2009 Instructional Staff
Executive Director
Chopstix Pecussion Director
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Jeremy Kunkel
The director of Chopstix percussion is Jeremy Kunkel. Mr. Kunkel earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Memphis in 2000. He has been performing for over 20 years in everything from rock bands to TV commercials to Broadway shows. His marching experience started with marching band in Waseca, MN and was a member of Chopstix percussion its first 2 years of existence. Jeremy has also been a member of the Mankato State marching band, University of Memphis marching band with 2 years as drum major, and 4 years with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. Jeremy was the DCM and DCI individual and ensemble tenor champion in 1994.
Jeremy instructed the Americanos Drum and Bugle Corps and was assistant director, performed with the Broadway show blast! and toured nationally 2001–2002, instructed the Madison Scouts in 2002–2003, and was director of Chops, Inc. Drum and Bugle Corps from 2003–2005.
Mr. Kunkel currently arranges/consults/teaches for numerous music and percussion programs throughout the United States, and is an accomplished clinician and performer.
Top Chops Horn Line Directors
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David Bratcher
David Bratcher has been a Twin Cities, MN teacher and musician for over 15 years. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Masters in Trombone performance from the University of Memphis. He has also done doctoral work at the University of Memphis. He has 20 years of teaching experience in both private lesson and public school settings.
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Matt Tremel
Matt Tremel, a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Music, is currently Director of Bands at St. Louis Park High School where he oversees a thriving concert band, and jazz program. At the high school, Matt directs the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Freshman Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Lab.
Prior to his work at St. Louis Park, Matt held a studio of 30 students in Wayzata and Spring Lake Park. During his time at the university, Matt studied saxophone with the world renowned saxophonist Eugene Rousseau and performed in the Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble. Matt is also an alumnus of the 2005 Walt Disney World College Band, a show band in which he performed daily for guests at the Magic Kingdom.
Hot Chops Color Guard Directors
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David Heraly
David Heraly is a 6 year vet of Chops Inc. He marched in the color guard in 2002, and 2004–07 and was a member of the 2005 DCA Championship group. David extended his marching to include The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps in 2003. Since returning back to Chops, he has marched the Chops Inc. Winter Guard in 2002–2003 and administratively directed the winter guard when it restarted in 2006. He also marched and instructed the winter guard from 2007–2008.
David has instructed or designed for the following groups: 2006-2007 Park High School summer parade and fall field show, 2006-2007 Anoka High School Color Guard and 2007 Winter Guard, 2008 Eagan High School Winter Guard, 2008 Cedarburg High School Marching Band and the inaugural Winter Color Guard in 2009.
David thanks his Chops family for the opportunity to work with the group again. David currently resides in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.
