The Team behind Our Marching Band Performance Consulting Company

After over 45 years in the industry, Richard Lopez has distinguished himself as a leading marching arts show designer, instructor, and consultant. Since 1978, he has collaborated with numerous Texas high schools, crafting award-winning performances for both color guards and marching bands. His innovative programs have garnered accolades at various competitive levels, from indoor, solo, and ensemble color guard state championships to WGI regional championships and UIL Texas State Marching finals.

Richard is also an accomplished marching band drill designer. His drill work has been performed by high schools across Texas, with many achieving recognition in the prestigious UIL State Marching Band contests. As a respected figure in the industry, Richard has previously served as the President of the Texas Educational Colorguard Association (TECA) and currently serves as its Education Director. He actively participates in professional organizations like the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association, continually promoting the growth and evolution of the marching arts.

Lia Collins is a 2015 graduate of Madison High School who dedicated four years of her high school life to the marching arts. Her experiences in marching band and serving as captain of the varsity winter guard not only fueled her passion for these visual arts but also set the stage for her career aspirations.

She took a unique path after graduation, proudly serving in the US Navy for six years. Upon completing her military service, she redirected her focus toward academics and is currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Her dedication to combining her love for the marching arts with her business skills led her to seek mentorship from Richard Lopez, who is guiding her toward a successful and fulfilling future within the industry.

Jeremy Contreras has over 12 years of experience at Performer’s Academy, where he serves as both the office administrator and a color guard consultant. His extensive knowledge and dedication have helped numerous Texas high schools and competitive programs achieve award-winning color guard routines. Under his mentorship, many programs have secured multiple state championships.

In addition to being a color guard consultant, Jeremy currently serves as the President of TECA. His leadership focuses on advancing color guard education in Texas and fostering a supportive environment for instructors in the marching arts community. He is also the Color Guard Director at Sotomayor High School, where he continuously shapes the next generation of performers through his vision, creativity, and leadership.

Hannah Oliver’s journey in the world of color guard spans over 10 years, beginning shortly after her 2015 graduation from James Madison High School. During her four years as a color guard member, Hannah not only showcased exceptional skill but also emerged as a natural leader, developing a deep passion for teaching and inspiring others in the activity.

After high school, Hannah returned to her roots at Performer’s Academy, taking on the role of Assistant Color Guard Director, where she mentored and guided the next generation of performers. Her dedication to her craft and her students laid the foundation for her future successes.

In 2018, Hannah became the Color Guard Director at Boerne High School in Boerne, Texas, where she revitalized the program and led it to new heights, including success at State competitions. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the program’s growth, fostering an environment where teamwork, discipline, and creativity thrive.

Hannah holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Health Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Her commitment to education and mentorship in the color guard community is unwavering, and she continues to make a significant impact both in the classroom and on the field.

Hunter Phillips began his color guard journey at Wagner High School, where he graduated in 2017. His passion for the activity quickly grew, leading him to march with the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps in 2016. Hunter continued to develop his skills on the national stage, performing with Invictus World Winter Guard from 2018-2020 and the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps during the same period.

Hunter’s teaching career began as an Assistant Color Guard Instructor at Wagner High School, followed by a role at Madison High School. In recognition of his dedication and leadership, he was promoted to Color Guard Director at Byron P. Steele High School, where he currently leads the program with passion and expertise.

In addition to his work as a director, Hunter is pursuing a degree in Dance at San Antonio College, furthering his knowledge of movement and choreography to enhance his work in color guard. His ongoing education, combined with his handson experience in both performance and instruction, makes him a dynamic and inspiring leader in the color guard community.

Amber Martin’s color guard journey began at James Madison High School, where she graduated in the spring of 2020. Throughout her high school years, Amber was fully dedicated to the program, marching all four years and serving as captain for three of them. Under her leadership, her team earned numerous prestigious awards and top honors, cementing her passion for the activity.

In the fall of 2022, Amber took on a new role as a teacher at Samuel Clemens High School, where she continues to inspire and develop young talent in the color guard program. Her commitment to nurturing her students’ skills and fostering a love for the art form shines through in her teaching.

Amber has also been marching with Invictus World for the past two years, gaining valuable experience and further deepening her connection to the color guard community. Her continued dedication to the activity ensures that she will keep making a meaningful impact both in the classroom and on the competitive stage.

