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FUSION VISUAL DESIGNER ANNOUNCED
After four years with Fusion as Drill Designer and a ten year relationship with the Fusion Administration, Izzy Delgado has decided to take a well needed break. Izzy has been an integral part of the Core and we sincerely thank him for all his hard work and dedication contributing to the success and growth of the Fusion Organization.
Joining the Core as Visual Designer for the 2012 season is Jaime Holly. Jaime is a full time Drill Designer and Visual Instructor living in Long Beach, CA with his wife Rebekah. He began his marching career in the soprano line of the Concord Blue Devil B Corps in 1989, moving to the World Champion A Corps in 1991 through 1993. He returned to the Blue Team in 1997 where he is currently Drill Writer and Visual Instructor.
His affinity for mathematical problems can be traced through his BS in Math from California State University at Fresno. Jaime earned a teaching credential from Cal State Hayward and was a math teacher at James Logan High School before he decided to give it up for the fame and fortune of drill writing.
Jaime is the Visual Caption Head and Designer for several award winning high schools in BOA and WBA, as well as independent non-profit organizations in DCI and WGI. He has also served on the DCI Task Force. Currently, he also has the pleasure of working with the National Champion-Soka Renaissance Vanguard from Tokyo, Japan.
Some of the groups he has had the opportunity to work with are: Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, Blue Coats Drum and Bugle Corps, Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, Mystikal Drum and Bugle Corps, Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, Upland High School, Fountain Valley High School, Mansfield-Legacy High School, Cy-Fair High School, West Broward High School, Azle High School, Rancho Cucamonga High School, Desert Vista High School, Winston Churchill High School, Clovis West High School, James Logan High School, Freelancers Indoor Drumline, Black Knights Indoor Drumline, and the El Diamonte Indoor Colorguard.
Welcome Jaime.
FUSION ANNOUNCES 2012 PRODUCTION
Despite the outcome, Fusion 2011 delivered on a whole new level – proving to be one of the Core’s strongest years in a short, yet successful history. Having escaped the rhythmic beats of “Africore” last year, the 2012 Fusion family dives headlong into beats of a different nature as they carry out “The HIT.” Fusion’s dramatic production parallels the fight to the top and the struggles to stay there present in both the drum corps activity and traditional mob rivalries.
The program opens with the solemn funeral of a beloved mob boss as a mournful and beautifully haunting rendition of Ave Maria floats above the field. But things are not always what they seem; while tears are being shed, other plans are being made.
The appointment of the new Don is ushered in with the powerfully iconic Godfather theme, Speak Softly Love. While this incumbent character may not know or care what he is in for, he’s living life out loud in the energetic celebration that is Gangsta Jazz.
As the new leader will soon find out, being on top is not all fun and games. Confrontation, rivalry, deceit and wicked intentions are dramatically voiced through the seamless interwoven melodies of Nessun Dorma and La Forza Del Destino.
The ongoing fight to be the best, defend turf and family finally comes to a head with Scootin’ on Hardrock. The intense, dramatic melodies and driving rhythms propel the Core forward to the final conflict resolution….Or does it???”
When the final shot has rung out and the final judgments made, will the new Don stay on top or fall victim to worthy competition?
Find out this summer as Fusion takes you along for “The HIT.”
Nicholas Breidigam joins Fusion as Visual Instructor for the 2012 season.
Currently a Senior at Towson University majoring in Religious Studies he is also member of the Towson University Marching Band. Nick also has an Associates degree in Music from the Community College of Baltimore where he was in the percussion section of the Baltimore Symphonic Band under the baton of Christopher Wolfe. Nick graduated from Dulaney High School where he was involved in the music department under Barry Chesky and James Paxton and is currently the Visual and Percussion Caption Head at his alma mater, Dulaney High School, Timonium, MD.
His drum corps career started thanks to Dennis DeLucia, by going to the Bridgemen Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps for the 2006-2008 seasons. In 2009 he travelled out to Dubuque, IA to play cymbals with the Colts until his age-out year in 2010.
In Nicholas’ spare time he likes to listen to music, compose music, being with friends, traveling, eating many different kinds of cuisines, and having a positive outlook on life. His methods are more philosophical and theological to teaching the selective art-form that comes with being a Cymbalist and one who is in the Marching Arts.
Welcome Nicholas.
FUSION BRASS EDUCATIION TEAM ANNOUNCED
Fusion is pleased to announce its world class Brass Educational Team for the 2012 season under the guidance of David Sedlak, Brass Caption Head. The brass staff continues to implement the standards set for the brass ensemble since its inception in 2007, and will continue to “push the envelope” as we move into 2012.
