hardcoremello

Hey there everyone. We're very disappointed about not going to Woodbridge. It's close and they're always great hosts. A few months ago, DCA reached out to all the corps asking if one or two of us could help out the williamsport show and attend. The show was in danger of cancelling due to lack of participation AND they are the hosts of of our 2018 championships. After some discussion with our staff and admin, we decided to answer the call for help, but if C2 would not have signed on with Bush two weeks before we made our decision, we would not have pulled out of Bush's show. So, thanks to the Bush admin understanding and accepting our departure from their show, DCA was able to please the show sponsor, Bush still had a full line up and Fusion was able to get in a very much needed camp weekend that we promised the staff after years of go, go, go with no time to clean. Thanks for asking about us :). We love feeling wanted.

It's a separate group. We hope to do corporate gigs, firemen parades, Christmas stuff and things like that. This is for people who either can't commit to a full season, need some time practicing before they march in the field Core and/or members who can't march anymore in a competing arena.

Fusion is in Dundalk, Towson, Arbutus, Catonsville, Bel-Aire and Havre De Grace!! Can't wait!!! Core Lite is in Dundalk, Arbutus and Havre De Grace

So sorry to hear this :(

so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you all

FUSION CORE 2015 BRASS STAFF Fusion is pleased to announce the return of its Brass Staff from our 2014 season along with a few new faces. Fusion Core's Brass staff represents years of instruction, performing, writing and designing from drum Corps across the East Coast as well as Schools within NJ, Pennsylvania and Maryland. We are definitely going to turn some heads this season with another exciting book. Please join the Core in welcoming returning and new brass staff. Chris Bernotas, Brass Arranger Chris Bernotas, Brass Arranger, is 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: Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble Of Shadows (offiziell) 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 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. His accomplishments include writing and arranging music for many drum corps and marching bands throughout the United States. He also adjudicates for marching band competitions and festivals nationwide. His professional affiliations include MENC, ASCAP, NBA, and NJMEA. Mr. Bernotas resides in New Jersey with his wife Cristina and three children. Specifically for drum corps, Chris has written for the Caballeros, Crusaders, Hurricanes, Sunrisers, Carolina Gold, Pheonix, and Magic of Orlando. Fusion brass members have loved playing Chris’ charts over the last few years and we are very excited to have Chris return to The Core for a fourth season. Scott Brown, Brass Caption Head Scott Brown, Brass Caption Head, returns to Fusion for a third season. Scott brings a strong knowledge of brass pedagogy to our group having studied Trombone with Tyrone Breuninger of the Philadelphia Orchestra, jazz trombonist Urbie Green and conducting with Claude Pichareau of the Paris Conservatory. Prior to working with Fusion, Scott worked with the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps (2004, 2005, 2006 and 2011), winning DCA's coveted High Brass award in 2006. When Scott isn't teaching the Core, he is working as the Director of Musical Activities for Northwestern Lehigh Area High School. Scott is an active freelance brass musician performing though out Pennsylvania, New Jersey, NYC, Delaware and Connecticut. He is often found performing with such groups as The Anthracite Brassworks, The Mixolydian Brass, Endless Mountain Brass, Soul, Souled Out, Daddy-O and the Sax Maniax, The Wyoming Valley Civic Orchestra, and others. Scott holds degrees in Music Education from Wilkes University and The American Band College, and has done post graduate work at The University of the Arts and Villanova University. Nick Caljean, Trumpet Instructor Nick Caljean, a Charter Member of Fusion, returns for his 9th season once again as our trumpet tech. Nick’s teaching experience includes his recent work as a Brass and Visual Tech at Absegami High School, 2012 – 2013. He is very proud of Absegami’s 2013 accomplishments winning USBands 4A State championship and 4AA National Championship capping off an undefeated season in 2013! Nick graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2012 with a major in Electrical Engineering and minors in music and electronic arts. He has performed with the school's Repertory Jazz Orchestra and the Contemporary Jazz Ensemble as lead trumpeter and soloist, and with the Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble playing both trumpet and congas. Nick also performed with