Administrative Team

Ben Chaffee has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from the SUNY Fredonia School of Music and has been a public school Music Educator in New York State for the past 15 years (Elmira City Schools 2000-2005, Pembroke Central Schools 2005-2019, Buffalo Public Schools 2019-present). His teaching experience includes Wind Ensemble, Junior High Band, Elementary Band, Elementary Strings, Marching Band, and Jazz Ensemble.

Ben has been involved in drum corps since 1998. He was a Brass Instructor for the Rochester Crusaders from 1999 to 2004, and was the Brass Caption Head for the White Sabers from 2001 to 2011. He also served as Brass Arranger for the White Sabers from 2001 through 2022, and was the program coordinator from 2012 to 2019. Beginning in 2016, he took on the role of Administrative Corps Director.

Accomplishments with the White Sabers include back-to-back DCA Class A Championships in 2013 and 2014, an 8th place finish in the corps’ first year in Open Class in 2015, and being awarded DCA World Class Director of the Year in 2022.

Ben has also been the Woodwind & Brass Arranger for marching bands in the New York State Field Band Conference and Tournament of Bands (PA), including Bath-Haverling, Greece Marching Blue Knights, and Williamsport Marching Millionaires (PA).

Dylan is an enthusiastic instructor whose passion for music started at nine years old when he first picked up the trumpet. He began his marching career in 2011 with the CNS Northstars. Since then, Dylan has pursued music education, as well as performed on trumpet, mellophone, and as a featured flugelhorn/trumpet soloist with the White Sabers for several years, including their 2014 DCA Championship season.

He has been on staff as a trumpet tech since 2018 and took on the role of Assistant Director in 2020. As a Central NY native, Dylan believes in building his local marching arts community. He has assisted multiple area programs with brass and visual instruction, as well as administrative duties. He is currently the Assistant Director of the Jordan Elbridge Marching Eagles.

Outside of the marching arts, Dylan currently plays with The Shoals, Pat Tato, Chris LeFever Band, and other various artists in the Syracuse area.

Traci began her involvement with the White Sabers in 2008 at the urging on a long time friend. After spending the 10 seasons as a member of the colorguard, Traci joins the administrative team in the position of Membership Manager.

When she is not working with White Sabers, she is a Special Education teacher for the Buffalo Public Schools.

Lindsay has been involved with the performing arts for over 15 years as a performer, instructor, choreographer, and designer. Her marching career began with the Greater Johnstown School District, where she played flute/piccolo, served two years as Drum Major, and performed for 6 years in the winterguards.

Lindsay went on perform in the colorguard for the White Sabers, Brigadiers, and Blue Knights Drum Corps as well as various WGI-level winterguards.

After serving on the White Sabers Drum Major Team for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, she returns to the administrative team as Recruiting Manager and Marketing Manager.

Lindsay is an active Judge for the New York Federation of Contest Judges in both Winter Guard and Field Band circuits. She is a graphic designer and marketing professional who resides in Rochester, NY.