David Sedlak - Brass Caption Head is a long term resident of Pennsylvania and graduated from West Chester University with a B.S. in Music Education - Instrumental Concentration. He also earned his Juris Doctor from Penn State University - Dickinson School of Law - and holds a PA teaching license in Music Education (K-12).
David’s marching experience includes West Chester University Marching Band, Lancaster Catholic High School Marching Band, Columbia VFW Band and Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps, 1995 to 1997 and 1999, where he also served as in-line brass tech. David’s teaching experience includes Marching Band Director of Phoenixville High School, Band Director for York Catholic High School and, most recently, Visual Caption Head for Renaissance Indoor Drum Line (2006 to 2010). David studied brass under Dr. Ken Laudermilch, Dr. Owen Metcalf, Dr. John Villella and Mr. Tony Yaklich.
Gene O’Brien returns to Fusion as Brass Instructor. Gene has been a music educator in the Massachusetts school district for many years, graduating the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (Bachelor Science) and University of Massachusetts Lowell (Music Education). Currently Director of Music for the Everett Public Schools, Gene is no stranger to drum corps. His teaching experience includes Carolina Gold Music Arranger/Horn Instructor (2011), Legends of Drum Corps Instructor (Present), Drum Corps International Show/Event Staff (2004-Present), Fusion Core Consultant (2010), Carolina Gold Consultant (2010), Rochester Crusaders Brass Caption Head/Show Coordinator (2007-2009), Syracuse Brigadiers Brass Staff (2005), Connecticut Hurricanes DM (1995) and Brass Staff (1996-2000) and Boston Crusaders Brass Staff (1992-1994) to name a few.
Gene said, “I am looking forward to working with the Fusion family again. I have been blessed to learn from some of the best mentors in the activity from the late George Parks, music arranging from Jim Prime, brass pedagogy from Thom Lizotte, musicianship from Thom Hannum, trumpet playing from the late great Walter Chestnut, percussion education from Charley Poole, Drum Corps International event coordination from Tony DiCarlo, Carol O’Brien, motivation and passion from the late Pepe Notaro and Drum Corps Associates Operations Gil Silva, and Ed Denon”.
Brad Ford - Brass Instructor. Brad is a graduate of Temple University & University of the Arts earning a degree in Music Education with a concentration in Tuba and Voice. Brad is currently the Band Director at New Town Elementary School in Owings Mills, MD and was previously the Band Director at Bermudian Springs Middle and High School, York Springs, PA. At Bermudian Brad's bands were recognized as one of the top middle and high school bands in the Northeast. Brad has also been an instructor and designer for Penn Manor High School, Manheim, Central High School and York Suburban High School.
Brad’s drum corps experience includes marching member of Hawthorne Caballeros (2006 to 2009), Drum Major (2009), and Low Brass Instructor (2009). Brad has also been a member of the Harrisburg Westshoremen competitive and alumni corps.
Lauren Kulick - Brass Instructor and member. Lauren is the Band Director at Jefferson Township Middle School and Assistant Band Director for Jefferson Twp. High School Marching Band in NJ, earning her music education degree at Montclair State University School of the Arts in 2006. She is a charter member of Fusion, having marched mellophone for the past five years. When she is not enjoying drum corps or teaching, Lauren is a freelance french hornist and plays with the Jefferson Twp. Community Band and the brass quintet, "Covenant Brass".
Ray Sinclair - Brass Instructor has been marching and instructing for most of his life. After graduating from Norwich Free Academy in 2002 Ray began his college career of music education at the University of Connecticut. While at UConn, Ray was section leader and head drill tech for the UConn Marching Band. Ray also played in the traveling pep band for the 2004 National Champion UConn Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams.
Ray’s high school marching band teaching experience includes the following: 2004-2006 Visual Caption Head: Norwich Free Academy (Norwich, CT), 2010 Band Director: Manchester Township H.S. (Manchester Township, NJ), 2009 and 2011: Assistant Marching Band Director: Berlin High School (Berlin, CT).
Ray’s love for the marching band activity grew as he became more involved in Drum and Bugle Corps. Ray began marching DCI in early 2000 with the Boston Crusaders and concluded in 2003 with the Phantom Regiment. Ray became involved with DCA in 2004 marching tuba with the Hawthorne Caballeros. Most recently, Ray was baritone soloist with the 2010 Hawthorne Caballeros.
