Brett McSwain
Brett Mcswain knew at the age of four that he was destined to be a performer, believing even then that he had something to say with his body that was bigger than himself. Initially joining marching band as a baritone player in high school, he craved a bigger challenge and a more resonant means of personal expression, which led him to join the Cadets of NYC Drum and Bugle Corps to be a color guard/dancer in 2002. After a few years of developing his skills and his drive for excellence, he eventually marched with multiple competitive ensembles in WGI, DCI, and DCA, including the East Coast Drum and Bugle Corps (winning DCI Championships in 2005) and the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps (winning "Best Color Guard" for three consecutive years), and two WGI World Class Finalists: the Light Brigade Buffalo Soldiers Winter Guard in 2006 and the Emanon Color Guard from 2012-2014. Brett's competitive spirit as a performer carried over to his career as a teacher, helping the 2009 and 2010 Haddon Heights High School Color Guard in New Jersey to go undefeated through their competitive seasons. Additionally, he taught color guards in the highly competitive state of Texas including East Central High School in San Antonio, B.F Terry High School in Houston, and Port Isabel High School in southern Texas, for which he was instrumental in all of their success in their State Finals from 2015-2018. Brett is a self-identified drifter having lived in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Texas before moving to New Orleans in 2018. To start his collegiate experience teaching at Tulane University from 2019-2023. Also working with Houma Christian Academy as there show designer from 2020- present. His passion for new experiences is paralleled by his strive for perfection in performance, and his desire to share his talents and gifts to aspiring dancers and color guards of all skill levels. As the North Carolina State University Marching Band Color Guard Instructor, Brett's goal is to push and inspire his students in the same way he was inspired through his varied and well-traveled career.