Design Team & Educational Staff
Design Team & Caption Heads

Bobby Jones
Program Coordinator & Visual Designer
Bobby Jones is a full time Visual Designer, Program Coordinator and Consultant for a multitude of high schools, university marching bands, drum corps, winter guards, and indoor percussion ensembles throughout the country.
Prior highlights include 2006 Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps (Allentown, PA), 2007 Hawthorne Caballeros Drum & Bugle Corps (Hawthorne, NJ), 2011 - 2014 Jersey Surf Drum & Bugle Corps (Mount Holly NJ), 2017-2018 Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps (Allentown, PA), and the 2021 US Army Training and Doctrine Command Band. Most notably, Bobby has played an integral part in the success of the Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps (Reading, PA) serving as Visual Designer and Caption Head (2005, 2008-2011) and as Visual Designer and Program Coordinator (2012-2020), overall earning eleven DCA World Championship titles.
Bobby has been recognized by his peers and colleagues for his accomplishments and contributions to the drum corps and high school marching community with induction into the Reading Buccaneers Hall of Fame in 2014, World Drum Corps Hall of Fame in 2016, and Keystone Drill Association Hall of Fame in 2022. Bobby also works as a freelance adjudicator, judging for multiple indoor and outdoor circuits across the country, including WGI Percussion, is a member of the administration panel of the Cavalcade of Bands circuit, and a visual judge for the annual New Year’s Day Philadelphia Mummers Parade. Most recently, Bobby was confirmed to the WGI Percussion Steering Committee for 2023 -2024. Bobby currently lives in Hawthorne, NJ with his wife Amy, son Chase and puppy Myron.
Bobby Jones
Program Coordinator & Visual Designer

Cliff Bialkin
Music Coordinator
Mr. Bialkin retired after celebrating his 32nd year as the Director of Bands at Ramsey High School in Ramsey, New Jersey. His responsibilities included directing the award-winning Ramsey High School Jazz Ensemble, the “Big Blue” Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Pit Orchestra, as well as supervising and working with all competing groups in the department including the Winter Guard and Percussion Ensemble. He arranged and collaborated on music performed by all the bands and ensembles on a regular basis. Under his leadership the groups routinely received top honors in competition and performances both domestically and internationally. The RHS Jazz Ensemble had been a consistent finalist at IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators) festivals, as well as many contests and festivals throughout the Tri-State area. Under his direction, the Ramsey High School Wind Ensemble garnered many superior and gold ratings at state, domestic, and international festivals. In 2019, Mr. Bialkin conducted the Music Educators of Bergen County Incorporated (MEBCI) Honors Band. In 2010, Mr. Bialkin was selected to be the guest conductor of the Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) Western Division Jazz Ensemble. In 2003, the Ramsey Jazz Ensemble was selected to be a guest of the Japanese government and the sole representative of the United States at the “All Japan Cultural Arts Festival” held in Fukui, Japan. During his tenure at Ramsey, the Marching Band and Jazz Ensembles traveled to London England, Paris France, and Rome Italy to participate in the New Year’s Day Parades and festivals.
Mr. Bialkin was a founding member of the Musical Arts Conference (MAC), and was on the executive board since the inception of the association, serving in many roles including Vice President and President.
Mr. Bialkin is the owner of Clifford Bialkin Designs LLC which creates marching arts productions for ensembles throughout the United States. Mr. Bialkin is a consultant for Youth Music of The World (YMOTW) and often serves as a clinician/judge for bands in and around the New York metropolitan area, as well as internationally. He is also a member of the Conn Selmer VIP program.
Currently Mr. Bialkin is the Music Coordinator and Co-Brass Arranger for the world famous Hawthorne Caballeros. He has been actively teaching in the drum corps world since 1996. In 2003 he joined the staff at Hawthorne Caballeros for their championship run. Since then, he has been teaching, designing, programing, coordinating and consulting multiple all age, and junior drum and bugle corps. Mr. Bialkin has a full private studio of low brass players, and is a freelance trombonist in the NY/NJ Metropolitan area.
Mr. Bialkin currently resides in Ramsey, New Jersey with his wife Sabrina, a teacher in the Wayne Township Public Schools in Wayne New Jersey.
Cliff Bialkin
Music Coordinator & Co-Brass Arranger

Jeffrey Chambers
Brass Arranger
Born in Issaquah, Washington in 1990, Jeff Chambers grew up in eastern Washington and now composes and arranges music that is played and heard around the world. He is the owner and lead brass and percussion arranger for Jeff Chambers Music LLC. He studied composition with Dan Bukvich and Robert Dickow at the University of Idaho and upon graduating, immediately made a full-time career in music composition and arranging. He specializes in pageantry music, musical theatre and music for film and media while constantly expanding to other genres.
To date, Jeff has composed and arranged over 150 new marching band shows and has received national recognition as a prominent and emerging marching arts designer. His shows have competed at all levels of BOA, USBands, Tournament of Bands, Cavalcade of Bands and Texas UIL. This year 170 marching bands across the country performed his music, 22 of which performed brand new commissions. He currently serves as the lead music composer and arranger for the Columbians Drum and Bugle Corps, brass arranger for the Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps, Music Arranger for Phoenix Drum and Bugle Corps and was the percussion arranger for the Eruption Indoor Percussion Ensemble in 2016. He also composes and arranges indoor winds and indoor percussion shows for programs across the country, including ensembles that compete in Dayton, Ohio at the WGI World Championships. His work is published through Marching Show Concepts and on his website, www.jeffchambersmusic.net.
Jeff currently lives in Puyallup, Washington with his wife Karissa, daughter Oakley, son Ryker and their two spoiled pups.
Jeff Chambers
Brass Arranger

