Troopers Announce Drum Major & Conducting Team
We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Drum Major & Conducting Team! This year, we had an incredible turnout of talented participants, each bringing their unique skills and passion to the table.
At our historic callback camp in January, candidates had the opportunity to conduct the entire ensemble. They were evaluated on their conducting abilities, ensemble leadership, and their interactions with both staff and fellow participants.
"We are immensely proud of the team selected and are confident that the Troopers are in exceptional hands for the upcoming season!" -Mary Duerkop, Troopers "A" Corps Director
Simon Beltran - Drum Major
Simon is an 18-year-old Film and Television major at Fordham University in New York City, studying to become a Film Director. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Simon grew up in Marietta, Georgia, after immigrating with his family.
Simon’s musical journey began as a clarinet player at Walton High School, where he became Backfield Drum Major in his junior year and later served as Head Drum Major and Featured Soloist during his senior year. He further honed his leadership skills by attending the 2023 North Atlanta Drum Major Camp and the 2023 Music for All Summer Symposium.
In the 2024 DCI season, Simon was a Conductor for the Troopers and is thrilled to return for his second season as Co-Drum Major. He is passionate about teaching and leadership, striving to help others reach their full potential and inspiring them to become the best versions of themselves.
Simon is also in his first year as a Clinician with Silent Command. Beyond drum corps, he enjoys playing jazz in New York City, singing at church, and participating in theater productions. He is excited to collaborate with the Troopers' team and help build a strong foundation for leadership and community within the organization.
Vitto Pagliardini - Drum Major
Vitto is an 18-year-old from Pensacola, FL, who has marched with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps for three seasons, all on mellophone. In high school, Vitto served as head drum major during her senior year. After her time in DCI, Vitto plans to pursue a career as an electrician, with aspirations to travel the world and study languages.
In her free time, Vitto enjoys crocheting, hiking, camping, and reading Stephen King novels. Vitto also has a deep passion for her 1984 F-150 truck, which she proudly considers her prized possession.
Ritika Deivasigamani - Conductor
Ritika Deivasigamani is a junior music education major at East Texas A&M University (formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce). A native of Frisco, Texas, she graduated from Lone Star High School in the spring of 2022. Ritika enjoys spending time with her younger brother, parents, and friends from both college and home.
Her primary instruments are flute and piccolo, and she brings four years of drum major experience at the high school and college levels. This marks her first season with DCI, and she is thrilled to have this incredible opportunity. Ritika looks forward to collaborating with a talented team of young leaders and professionals while continuing the Troopers’ long-standing tradition of inspiring audiences across the nation.
Susannah Wilkinson - Conductor
Susannah Wilkinson is a 17-year-old senior at Chatham High School in Chatham, Virginia. She is a flute player, a choir member, and has served as a conductor at her high school for three years.
After graduating, Susannah plans to attend Virginia Tech to pursue a degree in music, with aspirations of a lifelong career in composing and conducting. This is her rookie season in drum corps, and she couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
Addison Wood - Rehearsal Assistant
Addison Wood is an 18-year-old senior at Lovejoy High School in Texas, where he serves as the head drum major. A skilled concert bass clarinetist, Addison has two years of experience in both marching and conducting.
In addition to his passion for concert music, Addison has a strong interest in jazz, particularly jazz guitar. His future aspirations include joining the Texas Tech music education and jazz performance programs, as well as performing with the Texas Tech Goin’ Band. After graduating college, Addison plans to pursue a career as a band director.
He is excited and honored to be part of the Troopers and to contribute to the tradition of excellence within the corps.
For more information on the 2025 Troopers
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