Directors

Kyle Harvey

Assistant Director of Bands

843-695-4900 x52183 

Guard Director
Matthew Gabel-Baird is a dance educator, choreographer, and interdisciplinary artist based in South Carolina. A native of Irmo, South Carolina, he began his performance career in high school, participating in both marching band and winterguard from 2010-2014. He went on to perform with The University of South Carolina’s Colorguard (2015), Etude Winterguard (2015–2016), and Interplay Winterguard (2017–2018), and marched with The Oregon Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps (2016) before aging out with Carolina Crown in 2018.

Matthew holds a degree in Dance from Michigan's Grand Valley State University, where he trained in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, West African, Men’s Technique, and Partnering. His choreographic and film work has been recognized nationally, including the selection of his dance film Quiet Birds in Circled Flight for the 2021 American College Dance Association Gala. He has also performed professionally with BODYART Dance Company in Water Stories and groundwater (2019).

As an educator, Matthew is deeply committed to equity in the arts and the development of young performers. He has taught at numerous programs across South Carolina and Michigan, including Ashley Ridge High School, Westwood HS, Lugoff-Elgin HS, Lexington HS, Jenison HS, Cedar Springs HS, Pewamo-Westphalia HS, Pandemonium Winterguard, Concordia University Winterguard, Grand Valley State University, Etude A, Etude Open and Etude World Winterguard. He currently serves as a full-time dance teacher at Ashley Ridge High School and is on staff at Etude World Winterguard where he fosters a student-centered approach that emphasizes creative voice, technical versatility, and artistry.

Assistant Guard Director
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Trevor Gabel-Baird relocated to Summerville, South Carolina in 2023. With over a decade of experience in the marching arts, Trevor brings a diverse background in performance, choreography, design, and education—while also working full-time as a primary care nurse practitioner.

Trevor began performing with East Kentwood High School (2011–2013) before continuing with notable ensembles including Pandemonium Winterguard (2014–2015), Medley Winterguard (2016), Interplay A (2017), Interplay World (2018), and the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps (2016).

His teaching career includes serving as Director at East Kentwood High School (2015–2020), technical staff at Godwin Heights High School (2018–2019), and Co-Director of Pandemonium Winterguard in 2020. Since 2023, he has been a key designer, choreographer, educator at Ashley Ridge High School.

As a designer and choreographer, Trevor has contributed creative vision and movement to programs including Pandemonium Winterguard (2020), and Concordia University (2018–2019), Ashley Ridge High School (2021–present) as well as various other programs. 

Trevor continues to foster excellence and innovation in the color guard community through his dedication to artistry, student development, and program growth.

Guard Technician
Originally from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Annabella brings both skill and passion to the role of guard instructor. A proud alum of the Ashley Ridge Guard program, she performed for four years (2019–2023), serving as captain for two of those years. During that time, she honed her technique, leadership, and love for the art of performance, helping to shape the team’s success both on and off the field.

Outside of guard, Annabella is a full-time professional hairstylist and colorist, using her creative eye and attention to detail in another form of artistic expression. Her ability to combine discipline, artistry, and a deep understanding of aesthetics translates naturally into her teaching style and mentorship.

Annabella holds a deep respect for the culture and community that define the Ashley Ridge guard program. She is passionate about giving back to the organization that shaped her, and she strives to inspire the next generation of performers through positive leadership, dedication, and a genuine love for the activity. Her goal is to uphold the legacy of excellence while continuing to build an environment where performers can grow, express themselves, and take pride in their team.

Kylie Smoak

East Edisto Middle School Bands, Assistant Marching Director

Gracie Leftwich

Knightsville Elementary General Music, Assistant Marching Staff

Anna Hattabaugh

Fort Dorchester Elementary, Assistant Marching Staff

Guard Assistant Staff

As a Charleston native, Mattie began her color guard career at Wando High School, where she performed in both marching band and winter guard from 2013 to 2017. Her time at Wando ignited a lasting passion for the performing arts and instilled in her a strong appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and creativity. In 2023, she returned to the field as a color guard tech at Ashley Ridge High School, where she is dedicated to developing students’ technical skills, confidence, and performance excellence.

In addition to her involvement in the marching arts, Mattie works full-time in the Surgical Trauma and Burn ICU at MUSC. Her background in healthcare reflects her leadership style—bringing compassion, resilience, and attention to detail to everything she does. She is committed to fostering a supportive and creative space where students are empowered to grow both as performers and as individuals. 

kaylee eggert

Guard Assistant Staff