Special Consultants
Key Poulan, III
Brass Composer/Arranger/ Consultant
Key Poulan is a composer and arranger with an expertise in the marching arts. He has written for the world’s most famous drum corps including the Santa Clara Vanguard, Mandarins, Glassmen, Spirit of Atlanta, Cascades, Spartans, Sunrisers, Hurricanes, Caballeros, Raiders, Millennium (Italy), Juliana (Netherlands), Siamyth (Thailand), Star United and the Mass Brass Mini Corps. He is the wind arranger for the World Champion Chromium Winds (The Cavaliers). As the owner of Key Poulan Music, he has been recognized as one of the country’s top arrangers and composers in the area of contemporary marching band, has several concert band works to his credit. His marching band arrangements have won several national titles at the Bands of America Grand Nationals Championships. His works have won many state titles throughout the United States and have been performed around the world. His transcription of “The Promise of Living” from Copland’s “Tender Land” was extremely well received at the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival and his original works “Carnegie Fanfare and Dance” and “A Fortune in Steel” were premiered at New York City’s Carnegie Hall.
Formal Education Key Poulan graduated from Marshall High School in Marshall, Texas in 1980 after starting band in Lindale Texas. Key received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from East Texas State University (currently Texas A & M – Commerce) in 1985 and had the opportunity of studying under many fine educators including: Gary Hill, Dave Ward, Dr. Robert Houston, and Dr. Gene Lockhart. Key studied trombone under the late Dr. Neill Humfeld and composition with Dr. Ronald Yates and Dr. Margaret Wheat at ETSU. Key also credits his success to his mentors: Philip Geiger, Bill Watson, Eddie Green, Dr. Lawrence Sutherland, Dr. Gary Gilroy, Dr. Jerry Payne, Melvin Reddic, Hubert “Butch” Almany and the person who started him on trombone in the 5th grade – Jasper Huff.
Drum Corps Experience Key was fortunate enough to audition for the Concord Blue Devils and be selected to the baritone line in 1983. As a fan of Wayne Downey’s electrifying writing style, Key spent time studying Wayne’s work and assisted him in lifting tunes during the 1983 Blue Devils’ season. Since 1985, Key has become an integral part of the Drum Corps International and Drum Corps Associates community. This is Key's 3rd Season writing for Arsenal.
Mark Saenz
Music/Percussion Consultant
Mark Saenz is the Instrumental Music Facilitator for the El Paso Independent School District. He received his Bachelor and Masters Degree in Music Education from New Mexico State University. In 2001, Mr. Saenz began his teaching career at Coronado High School as an assistant director and in 2012 became the Director of Bands. Throughout his eighteen year tenure, the Coronado Band received many recognitions including appearances at the UIL State Marching Band Contest and TMEA State Honor Band Finals, as well as being awarded the New Mexico State Tournament of Bands Grand Champions. Mr. Saenz is a performing member of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and other music groups in the El Paso area. Mr. Saenz has a beautiful wife, two boys and a girl.