Two long-time drum corps leaders have started in new positions with different organizations. Longtime Texas band director Stan Mauldin joins Phantom Regiment as the corps’ new executive director. He replaces Rick Valenzuela, who is now vice president of education and special projects at System Blue—part of BD Performing Arts.
Mauldin, who previously worked with the Blue Knights and the Colts but most recently with Seguin (Texas) High School, started with Phantom Regiment when work on the 2020 season was already underway. “You feel like you’re getting on a rollercoaster in the middle of the ride,” Mauldin says.
Mauldin says that he is looking forward to charting a future for the organization in such quickly changing times and credits Valenzuela for leaving a great foundation of growth for the organization. “We want to use our expertise to help influence change in education,” he says.
Valenzuela says that he’s excited about similar elements in his new job as System Blue expands clinic offerings and builds partnerships with other artists and drum corps.
In addition, Valenzuela is director of the BD International Corps this year and plans to travel to Europe with 100 performers for almost six weeks during the summer. They will perform in five countries.
Valenzuela served as Phantom Regiment director since 2007 and says that he will miss the interactions. “Every member of the group I’ve ever had, I’ve always felt that they’re my own kids,” Valenzuela says. “I love watching their growth and success.”
Update from the Editor: Due to COVID-19, The Blue Devils canceled its 2020 European tour.
