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December 2, 2009
Fusion Core Announces Additional Staff
Fusion is pleased to announce the following additional Visual, Guard and Percussion Staff for the 2010 season.
Thomas W. Pohl – Visual Instructor
Tom has been involved in the drum corps activity for many years going back to 1987. He has marched several corps including Sunrisers, Caballeros, Bayonne Bridgemen and Masquerade Drum & Bugle Corps. His visual teaching experience includes Sunrisers, Tottenville High School Marching Band and Middlesex High School Marching Band.
Harrison Ditzion –Percussion/Marching Instructor
Harrison’s most recent musical performance activity was as a member of the Marine Corps Band, being stationed in such places as the Armed Forces School of Music, and Naval Air Station New Orleans with the Marine Forces Reserve Band. Harrison's teaching experiences include the Kempsville High School Marching Band where he was the Percussion Caption Head, and Collingswood High School where he is currently the Battery Coordinator for the Marching and indoor Percussion Sections. Harrison has been playing professionally along the east coast for the past 8 years, and is also teaching privately in Central New Jersey. Harrison looks forward to joining the Fusion Core percussion staff.
Nicole Canzoneri – Guard Instructor
Nicole has been involved in the drum corps activity for more than a decade. As a youth she received training in dance, focusing on ballet. Her love of the activity led her to be a part of numerous top guard programs within DCA as a member of The Sunrisers, Hawthorne Caballeros and Bushwackers. Not content solely with outdoor, Nicole made the jump to WGI and became a member of Blessed Sacrament, where she enjoyed great success, medaling twice and earning a spot within the top five during her time there. She has taught a number of local programs including Monsignor Farrell HS and Tottenville HS of Staten Island, NY. She is an avid practitioner of yoga and pilates, and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and passion with the members of the 2010 edition of Fusion.
December 2, 2009
Fusion Core Announces 2010 Brass Arranger and Instructional Team
Fusion is pleased to announce the Brass Arranger, Brass Caption Head and Instructional Team for the 2010 season. In keeping with the standards set for the brass ensemble during the corps first three years we are pleased to have the following returning and new staff members. Director Holly Marino said, “The brass section continues to wow me with their skills. That is a testament to the superior musical education provided by our music educators to the membership."
Brass Arranger/Instructor – Deb Knisely
Deb Knisely is returning to Fusion as Brass Arranger and Instructor. Deb currently teaches band, small ensembles, AP music theory, garage band class and instrumental lessons at Cinnaminson High School, where she also runs the marching band, jazz band, percussion ensemble and indoor marching and music ensemble. Deb received her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Rowan University. She studied tuba and euphonium with John Turk, Owen Metcalf and Tyrone Breuninger, and conducting with Robert Fleming, Salvatore Scarpa and John Pastin.
Drum and bugle corps is in her blood. As a contrabass player, Deb began marching in DCI corps in the 1980’s with Defenders from Rockland, MA, Alliance from Greater Boston, General Butler Vagabonds from Butler, PA and aged out with the 27th Lancers from Revere, MA. She moved on to perform in DCA with the Steel City Ambassadors from Pittsburgh, PA, the Westshoremen from Harrisburg, PA and the New York Skyliners. Deb has also played with many alumni corps including the Yankee Rebels, Westshoremen Alumni, Steel City Alumni, Reilly Raiders, and Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni, and is a founding member of The Music Express Drum and Bugle Corps from Cinnaminson, NJ. She has also been on the instructional staff of the Westshoremen, Cabs Alumni and Jersey Surf.
Deb is also quite active with NJMEA (New Jersey Music Educators’ Association) where she manages the All-State Wind Ensemble, and is an active member of the Band Procedures Committee. She is currently President of SJBODA (South Jersey Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association). Deb keeps busy within the region coordinating high school auditions, managing ensembles, coordinating the concert band festival and hosting rehearsals. She conducted the Region III Jr. High Honors Band in 2007. In 2004, Deb was named one of the top 50 music educators in the country by School Band and Orchestra Magazine and in 2008 received the District Achievement Award for Excellence in Teaching at Cinnaminson High School.
