Mr. Pirzer is in his 21st year as the band director at Gainesville High School. He currently teaches Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Marching Band. The Gainesville High School Hurricane Band has been the FMBC State 3A Champions in 2008, 2011 and 2015 under Mr. Pirzer's direction. The band was also invited to perform in the 2017 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington D.C., the 2023 Music For All Orlando Invitational and 2024 President's Cup Invitational in D.C. Mr. Pirzer is a University of Florida graduate. Go Gators!
Virginia Riva-Niccolini is a Gainesville-based percussionist and educator who recently earned her degree in Music Performance from the University of Florida. During her time at UF, she participated in the University of Florida Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Brass Band, and Percussion Ensemble. While in college, she also travelled to places such as New York City and Salzburg, Austria, learning about new and old influences on classical and contemporary music.
Virginia is a graduate of Gainesville High School and has taught the percussion section there since 2023. Her responsibilities include teaching both the front ensemble and the drumline, as well as helping during the concert season to lead ensembles and teach independently.
Lily Brown graduated from Gainesville High School in 2020. She completed 3 years of color guard at GHS marching and winter seasons. She graduated from Santa Fe College with an A.S. degree in Respiratory Therapy and now works at UF Health Shands. Lily Brown has coached the GHS color guard since 2022.
Eleanna Rodriguez is from Cedar Park, Texas where she marched in the Cedar Park Middle School color guard and the Leander High School color guard. While in the Leander guard, she was a member of the weapon line and served as varsity captain from 2019-2021. In 2019, Eleanna competed in BOA Grand Nationals at Indianapolis with the Leander Band where they placed 5th in finals.
Currently, Eleanna is a student at the University of Florida where she is studying marine sciences.
Ryan Parrulli is a current student at the University of Florida pursuing degrees in Music and Physics. Ryan attended Windermere High School and was involved in their competitive marching band and indoor percussion programs. As Percussion Captain, he played both on the field and in the front ensemble. At UF, he has been the principal percussionist for the Wind Symphony, Orchestra, and has been a drummer in their top jazz band. Ryan has also taught private percussion lessons for five years, teaching fundamental skills in all things percussion.
Joshua Chaney is a recent graduate and proud alumnus of the band program. During his time in band, he served as Drumline Captain and Center Snare, leading the percussion section through performances and competitions. He is currently studying Physics at Santa Fe College and is excited to return as a percussion instructor.
Dr. Ethan Spencer is a trombonist, educator, and performer based in Florida. Originally from south-central Pennsylvania, he earned degrees from The Pennsylvania State University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida, where he completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Trombone Performance. Dr. Spencer performs regularly with orchestras, big bands, chamber ensembles, and musical theatre productions, and has extensive experience teaching students of all ages. He is passionate about helping young musicians develop their technical skills, confidence, and love of music.
Brianna Taylor is from Greenville, South Carolina, and graduated with a bachelor's in wildlife biology from Clemson University class of 2024. She is now a postgraduate student in wildlife forensics at the University of Florida. She marched all four years at her alma mater, Powdersville High School. Her tenure includes winning a state championship, becoming the first female low brass section leader in school history, and eventually marching in Tiger Band during her time at Clemson. Outside of attending school and being a marching band visual instructor, Brianna currently works as a paraprofessional at Norton Elementary.
Arjuna Junker has been the drill designer for the Gainesville High School Marching Band since 2014. When he gives me a proper picture and bio, it will appear here.
Courtney has worked with the Gainesville High School Marching Band since 2025. When she gives me a proper picture and bio, it will appear here.
Elizabeth Burt is a graduate of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where she developed her passion for music education and performance. She began her teaching career at Lovejoy High School in Georgia before continuing at Ooltewah Middle School in Tennessee. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has served as the Woodwind Caption Head for Ooltewah High School and has instructed at Dorman High School band camps in South Carolina.
In 2014, Elizabeth earned a Master of Arts in Secondary Science Education from the University of Florida. She currently serves as a Gifted Education teacher at Talbot Elementary School, where she enjoys inspiring students to explore, create, and discover their potential.
Juan has worked with the Gainesville High School Marching Band since 2026. When he gives me a proper picture and bio, it will appear here.
Aliya has worked with the Gainesville High School Marching Band since 2026. When she gives me a proper picture and bio, it will appear here.
Yami has worked with the Gainesville High School Marching Band since 2026. When she gives me a proper picture and bio, it will appear here.