Jared Littleton
Guard Co-Caption Head

Jared Littleton, an Indianapolis native, has been involved in the marching arts since 2005. Jared was a member of his high school band and orchestra who began his performing arts education as a music education major at Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was during his time at Marian that he discovered his passion for color guard and began performing. Jared has performed with Onyx, O2, Zydeco, and Third Coast Independent winter guards as well as the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps.  

Jared moved to Houston, Texas in 2018 and has instructed numerous scholastic guards in the area including Magnolia West High School, Magnolia High School, and Seven Lakes High School. Jared is a current staff member of the Music for All Summer Symposium, where he serves as a clinician for the color guard track. Prior to moving to Texas, Jared was on the instructional staff at the Avon High School (Avon, IN) band program for both the high school and cadet guards. Jared also served Spirit Independent (Houston, TX) in a range of positions including technician, choreographer, and educational director. Jared’s drum corps educational experience includes being the Assistant Caption Head at the Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps as well Music City Drum and Bugle Corps color guard staff. Most recently, Jared has spent his recent summers here at The Academy, where he has been on staff as a choreographer and technician since 2023.  

A current resident of Tomball, Texas, Jared serves as the Color Guard Director of a comprehensive 7th-12th grade color guard program at Magnolia West High School, Magnolia Junior High, and Magnolia Parkway Junior High. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his dog Milo, playing videogames with his friends, and reading.  

Keith Casey
Color Guard Advisor

Keith Casey has been involved in the pageantry arts for over 40 years. He started performing with his high school marching band at the age of 12. From there, he marched trumpet (soprano) for the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps (1987-1988) and mellophone for the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps (1989-1992) which was named DCI World Champions in 1991. During those years, he also performed with the Jacksonville State University Marching Southerners where he served as drum major (1990, 1991, and 1993). Additionally, he marched in the State Street Review Winterguard in 1993 which received the Bronze Medal in Independent World at Winter Guard International (WGI). After aging out, he transitioned to instructing and spent 13 years working with various high schools in Cobb County, Georgia. He served as the Assistant Guard Director at Lassiter HS (1996-2000). While at Lassiter HS, his programs achieved recognition as the 1996 WGI Scholastic A Class Champions, the 1997 WGI Scholastic Open Class Champions, and 1998 Bands of America Grand Nationals Champions. He also served as Guard Director at Wheeler HS (2000-2002), and at Alan C. Pope HS (2002-2007). After moving to Arizona he served as Guard Director at Mesquite HS (2007-2012) and Desert Vista HS (2012-present). He also serves the Asst. Band Director at Desert Vista HS, and serves on the Board of Directors as Secretary for Winter Guard Arizona (WGAZ). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English (Jacksonville State University) and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (Kennesaw State University). Currently in his 27th Year as an English teacher, he has taught at Lassiter HS (1998-2002), Kell HS (2002-2007), Red Mountain HS (2007-2012), and Desert Vista (2012-present). This will be his second year serving on The Academy Staff.

Alli Weber
Recruitment Specialist/Technician

Allison Thibault Weber serves as Adjunct Faculty for the SUU Thunderbird Marching Band and Color Guard Director for SUU Independent (SUUI). Hailing from Burbank, California, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, Allison began her Color Guard career in 2008 with competitive high school marching band and winter guard. She attended the University of Wyoming, proudly marching with the Western Thunder Marching Band, where she advanced to assistant and then head Color Guard Captain. She also earned a spot in the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps Winter Guard, “Exsight,” and performed for two years with the group. Following her performing career, she joined the Western Thunder Marching Band as a staff member, eventually becoming head of staff. Allison graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Distributed Mathematics and Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Physiology) and a minor in Honors, before relocating to Las Vegas, NV, to pursue graduate studies. 

Allison currently coaches, designs, and consults for multiple high schools in the WGASC, UCGC, and WGI circuits, serving as the director for four programs. She is also the co-owner of Skyline MDI, a company specializing in choreography, instruction, arranging, and drill design for competitive marching band and winter guard performances. Allison specializes in building Color Guard programs from scratch, and has a passion for new learners and establishing positive cultures in performing groups.     

Outside of Color Guard, Allison serves as as a Post-Secondary Program Coordinator for Fulfillment Fund Las Vegas. As a first-generation college student herself, Allison is driven by a passion for increasing equity and access in higher education while honoring the individual identities, stories, and dreams of her students. 

Robbie Arnold
Choreographer

Robbie Arnold is from Winchester KY, where he is a visual consultant, designer, and choreographer and holds a Master’s Degree in Teacher Leadership. He is currently an assistant director of Lexis Winterguard from Lexington, Kentucky who most recently placed 17th in World Class Semi-Finals at WGI in 2024. Robbie teaches multiple championship marching bands in Kentucky including Adair County High School, Beechwood High School, George Rogers Clark High School, South Laurel High school and many others. His responsibilities at these programs range from training the ensemble visually, wind and color guard choreography, concept development and implementation and program coordination. Winter guard programs he works with include Braden River High School (FL), George Rogers Clark High School and Russell Independent HS, (KY) Summit HS (TN), and Magnolia West High School (TX). His roles include staging, choreography, concept development and production consultation. Robbie’s performance experience includes the Pride of Cincinnati Winterguard and the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle corps. Robbie was also a choreographer for the Southwind Drum and bugle corps 04-06 Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps in the summer of 2017 and is currently in his second season as a choreographer for The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. He is married to Dana and they have two sons, Hayden, age 16 and Hudson, age 13.

