Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
The Caecus Quartet from McNeil High School is a student-led saxophone quartet founded in 2023 by four friends who formed this ensemble to grow and showcase their musical skills. The name Caecus, from the Latin word for “blind,” was chosen to symbolize the importance that sight isn’t necessary to feel music. Members are Preston Caffey (soprano saxophone), Zachary Schreppel (alto saxophone), Olivia Higgins (tenor saxophone), and Ben Nguyen (baritone saxophone). Under the guidance of the McNeil High School Band program, led by Jason Dimiceli, Brittany Graham, and Jordan Garza, and regular coaching from professional saxophonist and lesson teacher Dan Bechdolt, the quartet has developed a strong foundation and focus in both classical and jazz styles.
The group has previously received coaching from Dr. Calvin Wong, interim Professor of Saxophone at the Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music, and Mr. Robert Herrings, Director of Bands at Vista Ridge High School in Leander ISD. Caecus has performed in numerous settings, including local performances at middle schools, reaching the finals of the 2024 Houston Underground Saxophone Competition, and being featured in McNeil’s 2024 marching production “Resonate.” The Caecus Quartet is committed to pushing the boundaries of music and resonating with audiences with their passion for performance and artistic expression.
McNeil High School Saxophone Quartet
Conductor's Bio
Mr. Jason Dimiceli serves as Director of Bands at McNeil High School in the Round Rock Independent School District, located just north of Austin, Texas. He is in his 21st year at McNeil, serving as head director for the last ten years. The McNeil marching band is a consistent UIL Area D finalist they have been a finalist at Bands of America regional competitions throughout Texas. The McNeil Wind Ensemble is a consistent UIL Sweepstakes Award recipient and was named a TMEA 6A State Honor Band Finalist in 2018. They also received high acclaim for their performance at the prestigious Music For All National Concert Band Festival in 2023, and they were named a Mark of Excellence National Winner by the Foundation for Music Education. The WInd Ensemble has commissioned multiple works for the band medium and presented their world-premiere performances on the national stage.
Before arriving at McNeil, Mr. Dimiceli served as Associate Band Director at San Marcos High School and as Assistant Band Director at Westfield High School in Spring ISD. In addition to his teaching duties, Mr. Dimiceli serves as the TMEA Region 26 Band Division Chair.
Mr. Dimiceli is an active adjudicator throughout Texas and has presented at the Midwest Clinic, the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and the Center for Educator Development in Fine Arts (CEDFA) Summit. These presentations discuss the importance of creating a culture of positivity in music programs to achieve student success.
Mr. Dimiceli proudly served as Tour Director for the 2024 Star of Central Texas, leading nearly 300 band and choir students and their families on a five-country European performance tour. His mission is to create life-changing experiences for young musicians and their families as they travel the world. Before this appointment, Mr. Dimiceli enjoyed serving on the staff of the Texas Ambassadors of Music, a similar European student touring ensemble, in 2017 and 2019.
A native of Houston, Texas, Mr. Dimiceli graduated from Eisenhower High School before attending The University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Studies in 2002. He also spent three summers performing with the 7-time DCI World Champions, The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from Rosemont, Illinois.
When away from the band world, Jason’s passions include cooking, exercising, spending time with friends and family, and traveling. He and his lovely wife Jennifer married in 2001, and their daughter Emily currently attends Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, studying for a career in social policy research and plans to pursue dual PhD degrees in Sociology and Social Policy upon graduation in May.
Back