RA Lead Instructor
Derek K. Pooley is very excited to join the Gates Chili Independent Winterguard program as the RA guard's Lead Instructor.
Derek has been teaching and designing for over 15 years. Most recently he was the Director for Liverpool JV and Varsity from Liverpool New York. Derek has also worked with New Hartford and Westmoreland Marching Band and Winterguards both in the Utica, NY area. Beside teaching, Derek is a General Effect Judge for the New York State Federation of Contest Judges.
Derek earned his Bachelor's degree from SUNY Potsdam in English and Communication, Master Degree in Higher Education from Southern New Hampshire University, and will be earning his Doctorate in the near future from University of Rochester. Derek's current full time job is the Director of Orientation and New Student Programs at the University of Rochester.
When not working or at rehearsal, Derek loves hiking, camping, traveling, and relaxing at home with his two awesome cats; Gus and Hank.
Jason is extremely excited to join the Gates Chili instructional staff with the RA program.
Jason’s color guard career began in 2018 with the Corning Painted-Post Winterguard. Since then he has been a marching member of the White Sabers Color Guard (2018-2021), Gates Chili Independent A Winterguard (2022, 2024) and the Boston Crusaders Color Guard (2022-2024). He has been teaching and choreographing for the Corning Painted-Post Winterguard for the past three seasons, and he will be working with them this upcoming winter season as well.
Jason is a third-year student at Nazareth University where he is studying Early Childhood Education and English. He is so excited to get to share his passion, and work with such an amazing organization.
Shea is delighted to be returning to the Gates Chili program not only as a member but as an instructor for the RA program in the upcoming 2024-2025 season.
Shea began her marching career with the Greece Marching Band in 2016, where she remained until graduating high school in 2023. She joined the Gates Chili organization in 2017 and has since marched in all of its programs, including cadet, RA, A1, and IA. Shea has also performed with the White Sabers Drum and Bugle Corps for their 2022 and 2023 seasons, and has assisted with the Heritage Hurricanes All Abilities Colorguard for several winter and summer seasons since 2019.
Her teaching career began in 2023 with the Rochester City School District, where she is currently a co-instructor for their color guard. Shea is so grateful to have been extended the opportunity to work with the members of this organization and share the love and passion she has for this activity.
Shea is currently attending RIT pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and have an ultimate goal of attending law school. When Shea is not at guard, you can find her getting a drink at the Dunkin Donuts drive-thru or working in the Wegmans sub shop!
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