RPI’s 8th Street Swing Band, a student run and directed ensemble, as well as the Ensemble Congueros, with a group of RPI alumni and students dedicated to the study Afro-Cuban, African and New World percussion. Nick is currently residing in Dover working as a diagnostic hardware engineer.. Katrina Williams, Tuba Instructor Katrina Williams returns to Fusion for her second season as our Tuba Instructor. Katrina is a 2008 Graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin where she majored in Music Education and graduated with a bachelor’s degree majoring in saxophone and minoring in tuba and bassoon. Currently, Katrina resides in Allentown, Pennsylvania and is working for a clinical trial pharmaceutical company providing assistance to medical sites involved in many types of clinical trials. She is the Visual Coordinator and woodwind specialist at Louis E. Dieruff High School in Allentown, PA. Katrina has marched tuba with the Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps., 2004, 2006-2010, 2012 & 2013.. Jordan Tuthill, Mellophone Instructor Jordan Tuthill is returning for his second year as Fusions Mellophone instructor. He is currently studying History Education at Harrisburg Area Community College and will be transferring to Millersville University where he plans to finish his degree by 2016. Jordan has been actively teaching high school marching bands for the past nine years and currently works with the Blue Mountain High School Marching Band and the Blue Mountain High School Indoor Percussion Ensemble. When he is not going to class or teaching, he is a security guard for the Hershey Company. Jordan was a member of the Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps from 2004 to 2009 and played both Mellophone and Trumpet in his time there. Bo Park, Low Brass Tech Bo Park is a newcomer to the Brass Staff for the 2015 season. Bo is currently the Music Director of Central Jersey College Prep Charter School, where he is in charge of the Middle School General Music, Middle School Band, High School Chorus education, and maintaining the school's Social Media outlets. He is also the Brass and Visual Caption Head for Fort Lee High School Bridgemen Marching Band, where he is in charge of Visual and Brass education. Bo's Drum Corps experience include marching in The Bushwackers in 2013 and 2014, where he also was the Baritone Section Leader and Soloist for the 2014 program, The Resistants. Bo graduated from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in 2011, earning a B.M in Music Education. While at Rutgers, Bo majored in Trombone and studied with Michael Powell, a member of the American Brass Quintet, Nitzan Haroz (Guest Artist for Rutgers Brass Master Class) and has played in various ensembles including the Symphony Band. Before College, Bo had the privilege of attending the Juilliard Pre-College program, where he studied Trombone with James Markey (NY Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra) and Chamber Music with Kevin Cobb (American Brass CHRISTIAN SCOTT QUINTET). Bo has also studied conducting with David Gilbert of the Manhattan School of Music, Darryl Bott of Mason Gross, and Jullien Benichou of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. Away from music and Drum Corps, Bo enjoys taking photographs of the New York Skyline, running his Martial Arts business with his parents, and traveling around the country. Bo is excited to join the Fusion Family for the 2015 season, as he hopes to learn from his colleagues and be part of the educational process for the Hornline! Jeremy Gaddy, Low Brass Tech Jeremy Gaddy is currently obtaining his Masters Degree in Music Performance at the University of Delaware. He has played the trombone for 24 years. During this time he has studied with Hal Reynolds at Ithaca College, Bruce Docherty and Bruce Tychinski at University of Delaware. Jeremy currently plays in the Philadelphia area. He has performed at Verizon Hall and the Kennedy Center in Washingtoon DC. He is the principal trombone with the "Philadelphia Wind Symphony", "Chesapeake Brass Band" and is a trombonist with "Al Chez and the Brother's of Funk". Gaddy has a Brass Quintet titled “Brass Act of Delmarva” that plays up and down the east coast and also was a finalist at a talent contest in Wilmington Delaware. Curren Caplesntly he is the Wind Caption Head for the Cab Calloway School of the Arts Marching Band in Wilmington Delaware; the band just obtained Second Place in 4 Open in Tournament of Bands. Jeremy has also taught with Lake Forest High School for four years. He has also been giving low brass instructions for five years and has many students currently on scholarships at Universities across the country. He has been an assistant Brass Caption with a DCA open class corps and marched three seasons with Empire Statesmen including their final season of 2013.