Brass Caption Head – Matthew Spatz
Matthew Spatz returns to Fusion Core as the 2010 Brass Caption Head. Matthew joined the Fusion Brass Instructional Team in 2007 and has been Brass Caption Head for the past two years. Matthew is the Associate Director of Bands and Brass Specialist for Millburn High School, Millburn, NJ. He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and a Masters of Music Degree in Music Education from Boston University. Matthew has over 10 years of experience with various marching bands and competitive drum corps including Mansfield University “Pride of Pennsylvania” Marching Band, NY Skyliners, and Fusion Core. On the “side” Matthew is a professional freelance trumpet and French horn player, clinician and instructor. He has performed with many artists and ensembles including the Army Rhythm and Blues Ensemble, Paquito D'Rivera, and Bella Fleck and the Flecktones. Professional affiliations include North Jersey School Music Association, Music Educators National Conference and International Trumpet Guild.
Brass Instructor/Marching Member – Lauren Kulick
Lauren Kulick is the Band Director at Jefferson Township Middle School and assistant band director for Jefferson Twp. High School Marching Band, 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 three 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".
Brass Instructor – Phil Becker
Phil Becker joins Fusion as Brass Instructor for the 2010 season. Phil graduated San Francisco State University earning a Bachelor of Music. Continuing his music education, Phil earned his Masters degree in Music from the University of North Texas. Phil currently is the Brass Instructor of Kempsville High School Marching Band where he has instructed brass, musical performance and assisted in program design and concept. He has taught brass at several high schools in Virginia, Texas and California including Cupertino High School Marching Band, Cupertino, CA and Bruton High School Band, York County, VA and Colony High School, Colony, Texas.
Phil’s marching and performing experience includes Army Reserve Band, Richmond VA as tubist 2006 to present, The Virginia Wind Symphony, 2007 to present and University of North Texas Symphony Orchestra. His drum corps experience as a marching member includes Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps.
He is a member of the Music Educators National Conference and International Tuba and Euphonium Association.
Brass Consultant/Technician – Tommy Martin
Mr. Martin is returning to Fusion for a 2nd year as Brass Consultant/Technician. Tommy Martin’s drum corps career transcends many years and arenas beginning with St. Brigid’s Fife, Drum & Bugle Corps from Ridgewood, Queens, NY. He has performed with the U.S.A.F Drum and Bugle Corps, NY Skyliners, OLA Blue Angels, St. Rita’s Brassmen and OLC Ramblers of Brooklyn to name a few. He has taught many corps including St. Ignatius All-Girls Drum & Bugle Corps, New Image & New Image II. He is a Drum Corps Hall of Fame recipient, June 2005, with a history and participation in the sport which expands more than 40+ years. He is best remembered as an exciting soprano soloist with a super-articulated approach that became well know throughout the drum corps community. Mr. Martin is drum corps’ most wanted “clean up” man with a God-given ear. Mr. Martin’s passion not only includes DCA but also Drum Corps International (DCI) where he also volunteers and is a big fan. When asked what Mr. Martin enjoys most about drum corps, he replies “the growth of the activity and how it is forever changing and evolving”. His two sons and daughter continue to support his hobby, and his son Tommy Martin Jr., who is also an exceptional soprano player, has appeared in Blast.
November 9, 2009
Fusion Announces Front Ensemble Arranger
Fusion is pleased to announce Eric Boylan as Front Ensemble Arranger for the 2010 season.
Eric graduated from Lebanon Valley College in 2008, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with a focus in percussion. Eric’s teaching experience includes positions held in many Pennsylvania high school percussion programs including those of Pittston, Northern York, New Providence and Susquehanna Township. While Eric was one of the Percussion Instructors for Lake Lehman Senior High School Marching Band (Lehman, PA), the band won Best Percussion Award in 2006, and the TOB (Tournament of Bands) Group I Chapter Championship and Atlantic Coast Championship in 2007 including high percussion.
Eric marched with the Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps (2004 – 2006) and was a playing instructor in 2009 with the Caballeros Drum & Bugle Corps. He is also a percussion judge with the National Judges Association and gives private drum set lessons. Eric looks forward to writing for the 2010 Fusion Front Ensemble.
Welcome Eric!
November 5, 2009
Fusion Core Announces 2010 Color Guard Team
Fusion Core is pleased to announce Christie Hall as Color Guard Caption Head and Designer. Christie’s guard experience began in 1990 marching with the Spartans Drum & Bugle Corps (DCI) in Vancouver, Washington and continued thru the 90’s with the Marauders Drum and Bugle Corps (DCI), Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps (DCI) and “Every-Body” World Class Winter guard (WGI), in Portland, Oregon. Her teaching experience includes various High School Marching Bands in ‘95 and ‘97 and the Oregon Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps in 2001. After taking a short break from the activity, Christie moved to the east coast where she marched with the 2007 Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps (DCA). "I am genuinely looking forward to meeting all of Fusion Core. I am also very excited to put a creative, challenging and entertaining show on the field for Fusion's 2010 color guard”, said Christie. Welcome Christie!
