Raiders Announce 2010 Design Team
The Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps of Wayne, New Jersey are pleased to announce their design team for the 2010 season. Michael Hamilton, PJ Tankard, Colin Bell and Mike Russ are collaborating on the Raiders’ program for this year.
Michael Hamilton is returning for his sixth year with the Raiders as Program Coordinator. Michael holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Theory and Composition form SUNY New Paltz and a Master’s degree in Music Composition from CUNY Hunter College. He has studied with a variety of composers, including Shafer Mahoney, Chris Theofanidis , Ping Jin and Raymond Torres-Santos. His marching career began with the Westchester Brassmen Drum and Bugle Corps. He also marched with the Raiders and Cadets before aging out in 1993. In 1994, Michael joined the Raiders as a visual instructor. In the following years, he moved to the brass staff, first as an instructor in 1998 and becoming caption head in 2003. He joined the design team in 2004 and has continued to arrange since that time. Michael has been an active arranger and instructor for many marching bands in the NY/NJ/CT area over the past 20 years most recently working with Morris Knolls High School and Union High School. He is currently an instrumental music teacher in the Union Township school district. He is a member of NJMEA and MENC, as well as, ASCAP.
PJ Tankard is returning for his 6th season as Color Guard Designer/Caption Head for both the indoor and outdoor guard programs. PJ’s marching career includes time with the Jersey Surf (2000), Bushwackers (2001-2004) and the Cadets (2002). PJ has also marched with Alter Ego (2001) and The Blackwatch (2002-2003). Since aging out from the Cadets, PJ has worked with several indoor guards and marching band programs including Sayreville HS, Hunterdon Central HS, Fair Lawn HS and Avon Grove HS (PA). Most recently, he has worked with both Union HS and West Orange HS during the 2009/10 seasons. PJ currently resides in Clifton, NJ and is employed as an Authorization Specialist for a home infusion pharmacy.
Colin Bell is a graduate of Kean University, where he studied music education. He was a member of the Boston Crusaders from 2001 to 2003 and has been involved with the Raiders since 2004. Colin also teaches at Morris Knolls high school (Rockaway, NJ) and Old Bridge high school (Old Bridge, NJ).
Mike Russ will be returning for his 3rd season with the Raiders as Drill Designer. Mike started his Drum Corps career with the Brigantine Seahorse Lancers ’69 &’ 70 (yes that’s 1969). He went on to march with the Wilmington Blue Rock in 1974 and the Garfield Cadets in ’75 & ’76. He was Cadet of the Year in 1975. He has worked with various New Jersey high school bands including Woodbury, Mainland Regional, Southern Regional, Egg Harbor Township, and Absegami. He was an instructor for the Cadets in ’82 & ’86 and the Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corps from ’85 thru ’87. Mike is presently the drill designer and program coordinator for Middle Township High School. During Mike’s tenure Middle has won 15 ACC titles and 6 indoor titles. He is happy to be back for his 3rd year with United. Mike works for an Architectural Firm in Cape May Court House, NJ and has three children, Rebecca, Zach and Sarah Beth.
