Carman T. Dragone

Carman has been the president of MAC for 14 years, and has also served as every other board position. His love for the activity is what drives him in his every day duties as President. He lives in Southbury with his wife, three children and two dogs. He enjoys being with his family, marching band, color guard and driving with the top down even though his hair doesn't blow in the wind anymore.

Chris Rivera

Chris is the band director at Norwalk High School, one of the most awarded music programs in the Northeast. Chris is MAC’s Percussion Coordinator and serves on the WGI advisory board for percussion. Chris has a wife and two daughters.

Tommy Kaplan 

Tommy was the Director of Color Guard for Naugatuck High School, a multi-award winning ensemble (including a bunch of Fans Favorites!). Tommy is MAC’s Scheduling & Website Coordinator, and is also a founding member of MAC. Tommy lives in Orange with his husband and two sons.

If you have any questions related to show schedules or our website contact: tommy@musicalartsconference.com

Karen Knapik

Karyn is the Color Guard Director at Masuk High School in Monroe, CT, and is currently the Treasurer for MAC. When not at Masuk, Karyn enjoys spending time with her husband and son.

Jim Miller

Jim has been involved in the marching arts community for decades, earning many accolades along his journey. He has written for various percussion ensembles including Drum and Bugle Corps and Universities across the country. He was also a musical arranger for the 2021 Disney Feature Film “Chang Can Dunk”. Jim was also the Teacher of the Year for Stratford, CT in 2023. When not teaching he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.