Read David’s letter for more details about this:

“Dear Caballeros Members, Alumni, Supporters and Fans,

As we move on from our amazing 80th Season, I wanted to take a minute to assure you all of the future ahead. The Caballeros tradition is alive and well. We couldn’t be prouder of how we represented the organization during the 2026 DCI Summer Tour. Overall All-Age Silver Medalists, DCI All-Age Champion Color Guard, Percussion, and Honor Guard. In addition we received Best Drum Major (Kim Roman), Director of the Year (Al Katz) and the Yokohama Tire Fan Favorite of the DCI All Age World Championships. People took notice for sure! We are all thankful for your support and encouragement throughout the entire 80th season.

The Caballeros have always been known for our iconic brand, our work ethic, and our willingness to be innovative. This past season put all three on display. The world of DCI has certainly changed what Drum Corps looks and sounds like. We aim to continue to be at the highest level of excellence while finding ways to show our Caballeros legacy. We won’t let it prevent us from being at the cutting edge of the activity. Most of all, we aim to provide the current Caballeros with the best member experience in the activity. We all know this balancing act is hard to achieve, but we thank you in advance for your trust and support.

Since 1946, we have been directed by James J. Costello. We will continue to operate with Cos as our Director in spirit and conscience. He will continue to be listed as Director Emeritus. Going forward, Al Katz has assumed the role of Chairman of the Board. In this new role, he will guide our expanded Board of Directors to provide oversight and work to secure additional funding to keep the Caballeros organization healthy and stable in the years to come. His time as our lead administrator has been filled with performances and versions of the Caballeros that we can all be proud of. We couldn’t be more thankful for his efforts and love of the organization. He has held the bar to the standard set for us by Cos, Frank Gerris and all of the others who have helped guide us over the years. I am immensely honored that Al Katz has placed his trust in me to keep our treasured organization moving forward.

My new title of Executive Director will put us in organizational alignment with the other DCI organizations. This new role was never a goal of mine. The truth is, I just wanted to do my part to make sure the organization survived and to give the next generation the opportunity I had at the start of my musical career. We have an incredible team of administrators, staff, and members that work together to keep the Caballeros thriving. Today, my goals are very simple. I will do my part to help our administrative team maintain the standards and ideals of what it means to be a Caballero. We will continue to field ensembles that push the activity and raise the standards of excellence for all of the marching arts. My biggest hope is to continue building a solid foundation for the future generations and to make sure that there are Caballeros for years to come.

I began my marching arts career in the Fair Lawn High School Marching Band with Jimmy Russo as my Drill Instructor. I continued on to become a member of the 1995 Caballeros. Since that time, I have been an instructor, drill designer, and band director. I have been the Director of Bands at Midland Park High School since 1997. All of these experiences have given me a unique perspective to help guide the administrative team through the ever-changing landscape of the drum corps activity. Following the 2022 season, I became a member of the Caballeros administrative team. Over the past four years, I have had the privilege to meet many of you and reconnect with those of you I knew in the past.

I take this new role as an immense responsibility and honor. That responsibility is to ensure our future is guided by the lessons we have learned from Cos and to continue bringing pride to the organization that means so much to all of us. In the coming days and weeks we will be announcing the specifics about the team of Administrators, Designers, and Educators for our 81st season. Today, I am excited to announce that the entire team that designed and led the instruction of “Entwine” will return for our 2027 Production! We look forward to your continued support this season and in the years ahead!

David Marks

Executive Director, Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps”