The Guardian Drum and Bugle Corps of Drum Corps International (DCI) is currently rehearsing and training in Brownwood and two of its members include Brownwood musicians.

Brothers Juan and Angel Hernandez, both graduates of Brownwood High School and current Howard Payne University students, are touring with the group as they compete in the Open Class division for the 2014 season, performing in approximately 6 shows in the southern region.

Juan will be a senior at HPU in the fall and Angel is a sophomore.  Both are talented percussionists pursuing degrees in music and plan to be instructors after graduation.

Juan was to play quints during the tour; however after having issues with his hip, he has been working as a volunteer instructor, according to his family.  Angel earned a position in the pit.

The Guardians are based out of Seguin but all DCI members spend the summer competing in marching events throughout the south.   Members of the Guardians are youth ages 14-21 from the Central Texas region.  Throughout the tour, members have a chance to learn from some of the best music educators in the nation.  The season is designed to grow and challenge these young musicians in every aspect of their musical career from repertoire knowledge to technique, from sound production to sound projection, according to the Guardian’s website.

The Guardians will compete next at the Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex in Round Rock on Thursday, July 17th.  On Saturday, July 19th, the Guardians will compete at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

For more information the Guardians and their competitive schedule,