1
I love animals, spicy food, and scary movies!
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Gus Wiitala-Battery Coordinator
-Graduated UMD with a degree in music education 2024
-RCR Indoor in 2018 Bass 4
-DC Indoor and Marching Band Battery Tech 2022- Current
-728 cadets and RVPT Battery Tech 2018 and 2019
-Cat personal, likes breakfast
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Ike Wiitala-Battery Tech
-Graduated from Elk River High School
-MBI Indoor 2023-2025 Tenor
-RCR Drum and Bugle Corps 2023 Tenor
-Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps 2024 Tenor
-DC Indoor Battery Tech 2023-Current
-Champlin Park Drumline Fall of 2023 Battery Tech
Hates Football, Coffee, and Running
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Joe Condon-Battery/Frontline Tech
-Graduated Woodbury Highschool
-4-year senior at the University of Minnesota studying music education
-Marched RCR Indor 2023, 202524
-MBI Sound Sport 2025
-Woodbury Highschool, Forest Lake Marching band, Lakeville South High School
-DC Indoor 2025 Battery Tech
-I like Coffee, Running, and Football
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Taylor Peter-Battery Tech
-Dassel-Cokato Alumni 2021
-DC Indoor 2017-2021 Bass, Quads
-DC Marching Band 2018-2021 Bass, Snare, Flute
- Iowa State College Football Varsity Marching Band 2021-2022 Baritone
- Iowa State Groove Drumline 2022
- DC Drumline WGI Championship Finalist 2019 12th DC indoor
-DC Drumline MPA State Champion 2019-2021
-DC Marching Band 2024 Battery Tech
-DC Indoor 2025 Battery Tech
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About the Staff
I’ve had the privilege of surrounding myself with some of the finest individuals to educate and inspire these students. The one common trait they all share is a deep passion for teaching young adults. Honestly, I can’t imagine a more dedicated group of people to work alongside than those listed here.
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Anson is the mastermind behind everything we do—his vision and ambition push us all to strive higher. That’s exactly what makes him invaluable to the team.
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Erin is the heart of our group—she’s the "mom" who exudes warmth, care, and endless patience. She’s always there for both students and colleagues alike.
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Gus is the all-around good guy, effortlessly connecting with students in a way that’s nothing short of brilliant. His ability to build relationships and teach students is truly remarkable.
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Then there’s the one who keeps things light, cracks jokes, and has an incredible way of breaking down complex concepts for students. When Ike is not marching himself, he is excited to be teaching our students alongside brother Gus. I talk to people about how we are a family and those 2 are actually family.
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Taylor Peter brings an unmatched drive to the team. Besides myself she is the only other staff that is DC alumni. She’s a classic Type A personality—focused, organized, and fiercely dedicated. I’ve always admired her unwavering commitment. Anson and I have both been instructors for Taylor and are happy to have her on the team.
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Joe is our newest team member, but he comes highly recommended by everyone above. From what I can see, he fits right in and brings a fresh perspective that’s already making a positive impact.
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Honestly, I wish I could have been a student in their drumline when they were teaching. They teach me something new every day. I hope that, in the future, your kids will have the chance to march for one of these incredible individuals.
- Carlos Mendiola
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