Matt began his Color Guard journey in 8th grade at Oakdale Junior High School, and continued to perform with Oakdale High School for all four years. After graduating, he went on to perform two gold-medal summer seasons with the Concord Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, as well as five winter seasons with groups including Imbue Winterguard, Riverbank Independent Winterguard, and the Santa Clara Vanguard Winterguard (2013 WGI World Class bronze medalists, 2014 WGI World Class silver medalists).

As an educator, Matt has taught and consulted for many winter guard programs across the Central Valley, including Oakdale Junior High, Enochs High, Beyer High, Gregori High, Ceres High, and Paradigm Independent Winterguard. Matt is excited to share the knowledge and technical skills he has acquired from his past instructional staff members with the incoming generation of performers!

In addition to his work in the performing arts, Matt holds an Associate’s Degree in Psychiatric Technology, both an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, and is completing his Master’s degree in Public Health Nursing.

My name is Taylor Nardello, and I have been deeply involved in the Oakdale Colorguard program since 2012, first as a performer and later as a dedicated coach. I began coaching in 2017 at Oakdale Junior High and continued at Oakdale High School from 2019 to 2021. I’m proud to return to the high school program in 2024, continuing my commitment to the development of our students both as performers and as individuals.

After graduating from Oakdale High School in 2018, I expanded my performance experience with the University of Idaho Vandal Marching Band and Colorguard, where I served as Colorguard Captain during the 2023 season. From 2022 to 2024, I lived in Idaho while completing my academic journey and, in 2025, earned my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Health Education.

My academic background is rooted in understanding the connection between physical health, performance, and leadership principles I bring into every rehearsal space. I am passionate about building strong, confident, and expressive performers while fostering a team culture based on respect, discipline, and creativity. Whether we’re on the field, the floor, or in the studio, my mission is to empower students to recognize their potential and embrace the joy of growth through movement.

As I continue my professional journey in health and performance, I remain honored to give back to the Oakdale community that raised me. I am excited to support the next generation of Colorguard performers and leaders, encouraging not just skill development, but personal confidence and resilience through the art of performance.

With a colorguard career that began in 1993, Danesa Menge brings over three decades of performance and instructional experience to reQuest Independent. Throughout this journey, she's had the privilege of learning under some of the activity’s most respected minds, including Scott Chandler and Mark Metzger, whose influence helped shape their creative and instructional approach.

As a performer, Danesa has earned a WGI bronze medal in 1996 with Beyer High School World Guard’s iconic production “Trainspeak.” In 1999, they took the floor with the legendary San Jose Raiders World Guard and achieved a fourth-place finish with the unforgettable “Spanish Fantasy.”

Since 2003, Danesa has proudly served as the coach of Oakdale Colorguard, building a strong program rooted in passion, excellence, and growth. Their continued commitment to the activity and their students reflects their deep love for the art of colorguard and the community that surrounds it.