Mark Monaghan
Percussion Arranger & Percussion Caption Head
Mark is a NJ based musician and educator currently holding the middle school band director position at Eisenhower Middle School in Roxbury NJ as well as percussion specialist for the district. As a graduate of Rutgers University, he holds degrees in both music education (percussion focus) and psychology. Having worked with various scholastic percussion ensembles in New Jersey, Mark has also worked with various independent musical organizations such as The Santa Clara Vanguard (battery technician) and The Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps (percussion/music coordinator). He has also worked with his alma mater, the Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights, since 2016. Mark would like to thank his teachers for their immeasurable impact on his musical career as well as for their selflessness and energy: Joseph Tompkins, Kyle Zerna, Mike Truesdell, Javier Diaz, Todd Nichols, Paul/Sandi Rennick and Kevin Chaffinch.
Mark Monaghan
Percussion Arranger & Percussion Caption Head

Matt Blood
Front Ensemble Arranger & Front Ensemble Coordinator
Matt Blood is a marching arts designer, educator, and consultant based out of Southern New Jersey. He has worked with many marching bands, indoor percussion ensembles, and drum corps on the East Coast and in the Midwest as the sole proprietor of mattbloodmusic.com and as an arranger for Cliff Bialkin Designs. Matt has designed shows for and taught programs who have performed at Drum Corps International semifinals, Winter Guard International PIW and PIO finals, and Bands of America Grand Nationals. Currently, Matt holds the positions of Front Ensemble Coordinator/Arranger for the Hawthorne Caballeros, Front Ensemble Caption Head/Staff Arranger for the Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights, and Front Ensemble Arranger for the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps.
Matt received his Bachelor’s degree in classical percussion performance from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, where he learned from Joe Tompkins, Kyle Zerna, Mike Truesdell, and Javier Diaz. In addition, Matt has performed as a member of the United Percussion Front Ensemble during their 2012-2014 seasons, and was fortunate enough to work with many amazing educators, including Steve Ballard, Ian Hale, and Rich Klimowicz.
Matt Blood
Front Ensemble Arranger & Front Ensemble Coordinator

Joshua Jenkins
Brass Caption Head
Joshua (JJ) Jenkins is the Director of Bands at Ramsey High School in Ramsey, New Jersey where he has been since 2020. His responsibilities at Ramsey High School include directing the Ramsey High School Wind Ensemble, the Ramsey "Big Blue" Band and Guard, and teaching instrumental lessons for grades 9-12. Previously, he was the assistant band director in the Vernon Township school district and the band director at Brooklawn Middle School. JJ grew up in Blairstown, New Jersey and majored in Music Education at Ithaca College where he studied French horn with Professor Alexander Shuhan.
JJ is currently the mellophone technician at the Sacramento Mandarins as well as the Brass Caption Head of the Hawthorne Caballeros. He was a member of the mellophone section at the Caballeros from 2008-2012 and then went on to march mellophone with Carolina Crown in 2013 and 2014. After aging out, JJ returned to the Caballeros as a drum major and eventually went on to be the mellophone technician and then Brass Caption Head.
Joshua's professional affiliations include the MEBCI (Music Educators of Bergen County Inc.) and the New Jersey Music Educators Association. He is an active performer and is a member of the Sussex County Brass Quintet. JJ currently resides in Fair Lawn, New Jersey and loves being an uncle to his nephew Graeme and his niece Elanor.
Joshua Jenkins
Brass Caption Head

Michele Parrino
Visual Caption Head
Michele Parrino is returning to the Caballeros for her seventh season on the visual team and first season as Visual Caption Head. Michele started her drum corps career as a mellophone player in 2008 with the Syracuse Brigadiers where she marched for 2 seasons before moving on to the Caballeros where she was a member of the Phone Co. from 2010 to 2014. In 2023 Michele had the distinct honor of serving as an Assistant Drum Major in addition to being on the visual team. For the 2024 season she will also be joining the Caballeros Executive Committee as a Membership Manager. Since 2007 Michele has been a visual technician for numerous marching bands across New York and New Jersey including the Hackettstown Tiger Marching Band and the Madison Marching Dodgers. She has been the Visual Caption Head for the Ramsey Big Blue Marching Band in Ramsey, NJ since 2015 winning 2 TOB New Jersey State Championships and 3 TOB Region 10 Championships. Michele has a Bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Potsdam in Psychology, a Master’s degree in School Counseling and Educational Leadership from the University of Rochester, and most recently an Associates of Applied Science in Ophthalmic Science from Raritan Valley Community College. Michele is a licensed optician and optical store manager in Ramsey, NJ. She currently lives in Ringwood, NJ with her husband Joe, stepson Frank, and her dog Sadie.
Michele Parrino
Visual Caption Head

Briana See
Color Guard Caption Head
Briana is thrilled to be coming on board as the Hawthorne Caballeros Color Guard Caption Head for the 2024 season! 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 after one year on staff will be moving into the role of Color Guard Caption Head.
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.
Briana See
Color Guard Caption Head

Kirby Marino
Battery Coordinator
Kirby is a percussion educator and arranger based in New Jersey. He started his marching career at Phillipsburg High School in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. He then went on to march quads with the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps (2012-2013) and Fusion “Core” (2015). Kirby aged out with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps in 2016 and marched with United Percussion (2014-2017), aging out as battery captain.
Kirby has taught and arranged for numerous high schools in New Jersey, but he is currently the percussion director/arranger at Bridgewater-Raritan High School. He was a quad technician at the Hawthorne Caballeros (2017-2019) and then assumed the role of battery coordinator (2020-Present). He is excited to continue the Hawthorne Caballeros’ tradition of excellence!
Kirby Marino
Battery Coordinator
Visual Staff