Returning to Fusion as Guard Instructor is Kerri Newlander-Steppe. Kerri started her color guard experience in 1997 while attending Pocono Mountain High School and continued until she graduated in 2001. She also marched with The New York Skyliners in 2003, 2004 and 2006 and aged out of Fusion’s “A” winter guard in 2006 returning in 2007 as Instructor. Kerri’s instructional background includes Fusion Core in 2007 & 2008 (Class “A” High Guard) as well as Pocono Mountain East High School in 2002 – 2004 and 2009, Huntington High School in 2005 and Hicksville High School winter guard in 2007. We all missed you Kerri, welcome back!!!
Joining the Team in a new capacity is Gretchen Endres as Instructor. Gretchen’s marching experience goes back many years including DCI and World Open/All Girl Division and more recently New York Skyliners, 2003-2006 and Fusion 2008 (Class “A” High Guard) and 2009. Gretchen is very excited to be taking on a new role within the activity and is looking forward to working with Christie and Kerri.
October 21, 2009
Fusion Announces Percussion Staff
Alex Nielsen - Percussion Arranger/Percussion Caption Head
Fusion welcomes Alex Nielsen as Percussion Arranger and Percussion Caption Head. Alex began his marching career at Parsippany High School in NJ and has continued to work with the marching band there as Director and Arranger of the percussion program since 1990. Alex holds a BA in Music Studies from William Patterson University and has taught at several NJ marching band and indoor percussion programs including West Orange High School, Rutgers University and currently New Providence Indoor Percussion Ensemble. Alex spent 15 years with The Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps including several seasons on the percussion staff and will be inducted to their Hall of Fame this year.
Alex came out of a short retirement in 2008 as a Percussion Instructor for Fusion Core. “I am very excited about this new opportunity with Fusion Core and look forward to implementing a technique program this winter that will lead the percussion section into the competitive season. The time I spent with Fusion in '08 was a good 'Ride' and the membership made me feel right at home. I'm looking forward to making the percussion section into the driving force for the Core”, Nielsen said.
Outside of drum corps, Alex spends his time with his wife Genny (also a longtime drum corps drummer) and their newborn son James, while trying to squeeze in as much golf as possible.
Robert "Tex" Lazenbery - Percussion Co-Caption Head
Robert “Tex” Lazenbery returns to Fusion as Co-Caption Head. Tex brings a wealth of drum corps knowledge and experience with over 20 years in the marching percussion activity as an arranger, instructor and consultant. Tex has taught and performed with many marching bands and drum corps throughout the country, including The Long Island Sunrisers Drum Corps, United Percussion Indoor Drum Line (WGI), Hatboro-Horsham High School (“Innovations” Indoor Percussion Ensemble) and Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps. Tex is a member of the Pro-Mark Education Program since 2005, and the Sabian Education Program since 2004.
October 15, 2009
FUSION ANNOUNCES SHOW/REHEARSAL COORDINATOR – Joe Itkor
Fusion is very excited and pleased to welcome Joe Itkor as Show/Rehearsal Coordinator for the 2010 season. Joe comes to Fusion with a varied background and long history in the drum corps activity, bringing extensive experience in performance, instruction and judging of all areas: guard, brass, percussion and visual. Having performed with and instructed some of the country’s most elite marching units, his credits over the past 25 years include the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps, Threshold Winter Guard and Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps. Joe is a graduate of West Chester University and he holds a masters degree in School Administration from Montclair State University. Welcome Joe!!
