FRONT ENSEMBLE STAFF
ERIN “NOVA” BLAKE
Front Ensemble Caption Head
Erin “Nova” Blake (she/they) is a front ensemble educator and performer born and raised in Arizona.
They are a proud alumnus of Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps (2019-2020), Colt Cadets (2021), and Vision Percussion (2021-2023).
She’s had the privilege of learning under many educators; most notably, Wardell King, Kyra Taylor, and Megan Hobbs.
She has worked with many high schools in the West Valley since 2020 such as Valley Vista, Buckeye Union, and Millennium, and is the current Front Ensemble Caption Head for Agua Fria High School.
They have worked with LINEA Percussion during their 2025 season, and currently work with 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps during the DCI season.
When they’re not teaching, she is a Registered Behavioral Technician with a clinic that provides early intervention therapeutic services geared towards children with autism.
They are currently attending Arizona State University for their psychology degree with an emphasis in behavioral sciences.
Erin “Nova” Blake proudly endorses Vic Firth products.
ELIAS PRADO-FRANCO
Front Ensemble Tech
Elias Prado-Franco is a dedicated music educator and Front Ensemble Tech with extensive marching experience, including two years with the Sun Devil Marching Band and two years at Breakthrough Indoor Percussion. With a total of six years in music instruction, Elias has contributed to programs at Tolleson Union High School and Carl Hayden Community High School.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education, Elias has a passion for learning, especially in the field of biology, which he enjoys studying during his free time. His commitment to music and education reflects a lifelong dedication to both teaching and personal growth.
TYLER MEDRANO RODRIGUEZ
Front Ensemble Tech
Tyler Medrano Rodriguez is a Front Ensemble educator and performer from Phoenix, Arizona. This will be Tyler’s first year teaching independent, and they are excited to join the staff here at Breakthrough A as a Front Ensemble Instructor.
Tyler is an alumnus of Carl Hayden High School Marching Band (2014-2018), Phoenix Union Indoor Percussion (2017-2022), and Vision Percussion (2023), having marched front ensemble for the majority of their career. They are currently teaching as a front ensemble instructor at Agua Fria High School in Avondale, AZ, during both marching band and indoor seasons. They also enjoy creating the sound design for their program. Tyler is focusing on expanding knowledge in the realm of audio as an audio intern with Vision Percussion.
Tyler is currently attending Phoenix College as a Music major and is in the process of transferring to a university to complete their Music Education degree. They currently perform with the Phoenix College Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, and PC Pan Groove.
In their free time, Tyler enjoys playing video games. They currently have over 1,000 hours of gameplay in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Tyler also loves spending time with their Belgian Malinois, Delta, and German Shepherd, Travis.