Fusion Core debuts our new website and announces our 2015 Design Team. While Fusion’s website may be new, we are very pleased to announce that our entire team will be returning to continue where we left off for 2015. Fusion’s team is dedicated to providing our members and drum corps community another unforgettable season. You too can be part of this up and coming “Core”. Sign up at www.fusioncorenj.com. Fusion Core 2015 Design Team Robert Watson will be returning as our Production Coordinator, Guard Designer and Caption Head. Team members also include Chris Bernotas, Brass Arranger/Composer, Scott Brown, Brass Caption Head, Mike Durburow, Visual Caption Head, Mike Schmitt, Battery Arranger and Ensemble Coordinator, Mike Wyatt, Front Ensemble Arranger, Ralph Marino, Design team member, Al Chez, Design Consultant , Ian Flint, Drill Designer. New to our Design team is Tim McLaughlin and Joe White. Both returning staff members. The following is background on each design team member: Rob Watson, Production Coordinator, Guard Designer/Caption Head Throughout his 16-year career, Rob has remained active in the marching arts and education. Many are familiar with his work with Emanon Winter Guards: 2013 Caption Head of Emanon A Guard and a show designer of Emanon Open Guard’s 2010 "Seated Perspective" show (WGI IO 6th Place) - and currently, he resides on the executive administrative team. Rob is proud to return as Production Coordinator and Color Guard Caption Head for the 2015 summer season. He has assembled a instructional team of some of the best color guard designers and technicians in the industry — culminating last year’s production of “Dreamscapes” with a World Champion Color Guard trophy at the DCA World Championship in Rochester, NY. Rob has taught and consulted with numerous high school, college, drum corps, marching band and winter guard ensembles all around the country, receiving numerous accolades, with units including Southern Regional HS (NJ) 2003-2008, Middle Township HS, Toms River East HS (NJ) 2009-2012, West Orange HS (NJ) 2011, Washington HS (MO) 2011. Rob also serves as a national color guard and visual performance adjudicator for several marching arts and winter guard associations around the country. In 1999, Rob was named among the "Top 10 Performers in the World" by Field & Floor Magazine. Rob resides in Mount Olive, New Jersey and is the Vice President of User Experience for the Advertising Specialty Institute, a leading agency in promotional marketing and advertising. Chris Bernotas, Brass Arranger/Composer Chris is 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 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. His accomplishments include writing and arranging music for many drum corps and marching bands throughout the United States. He also adjudicates for marching band competitions and festivals nationwide. His professional affiliations include MENC, ASCAP, NBA, and NJMEA. Mr. Bernotas resides in New Jersey with his wife Cristina and three children. Specifically for drum corps, Chris has written for the Caballeros, Crusaders, Hurricanes, Sunrisers, Carolina Gold, Pheonix, and Magic of Orlando. Fusion brass members have loved playing Chris’ charts over the last few years and we are very excited to have Chris return to The Core for a fourth season. Scott Brown, Brass Caption Head Scott Brown, returns to Fusion for a third season and second as Caption head. Scott was quoted as saying, "I love having the opportunity to work with such a fine organization and with such quality and talented people." Scott brings a strong knowledge of brass pedagogy to our group having studied Trombone with Tyrone Breuninger of the Philadelphia Orchestra, jazz trombonist Urbie Green and conducting with Claude Pichareau of the Paris Conservatory. Prior to working with Fusion, Scott worked with the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps (2004, 2005, 2006 and 2011), winning DCA's coveted High Brass award in 2006. When Scott isn't teaching the Core, he is working as a music teacher with Northwestern Lehigh Area High School. Scott is an active freelance brass musician performing though out Pennsylvania, New Jersey, NYC, Delaware and Connecticut. He is often found performing with such groups as The Anthracite Brassworks, The Mixolydian Brass, Endless Mountain Brass, Soul, Souled Out, Daddy-O and the Sax Maniax, The Wyoming Valley Civic Orchestra, and others. Scott holds degrees in Music Education from Wilkes University and The American Band College, and has done post graduate work at The University of the Arts and Villanova University. Mike Durborow, Visual Caption Head Mike Durborow, returns for a fourth season with Fusion Core, having a long history in the drum corps activity including DCA and DCI. Mike is a great motivator 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 from 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 for the 1983 and 1984 seasons. He continued with the corps as part of the