One of Ray’s other teaching passions is jazz education. From 2007-2010 Ray was Director of Bands at Northwest Catholic High School (West Hartford, CT). Under Ray’s tutelage the NWC music program received the following distinctions: At the 2010 Heritage Festival in Boston, MA the NWC Wind Ensemble earned a gold rating and a 1st place, the NWC Thursday Night Jazz Band earned a gold rating and a 1st place, in addition, the NWC Thursday Night Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble earned the “Sweepstakes Trophy” for the highest overall scores. Lastly, the NWC Thursday Night Jazz Band made school history by earning 3rd Place nationally (Division V) at the 2010 Berklee Jazz Festival in Boston, MA.
Currently, Ray is Director of Jazz and Assistant Marching Band Director at Berlin High School (Berlin, CT), and Director of Bands and Orchestras at Windham Middle School (Windham, CT).
FUSION VISUAL TEAM ANNOUNCED
Izzy Delgado returns to the Core for his 5th season as Drill Designer and Visual Coordinator. During his tenure, Fusion won the 2010 DCA Class A World Championship, along with achieving two runner up finishes and two High Visual Awards. Izzy has been designing drill for marching band, drum corps, winter guard, and indoor drum line for over 12 years. Currently he is the drill designer and design coordinator for the Matawan HS Marching Band as well as the Matawan HS Enigma and Genesis Winter Guards. He is also currently the drill designer for the marching bands at Elizabeth HS and North Plainfield HS, and is on the design staff for the Fusion Winter Guard. Izzy has several other design credits to his name, including having served as Visual Designer and Program Coordinator for the
Sayreville HS Marching Band and Winter Guard for 8 years.
Izzy is a former marching member of the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps and the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps. After aging out of the Raiders, he became a part of their visual staff and was eventually elevated to the position of Visual Caption Head. He has also been Visual Designer and
Caption Head for the NY Skyliners.
On the administrative front, Izzy is a member of the Executive Board and is Task Force Chairperson for the Mid-Atlantic Indoor Network. He is also a visual adjudicator for the US Scholastic Band Association. In “real” life, Izzy is an insurance agent and currently resides in Old Bridge, NJ with his lovely wife, Elyse.
Mike Durborow – Caption Head returns for the 2012 season with a long history in the drum corps activity including DCA and DCI. Mike is a great motivator and a favorite of the membership with his “can do attitude”. Mike began his drum corps career marching with the world acclaimed Muchachos Drum & Bugle Corps in 1967 – 1977, performing as Drum Major in 1977 and in winter guard (1968 – 1973). He continued on to teach Garfield Cadets in 1979-80. In 1983 Mike joined the Hawthorne Caballeros Drum & Bugle Corps and was Drum Major in 1983-84, and he continued with the corps as Visual Staff 1985 - 1993, Visual Caption Head 1994 – 2005 and Staff Coordinator 2002 – 2005.
Jesse Pitzer – Visual Instructor started his drum corps career marching tuba with the Crossmen from 2004 to 2007. After a short break, Jesse began instructing the Hawthorne Caballeros as a visual tech in 2009. He is excited to be working with Fusion Core for his second year in a row as a Visual Instructor. In addition to drum corps experience, Jesse has instructed several marching bands In the Central Pennsylvania area. From 2004-2007 Jesse was the Wind Caption Head for the Bermudian Springs Marching Unit in which he helped the group achieve a Cavalcade of Bands Independence Division- Class A Championship In 2007. Since this time Jesse has also worked with the New Oxford High School marching band as a Visual Instructor and the York Suburban Marching Knights serving In the role of Visual Caption Head. Jesse helped New Oxford achieve a Cavalcade of Bands Liberty Division- Open Class Championship In 2009. The same year he also helped York Suburban achieve a Cavalcade of bands Liberty Division- Class A Championship. In addition to instructing, Jesse likes to write drill and looks forward to expanding his skills in the coming year.
To be a part of the Visual Team for the 2012 season please contact Ed Bopp, Staff Coordinator edbopp@optonline.net
CHRIS BERNOTAS JOINS FUSION:
Fusion is pleased to announce Brass Arranger for the 2012 season, Chris M. Bernotas. Composer, clinician, and teacher Chris M Bernotas brings a fresh perspective to the world of music education. An active composer and arranger of concert band music, Mr. Bernotas is published with Alfred Music Publishing, Daehn Publications, TRN Music Publishing, Northeastern Music Publications and Bandworks Publications. His music has been performed at the Midwest Clinic and has appeared on J.W. Pepper's Editor's Choice list and numerous state lists. Mr. Bernotas is co-author of the third book in Alfred's revolutionary method Sound Innovations series, called Sound Innovations: Ensemble Development, along with Peter Boonshaft.