CJ McCrory
Choreographer

C.J. McCrory is a clinician, consultant, educator, and designer for the Marching Arts activity residing in Knoxville, TN. Locally, he is the Color Guard Coordinator for the University of Tennessee’s Pride of the Southland Marching Band, the Director of Color Guards for Hardin Valley Academy and Hardin Valley Middle School programs, as well as serving as Board President for the East Tennessee Performing Arts Association. Expanding out of Tennessee, C.J. is also currently involved with multiple groups across the Nation in various roles such as consultant, choreographer, and technician. His goals within the activity are to spread his love and passion for the Marching Arts, and assist in creating the next generation of educators! 

C.J.’s past Color Guard marching experiences have included The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, Pride of Cincinnati (IW), and Eklipse Winterguard (IW), as well as marching mellophone with the Pride of the Southland Marching band. In his teaching experience, C.J. has been privileged with the opportunity to work with Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, Artistry in Blue (IA), Beau Monde Independent (IA), Lexis Winterguard (IW), and Carmel HS (SW).

André Williams
Movement Coordinator

André Williams is a designer, choreographer, director, and movement educator whose work bridges contemporary dance, theater and the pageantry arts, He began his movement journey in color guard, eventually designing, directing, and teaching at both scholastic and independent levels while expanding his practice into concert dance and interdisciplinary performance. Andre is the Founder and Creative Director of Relevations Dance Theatre, an Indianapolis-based movement theatre company committed to inspiring, educating, and healing through inclusive and innovative performance experiences.  

Andre’s choreography and direction have developed across stage and screen, incorporating emotional storytelling, embodies musicality, and nuanced ensemble vocabulary. He has led programs to state and national recognition, taught throughout the Midwest and beyond, and is known for cultivating rehearsal environments rooted in clarity, compassion, rigor, and collaboration.  

Returning to The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps, Andre brings a renewed artistic perspective and deep commitment to performer development, helping young artists discover presence, purpose, and expressive power through movement. 

Veronica Easton
Movement Specialist

Veronica Easton, a Chicago, IL native, began her involvement in the marching arts in 2011 as a freshman at Minooka Community High School in Minooka, IL. Veronica has performed with Minooka Independent, Independence, Allegiance, Bluecoats Indoor, Lexis, and Third Coast Independent Winter Guards, as well as the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps 2015-2018. 

Veronica has been an active educator within the color guard community, having worked with several respected programs including Marian Catholic High School and Naperville Central High School. She currently serves as the Color Guard Director at Magnolia High School in Magnolia, Texas, where she leads a growing and dynamic 7th-12th grade program. 

Now a resident of Magnolia, TX, Veronica enjoys spending time with her three cats: Cannoli, Ravioli, and Stromboli. She can often be found crocheting in her free time.

Távia Easton-Seard
Movement Specialist

Távia, is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, and a proud Marine Corps veteran. Tavia first found discipline and artistry as a marching member of the Lawrence Central HS Color Guard in Northeast Indianapolis. Later, after the military, she channeled that same spirit into The Collective, a visual arts organization based in Indianapolis, and a few years with Juxtaposition Color Guard. Her journey blends service, performance, and creativity—carrying an eclectic vibration shaped by the way she weaves life coaching into her artistry. Tavia’s personal hobbies are gardening, eating, and spending time with her animals. She enjoys spiritual, eclectic, and intellectual conversation.

Juan Brito
Lead Technician

Juan Brito brings nearly a decade of experience and passion to the activity, both as a performer and educator. He began his color guard journey at Braden River High School, and launched his drum corps career with Spirit of Atlanta, marching in 2019 and again in 2021. He continued performing at the highest level with Carolina Crown during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. 

Juan has spent the last two years on staff with The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, an experience he loved deeply. His time there further fueled his passion for teaching and strengthened his commitment to growing young performers both on and off the field. 

As a choreographer and educator, Juan has worked with numerous programs across Florida, including Braden River High School, Wiregrass Ranch High School, and several others. He currently serves as the Color Guard Director at Newsome High School in Lithia, Florida, where he continues to develop and inspire excellence in his students. 

Juan is excited to bring his energy, creativity, and love for the activity to another incredible season.

Shana Salter
Technician

Shana Salter, a current Houston resident, is joining our color guard staff for the 2026 season. Shana has been a member of the performing arts from a young age, participating in studio dance and concert bands before joining color guard. Shana performed with her local marching band and winter guard before beginning her educational career shortly after graduation. Shana has been an active educator at the scholastic, independent, and Drum Corps levels for over 10 years. Notably, she has served on staff at the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, Spirit Independent Winter Guard, Third Coast Independent, Klein Oak High School, and Seven Lakes High School. In her daily life, Shana is a Clinical Mental Health professional working with clients of all ages and backgrounds on her way to achieving full licensure as a Professional Counselor. Shana is very excited to be joining the staff at The Academy and looks forward to an incredible summer.

