J.D. Shaw

J.D. Shaw, Carolina Band staff arranger, is associate professor of horn at University of South Carolina and was formerly the French hornist with the internationally acclaimed Boston Brass where he was creative director, music arranger and co-owner of the ensemble. J.D. is an active solo artist and travels extensively throughout the United States and many countries in North America, Europe and Asia. In addition, J.D. has also been a featured performer on National Public Radio's Performance Today and the CBS Morning Show. J.D. received his Masters of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music where he was awarded the performer's certificate under the tutelage of horn pedagogue Verne Reynolds. Hailing from Hutchinson, Kansas, he earned his degree of Bachelors of Music at the Wichita State University studying with Dr. Nicholas E. Smith. Prior to his position at University of South Carolina, Professor Shaw has held teaching posts at Boston College, University of New Mexico and University of Miami. As an active performer and prolific arranger, J.D. has recorded over 15 albums encompassing diverse musical styles from the Classical, Jazz, and Latin genres. As a prolific arranger, Professor Shaw writes music for many orchestras, bands, and chamber ensembles. His arrangements are featured with several publishers and can be heard on many recording labels and performance stages across the world. Currently, he is the music arranger for the world champion Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps.

Peyton Bewley

Peyton Bewley, a native of Irmo, SC, is currently pursuing dual bachelor's degrees in Music Education and Music Performance at Appalachian State University. She has performed with several orchestras, wind ensembles, chamber groups, and drum corps, and has also worked with various middle school band programs. Peyton looks forward to returning to South Carolina in the Fall to pursue a Master of Music degree in horn performance and is eager to work with the Carolina Bands.

Payton Biskner

Payton Biskner is a certified Athletic Trainer currently completing a certificate in Critical Incident Management and Primary Care at USC. She holds a Bachelor's in Kinesiology and a Master's in Athletic Training from Iowa State University. Born and raised in Texas and from an athletic family, Payton developed a passion for understanding the human body and providing care to those who go beyond athletic expectations. Her hobbies include discovering and collecting music from every genre and creating art in all medias. She is excited to continue her education with performing arts and looks forward to growing within the program.

Tayshaun Brown

Tayshaun Brown, who originally grew up in Irmo, South Carolina, is a senior Music Performance major in clarinet at the University of South Carolina School of Music. Under his professor, Joseph Eller, Tay has achieved many accomplishments and has been offered great opportunities during his time here, one of which being named a finalist in the 2025-26 Aria Concerto Competition. In addition to his studies in clarinet, he has been a member of the Carolina Band for three years, serving as a section leader during the 2025-26 season, and now humbly serving as a member of the senior staff for his final season. As a dedicated member, Tay is a proud brother of Kappa Kappa Psi, who dedicates their time to service, leadership, and music excellence in college band programs, and he served as an Alumni Relation Officer for two years. Outside of the School of Music, he is a member of the Trio OSP Program, a program that helps first-generation students, and became a Trio Mentor for freshman students to guide them through their first year and give them resources for aid. Tay is extremely grateful to be one of the senior staff members and is looking forward to strengthening and supporting the Carolina Band in their needs to be at their best. After graduation, Tay hopes to continue his education to earn a master's in performance and perform in professional ensembles, opening him to a new level of music, dedication, and greater experiences. When not playing his clarinet, Tay is involved in various musical theater productions with a few theater companies, loves to draw, getting to cook his favorite meals, spending time with friends and family, and when in doubt, loves to dance whenever he gets the chance to! 

Clayton Dodson

Clayton Dodson is a senior public health major at the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health. Originally from Athens, Georgia, he has been a member of the Carolina Band for the past four years, serving as a mellophone section leader for the 2025 season. Clayton is further involved on campus as a brother of Phi Mu Alpha, where he has served in multiple leadership roles and is also an active member of the Pre-Physical Therapy Club. Outside of academics and music, Clayton can be found working out, playing disc golf, or spending time with friends. Following his graduation this December, he plans to enter a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Ryan Gonzales

Ryan Gonzales served as Director of Bands at James Monroe High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District from 2013 to 2026. During his tenure, he conducted the Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Marching Band while also serving as Department Chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Department. Mr. Gonzales is the founder of both the James Monroe High School Visual and Performing Arts Academy and the Monroe Network of Schools (MNOS) Fine Arts Conservatory. Together, these programs serve more than 1,200 students annually. He also served as a Teacher on Special Assignment, advocating for comprehensive arts education across all 20 schools in the Monroe Network. During his tenure at James Monroe High School, the music department received numerous accolades and grants, including multiple awards from the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation and the Arts and Healing Justice Network. In 2025, the James Monroe Concert Band was selected to perform at the California All-State Music Education Conference, where it was featured in a performance with Dr. Larry Stoffel of California State University, Northridge. In addition to his work at James Monroe High School, Mr. Gonzales serves as President of the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) Southwestern Section. He has also been invited to serve as a guest lecturer at California State University, Northridge, collaborating with the CSUN Wind Symphony and Wind Ensembles. In addition, he serves as a clinician for middle and high school concert bands and orchestras throughout Southern California. In February 2026, Mr. Gonzales was named the Education Through Music–Los Angeles Shining Star Award recipient alongside legendary songwriter Diane Warren. He was recognized as the Shining Star Music Educator of the Year for his outstanding contributions to his students and the greater Los Angeles community. In 2026, Mr. Gonzales was selected as a Presidential Fellow, an honor recognizing his leadership, commitment to educational excellence, and contributions to music education. Through this prestigious fellowship, he joined a distinguished cohort of musicians dedicated to advancing innovation and excellence in a variety of fields. Mr. Gonzales earned both his Bachelor of Music degree in Euphonium Performance and his Master of Music degree in Instrumental Band Conducting from California State University, Northridge, where he studied with Dr. Larry Stoffel.

