Los Angeles native Niko Matsamura is a two-time world champion marching arts educator and designer. His color guard journey began at Icon Winter Guard (2017–2019), followed by a storied marching career with the Santa Clara Vanguard (2018–2022).
Based in Chino Hills, California, Niko serves as the Artistic Director and Color Guard Director at Walnut High School and a technician/choreographer for Chino Hills High School World. Having previously spent four seasons on staff with the Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, his design and instructional footprint spans coast-to-coast, with teaching experience across California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida.
Whether leading programs, designing and choreographing marching band/winter guard productions, or training performers across multiple states, Niko remains deeply dedicated to supporting performers as they unlock their potential and achieve their goals. He is thrilled to be a part of this exciting new chapter with the Mandarins!