Lead Instructor

Jess is excited to be returning for her seventh year working with the Gates Chili Winterguard program for the 22-23 season as the A1 guard’s lead instructor. Jess has been involved in the marching arts since 2008 where she first joined Greece Marching Band, playing clarinet. She then moved to Colorguard in 2010 and never looked back. She has spun with The Greece Marching Band, Greece Winterguard, Patriots Winterguard, The White Sabers Drum and Bugle Corps and The Gates Chili IA Winterguard. Aside from Gates Chili Independent Winterguard, Jess has also worked with the Gates Chili Marching Band, The Greece Marching Band, and The Webster Marching Band.

When Jess isn’t teaching, you can catch her at your local Target and cuddling with her pup Luna.

Brandon is very excited to return to Gates Chili Winterguard as an instructor for the A1 guard.

Brandon has previously taught at Gates Chili Winterguard for 5 seasons, the Gates Chili Marching Band for 2 seasons, and the Greece Marching Band for 1 season. Brandon has marched with the Victor Winterguard for 2 seasons, the Patriots Winterguard for 3 seasons, and Gates Chili Independent Winterguard for 2 seasons. He has also marched with The White Sabers Drum and Bugle Corps for 4 seasons. 

In his spare time Brandon enjoys playing with his two cats Romeo and Maximus. Brandon is very excited for what is to come for the 2023 season!

Erin Whipple is thrilled to be a part of the Gates Chili Winterguard staff for the upcoming 2023 season!

Erin was a member of the Victor Color Guard program, and since graduating has been involved with several independent organizations, including two seasons with The Brigadiers Winter Guard, two seasons with the White Sabers Drum and Bugle Corps, one summer with the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, and 3 seasons with 3rd Legend Winter Guard. She has had the opportunity to teach both marching band and Winterguard with her alma mater, Victor High School, as well as Winterguard with the Batavia Winter Guard program.

Erin is excited for what’s to come this year with both the A1 program, and with everyone here at Gates Chili.