Staff

Arlene Meisner
Executive Director

There are certain people in your life that have an influence on the person you become ...and for anyone that grew up in the Top Hats, certainly understands how Executive Director, Arlene Meisner is one of those people.
Only a selfless individual would dedicate 36 years of her life as the director of an organization on a volunteer basis to provide youth an opportunity to learn, grow and develop, not only as performers in the competitive Winter Guard arena, parades and special events, but also in life. Many children otherwise would not be given such an opportunity without Arlene's commitment and this organization would not be where it is today without her.
Recently Arlene has been inducted into the TRWEA Hall of Fame. The Top Hats, one of the longest standing members of the TRWEA circuit, are amongst a few other local units that proudly represent TRWEA on a national level. The Top Hats, recognized 7 times as a WGI Championship Finalist continue to excel because of Arlene Meisner's dedication to the students and the staff. When a person gives her heart and soul it can only be for one reason - Love! Love of the activity, love of the members past and present, and love of the organizations in which the group belongs. And that...is exactly what Arlene is filled with...

Independent World Color Guard Staff

JC Caceres
Designer

Top Hats are thrilled to announce the appointment of JC Caceres to the 2010 staff, a highly sought after choreographer, designer, and visual consultant. JC consulted the Top Hats during the 2009 season; however, this year his involvement will be much greater. JC will take over as the Top Hats lead designer for the 2010 & 2011 Winter Guard season. JC has designed for renowned organizations, such as the Bluecoats & Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps. and is currently the lead designer for Madison Scouts, North by Northwest and Southridge High School.

JC also worked with numerous Winter Guards including: Northern Lights, Infiniti, Nolan, Signature, Plymouth-Canton H.S., Miamisburg H.S., Ronald Reagan H.S., and Murphy H.S.

He marched with the Cadets, Northern Lights, and Nolan.

Caceres is an accomplished songwriter and guitarist and currently plays lead guitarist in a well-known Portland based band - Amara.

Paula Sikorski
Director

Paula Sikorski has been an integral part of the Top Hats staff for over 15 years. She has been responsible for the visual design and staging for both the Top Hats Independent Open and Regional "A" guard from 2005 - 2009. With over 15 years of performance, baton & dance training with Top Hats, Golden Triangles, University of Pittsburgh Golden Girls, Point Park College, Fireside Studios, and Cervi's School of Performing Arts, she has shared her talents through instruction, choreography and consultation of various high school color guards, dance teams and majorettes in the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. In addition Paula has choreographed various High School Musical Productions.
Paula served on the TRWEA Management Committee, and served on the TRWEA Review Committee. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh. In 2010, Paula was inducted into the TRWEA Hall of Fame.
This season, Paula will continue to stage and design the Regional "A" guard, and direct both the World and Regional "A" programs.

Tracy Wooton
Equipment

Much of the Top Hats success is attributed to having Tracy Wooton, renowned director, designer and instructor, on the staff from 1999 to 2004 as the show designer and equipment instructor. Not only did Tracy take Top Hats to a new level, but he also mentored the staff during that time allowing each to grow and develop into designers and choreographers. In 2009, Tracy joined the Top Hats staff again where he is currently handling the equipment program, all student training and instruction and providing consultation. The Top Hats are grateful to have Tracy on board.

Innovation and constant study in the areas of teaching and training defines the approach Tracy has used over the last 25 years in the pageantry arts. As Director of Northern Lights, Tracy was responsible for all instruction and training of the performers. Tracy has served on the WGI Advisory Board as well as a clinician for many circuits nationwide. His teaching experience includes winter percussion, dance teams, drum corps, marching bands and color guards, such as Northmont HS, Miamisburg HS, Ronald Reagan HS, Southridge HS, Mason HS, Springboro HS, Madison Scouts, West Carrolton, Fairborn, Blackhawk, University of Oregon, Signature, Pride of Cincinnati, Escalade and Northern Lights. Working hands on with performers and staff, Tracy continues to serve as a consultant for multiple independent and scholastic programs.

Andy Mroczek
Choreographer

Top Hats welcome back Andy Mroczek as the Choreographer for the World Guard. Andy's unique style, advanced equipment manipulation, unparalleled movement skills and artistic expression will continue to enhance the Top Hats program...pushing it to a new level. Andy has been performing & instructing dance and color guard for over 16 years. His performance experience includes renowned programs, such as the Madison Scouts, Blue Devils, Every-Body and the Northern Lights. He currently resides in Portland, OR, where he manages the 2009 State Champion Skyview High School Dance Team and Skyview High School Color Guard.

In addition Andy has served as an instructor and choreographer for James Logan High School Color Guard (a 9 time scholastic world champion), the Seattle Cascades, Madison Scouts, Northern Lights, Blue Coats, the Santa Clara Vanguard, and the 2009 WGI Independent World Champion Santa Clara Vanguard Winter Guard. Andy has also worked with several dance companies based out of Portland Oregon, most recently with Acoustyc Bodi, Inc.

Performance Ensemble & Regional "A" Color Guard Staff

Danielle DeBiasio
Equipment and Choreography

Top Hats welcome back Danielle DeBiasio to the Regional "A" Color Guard Staff! Danielle started as a Top Hat at age 11 and performed for 12 years with this organization that she wears proudly on her sleeve. Danielle was a member when the Top Hats walked down the tunnel for their first time at WGI and performed with both the A then Open Class Guard until she aged out in 2006. She reflects often on these Top Hat times with her lifelong friends that were made. Because of her love for the sport, Danielle returned in 2010 when Top Hats went world. Danielle is ready to give back to Top Hats as she takes her journey as an instructor and choreographer for the Regional "A" guard.

Julia Flaherty
Equipment & Choreography

Top Hats welcome Julia Flaherty to the 2010 Regional "A" Staff. Julia is entering her 4th year of performance with the Top Hats Open Class guard. In 2009 Julia was appointed as one of the captains as a result of her strong work ethic, talent in equipment and dance, dedication, and leadership skills. Julia graduated from Norwin High School where she was also one of the Color Guard Captains.

Julia is attending La Roche College in Pittsburgh where she is majoring in Public Relations. Top Hats are thrilled to have her as part of the 2010 staff. Julia's passion for the activity and performing make her a perfect addition to the team.

Ben Sagucio
Equipment Training & Choreography

Ben Sagucio has officially joined the Regional "A" Colorguard staff! Beginning his guard career marching with Greensburg-Salem High School, Ben joined the Top Hats Open Class Guard in 2004. Here, he marched for five years before aging out after the 2008 season. Seeing the organization move into the Independent World Class for 2010, Ben took the opportunity to perform with the Top Hats again. Outside of the indoor realm, he marched with the Reading Buccaneers in 2005 and the Rochester Crusaders in 2006, two all-age corps. A graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with a degree in special education and a love for teaching, Ben hopes to help the younger members develop into successful performers.

Paula Sikorski
Baton, Show Design & Staging