Pete Hansen is the Executive Director of Groove Inc. Pete also teaches private percussion lessons, and over the last ten years, his students have marched in DCI with The Phantom Regiment, Crossmen, Carolina Crown, Colts, Pioneer, and Americanos, and in WGI with The Blue Knights winter ensemble, Chopstix Percussion, and Groove Impact and Pursuit. Pete has conducted percussion clinics for several tri-state area high schools: Sioux Falls Lincoln, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Sioux City North, Sioux City, Iowa; Spirit Lake, Iowa; Southwest Christian, Edgerton, Minnesota; Lennox, South Dakota; Pella, Iowa; Pierre, South Dakota; and Northern State University, Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Jared Goede, Groove’s Assistant Director, recieved his Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. Since 2002 he worked with Groove Inc. as a performer, leader, and youth instructor with all the Groove Inc. ensembles. Jared performed with group such as Chops Inc. from Minneapolis, Minn. in 2004, Colts Drum Corps from 2005-2007, and Augustana Band and Percussion Ensemble from 2004-2008. Currently, he is an instructor at Roosevelt High School and has been giving private lessons since 2003.
Matt Haar is the Battery Technician and is currently a student of Philosophy, Religion, and Music at Augustana College, Sioux Falls. He has been involved with Groove for close to 10 years and has enjoyed both marching in and working with all groups in the organization. Matt’s experiences with Groove have created numerous teaching opportunities in and around Sioux Falls and paved the way for his three summers with the world champion Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. In addition to his involvement with Groove, Matt is actively involved in music at Augustana College, performing with the Percussion Ensemble and Concert Band.
Jessica Blackinton is the Front Ensemble Instructor for Groove Impact and Pursuit. Jessica received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Theology, and Philosophy from the University of Sioux Falls and is pursuing her Master’s degree at Sioux Falls Seminary. Currently, Jessica works in Student Development at USF. Over the last few years, Jessica has performed with groups such as the USF Wind Ensemble, the Augustana College Percussion Ensemble, and the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. Jessica was a member of the Groove Pursuit Front Ensemble from 2004-2007 and has been on staff with Groove since 2007. She has also worked with several marching band front ensembles in the Sioux Falls area, including Brandon Valley High School and Roosevelt High School.