visual Staff from 1985 – 1993. Mike served as visual caption head from 1994 – 2005 and Staff Coordinator 2002 – 2005. Ian Flint, Drill Designer Ian Flint returns to Fusion for his second season. Ian currently lives in Dartmouth, MA. He works full time for the Dartmouth Public Schools as the district wide brass specialist where he teaches 5th-12th grade group lessons. He also serves as a show designer and visual coordinator for the marching band and indoor percussion ensembles. In the past 8 years the marching band has won 5 USSBA National Championships and the indoor percussion has won 3 WGI World Class Championships. Ian also works as a drill designer and program coordinator for marching bands and indoor percussion ensembles. He designs for numerous bands across the country every season and many of these bands have found success by winning both their state and circuit championships. In the indoor percussion activity Ian has designed for such groups as King Philip Regional HS, Penn State University, OC Indoor, Boston University, Westhill HS and Norwalk HS, and all have been WGI Finalist ensembles. Ian holds a Bachelors in Music Performance (Tuba) from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and completed a music education certification through the State of Massachusetts. He was a member of The Cadets from 1998-2000 and worked on visual staff with The Cadets from 2004-2007 teaching both the hornline and percussion sections. This will be Ian’s second year with the Oregon Crusaders organization where he serves as the Visual Caption Supervisor and will be moving in a new role as Program Coordinator for the Drum Corps. Mike Schmitt, Music Ensemble Coordinator and Battery Arranger Mike Schmitt, Music/Ensemble Coordinator and Battery Arranger, began his drum corps career serving the roles of marching member, technician, Caption Head, and Arranger at the Hawthorne Caballeros from 1999-2010, earning a world championship in 2003. In 2011, Mike joined the Connecticut Hurricanes as Caption Head and Arranger through 2012. Mike is heavily involved teaching both marching bands and indoor drum lines. His teaching career began as Caption Head and Arranger for the Parsippany Hills High School (NJ) from 2001-2008. While in this position, his drumline won 4 state drum titles, 4 national drum titles, and 4 overall band championships. Mike taught for seven years at Westhill High School in Stamford, CT, as Arranger and Ensemble Director. During this time, Westhill's percussion ensemble won state championships three times, became a WGI finalist in 2012, and won the US Bands Indoor Championships in Group AA in 2012. During the 2011 and 2012 seasons, Mike was Caption Head and Arranger for Pequannock Township High School in Pompton Plains, NJ. This ensemble won the Best Percussion award at both the US Bands States and National Championships in 2011 and were the US Bands Indoor Champions in Group A in 2012. In addition to Parsippany, Westhill, and Pequannock, Mike has been involved with a large number of high schools, including Stamford High School, Roxbury High School, Ramapo High School, Morristown High School, Pompton Lakes High School, West Essex Regional High School, Wayne Valley High School and Ramsey High School. Fusion’s percussion took huge steps in the last 2 years. I look forward to my 3rd season with the core. Mike Wyatt, Front Ensemble Arranger Mike Wyatt, has been active in the marching community for over fifteen years. As a performer, he was a member of the WGI World Class finalist United Percussion, and was also the Front Ensemble Captain for the nine-time world champion Hawthorne Caballeros from 2005 through 2009. As a teacher and arranger, he has worked with the Hawthorne Caballeros, DCI's Raiders, United Percussion, and most recently was Assistant Caption Head and Arranger for the Connecticut Hurricanes. Mike holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies: Percussion Performance from the University of the Arts. Fusion is very excited to have Mike Wyatt return to Fusion for a second season. Drum Corps crowds were often “wowed” by Fusion’s front Ensemble and members excitedly performed Mike’s challenging writing. Mike is also the Band Director at Westhill High School in Stamford, CT. Ralph Marino, Design Team Member Ralph Marino, is excited to return as part of Fusion’s design team. Ralph is a founding father of Fusion. He started his drum corps career in Los Federales from Brooklyn New York so he could spend time with his father. Ralph has had a long career as a baritone soloist with many corps over the years. He has always been intrigued by the design process, often bringing ideas or musical selections to Fusion’s design team. Tim McLaughlin, Design Team Member Tim is excited to join Fusion as part of the Design team and to return to The Core's Guard Staff for his second year as the primary rifle designer and technician. With 10 consistent years of performing and teaching behind him, Tim offers a fresh take on