April Gilligan-Martinez has been a part of winter guard in South Florida for over 25 years. Often described as the standard by which all guard shows are measured, her design concepts have been integrated across the national winter guard landscape. Her early accomplishments with Braddock High School wove a contemporary winter guard design with performances that brought a distinctive latin flavor into the national spotlight. What would eventually become known as the "Miami" sound, shows like "Subway" laid the foundation for a generation of new winter guard concepts. While her design concepts brought well deserved recognition, April played a vital role in the development of many new winter guard instructors. Many of those whom she mentored are now accomplished Directors and Designers in their own right. Some of April's greatest contributions to the activity are in the realm of the independent ensembles. Her work with Team Miami and Braddock Independent laid the groundwork of establishing how an independent winter guard organization should function. April remains to this day an advocate for the independent performers and a consultant to many winter guard programs. Her experience and her continuing roles as Designer, Instructor, Consultant, and Judge, continue to keep the South Florida community at the top of their game.