Christian Kilgore

Christian Kilgore is a percussionist, performer, educator, and composer previously based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He studied Percussion Performance at Middle Tennessee State University for his Master’s degree and Percussion Performance & Music Composition from Kennesaw State University for his Bachelor’s degree. He has been playing percussion for over twelve years and composing for various groups for the past decade. He currently performs in various large ensembles, percussion ensembles, church organizations, multiple local ensembles, steel pan bands, a salsa band, and is always working on solo content. He has notably appeared as a solo artist during the world premiere of his first concerto and can be heard performing multiple original works on his albums Everything Now and Just the Beginning. His compositions have been premiered by the Texas Christian University Percussion Ensemble, the Middle Tennessee State University Percussion Ensemble and Steel Pan Band, the Kennesaw State University Symphony Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble, RE-Percussion, Jackson County High School, Discovery High School, North Oconee High School, the Governor’s Honors Program Percussion Ensemble and more.  He has also had the opportunity to lecture/teach at the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, Middle Tennessee State University, West Jackson Middle School, Whitefield Academy, Jackson County High School, Lost Mountain Middle School, Encore Band Camp, Wheeler High School, Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, and more. Christian has had the pleasure to study under Lalo Davila, Brian Mueller, Julie Davila, John Lawless, and Laurence Sherr.

Grant King

Grant King is the Director of Bands at Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii where he oversees a comprehensive grade 5-12 band program serving over 500 students. Grant previously founded the band program for the Tindley Accelerated School Network in Indianapolis where he served as Director of Bands (2012-2018). He holds a bachelor's degree in music education from Michigan State University (2011) and earned a master’s degree in wind band conducting from Butler University where he studied under the mentorship of Colonel Michael Colburn (2018). Outside of the classroom, Grant is an active member in professional musical organizations and events having served on the board of directors of the Oahu Band Director’s Association as Vice President (2019-2021). Grant and his wife Fey are thrilled to be joining the Carolina Band Family! 

Cameron Unger

Cameron Unger is a senior music education major from Long Island, NY. He is a student of the South Carolina Honors College, is earning a performance certificate in trombone, and plans to graduate with Leadership Distinction in Professional Engagement. He has marched with the Carolina Band for three years, served as section leader this past year, and is an active brother of the National Honorary Band Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi. Outside of his musical endeavors, he enjoys playing golf and tabletop games with friends. After graduation, he plans to teach, inspiring and developing future musicians as a band director. Cameron is grateful for the opportunity to serve as a member of Senior Staff and looks forward to working with the band from a new perspective.

David Warren

David Warren is originally from Carrollton, Georgia and will be attending the University of South Carolina to pursue a DMA in Wind Conducting and serving as a graduate assistant.  David received his masters degree in music education from the University of Georgia and his bachelor's degree in music education from Berry College. He has previously been an assistant band director at Rome High School (GA) and Marian Catholic High School (IL), as well as director of bands at Central-Carroll High School (GA).  He has also served as the Director of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps and a Sales Representative for Fred J. Miller, Inc.  

Kirk Randazzo

Kirk Randazzo, “The Voice of the Carolina Band,” is a highly sought-after speaker and scholar, both internationally and across the United States. As a respected political scientist, he teaches and conducts research on constitutional law and judicial politics, the rule of law in emerging democracies, and judicial independence. Dr. Randazzo is the director of the Carolina Leadership Initiative, which seeks to promote, encourage, and facilitate leadership and its development across the University of South Carolina. As a public speaker, his presentations focus on developing fundamental leadership skills and strategies for successful conflict management, team motivation and public speaking. He received a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of South Carolina in 1994 and his Ph.D. in political science from Michigan State University in 2003. From 2003–2008 he taught at the University of Kentucky and in 2008 returned to his alma mater as a professor of political science at the University of South Carolina. He serves on various boards including the USC Alumni Band and the Friends of the USC School of Music.

Randy Herald

Randy Herald, Carolina Band videographer, marched in the Carolina Band from 1970–72, and in 1973 he began videotaping the band performances. Randy graduated from USC with a B.A. in broadcast journalism and a master of media arts degree. He worked in various roles during his career at Carolina including television producer, production manager, university broadcast coordinator, media arts instructor and was USC’s first athletic video coordinator. He retired from USC in 2002 and started a new career as visual information manager at Fort Gordon. He retired again in 2011 and now serves on several nonprofit boards as well as playing in the Savannah River Winds and the Camden Community Concert Band.

Gordon Humphries

Gordon Humphries joined the Carolina Band staff in 2015 as the band photographer. Gordon is a Columbia native and an adjunct instructor of photography in the School of Visual Art and Design at USC.