Mark Fischer
Assistant Visual Caption Head
Returning to the visual staff, Mark Fisher will serve as the Assistant Visual Caption Head for the 2024 season. A long-time Caballero, Mark was a former brass captain, lead trumpet and soloist with the corps for the 2007, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2022 seasons. His drum corps experience extends to DCI with membership in the Cadets and Boston Crusaders. Over the years he has taught several high school bands, most notably with Elizabeth and North Plainfield high schools. Outside of the drum corps world, Mark resides in Maryland where he enjoys sports, writing code, dirt biking, pizza and all things outdoors in nature.
Mark Fisher
Assistant Visual Caption Head

Quamel Francis
Chroreography and Movement Coordinator
Quamel is a visual choreographer and movement technician based in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Currently he serves as a visual staff member for The Marple Newtown Tiger Marching Band and their indoor winter marching ensembles. Additionally, he is a choreographer for The Springdale High School Bulldog Band and Jonesboro High School Marching Band, both located in Arkansas!
Quamel’s journey with drum corps began in 2010 when he joined Excelsior Drum and Bugle Corps. Quamel would spend two summers with the corps before eventually joining The Caballeros in 2012 and has been with the organization ever since. During this time he was a member and eventual Drum Major of The Spirit of Stony Brook Marching Band from 2013 to 2017. Quamel spent a summer with The Bluecoats in 2016 and returned to The Caballeros the following summer, where he went on to serve as a section leader and Horn Sergeant, earning accolades such as Marcher of The Year (2017) and Brass Player of The Year (2019). In 2021, he assumed the role of visual choreographer and will be stepping into a new role as Choreography and Movement Coordinator for the upcoming season!
Quamel eagerly anticipates DCI All Age’s Inaugural season and looks forward to embracing the esprit de corps with enthusiasm!
Quamel Francis
Choreography and Movement Coordinator

Bruno Mayoria
Visual Technician
Bruno is returning to the Caballeros visual staff for his sixth year. He started his marching career at Elizabeth High School in 2005. The subsequent summer was his inaugural year of drum corps at the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps. He marched 2006-2010 on both mellophone and trumpet. Bruno is currently a music educator in northern New Jersey.
He has been working with the Pequannock Township High School Marching Band, where he has been Assistant Band Director for the past seven years. During his tenure, the marching band has won Best Visual in a majority of their State and National Championships within the US Bands Circuit. He has also served as a Mellophone Tech at the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps from 2014-2015.
Bruno Mayoria
Visual Technician

Max Oh
Visual Technician
Max's career as a performer began with the Caballeros, where he marched for seven seasons (2006-2011, 2013) as a member of the baritone line. He has also enjoyed performing with the Hanover Wind Symphony and served as the principal euphonium player at the College of New Jersey, where he performed in their premier Wind Ensemble in addition to the Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Brass Ensemble. He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2013.
As an instructor, Max taught the marching band at Pequannock Township High School in Pompton Plains, NJ, from 2009-2012, where he served as a field tech, helping the band amass numerous accolades alongside a state championship and a top-three finish in regional competition. After a lengthy hiatus from the marching arts, he returned in 2017 with the Bushwackers, where he spent three seasons on the field staff, one of which was as a visual lead. He then served as a visual and brass tech for Fusion Core in 2022, where he helped guide the corps to a 1st Place finish in DCA Class A competition, achieving a sweep of all captions.
Max currently resides in Fort Lee, NJ with his dog, Ina (the goodest girl), and works as an IT engineer in the NYC area. His favorite drum corps show is the 2010 Phantom Regiment production "Into the Light."
Max Oh
Visual Technician

Ryan Mitchell
Visual Technician
Ryan Mitchell is a Music Education Major at West Chester University of Pennsylvania where he studies trumpet with Dr. Robert Skoniczin.
Ryan has worked with the Midland Park Marching Band as a Music/Visual Consultant since 2019 and started in 2022 with the Pottsgrove Marching Band as a Brass/Visual Instructor.
His marching experience includes Fusion Core 2016-2018, and 2021; Reading Buccaneers 2019-20; The Cadets 2022; Bushwackers 2022.
Ryan Mitchell
Visual Technician

Shea Costello
Visual Technician
Shea has been around drum corps her entire life but began her marching career in marching band with Hawthorne High school (2008-2012) and then marching with the Hawthorne Caballeros in 2011. She was in the Caballeros Cymbal line in 2011 and 2014 and was a mellophone player in the phone co for the 2012 and 2013 season. Shea was an active member of Fusion Core for many years as a cymbal player in 2015, 2016, and 2018. She was on staff in 2017 as a part time percussion visual tech and was then put on the administration for the 2019 and 2020 season. Shea has also been active in the WGI circuit having marched with Penn State university’s Independent open drumline as a cymbal player in 2013 and 2014. She was a member of the 2019 visual staff for Jersey Surf drum and bugle corps and has taught at many high school marching band and indoor percussion groups all over NJ and central PA since 2014 as a cymbal tech, visual tech, and consultant. Some of the programs have been Fort Lee HS, Roxbury HS, West Shore marching band, Mechanicsburg HS, North Arlington HS, Hawthorne HS, and New Providence HS. She is currently a visual tech for Ramsey HS marching band and has been the cymbal tech for Nutley HS indoor percussion for the last 7 years and going into her 2nd season with Fair Lawn HS Indoor percussion as the cymbal tech. Shea is currently studying Social science with a concentration in Substance abuse counseling at Ramapo College of NJ, and currently has a career in office and small business administration as an office manager and SBA closing coordinator. She currently lives in Hawthorne NJ with her family and two dogs Annie and Louie.
Shea Costello
Visual Technician