choreography while capitalizing on weapon technique with his programs. He has taught extremely successful programs to date: Fusion Core (2014), Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corps (2013), Sachem High School (2012), Cadets2 Drum and Bugle Corps (2012), Northern Highlands Regional High School (2009-2011), and Lindenhurst High School (2009). Tim is no stranger when it comes to performance either, completing the most successful season with the Emanon Independent World winter guard (2010, 2013-2014) and has a marching history that holds his stake in the ground with Alter Ego Independent World (2011-2012), The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps (2010), Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corps (2009, 2013), Regime (2008-2009), and the Sachem Flaming Arrows Marching Band (2003-2007). Outside of the activity, Tim is a Packaging and Brand Designer in New York City and lends his graphic talents to winter guard set design, notably Trumbull High School (2011-2012), Alter Ego (2011-2012), and Redlands HS (2013). He currently lives in New Jersey. Tim fit right in with Fusion last year, often confirming what it means to be part of a “family”. We are extremely excited to have Tim return to the Fusion family. Joe White, Design Team Member Joe White, Visual Instructor, studied Music Composition and Film at Brooklyn College and earned a degree in Media Communications from New York Institute of Technology. Joe has written music for a few films and commercials, and did production and sound mixing for movies including Friends with Benefits, The Bounty Hunter, and Men in Black 3 as well as TV shows including Pan Am, The Big C and Girls. Joe was an Emmy Nominee (Sound) for his work on Sex And The City. Joe’s passion is French horn, which he has mastered over the past 25 years influencing him to join drum corps playing mellophone and trumpet. Once he got the “bug” he continued on to play timpani, marimba and xylophone. Joe has marched with Bayonne Bridgemen, NY Skyliners, Crossmen, Sunrisers and Bushwackers. Previously he aged out of the Velvet Knights of Anaheim, CA in 1992 which was one of his favorite seasons on the field. Joe returned to Velvet Knights the following year as a Visual Instructor which began his teaching career. Joe’s background includes Drill Designer and Visual Instructor for many drum corps, marching bands, winter guards and drum lines including the NY Skyliners, Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps, Sunrisers Drum & Bugle Corps, Brentwood HS Marching Band (NJ), Monroe HS (NJ), Hicksville HS (NY), St. Frances Preparatory (Queens NY), Winsor Central HS (NY) and Malverne HS (NY). Joe has also performed and instructed Pegasus Winter Guard as well as Saturday Matinee. Joe is married to Maria White and they enjoy life with their 4 kids -Tim, David, Elijah and Cecilia and their Great Dane, Charlie on Long Island. Joe has giving back to Fusion in more than just teaching. He’s always displayed the real meaning of being a “Team player”. We are so fortunate to have Joe and this entire team as part of the Fusion Family. Al Chez, Design Consultant Al Chez is currently touring with “Al Chez & The Brothers of Funk Big Band”, which is his “personal expression in the world of music – all set through the big band style”. Al has been seen and heard every night on "The Late Show With David Letterman” in a 15 year run as the featured trumpet player appearing on both CBS and NBC. Al previously toured or played with Bonjovi, Robert Cray, Tower of Power, Arturo Sandoval, The Young Rascals, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Maynard Ferguson, Eric Clapton and The Dave Edmunds Band, to name a few. When asked why drum corps work is so important to him, Al said “I told you I had the secret! I HAVE FOUND THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH AND IT’S WORKING WITH KIDS!!!” Mr. Chez has been involved with many drum corps over the years beginning in 1969 with The Saints from New Jersey. In the late 70's early 80's Al became a marching member and soloist of The Garfield Cadets. Al has also performed with The Bushwackers and Reading Buccaneers. After his marching days were over, Chez became a Brass and Visual Instructor. He was part of the team that was instrumental in winning numerous Drum Corps International Championships. Al has also worked with the Brass lines and design teams of The Oakland Crusaders, Reading Buccaneers, The Cadets, The Crossmen, The Bushwackers, Kingston Grenadiers, Empire Statesmen, and returns to Fusion Core for a fourth season. Mr. Chez also worked for numerous high school bands and colleges across the country. Al holds an honorary Masters Degree in music performance. He is an active Yamaha clinician Artist and speaker throughout the country. In addition, Al is a member of The Crossmen Hall of fame , New Jersey Drum Corps Hall of fame , The John P. Stevens Hall of Honors, Drum Corps Buglers Hall of Fame and The Cadets Hall of Fame.