Mr. Bernotas holds a BM from William Paterson University and an MAT from Marygrove College. As an instrumental music teacher at Mountain Lakes High School in New Jersey, he conducts the wind ensemble, concert band, pep band, jazz band, and pit orchestra. Mr. Bernotas was recognized as "Educator of the Year" in 2005 and has been listed several times in Who's Who Among American Teachers.
Mr. Bernotas has served the North Jersey Area Band as President, and Symphonic Band conductor. He has also served on the executive board for the New Jersey School Music Association, Region I, and has worked with the NJ All-State Band as a manager. Mr. Bernotas has written and arranged music for many drum corps and marching bands throughout the United States. He also adjudicates for marching band competitions and festivals nationwide.
In addition to accepting commissions, Mr. Bernotas is an active guest conductor and presenter at clinics and conferences. As a pioneer of integrating technology in the classroom, Mr. Bernotas hosts virtual clinics and “classroom trades” with teachers in the US and Canada.
His professional affiliations include MENC, ASCAP, NBA, and NJMEA. Mr. Bernotas resides in New Jersey with his wife Cristina and three children.
More specifically for drum corps, Chris has written for the Caballeros, Crusaders, Hurricanes, Sunrisers, Carolina Gold, Pheonix and Magic of Orlando.
PERCUSSION EDUCATION TEAM ANNOUNCED
Fusion is pleased to announce a world class Instructional Percussion Team for the 2012 season under the guidance of Terrell Smith, Director of Percussion/Composer. Please join us in welcoming new and returning percussion music educators.
Ryan Spect joins the Core as Battery Instructor. Ryan began his marching percussion career at Northern York High School. He marched for four years, one on bass and three on snare. After high school he attended Penn State University where he played snare for four years in the Penn State University Blue Band. He also played tenors for two seasons in the Penn State Indoor Percussion Ensemble. Ryan's DCA marching career includes the 2000 Reading Buccaneers(DCA High Percussion), 2001 and 2002 Empire Statesmen, and 2003(DCA Champions), 2004, 2006 and 2007 Hawthorne Caballeros where he was also the percussion section leader.
His education background includes studying music education at Penn State University. While there he participated in concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble, orchestra, percussion ensemble and mallet ensemble. While at Penn State he studied with Dan Armstrong, Doug Rosener, Mark Ford and Ney Rosauro. He continued to grow as a performer and player in DCA while being taught by Gary Gill, Kevin Murphy, Terrell Smith, Bob Cizmarik and Brett Baker.
His teaching experience started in 2001 when he started at Lower Dauphin High School. Throughout his six years there he filled many capacities: snare tech, tenor tech, battery tech, caption head and battery arranger. While on the instructional staff the group was able to capture the following awards: TIA ‘A’ Class Champions, TIA ‘Open’ Class Champions twice, TIA ‘World’ Class Champions, TOB Group 3 High Percussion twice, CIDA World Champions and KIDA Blue Champions. In 2006 he was the battery tech for Red Land High School and from there spent 4 seasons at Cedar Cliff High School as a battery tech capturing the 2008 UUSBA Group 3 Open National Championship and Group 3 Open High Percussion. Currently Ryan is the caption head and battery arranger at Susquehanna Township High School and a consultant for The Lower Dauphin Indoor Percussion Ensemble.
Brian Foltz joins Fusions Percussion Team as Battery Instructor. Brian is a graduate of the University of Maryland, is an active instructor and adjudicator in the Mid-Atlantic Region. His drum corps marching experience includes performing with the Hawthorne Caballeros, Empire Statesmen, and Harrisburg Westshoremen. He performed in college with the Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band serving as a leader in the drumline from 2000 to 2003. He also performed with the University Percussion Ensemble, Maryland Pep Band, and the Broadway musical Stomp!
Brian has served as both Caption Head and Arranger for several schools in the state of Maryland, most recently at Urbana High School (2009, 2010) and the Williamsport High School Blue Band (2007, 2011). Brian is a member of the National Judges Association and is a certified percussion adjudicator in the TIA and TOB circuits. Brian is currently working on his master's degree in engineering at the University of Maryland at College Park and resides in Hagerstown, MD.