Tricia Trackim
Visual Technician
Tricia Trackim is excited to be joining the Caballeros visual team for the 2024 season. This will be her first year on staff with the corps as a visual tech. Tricia’s membership with the corps began in 2010. She marched as a tuba player from 2010-2012 and was a previous Assistant Drum Major in both 2013 and 2014 with the Caballeros.
She has her Bachelors degree from Cedar Crest College of Allentown, PA and Masters Degree from Marywood University of Scranton, PA; both in Social Work. Presently, Tricia is a Social Service Director in a skilled nursing facility out of Langhorne, PA. She is newly, a resident to Willow Grove, PA. Trish is looking forward to a successful season for the Caballeros.
Tricia Trackim
Visual Technician
Battery Staff

Shannon Kelliher
Visual Technician
Shannon began her marching career at Hunterdon Central Regional High School in New Jersey. She was a member of their Front Ensemble and was a Drum Major. In 2014 she began college at Rutgers University where she was first introduced to Drum Corps. She marched cymbals with the Rutgers University Drumline for two years and was section leader her second year. Shannon marched Cadets Winter Percussion for two years in 2015 and 2016 and was section leader in 2016. In the Summer of 2016, she marched in the Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps cymbal line.
Shannon has been an educator for various programs in New Jersey including her high school alma mater, Ramsey High School, Old Bridge High School, and Hopewell Valley Regional High School. Currently, she teaches visual at Immaculata High School and cymbals with United Percussion World and the Rutgers University Marching Band.
Shannon joined the battery staff in the Summer of the 2022 season and is excited to continue working with this amazing organization.
Shannon is a graduate of Rutgers University with a BA in Criminal Justice and Sociology with a minor in Psychology.
Shannon Kelliher
Visual Technician

Jonah Nack
Quad Technician
Jonah Nack is a music educator and percussionist from New Jersey. He works as the percussion specialist in the Monroe Township School District where he teaches grades 4-12. While Jonah has previously worked with various high school marching bands, he currently serves as the percussion director for the Monroe Township High School Marching Band.
Jonah graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Music Education (K-12). At Rutgers he had the opportunity to study with Joe Tompkins, Ian Sullivan, Javier Diaz, Mike Truesdell, and Todd Nichols. His marching experience began at Roxbury High School. He then went on to march quads with the Rutgers University Marching Band (2018-2019), United Percussion 2 (2019), and the Hawthorne Caballeros (2019-2021). He began working as a quad technician at the Hawthorne Caballeros in 2022.
He is excited to continue the tradition of excellence he experienced himself here at the Hawthorne Caballeros!
Jonah Nack
Quad Technician

Luke Chemidlin
Quad Technician
Luke Chemidlin is an enthusiastic percussion instructor and educator based in Somerville NJ. Luke began his marching career with Immaculata High School where he discovered his love for music and performance.
Luke has had the privilege of marching with several respected groups, including the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps (2014), 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps (2016), Rutgers University Drumline (2015-2016), Cadets2 Drum and Bugle Corps (2017), and United Percussion in 2017.
In recent years, Luke has returned to his alma mater, Immaculata High School, where he plays a pivotal role as the Percussion Caption Head. He has been instrumental in shaping and enhancing Immaculata's marching band program, as well as their indoor drum line program (2015-Present). Additionally, Luke has shared his expertise as the Battery Caption Head at United Percussion 2.
Throughout the course of his marching career, Luke has had the privilege of learning from incredible instructors, including Dan Bonham, Neil Cote, Ken Riehman, Paul Nalesnik, John Forte, Jeff Bickford, Omi Batan, Carlos Vazquez, Brendan Murphy, Andrew Kain, Joe Ciancimino, Alex Beltran, and many more. Luke is honored to take part in The Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps organization for his 3nd year as a quad tech, and eagerly awaits to continue the tradition of excellence!
Luke Chemidlin
Quad Technician

Ryan Brodhead
Bass Technician
Ryan’s marching career started in 2012 with The Cadets2 Drum and Bugle Corps for their inaugural season and continued with them through the end of the 2013 and 2014 competitive seasons. During that time, Ryan performed with Cadets Winter Percussion for the 2014 and 2015 WGI seasons and then spent three years touring & performing with the 10-Time DCI Champions, The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps (2015, 2016, 2017). Upon aging out, Ryan received the ‘Cadet of the Year’ award as a member of the 2017 Cadets Drumline. Ryan also spent three years in the Rutgers University Drumline and served as bass drum section leader for his last two years.
Ryan has taught multiple high school percussion programs in New Jersey. During the winter season, Ryan is one of the battery instructors for United Percussion World. During the summer, Ryan is a battery instructor for The Cadets, as well as The Hawthorne Caballeros. Ryan is excited to start his 7th year with the Caballeros in 2024!
Outside of the marching arts, Ryan works in Lakewood, New Jersey as an IT Systems Administrator.
Ryan Brodhead
Bass Technician

Tristan Shafran
Bass Technician
Tristan’s marching career started in 2016 with Fusion Drum Corps. He went on to perform with The Caballeros in 2018 and 2021 as well as Crossmen in 2019 and Santa Clara Vanguard in 2021. In 2018, he marched with East Coast Percussion and spent 2 years performing with United Percussion World (2021, 2022). Tristan also spent three years in the Rutgers University Drumline from 2017 to 2020.
Tristan has taught multiple high school percussion programs in New Jersey and is currently on staff for the Rutgers University Drumline. During the winter season, Tristan is one of the battery instructors for United Percussion World. During the summer, Tristan is a battery instructor for The Hawthorne Caballeros. Tristan is excited to start his 5th year with the Caballeros in 2024!
Outside of the marching arts, Tristan works as a woodwind repair technician and is studying to obtain his Masters Degree in Multiple Woodwind Studies at Montclair State University.
Tristan Shafran
Bass Technician

