Spirit of Atlanta Returns Nucleus of 2025 Creative Team, Adds World-Class Visual Designers for 2026

ATLANTA, GA – (September 26, 2025) – Spirit of Atlanta is proud to announce its 2026 creative team. Building on the success of the 2025 season, Spirit is excited to bring back the nucleus of its creative staff while adding key new voices to our visual program. This mix of proven leadership and fresh perspective will drive Spirit into its 50th anniversary year.

Leading this year’s announcement are two highly respected names in the marching arts: Richard Hinshaw as Visual Designer and Daniel Wiles as Design Consultant. Hinshaw, an educator and designer with more than 30 years of experience, has helped guide Avon High School to multiple Bands of America Grand National Championships and has contributed to the success of ensembles such as The Cavaliers, The Colts, and The Academy. His ability to bring shows to life on the field makes his arrival at Spirit an important step forward.

Wiles brings an equally impressive background, having shaped some of the most recognized productions in both DCI and WGI. For more than two decades, he has been a central figure at Avon High School as Visual and Program Coordinator, leading the band and color guard to national prominence. His leadership has also included major roles with Carolina Crown, The Troopers, the Bluecoats, and The Cavaliers. A 2019 inductee into the WGI Hall of Fame, Wiles’ experience and vision will add depth to Spirit’s design team.

Spirit also welcomes Korey Craven as Color Guard Designer. Korey has taught and choreographed for programs across the Southeast, including Byrnes, Marvin Ridge, Dobyns Bennett, White Knoll, and Lexington. He has served on the color guard staff at Carolina Crown since 2023, while also teaching and designing for Nation Ford High School. In addition, he has been part of the design and instructional team at Étude Winterguard since 2025. Korey’s experience as both a performer and educator positions him to lead Spirit’s guard program with creativity and energy.

Equally important is the continuity of Spirit’s returning staff, who have been central to shaping the corps’ artistic and competitive growth. Gilles Oullette returns for his 11th year as Program Coordinator, continuing to guide the overall design and ensuring the production works as a whole. Michael Martin enters his 6th year as Creative Director, and Brass Arranger. His leadership has been key to building Spirit’s musical identity and driving the brass program forward. Adam Wiencken, also in his 6th year, continues as Battery Arranger, bringing consistency and a clear vision to the percussion program. His writing has been a cornerstone of the ensemble’s unified percussion sound. Andy Filipiak, now in his 2nd year with Spirit, serves as both Front Ensemble Arranger and Audio Designer. In these roles. Bradley Klemmensen also returns for his 2nd year as Visual Designer, contributing to the design team and supporting the continued growth of Spirit’s visual program.

“Bringing Richard, Daniel, and Korey onboard is a tremendous step forward for Spirit,” said Jason Burns, Executive Director of Spirit of Atlanta. “Combined with the strength of our returning team, this staff has the vision, creativity, and experience to make our 50th anniversary season unforgettable.”

Chris Moore, Director of Programs and Corps Director, added: “The strength of Spirit has always been our people. The nucleus of our returning creative team gives us stability and a proven foundation, while the addition of Richard, Daniel, and Korey opens the door to new levels of design and performance excellence. This is a team built to inspire our members and captivate our audiences in 2026.”

Auditions for the 2026 season begin on November 2 and continue through mid-December. For more information, including dates, locations, and registration, visit www.spiritofatlanta.org/join.

2026 Spirit of Atlanta Creative Team

• Gilles Oullette – Program Coordinator

• Michael Martin – Creative Director & Brass Arranger

• Adam Wiencken – Battery Arranger

• Andy Filipiak – Front Ensemble Arranger & Audio Design

• Richard Hinshaw – Visual Designer

• Daniel Wiles – Design Consultant

• Bradley Klemmensen – Visual Designer

• Korey Craven – Color Guard Designer & Caption Head