Donnie Ross serves as co-Percussion Caption Head for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. He is returning for his 5th year with the organization, and brings more than two decades of experience as an educator, arranger, designer, performer, and leader in the marching arts.
Donnie has been an integral part of Cap City Percussion since its inaugural season in 2012 and currently serves as Executive Director, Front Ensemble Arranger, and Program Coordinator for Cap City Percussion and Cap City 2. During his tenure, Donnie has helped lead the organization to 15 WGI World Finals appearances, including a PIO World Championship and two Bronze Medal finishes.
His drum corps experience began as a performing member of the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps from 2007–2009. He returned to the Glassmen as a member of the percussion staff in 2012 and later served on the percussion staff of Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from 2018–2022. Donnie was also a performing member of Matrix Percussion from 2006–2010 before returning as an educator from 2012–2013. His performance and clinic experience has taken him throughout the Midwest and internationally, including appearances at the 2007 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) and the 2008 IPE Championships in Europe.
In addition to his work with the Madison Scouts and Cap City, Donnie serves as Percussion Director and Arranger for Central Crossing High School in Grove City, Ohio. From 2013–2019, he served as Educational Sales Director for Columbus Percussion, working extensively with educators, students, and programs throughout the region.
Donnie is also deeply involved in the leadership and continued development of the marching arts. He served on the Ohio Indoor Performance Association (OIPA) Board of Directors from 2014–2025 and currently serves as its Percussion Education Director. At the national level, Donnie serves on the Winter Guard International (WGI) Board of Directors and WGI Percussion Steering Committee and has been a member of the WGI Percussion Advisory Board since 2017.
An active adjudicator, educator, arranger, sound designer, and program coordinator, Donnie’s work is centered on developing performers, building strong educational environments, and creating compelling musical and visual experiences. Across each of his roles, he is passionate about developing the next generation of performers and educators while continuing to push the artistic and educational possibilities of the marching arts.
Away from the marching arts, Donnie enjoys spending time with his wife, Nikki, and their Boston Terrier, Buddy.