Roman Trujillo Jr
Bass Technician
Roman is a percussion educator and arranger from Southern California. After his high school marching career he marched with Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps and aged out with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps. He moved to New Jersey on 2016 and immediately started teaching at numerous high schools in New Jersey. Currently he is the percussion caption head at Peguannock Township High School. He’s been with the Hawthorne Caballeros from 2017-2020, 2022-2023. He can’t wait to start another season with the Caballeros!
Roman Trujillo Jr
Bass Technician

Tom Heider
Snare Technician
Tom Heider is a percussion instructor from Freehold, New Jersey. He has been a marching percussionist since high school where he found a passion for the activity. Afterwards he went on to march with The Bushwackers in 2014-2015, the Rutgers University Marching Band in 2015-2016, The Hawthorne Caballeros in 2016, United Percussion in 2017-2018, Cadets2 in 2017, and finally aged out with The Cadets in 2018. As an educator, Tom spent two years running the Madison High School percussion program alongside fellow Caballeros staff member Ryan Brodhead. He also helped with the 2019 preseason at The Raiders as a snare tech. Tom could not be more excited about returning to The Caballeros this summer!
Tom Heider
Snare Technician

Brian Horn
Snare Technician
Brian Horn is a marching percussion educator from Somerset, NJ. His marching percussion career started 15 years ago at Immaculata High School in Somerville, NJ. Brian’s first experience with an independent group was playing snare drum as a member of the Bushwackers (2010). Following the DCA experience, Brian then marched 2 seasons, including his age-out season, at United Percussion (snare drum 2011, 2012).
Brian has been the caption head at Westfield High School (US Bands), since 2012. Brian also has WGI, DCA, and DCI teaching experience, with East Coast Percussion (2018), with United Percussion A (2019), The Hawthorne Caballeros (2018,2019) and most recently with the Jersey Surf (2019)
Brian Horn
Snare Technician

Carlos Vazquez
Snare Technician
Carlos is a graduate of the Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he double-majored in Music Education and Psychology and is currently working on his master’s degree in percussion performance at Rutgers. Carlos has been a percussion educator in New Jersey for over 10 years teaching several high schools, private lessons, clinics, and the Rutgers University Drum Line. He is an active freelance musician in the New York and New Jersey area, specializing in classical and Latin percussion. He has played on the national tour of Hair the musical and currently plays snare drum for the NY Giants Drum Line as an employee of Blue Devils Entertainment. He has had the honor to play alongside musicians such as Eddie Palmieri and Delfeayo Marsalis and has recorded with the Wu-Tang Clan. This will be Carlos’ 7th season with the Caballeros Drum and Bugle corps.
Carlos Vazquez
Snare Technician

Zachary Brenna
Snare Technician
Zach Brenna is honored to enter his 6th year with the Caballeros organization.
Zach has been involved in drum and bugle corps since 2014, performing with the Long Island Sunrisers ('14-'17), Hawthorne Caballeros ('18-'19) and The Cadets ('20-'21).
He has also worked with and arranged for several schools such as Brentwood High School (NY), Musselman High School (WV) and currently holds the percussion caption head & arranger position at Lindenhurst High School. This will be his 4th year with the instructional staff at the Caballeros.
Zach has had the privilege to study under several influential educators such as Mike Rabinowitz, Mark Monaghan, Tom Aungst, Jake Gall, and Kevin Murphy.
Zachary Brenna
Snare Technician
Brass Staff

Mike Castellano
High Brass Coordinator
Michael Castellano is a performer and educator from Long Island, New York. He currently resides in Malden Massachusetts.
Michael is a band director and brass specialist at Everett Public School District. After graduating from Lindenhurst High School, Michael moved to upstate New York to pursue a degree in Music Education at SUNY Fredonia, while studying trumpet with David Duro and John Maguda. During his time at Fredonia, Michael performed with various ensembles including The Fredonia Symphony Orchestra, Fredonia Chamber Orchestra, Fredonia Wind Ensemble, Fredonia Brass Choir, Fredonia Jazz Orchestra, Fredonia Latin Jazz Ensemble and Fredonia New Jazz Ensemble. Michael Currently performs with the Funk Group, “Funk Island Sound”.
Michael’s drum corps experience started in 2014, when he marched lead trumpet with the Long Island Sunrisers for the 2014 and 2015 season. In 2016-2018, Michael marched trumpet with the Canton Bluecoats, where he was a lead trumpet and was a soloist for the 2017 and 2018 season. After his ageout, Michael went on to teach choreography and visual with the Jersey Surf in 2019, trumpet with the Connecticut Hurricanes in 2020 and 2021, and trumpet with the Hawthorne Caballeros in 2022 and 2023. Michael is very excited to continue working with the Caballeros brass team!
Mike Castellano
High Brass Coordinator