Kirsten Suess returns to the Core in a new capacity as Battery Instructor. She is a graduate of West Chester University earning a degree in Music with an outside field of communications and a member of Kappa Kappa Psi. Kirsten’s marching experience began in 2002 in the Hatboro-Horsham High School Marching Band. Her marching experience also includes Hatboro-Horsham High School Indoor Drumline (2003-2005), Phoenix Drum and Bugle Corps (2003), Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps (2004-2006), Aftermath Indoor Drumline (2006), West Chester University Marching Band (2006-2010), United Percussion (2007, 2009-2010), Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps (2010) and Fusion Core (2011). Kirsten is currently a percussion tech at Hatboro-Horsham High School in Horsham, PA (2010–Present) and prior to that taught at North Penn High School in Lansdale, PA (2010-2011). When Kirsten is not teaching or marching she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Gene Bennett III is joining Fusion’s Percussion Education Team for the 2012 season as Battery Instructor. A seasoned drum corps veteran, he started his career in 1984 with the St. Clare's Fife and Drum Corps in Rosedale, NY. After 4 competitive seasons with St. Clare's, Gene marched with Dutch Boy in 1990 and the Crossmen in 1991 and 1992 season in their percussion sections.
In 1993, Gene joined the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and after his military obligations were satisfied, he returned to drum corps and marched with the 1998 Hawthorne Caballeros as a snare drummer. Gene served as Percussion Co-Caption Head for Windsor Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps in 2011 and has taught numerous bands in New York, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and New Jersey and currently works with Boonsboro High School and Baltimore’s Marching Ravens. Gene is currently the Assistant Director and Cymbal Instructor for Chesapeake Percussion, an independent percussion ensemble in Baltimore Maryland.
Maria White rejoins the Core as Front Ensemble Instructor. Maria’s marching experience includes Fusion Front Ensemble Instructor 2010 and marching member color guard, 2011. Maria’s drum corps experience also includes percussion and color guard with the Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corps (1991, 1998 - 1999) as well as the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps (2003, 2005 - 2009). Maria taught percussion 1994 to 1997 for the Gateway High School Marching Band, Kissimmee, Florida and the University High School Marching Band, Orlando, Florida. She has been the Director of Color Guard for Brentwood High School, NY, 1997 through 2010 and is also the Director of Saturday Matinee Winter Guard. Maria resides in Brentwood, Long Island with her husband Joe and wonderful family - Timothy, David, Elijah, Cecilia - and of course, Charlie their Great Dane.
Jess D'Andreamatteo returns to Fusion as Front Ensemble Consultant. Jess is a recent graduate of the music program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she received a B.A. in music. She began her drum corps career in the front ensemble of the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps. For the past 12 years, she has enjoyed performing and teaching drum corps and marching band and is excited to return to Fusion as a percussion educator for the 2012 season.
At IUP, Jess had the opportunity to perform with multiple ensembles, including the percussion ensemble under the direction of Dr. Michael Kingan and the wind ensemble under the direction of Dr. Jack Stamp. Through IUP's various ensembles, Jess has had the opportunity to work with guest performers and guest conductors who include Eric Ewazen, Frank Ticheli, Sam Hazo, Bruce Yurko, Gary Olmstead, Dave Samuels, Chris Hanning, and Andy Narrell.
Jess is looking forward to combining the quality standards of an indoor ensemble with the high physical demand of an outdoor ensemble this season with Fusion. She has enjoyed working with high school ensembles for many years and is currently working with Phoenixville Area High School's marching band and indoor ensembles.
James Osgood returns to the Percussion Team as Percussion Program Consultant. James is a graduate of the University of Delaware and James Madison University. He is currently employed as a full time School Psychologist in the state of Delaware. As an undergraduate student, James was a member of the UD Drumline for the 1999-2001 seasons consecutively. After working with the snare line during the 2002 season as a tech, he got behind the drum again for a fifth and final season in 2003. James began working with Jim Ancona in 1997 as a High School Sophomore. With Jim's instruction and guidance, James went on to become a member of both the Crossmen (1998) and Boston Crusaders (2001) drum and bugle corps, having the pleasure of working with some of the finest players, arrangers and instructors in the activity including James Ancona, Thom Hannum, Colin McNutt, Nick Angelis, Darren Hazlett, Rudy Gowern, Tim Greene, Rich Viano, and Larry Cauley.
James has worked with several high school level marching percussion programs in the Delaware and Pennsylvania area over the years, and is currently a battery instructor for the University of Delaware Marching Band and for the marching percussion techniques course as of the 2008 season. In his free time, James has enjoyed playing recreationally as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles Drum line.