Autumn Gamez’s passion for color guard began at Madison High School, where she immersed herself in the program for all four years and served as captain for two of them. Her dedication to the art form, combined with her leadership skills, helped lay the foundation for her future in the color guard world. Graduating in the spring of 2023, Autumn’s high school experience solidified her commitment to the activity and her desire to inspire others.

In the fall of 2024, Autumn stepped into the role of Assistant Color Guard Director at Boerne High School, where she continues to mentor and guide young performers. Her focus on developing students’ skills, confidence, and creativity has made her an invaluable part of the team, contributing to the program’s growth and success.

Beyond her teaching role, Autumn is currently marching with Industry Independent Winter guard, gaining further experience and honing her skills at the competitive level. Her involvement with a top-tier independent winter guard enriches her coaching perspective, bringing fresh insights and expertise to her work.

Autumn is also pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management, combining her academic ambitions with her dedication to color guard. With her passion for teaching and her personal experience in the activity, she strives to make a lasting impact on her students and continue to elevate the color guard community.

Brianna Holguin’s color guard journey began in 2018 at Karen Wagner High School, where she spent four years marching with both the Wagner band and the varsity Winter Guard program. During her time at Wagner, she helped lead the team to state championships in 2018 and 2022, solidifying her love and dedication for the art form. Her commitment and skill were recognized in 2022 when she was awarded the Texas Educational Color Guard Association (TECA) scholarship.

After graduating high school and earning an associate’s degree in fine arts, Brianna chose to continue her color guard career as a technician. She joined the team at Byron P. Steele High School in the summer of 2022, where she has since been dedicated to sharing her knowledge and passion with the next generation of performers.

Brianna is committed to growing both as a teacher and a performer, continuously expanding her expertise in color guard. Her journey as a coach and mentor reflects her ongoing passion for the activity and her desire to make a positive impact on her students.

A passionate color guard enthusiast, Shelby Mullen began her journey at Madison High School, where she dedicated four years to the program, cultivating both her skills and love for the art. Upon graduating in the spring of 2023, she set her sights on continuing her growth within the world of color guard.

In 2025, Shelby took on the role of Assistant Color Guard Director at Clemens High School. There, she focuses on mentoring and developing young talent, fostering confidence and enhancing their abilities. Shelby’s commitment to her students and the program has made her a vital part of its ongoing success and growth.

Galilea Flores’ passion for color guard began at Warren High School, where she dedicated herself to the program for all four years, showcasing her commitment and love for the art form. Graduating in the spring of 2021, Galilea experience laid the foundation for her future in the world of color guard.

In the fall of 2022, Galilea began her role as Assistant Color Guard Director at Madison High School, where she continues to inspire and mentor young talent. Her focus on developing the skills and confidence of her students has made her a valuable part of the team, contributing to the program’s ongoing growth and success.

In addition to her teaching role, Galilea is currently marching with Industry Independent Winter guard, further honing her skills and gaining experience at the competitive level. Her involvement with a top-tier independent winter guard brings a unique perspective and fresh insights to her work as a coach.

Galilea is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where she combines her academic ambitions with her dedication to the color guard community. Her passion for teaching, coupled with her personal experience in the activity, drives her to make a lasting impact on both her students and the world of color guard.

Reagan Martilla’s journey into color guard began after she transitioned from competitive gymnastics to high school color guard at Alamo Heights High School. Initially juggling three different electives, Reagan quickly realized that color guard was her true passion. As she progressed, she became captain in both her junior and senior years, leading her team to a silver medal during her junior year winter season. Even when COVID-19 disrupted her senior year, Reagan knew her journey in color guard was far from over.

After graduating in 2020, Reagan pursued a degree in Organizational Leadership and Project Management through Arizona State University Online. At the same time, she began teaching as an assistant at William Howard Taft High School, where she has made a significant impact over the past five years. Reagan played an integral role in growing the program and helping Taft make history by securing its first winter guard Championship in a decade.

Now in her fifth year as an assistant at Taft, Reagan continues to inspire and mentor students while balancing her role as a Data Analyst and Reporter. Her dedication to both her students and her professional growth reflects her passion for leadership and the color guard community.