Ray Henrickson
Low Brass Coordinator
Ray Henricksen is excited to be joining the brass staff at The Caballeros. He is currently a band director at John P. Stevens HS in Edison, NJ. Prior to this position, Ray spent multiple years in Texas where he taught at Duncanville HS (Dallas) and Weiss High School (Austin), where their programs earned many accolades. Every ensemble under his direction has earned straight 1’s in both the concert band and marching band competition. During his time at Duncanville HS and Weiss HS, both respectively advanced to the State Level in Marching Competition. Weiss HS earned the title of being one of the youngest bands to ever make it to UIL State Finals in 2019. Since 2018, Ray has been a Brass Staff member with The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps Organization– the same Drum Corps that he marched in 2011. He also has experience teaching multiple marching bands and Drum Corps in the New York metropolitan area as well as the Austin/DFW areas of Texas.
Ray holds a master’s degree in Euphonium Performance from The University of North Texas, studying with world-renowned soloist Dr. Brian Bowman. He also received a minor in Wind Band Conducting at the tutelage of Eugene Corporon and Dennis Fisher. Prior to his time in Texas, Ray received his Bachelor's degree from Rutgers University, where he was a student of Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen and Aaron VanderWeele. In 2013, he was presented with the Mason Gross Award for Excellence in Brass Performance.
"If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude." -Colin Powell
Ray Henrickson
Low Brass Coordinator

Justin Daly
Trumpet Technician
Justin Daly is an active music educator and clinician from Connecticut. He is currently the Director of Bands at East Lyme High School, directing the marching, concert, and jazz bands. In addition to teaching, he is a sought-after trumpet performer throughout Connecticut. He has presented in-person sessions at the Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) Conference and online webinars with the Marching Arts Education’s summer of learning series. He has earned degrees in Music Education (BS), Music (BA), and Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Music Education (MA) from the University of Connecticut. During his undergraduate studies, he was a drum major of the UConn Marching Band and performed in the wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, and various other chamber groups. As a graduate student, he assisted the band program as a Director Intern of the marching band, Graduate Director of the Hockey and Basketball Pep Bands, and a conducting assistant with the Concert Band.
Justin is highly passionate about the marching arts and drum corps. His drum corps experience includes performing as a lead trumpet player and flugelhorn soloist with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps in 2019, receiving the silver medal and the highest score the organization has received to date. He also performed in the 50th Anniversary Bluecoats Alumni Corps in 2022. He previously taught with the 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from 2020-2021 and has been a member of the brass staff with the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps of Sacramento, CA, since 2022.
He has studied trumpet with Dr. Louis Hanzlik, Derek Gipson, Ricardo Brown, Andrew Sorg, Kenneth Bell, and Dave Negri. He has studied instrumental conducting with Harvey Felder and Dr. Vu Nguyen and has attended wind band conducting symposia and workshops nationwide. Justin received the 2023 CMEA Outstanding Emerging Music Educator Award and has an upcoming article published in NAfME’s Teaching Music Magazine.
Justin Daly
Trumpet Technician

Garrett Giantonio
Trumpet Technician
Garrett is a performer and educator from Newington, Connecticut. He is currently the band director at Jared Eliot Middle School in Clinton, CT. His responsibilities include grade 6-8 band, instrumental lessons, and general music. In addition to middle school band, Garrett instructs multiple high school marching bands in Connecticut.
Garrett’s drum corps experience includes performing as a lead trumpet player and soloist with The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. After marching, he returned to the activity on the brass staff with 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps in 2022. He is currently a member of the brass staff for The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps.
Garrett earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Music, and a Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Connecticut. During his graduate studies, he assisted the band program as graduate staff for the marching band and hockey/basketball pep bands. During his undergraduate studies Garrett was an active performer with many of the UConn instrumental ensembles such as the jazz ensemble, symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, and an NTC finalist with the trumpet ensemble.
In addition to teaching, Garrett is a sought after trumpeter, clinician, and recording artist around CT. He regularly performs with theater company’s, big bands, and horn sections such as; The Goodspeed Opera House, Affinity Big Band, The Hartford Jazz Orchestra, The Ivoryton Playhouse, and many more. He is also an avid and experienced music producer/audio engineer where he is frequently tracking, producing, and mixing recording projects.
He has studied trumpet with strong educators and pedagogues such as Louis Hanzlik, Gino Villarreal, Kenneth Bell, and David Negri. He has also studied instrumental conducting with Janet Song Kim, Andre Raphel, and Matt DeLassus. This is Garrett’s first year on staff with the Hawthorne Caballeros and is excited to be a part of the team!
Garrett Giantonio
Trumpet Technician

Kirsten Leonardo
Mellophone Technician
Kirsten Leonardo is an elementary music teacher in Parsippany, NJ and has many years of experience in the marching arts as both a member and instructor. Originally from East Windsor, NJ, she began her drum and bugle corps experience with the Jersey Surf which sparked her desire to continue her musical education through college. As an adult, Kirsten marched with the Caballeros in 2014, 2016, and 2017 and taught the 2018 season. She has also taught the Parsippany High School Red Hawks Marching Band and the Ramsey High School Marching Band. Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon University in horn performance and a Master of Music Performance from the University of Southern California. She currently resides in Rockaway with her husband and their two sons.
Kirsten Leonardo
Mellophone Technician

Kim Scully
Mellophone Technician
Kimberly Scully is currently in her ninth year as the Band Director at Kent Island High School in Stevensville, MD where she leads the Concert and Symphonic Bands, Marching Band, Jazz Band and instructs AP Music Theory and Guitar Musicianship. Kimberly was selected as a QACPS Teacher of the Year finalist in 2022. She graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and earned a Master of Music in Wind Conducting degree from Messiah College. She marched trumpet and mellophone with the Hawthorne Caballeros from 2015-2017 and taught on the visual team from 2019-2020. She has been a music instructor at the Naval Academy Drum and Bugle Corps since 2017.
Kim Scully
Mellophone Technician

