Donnie Ross

Executive Director / Program Coordinator / Front Ensemble Arranger

Donnie Ross has been an integral part of Cap City Percussion since its inaugural 2012 season, and currently serves as Front Ensemble Arranger and Program Coordinator for both Cap City and Cap City 2, while also contributing to the organization’s visual design package. Throughout his tenure, Donnie has played a central role in developing the artistic, educational, and competitive identity of the organization. Under his leadership, the Cap City organization has achieved 15 WGI World Finals appearances, including a PIO Championship and two Bronze Medal finishes, establishing the organization among the most competitive programs in the activity.

A lifelong percussion educator and performer, Donnie’s performance career includes Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2007–2009) and Matrix Percussion (2006–2010). He later returned to both organizations as an educator, serving on the Glassmen percussion staff in 2012 and the Matrix Percussion staff from 2012–2013. From 2018–2022, he served on the percussion staff of Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. Donnie has also performed as a clinician throughout the Midwest and Europe, with performance highlights including the 2007 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) and the 2008 IPE Championships in Europe.

From 2013–2019, Donnie served as Educational Sales Director for Columbus Percussion, working extensively with percussion educators, students, programs, and ensembles throughout the region. He currently serves as Percussion Caption Head for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and Percussion Director and Arranger for Central Crossing High School in Grove City, Ohio.

Donnie has been deeply involved in the governance and development of the indoor percussion activity. He served on the Ohio Indoor Performance Association (OIPA) Board of Directors from 2014–2025 and currently serves as Percussion Education Director. He also serves on the Winter Guard International (WGI) Board of Directors and WGI Percussion Steering Committee, and has served on the WGI Percussion Advisory Board since 2017.

An active marching percussion judge, educator, arranger, sound designer, and program coordinator, Donnie works with programs throughout the Midwest and beyond. His work spans performance, education, composition, visual design, sound design, and organizational leadership, with a particular focus on developing performers, building successful organizations, and creating innovative, competitive experiences.

Donnie is also a proud artist and endorser of Innovative Percussion, Remo, Zildjian, and Pearl/Adams Instruments.

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