Kaylie Price
Technician

Kaylie is thrilled to return for her third year as a color guard instructor with The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, bringing a rich background in performing arts, dance, and music education. With a passion for movement and storytelling, she has been deeply involved in the performing arts since the age of six, beginning her journey in music, dance, and theater. 

Her color guard experience began in 2015, sparking a lifelong love for the art of visual performance. In college, Kaylie was a member of the Southeastern University dance team, further developing her technical and expressive skills. She currently serves as the Director of the Braden River High School Color Guard and is on staff with South Orlando Independent, leading and mentoring performers with creativity, precision, and heart. She is also on the movement and dance staff for Horizon Winds World and works with various indoor ensembles across Florida, helping performers refine their technique and artistry. 

Beyond color guard, Kaylie is an accomplished musician and educator. She is a music teacher at a local elementary school, where she shares her love of music with young learners through engaging and creative instruction. Additionally, she teaches voice, piano, guitar, and musical theater privately, blending her knowledge of dance and music to create dynamic, expressive performances. 

Javier Narvaez
Technician

Javier Narvaez is the Colorguard Director at Churchill Fulshear High School, where he leads both the Varsity and JV programs. Under his direction, the Fulshear Varsity team has become a recurring WGI A Class Finalist at multiple Texas Regionals, while the JV team continues to grow and succeed in the Scholastic JV Regional A division. Both teams proudly compete in the Texas Color Guard Circuit (TCGC), representing the program with excellence, creativity, and pride. 

Javier began his teaching career as a Colorguard Technician at Dobie High School (2014–2016) and later at Katy High School (2016–2018), where he helped develop training programs, choreography, and performance quality that elevated each ensemble’s competitive success. In 2019, he became the Colorguard Director at Churchill Fulshear High School, where he continues to inspire performers to refine their artistry and achieve beyond their expectations. 

As a performer, Javier’s experience includes marching with several nationally recognized independent and drum corps ensembles: Code Black Independent (2013), Boston Crusaders (2014), Spirit Independent (2016–2018), and Third Coast Independent (2023). These years performing at the highest levels of the activity have shaped his teaching philosophy and attention to excellence. 

Outside of education, Javier has extensive experience in floral and event design, having served as Lead Designer at Décor One in Stafford, Texas, and later at Fulshear Floral Design. His work on luxury weddings and large-scale events—especially within the vibrant Desi and Indian cultural communities—has honed his eye for design, color, and detail. That same creativity carries into his approach to show design, costume coordination, and visual aesthetics in the Colorguard activity. 

Javier’s blend of artistry, leadership, and passion continues to inspire his students and peers, creating performance experiences that are both technically strong and emotionally resonant. 

Cari Eng
Technician

Cari Eng, originally from Indianapolis Indiana, started out in the marching arts as a clarinet player turned color guard member. She was a member of the band and guard at Franklin Central High School where she had the honor of being a member of the WGI Open Class World Champion team in 2000. After high school, Cari joined the staff with the Franklin Central HS World Guard until she moved to Phoenix in 2003 after graduating from Indiana University with a BS in Computer Science. 

In 2003, Cari joined Teach For America and began teaching and coaching in Arizona. She currently works as a Data Analyst for the Arizona Department of Education. Cari has been actively involved in the band and color guard circuits in AZ as a board member and director and is currently working as the Color Guard Caption Head at Desert Vista High School. 

Andres Hinogiante
Technician

Andres is a color guard instructor born in Tucson, Arizona and has been teaching color guard for 7 years. Andres graduated from Arizona State University in 2023 with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. He currently works as a cardiothoracic registered nurse in Chandler, Arizona. For the past few years, he has taught and choreographed multiple high school programs in the state of Arizona as well as the local independent winter guard from Arizona, Oasis Ensembles. Andres began his drum corps journey at a young age with The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps back in 2017. He then went on to perform 5 seasons with The Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps from 2018 until his age out in 2022. Andres is excited to return home to The Academy and begin this new chapter on the instructional side of drum corps. Andres hopes to foster a safe and fun environment for the next generation of color guard performers!

Orlando Franco
Technician

Orlando Franco started his marching career in 2013 at Savanna high school in Anaheim California. After graduation, he went onto March drum corps with impulse as well as three consecutive years with the mandarins.  

During his winter guard seasons, he has marched with program such as Black crown, Fantasia, Diamanté & Icon winter guard 

This year he has been blessed to celebrate his 10 year anniversary of teaching in Southern California. Many of those groups have been. 

Magnolia Hs, Cypress Hs, Godinez Fundamental, Fontana Hs, Irvine Hs, Santa Ana Hs, Kennedy Hs to name a few & is currently the Color Guard Caption head at his Alma Mater Savanna Hs.  

He is blessed every day to give back to the program & students that has given him his first place to call home. 

Brad Parnell
Costume Designer

Bio Coming Soon