Justin Lordi
Baritone Technician
Justin Lordi is a trombonist from Branchburg NJ, and has just recently received his Bachelor of Arts in music education from Ithaca College. Justin is currently the band and chorus director at Mountain View Middle School in Mendham NJ, and also a very energetic and passionate lover of the marching arts. In the past, he has marched 4 years on baritone with the Immaculata Spartan Marching Band, and additionally with The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps during the 2020, 2021, and 2023 seasons. Justin is really looking forward to sharing his in-depth background on brass and music theory with the Caballeros this season, and cannot wait to get started!
Justin Lordi
Baritone Technician

Sean Ferguson
Tuba Technician
Sean Ferguson is currently the Director of Bands at Somerville High School in Somerville, NJ. His responsibilities include Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Tri-M Music Honor Society. In addition, he helps with both the Ville Indoor Percussion Ensemble and Ville Winterguard. Sean graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2016 and is currently finishing his Masters in Music Education from Columbia University in New York City.
Sean has been an educator and designer in the marching arts for over 8 years. After aging out of Phantom Regiment in 2015, Sean began teaching and designing for the marching band and drum corps. He has served in many roles, such as brass tech and choreographer. He has designed marching band shows for over 15 bands in and around the tri-state area. Sean is currently the Program Coordinator and Brass Arranger for 7th Regiment Drum Corps.
Outside of music, Sean is a big supporter of equity and inclusion in education. He currently serves as advisor for Spectrum (LGBTQ+ Advocacy club) and Asian Student Association at Somerville High School. He also serves on multiple equity based committees for both Somerset County Education Association and New Jersey Education Association.
Sean Ferguson
Tuba Technician

Anthony Paterno
Brass Intern
Anthony Paterno is currently a senior Music Education major with a minor in Mathematics at Rutgers University. During his time at Rutgers, he has studied trumpet with Professor Kenny Decarlo and conducting with Dr. Julia Baumanis and Dr. Todd Nichols. Over the last four years, he has performed with the Rutgers University Wind Ensemble, Rutgers Symphony Orchestra, Rutgers Jazz Lab Band, Rutgers University Brass Band, Princeton Brass Band, and Rutgers University Marching Band.
Anthony’s drum corps experience includes marching trumpet in the Hawthorne Caballeros in 2019 and 2020, and Carolina Crown in 2021, 2022, and 2023 where the corps received a Bronze Medal and the Jim Ott Best Brass Award. He plans to march his age out with Crown in 2024.
Anthony has been teaching marching band since 2020 at various programs such as Wayne Hills High School, Parsippany Hills High School, and Ramsey High School. From attending his first open house in 2017 to getting to teach with JJ and the entire team, Anthony is thankful for his journey so far and excited for what the future holds!
Anthony Paterno
Brass Intern

Ricardo Brown
Brass Consultant
Ricardo T. Brown is a native of Portsmouth, Virginia. He was selected to All District Band, All-State Band, and Virginia Honor Band as well as the Governor's School of the Performing Arts in high school. His teaching journey began in 2005 as the Assistant Director at Princess Anne High School and includes work as the graduate assistant for the Norfolk State University Spartan Legion band program and the Associate Director of Bands at Prairie View A&M University.
Currently, Ricardo Brown serves as the Associate Director of Bands at the University of Connecticut, responsible for show design and music ensemble direction for the “Pride of Connecticut Marching Band” as well as directing the UCONN Pep Band. He also serves on the university music faculty, teaching music education courses, serving on multiple committees, and arranging for the university big band and all athletic ensembles. He helped lead the UCMB to being a Sudler Trophy Finalist in 2018.
Mr. Brown is an active clinician, adjudicator, and performer and has worked with multiple programs across the country, developing quality musicianship and performance practices. His passion is to impart his knowledge of band performance onto students while also instilling a love of music. He has also performed with numerous ensembles including the Virginia Symphony, Virginia Beach Symphony, Fancy Pants Productions, The Right on Band, numerous churches, NASCAR, Houston Symphony, Ballet Afrique Cotton Club, and New London Big Band.
Mr. Brown began his DCI marching experience with the Crossmen in 1999 as a lead soprano. He moved to the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 2001 and after aging out served as the Cadets’ trumpet instructor, administrative team member, and coordinator of the “Music is Cool” clinics working with thousands of students nationwide. He joined the Bluecoats Brass Team in 2014 and was later promoted to lead trumpet tech and then assistant brass caption head in 2021. In 2022, Mr. Brown became the Brass Caption Head at the Sacramento Mandarins and helped lead the corps to a top 6 finish in 2023. Mr. Brown joined the Caballeros staff as a consultant in 2020 and is excited to be back for another year!
From Norfolk State University, Mr. Brown received his B.S. degree in Music Education and his Masters in Trumpet Performance. He anticipates completing his Doctorate (DMA) degree in Conducting from the University of Connecticut in May 2022.
Ricardo Brown
Brass Consultant

Kristen Eck
Brass Consultant
Kristen Eck earned her bachelor's degree in Music Education from University of Houston, and began her professional career as a freelance trumpeter, while teaching private lessons and marching band at several competitive Houston area band programs, including Clear Creek, North Shore, Pearland, Clements, and The Woodlands. She has since served as an elementary music teacher in Spring, TX and then continued as an assistant band director at Morton Ranch High School in Katy, TX. While at Morton Ranch, she led the jazz history and improv class, the MRHS Jazz Band, the marching visual program, and her ensembles consistently received superior ratings in both UIL marching and concert band contests.
Kristen taught on the brass instructional team at the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps from 2016-2022, specializing in mellophone, and served in an additional brass caption coordination role from 2021-2022. Kristen is currently working her second year with both Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps, and Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps brass teams. She is humbled and honored to help build another fabulous brass program with the Caballeros staff and membership.
Outside of music Kristen lives in Dayton, OH with her husband Joe and dachshunds Lily and Henry, and works in commercial and residential real estate. She enjoys all things yoga, food, travel, and helping people.
Kristen Eck
Brass Consultant
Front Ensemble Staff

Jeancarlo "Jay" Rodriguez
Front Ensemble Consultant
Jay is thrilled to be returning to the Hawthorne Caballeros for the 2024 season. Jay has been on the Caballeros front ensemble staff since the 2021 season. As a performer, Jay was a member of the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps (2013), United Percussion (2014-2018), and Carolina Crown (2016-2019). Throughout his time in the activity, Jay has had the pleasure of learning from many influential educators including Steve Ballard, Ian Hale, Jim Ancona, Thom Hannum, Iain Moyer, Annie Chernow, Alex Kluttz, Marcus Neudigate, and Dave Osworth.
Jay has worked with various high school programs in the greater New Jersey area and is currently the Front Ensemble Manager at United Percussion World and a Front Ensemble Technician at the Boston Crusaders, the University of Delaware, and the Hawthorne Caballeros. Jay is also a proud member of the Vic Firth Education Team.
Outside of the marching arts. Jay has his bachelor's degree in marketing from Suffolk University and currently works as a Project Manager/Digital Marketing Specialist for a Philadelphia based digital marketing agency.
Jeancarlo "Jay" Rodriguez
Front Ensemble Consultant

Andy Pham
Front Ensemble Technician
Andy Pham is a Front Ensemble Educator based in New Jersey, and a Computer Science Major at Rowan University. He started his marching career at Upper Darby High School in Upper Darby, PA from 2015-2019. He also went on to perform with Cadets2 in 2017 and 2018, United Percussion in 2018, 2019, 2022, and currently 2023, and lastly The Cadets in 2022.
Andy has just completed his fourth season as the Head Front Ensemble Tech at Deptford High School, and is continuing his third season as the Front Ensemble Tech at Highland Regional High School. Andy is excited to join and work alongside a team of excellent members and educators in the Hawthorne Caballeros!
Andy Pham
Front Ensemble Technician

Lornaa Morales
Front Ensemble Technician
Lornaa Morales is a Cabs Front Ensemble Alum, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree at Montclair State University. In her marching career, she has performed with the Hawthorne Caballeros from 2017-2019, served as a section leader, and taught the front ensemble for their 2021 and 2022 seasons. She was a member of United Percussion Front Ensemble, performing in 2019, 2020, and 2022. In 2023 she was a Caption Head for their 2023 season. Lornaa has taught at various high schools marching bands in NJ , and is currently teaching private piano , violin, and percussion lessons in North Jersey. Lornaa is currently a Music Therapy Intern at Women Aware , a Domestic Violence agency supporting families in their journeys as they heal from Domestic Violence.
Lornaa Morales
Front Ensemble Technician

Tricia Pardave
Front Ensemble Technician
Tricia is a percussion educator based in New Jersey. Her experience in the marching arts began at West Essex High School. Afterwards, Tricia attended the New Jersey Institute of Technology where she received her bachelor's in Information Technology. During her studies, she began her first drum corps season with the Hawthorne Caballeros.
She was a member of the Caballeros from 2018 to 2022 performing on vibraphone and marimba. Her teaching experience includes Fort Lee HS, West Morris Mendham HS, New Milford HS, and Madison HS.
Currently, Tricia works as a Software Engineer for Prudential Financial in Newark, NJ. She is excited to teach with the Caballeros!
Tricia Pardave
Front Ensemble Technician

Valeri Liiva-Katz
Front Ensemble Technician
This will be Valeri’s 27th year with the Hawthorne Caballeros. She was named Caballero percussionist of the year in 2004 and won two DCA championships in 2003 and 2021. Valeri had marched 3 seasons with the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps from West Chester, PA in 88, 89, and 90 and the Concord Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps from CA, in 91.
Valeri grew up outside of the Philly-area, Media, PA. She completed her undergraduate degree in Music Education from West Chester University of West Chester, PA. She completed her master’s in music education at The University of North Texas, Denton, TX. She has had the opportunity to have studied and perform under many successful professional musicians such as Marimba-Leigh Howard Stevens, Dr. Robert Schietroma, Keiko Abe, Michael Van Sice, Michael Burritt, William Moershe, Ney Rosauro & Gordon Stout. Xylophone-George Hamilton Green, Philip Kraus & Bob Becker. Vibraphone-Emil Richards, Jim Coffman, Ed Smith, Arthur Lipner & Marc Max Jacoby. Timpani-Ron Fink, Cloyd Duff & Professor Joseph Goebel. Snare-Ron Fink, Jim Chapin, Anthony Cirone, William Ludwig Jr., George Stone, Mark Thurston & Paul Rennick. Drum Set-Ed Soph, Henry Okstel, Mike Drake, Dan Robins & Professor Joseph Goebel. Professional Conductors: Dr. Mallory Thompson, Dr. Peter Boonshaft, Dr. Craig Davis, Jack Stamp, David Holsinger, Dr. Eugene Corporon & Dennis Fisher. Musicians: David Freedman, Chad Wackerman, Airto Morerra, Steve Gadd, Poncho Sanchez, Ignacio Berroa & Emil Richards.
Valeri has taught music throughout NJ since 1998; marching bands, indoor drum lines, concert bands, jazz bands, pit orchestras, instrumental lessons, choirs, general music, and the Little Kids Rock program. She is presently a full-time instrumental music teacher and band director at the Elizabeth Public School District in Elizabeth, NJ since 2009, working at Joesph Battin School No. 4.