Fusion Core Names Bechtel 2008 Percussion Coordinator/Arranger

Fusion is pleased to announce the appointment of JR Bechtel as the new Percussion Coordinator and Percussion Arranger for 2008. Show Coordinator, Chris Kilian said, "Landing JR on staff is a great achievement for the corps! His experience and unique approach to marching percussion fits in perfectly with our vision of creating innovative and entertaining programming, while offering our members the best possible instruction. Welcome to Fusion, JR!"

JR has been involved with Drum Corps since 1996. He marched with the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps from 1996-1997, and in 1998 marched in the snare line with the DCI world champion Cadets of Bergen County. In 1999 he was the snare tech, and later acting percussion caption head for the Bushwackers. He maintained that position and also began arranging for the percussion section at Bush up through the 2003 season (also of historical note the 2003 season marked JR’s last, and very likely final appearance as a playing member in a drum corps). In 2004 JR worked as caption head and arranger for the Lehigh Valley Knights. Over the years JR has also been involved with numerous educational programs, including the West Chester University marching band, for which he wrote and instructed in 1999. He is currently working with several successful bands in the Philadelphia area.

JR is currently employed by J.W. Pepper & Son Inc. as a systems administrator, and when not working as an instructor spends as much time as possible with his wife and two children, one 4 years old, and the newest arrival 6 months. It has always been JR’s goal to bring innovative and interesting percussion to the marching field, and he looks forward to the opportunity to continue that undertaking with Fusion.