
Arwen Hernandez has been a band director in southern California since 2006. She received her B.A. in Music Education from California State University, Los Angeles, where she studied conducting with Dr. Thomas Miyake, Dr. Abel Ramirez and Donald Brinegar. She has been the band director at Riverside Polytechnic High School since 2018. Prior to that, she held positions at Edison High School in Huntington Beach, and Palisades Charter High School in Pacific Palisades. Ms. Hernandez was a member of the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps and an original London cast member of the hit stage show, BLAST! Ms. Hernandez has been on staff for Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps and Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps. She was in the Los Angeles Master Chorale for five years. Ms. Hernandez is an active adjudicator for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association, and is on the steering committee for field adjudication. Her professional affiliations include SCSBOA, NAfME and CBDA. Ms. Hernandez lives in Riverside with her first dog, Rally, her first son, Teddy, and her first husband, Matt Matthews, the band director at Colony High School in Ontario. Their home is full of soccer balls and band talk.
aehernandez@riversideunified.org
951-788-7203 ext. 64060
Shawn Hartmann started her color guard career as a member of Fantasia and marched with them for 3 years. She has been teaching color guard for almost 30 years throughout Southern California. Shawn has experience teaching middle school to high school color guard for winter guard, parade, and field season. She has been teaching the color guard at Poly since 2014 and is proud to continue the excellence that was started before her. Poly has a great color guard staff that strives to make all members improve and reach their full potential. Shawn has been a teacher in RUSD for over 30 years and has been married for 22 years with 4 amazing boys.
shartmann@riversideunified.org
951-788-7296 ext. 42246


Tate Kinsella is a Percussion & Drum Set Performer/Educator based in Southern California. Tate received his B.M. from the Fred Loewe Conservatory of Music, his M.M. In sound engineering and Design from the Berklee College of Music, and an M.M. In Jazz Performance from the University of Southern California. He has studied with some of the most prominent performers and educators in SoCal, and Boston such as : Dr. Peter Erskine, Dan Schnell, Nicolas Semrad, Joel Taylor, Bill Schlitt, Dr. Yuri Inoo, Bob Minzer, Steve Hass, Kush Abadey, Jody Fischer, Dr. David Scott, Enrique Gonzalez Müller, Dr. Anthony Suter, Dr. Co Boi Nguyen, and Dr. Eddie Smith.
Tate Has performed and toured (Festivals including Coachella, Lalopalooza, and The Newport Jazz Festival) in the United States, Europe,and The Americas with artists such as: Sophia Bollman (NBC’s the voice) , “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” off broadway tour, “Urine Town” off broadway tour, Redlands Symphony Orchestra, “RELAYE” Green Shoots tour, Marsh Davis, Justin “TRU-LEE”, “CARLY RENAE” Torn Tour , “The Honey” Monsters Tour, “Joe Bagg” Live at the Blue Whale, USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra, Polyfeels Jazz Trio, Ben Davis Trio, Zzaj Quintet, Crawford banks’ “The Beethoven Method” Motion Picture Soundtrack,Andrew Sandoval, Chris “Dixie” Darley (Father John Misty), Will Worden (Willie Nelson), Phil Hollie, Headbed Jazz Project, Cruel Billie, Carey Nordstrand (Nordstrand Audio/Nordstrand Basses), Dylann Taylor, and Chris Sikora (Voyager Studios).
Tate currently resides in Riverside, California with His wife Anay, and dogs Umi, Sophie, and Sam.
Nathan Banegas is a musician, music arranger, and visual designer hailing from the vibrant city of New Orleans. His musical journey began at the young age of 10 when he picked up the trumpet. Throughout his high school years, Nathan's dedication and skill led him to audition and secure a position as the principal trumpet in the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra, where he played for three years.
Continuing his passion for music, Nathan attended Loyola University New Orleans. During his time there, he immersed himself in a multitude of musical ensembles, including the university wind ensemble, concert band, symphony orchestra, brass quintet, jazz band, and trumpet ensemble. This diverse experience allowed him to explore different genres and refine his musical abilities.
In addition to his university performances, Nathan also gained valuable performance experience outside of school. In 2010, he performed with Forte Drum and Bugle Corps. From 2011 to 2013, he had the privilege of performing with the renowned Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. After completing his tenure with the corps, Nathan transitioned into a teaching role, sharing his knowledge and expertise with the Blue Devils B, Louisiana Stars, and Madison Scouts.
In 2017, Nathan made the move to Southern California, where he has been actively involved in the marching arts scene. He has been teaching, designing drill, and writing music for competitive marching band programs at multiple high schools, passing on his passion for music and the marching arts to the next generation of performers.
Nathan Banegas's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication, skill, and love for music and the marching arts. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or on the football field, he continues to inspire and uplift others through his endeavors.


Drum Major

Drum Major

Drum Major & Secretary

President & Low Brass Section Leader

Vice President

Librarian & Flute Section Leader

Percussion Captain (Battery)

Percussion Captain

Color Guard Captain

Color Guard Co-Captain

Clarinet Section Leader

Alto Saxophone Section Leader

Low Reed Section Leader

High Brass Section Leader

Tuba Section Leader
Copyright © 2020 Riverside Poly Band And Color Guard - All Rights Reserved.