DRUM CORPS/PROFESSIONAL/EXPERIENCE/ORGANIZATIONPOSITION TERM
POSITION TERMDrum Corps/Winter Guard Experience
Pioneer Scouts, Lebanon, PA Multi Tenors 1981 & 1982
Multi Tenors 1981 & 1982 Reading Buccaneers Mallets 1986
Mallets 1986Threshold Winter Guard Flag 1986
Flag 1986Madison Scouts Flag 1987
Flag 1987Westshoremen Mellophone 1988
Mellophone 1988Bushwackers Multi Tenors 1989 – 1992
Multi Tenors 1989 – 1992DCA (I & E) Marimba Champion 1990
Marimba Champion 1990 Bushwackers Baritone/Mallets/Timpani1993, 94,02,03,04 & 05
Baritone/Mallets/Timpani1993, 94,02,03,04 & 05Hurricanes Mallets 2000
Mallets 2000 Drum Corps Instructional Experience
Pride of Bristol (Bristol, England) Wrote battery percussion 1991 & 1992
Wrote battery percussion 1991 & 1992 Book/instructed battery Hurricanes Instructed Front Ensemble 2000
Instructed Front Ensemble 2000 Bushwackers Instructed Front Ensemble 2001, 2004 – 2007
Instructed Front Ensemble 2001, 2004 – 2007 Wrote Front Ensemble book 2005 – 2007 Band/Drum Corps JudgingExperience
TOB Judge – All Music captions, 1986 - 2008
Judge – All Music captions, 1986 - 2008 Percussion & Color Guard DCA Judge – Percussion 2008 - 2009
Judge – Percussion 2008 - 2009 & GE Music captionsUSSBA Judge – All captions including 2009
Judge – All captions including 2009 Overall Effect, Visual Performance, Percussion & Color GuardOctober 11, 2009
FUSION CORE ANNOUNCES 2010 VISUAL STAFF
Izzy Delgado – Visual Designer
Izzy Delgado is excited to be making his return to the Fusion Core design staff as Visual Designer. He served as Visual Designer and Caption Head in 2007 and 2008, helping the corps become a 2008 DCA Class A Finalist and earn a 2nd place finish as well as winning the High Visual Award. Izzy is currently the Program Coordinator and Visual Designer for the Sayreville HS Marching Band and Winter Guard, both of whom have won local circuit championships during his tenure. He is also a freelance drill designer and has written for many ensembles across New Jersey.
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 as well as being on the design staff for the Fusion Winter Guard and Raiders Winter Guard.
On the administrative front, Izzy is a member of the Executive Board and Task Force 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 is looking forward to marrying his fiance’ Elyse in the Spring of 2010.
Matt Risell – Visual Caption Head
Matt Risell returns to Fusion Core as Visual Caption Head for the 2010 season. Matt is a music educator with a degree in music education from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. During college, Matt was section leader (Trumpet) and performed with the Legend IUP Marching Band. Since graduating college, Matt has instructed the Daniel Boone High School Marching Band from September 2005 thru May 2008 serving as Brass Caption Head for the 2006 season.
Living in Southeastern Pennsylvania Matt began his drum corps career in 1999 marching years with the Crossmen. His drum corps experience also includes 2006 Champions the Reading Buccaneers and Bushwackers. Matt is very excited to be given the opportunity to continue the success of Fusion Core as we move into the future.
Visual Instructor – Meg Spatz
Meg returns to Fusion as Visual Instructor with a wealth of music and marching experience. Meg holds both a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music Degrees from Mansfield University. She has taught at all levels throughout PA, NY, and NJ. Currently, Meg teaches middle and high school band in the Rahway School District, where she is the Assistant Director for the High School Marching Band. Meg has also taught marching band for the Cranford High School and Southern Lehigh High School, and spent two years as the Assistant to the Director of Bands for Mansfield University. While at Mansfield, she also worked with the Pride of PA Mountie Marching Band.
Meg's drum corps experience is equally varied, having marched both baritone and mellophone from 1996-2006 for the Lehigh Valley Chieftains, the NY Skyliners, and the Reading Buccaneers. She also spent the last three years as a Drum Major for Fusion Core. Meg is very excited to be a part of the amazing Fusion Core staff!
October 8, 2009
FUSION RESTRUCTURES – 2010
Coming off it’s third season Fusion is pleased to announce a restructuring of the organization that will enhance and expand the infra-structure of the corps. As we all know many hands and talents are needed to run a competitive drum corps. All of our administration and support people volunteer their time and resources to provide an enjoyable drum corps experience for all members and work together in a positive environment to secure the future of our drum corps. That being said, continuing in her capacity as Director will be Holly Marino who with her 30+ years experience in the activity will be assisted by Gretchen Endres and Maurice Banks; together they have 60+ years experience in the activity. Returning as Staff Coordinator is Ed Bopp joined by Ralph Marino as Business Manager.
Fusion continues to look for talented staff and support persons and is currently accepting applications for staff, admin and support positions. If interested, please go to the Staff/Admin page or contact Ed Bopp at edbopp@optonline.net or Holly Marino at fusioncoredirect@gmail.com.
More staff announcements to come!!!
