Fusion Announces 2010 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.