Just in time for color guard auditions on April 29 – 30, the Caballeros are pleased to introduce their 2023 color guard staff!
Kai Williams
Kai is from Piscataway, New Jersey and began his color guard career in 2012 with Piscataway High School Winterguard. He performed many years in DCI open class. He performed with the Crossmen in 2017 and Cadets in 2019. During the winter seasons, Kai has performed with Q winterguard in 2016 and 2017. He joined AMP in 2022 and went on to become captain in 2023. Kai currently works in New York City as a service-learning coordinator for an independent school.
Erika Plez
Erika Plez is a Delaware resident who has traveled up and down the east coast performing and teaching at various places! She currently works as an investigation social worker for the state of Delaware. She has a strong passion for teaching and currently teaches at AMP world winter guard and at Unionville High School’s marching band and color guard program. She graduated from Wesley College with a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in criminal justice. She currently holds a position on the Future Leaders of WGI board to help promote diversity and inclusion in the Marching arts.
She has a strong passion for volunteer work and helping people in all communities become a better version of themselves. She is also the Director of Volunteer Services for the HER PROJECT in Dover DE.
She started her marching arts career doing Jazz and Ballet dance. In the 8th grade she moved to New Jersey and that's where she found her passion for Color Guard. She went to Washington Township High School in Sewell New Jersey. She began her color guard career by joining the Township Marching Band and the Township Mirage Indoor Guard. She was also a member at Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps from 2011-2016. While in College she marched AMP Open Independent Guard in 2017, and AMP World Guard in 2018 and 2019. She was the director of Shawnee Marching Band Color Guard for 5 years as well as a flag tech at various other high schools. Aligning with her color guard passion she has her personal color guard channel called " Color Guard with Plezzz" on YouTube! She is also featured on "Beyond the Color" which is on STYLEPLUS TV on YouTube.
Marcus Henry
Marcus is a seasoned color guard performer, technician and director who is involved with various groups around the state of New Jersey. Starting his color guard career in Somerville High School in 2012, he has managed to attain notable accolades and experiences in the 10 years he’s been involved in the color guard community. Currently, Marcus serves as color guard director at Edison High School in Edison, NJ and staff member of AMP IW Winter Guard. His experiences performing with Somerville Open, Emanon World Guard, Fusion Winter Guard, Carolina Crown, and AMP IW Winter Guard has influenced his choreography and design styles. Marcus is excited to spend a second season with the Hawthorne Caballeros.
David Fernandez
David is very excited to embark on his DCA journey with the Hawthorne Caballeros Color Guard for his very first season! David's marching experience started in high school. After high school David marched four years of DCI. Two summers with the Cadets (2018-2019) and two summers with the Blue Devils (2021-2022). David has also been a member of AMP Winter guard for the past five seasons. David has instructed various marching bands and color guards in the PA/NY area since 2019. Along with his color guard endeavors, David has a BS in Fashion Business Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Briana See
Briana See is thrilled to be coming on board as a member of the Hawthorne Caballero’s color guard staff for 2023! Briana began her career in the marching arts back in 2008 at Wayne Hills High School (2008-2012). Following high school, Briana joined an independent winter program with Emanon winter guard for two years. (2013 – 2014). She took the role as captain of Emanon A in 2014. In addition, Briana started her first ever DCA Drum Corp season in 2013 with Fusion Core and fell absolutely in love with the activity. She continued to march with Fusion Core for 6 years (2013-2015; 2017-2019) and she was captain during 2018-2019. During the summer of 2016, Briana marched her age-out season with the Boston Crusaders. She then decided to hop back onto the indoor floor and perform with Fusion Winter guard in 2018. This activity has meant so much to her, that she could not stay away. Briana joined the Hawthorne Caballero family by filling a spot in the color guard during 2021. She marched again the following year and will now be joining the staff this year.
Additionally, Briana has taught a variety of programs, which include Wayne Hills High School, Pequannock High School, Roxbury High School, Luminosity and Q Independent.
Briana is ready to have an amazing season with the Hawthorne Caballeros and looking forward to teaching in the activity that is 100% a part of her.
Joshua Marrero
Joshua started out his color guard career with AMP Winter Guard from 2007 – 2014. He moved forward as a cast member with Black Watch (IW) for two seasons and participated as a member of Contemporary Color with the group. Joshua returned to AMP in 2017 when the group placed first in WGI IO Finals. Joshua continued competing with AMP winter guard through the 2020 season as a captain and has been instructing AMP since 2021.
Joshua expanded his experience with drum corps. He was a member of Jersey Surf (2012 – 2014), Hawthorne Caballeros (2015), Blue Knights (2016 – 2017) and aged out with the 2018 DCI Champions, the Santa Clara Vanguard.
Joshua has worked with various marching band / winter guard programs throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas and Arizona. Joshua is very excited to be coming back to the Caballeros for his fourth year.
Serene Quick
Serene Quick is from South Jersey and is a Financial Analyst but loves everything dance! Serene has instructed kids of all ages, offers/teach private dance lessons and is currently working with AMP Winter Guard. Her goals are to continue producing innovative and modern choreography that offers new challenges to every group she gets the opportunity to work with. She is looking forward to her time this summer with Cabs and ready to spread joy through movement.
