"The first time I heard about it I was a senior in high school... that was when I discovered there was a person who wrote my band's drill.  To me, that sounded like the coolest job ever.  I didn't know it yet but the hook had already been set.  During that last year of high school I started feverishly scribbling down drill on notebook paper, not having access to any proper charts.

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When I entered college and discovered a certain drill software that had downloadable demo versions I could play on, that was absolutely it.  From that point on the designs continuously flowed out of me and still do to this day!"  -Edward Michael Francis
 

Edward is a renowned visual designer and educator with over two decades of experience in the marching arts. Born in Waukegan, Illinois, Edward attended the nationally-recognized Warren Township High School and Millersville University pursuing a B.E. in Music Education.  Edward has worked with some of the most respected figures in the activity, including Hall-of-Fame Bluecoats percussion writer Dan Delong and color guard designer David Bolzman.  In addition Edward received instruction and tutelage from the likes of drill designers Bobby Jones (Buccaneers, Cadets, Jersey Surf, Genesis), Eric Kitchenman (Velvet Knights, Boston Crusaders, Cadets, Buccaneers, Bluecoats), as well as Eric Robertshaw (Skyliners, Caballeros)  He also performed with several drum and bugle corps, including the World Champion Reading Buccaneers, Hawthorne Caballeros, and The Harrison Bushwackers.

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Edward's career highlights include his tenure as head visual designer at Marching Show Concepts.  His design career spans over 20 years and 30 states in the Union.  His productions have been showcased at Winter Guard International and Bands of America events, including Grand Nationals.

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In addition to his design work, Edward is an accomplished judge. From 2003-2010, he judged every visual caption for both indoor and outdoor across 9 states with National Judges Association. He is currently active in his local New Mexico indoor circuit and across the country.  Edward is available for bookings and inquiries; click the "Judging" button below for more information.

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Edward currently resides in beautiful New Mexico with his family and his cat, Myron Rosander Francis