Cary Cochenour

Cary Cochenour is an active visual and brass instructor, choreographer, drill writer, and consultant based in Houston, Texas. He currently serves as an assistant visual caption manager at Rhythmic Force Indoor Percussion, and as a world class visual instructor with Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps, and Monarch Indoor Percussion. Cary also works with several high achieving band programs across the country, including Seven Lakes HS, Norwin HS, Jordan HS Marching Band and Indoor Percussion, and others.

In his first season as the drill designer for Norwin HS, the band was named the 2025 Bands of America Mid-Atlantic Regional Champion, earning the Outstanding Music, Visual, and General Effect caption awards in finals, and also contributed instructionally to the band's highest score at a BOA regional since 2001. Cary has been part of the Norwin Marching Band staff since 2011, and has contributed to several record holding seasons not only in program history, but also within the Bands of America circuit.

Cary has been highly involved with the Seven Lakes HS Marching Band for more than a decade, and has held various roles within multiple ensembles in the program. In 2024, he was recognized alongside the director staff as a recipient of the prestigious Sudler Shield for his contributions to the Seven Lakes Band. 

Throughout his career in the marching arts, he has instructed and designed for ensembles to an impressive 35 Bands of America Regional Finals appearances, 18 UIL 6A Area Finalist placements, and 3 UIL 6A State Marching Contest Finals performances.

Cary is a proud alumni of Norwin HS, Glassmen Drum & Bugle Corps, and The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps. He has previously instructed for world class performing ensembles Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps and Crossmen Winds. Prior to working with marching programs full-time, he taught math and science in Katy ISD for nine years, earning multiple recognitions for excellence in teaching. 

He holds a BS in Mathematics Education from Saint Vincent College, and maintains active teaching certificates in both Texas and Pennsylvania. Cary currently resides in Fulshear, Texas, with his wife, Devyn, and their puppy, Eko.