Fusion Core will be making our Design team and staff announcements shortly. We are happy to say our entire team is intact but we are looking for one more key person who will work closely with our brass Caption Head. Preferably someone with a Music Educators degree who also has spent some with drum Corps. Someone who has an affiliation within the NJ schools would be ideal. If you are interested in being part of this growing program, please email fusioncoredirector@gmail.com

Fusion is in all of the parades and Havre De Grace. See you all there.

Thank you as always Cabs for inviting Fusion. We have such a great weekend overall all the time. It's a GREAT WAY to start the season. Everything was wonderful as usual :o) See you Saturday.

Prayers headed your way Jim. Hope Krista has a quick recovery!

Hey there everyone. It's starting to look like Spring outside and that means that people are starting to come out of hibernation and get back at doing what we all love..........DRUM CORPS. Fusion's last indoor camp weekend is this weekend at Jefferson Middle School in Lake Hopatcong. It seems like this winter went so fast despite all the horrible weather. I can honestly say that this was a great winter for Fusion. We have a few more spots available in the brass and we need one experienced mallet player. The guard will have it's final auditions for the 2014 season April 13th at the Parsippany PAL. This Saturday night after practice, the brass line will head down to the guard show in South Brunswick to cheer on our fellow guard peeps who will be competing. So, if you're at the show and are interested in being part of Fusion, stop any of us and we'd be happy to chat with you, OR stop on down to our rehearsal tomorrow (brass) or Sunday (brass and percussion) at the Jefferson Township Middle School, 1000 Weldon Road, Oakridge, NJ. We'll be there Saturday from 12:00 - 6:00 and Sunday 8:30 - 5:00. https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/230209563797353/ - Colorguard page https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/FusionBrass14/ - Brass page https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/439161236203103/ - Percussion

Fusion Core has had a very exciting start to the season. We launched our very first campaign to raise funds for a new to us truck. Thanks to the generosity of many of our fellow drum corps friends and family, the campaign was a success. At our last January camp, Allen Buell paid us a visit and much to his surprise, Empire's truck was in the parking lot. The truck is awesome with built in shelves and closets. We also purchased their golf cart and pit cart. We also recently ordered all new boards for our front ensemble. Our front ensemble made amazing strides last year. Under the direction of Mike Wyatt and Kristen Morgan, the members impressed us all with their amazing playing but they were playing on very old equipment. We're very excited to hear how they will sound on our new equipment. Every section has "upped their game". The program that we have put in place is unbelievable. I've had the opportunity this year to travel from section to section and check it all out. The instruction is top notch. The visual program in particular is seriously intense. I've never seen or been part of something like this. The members get a three hour visual block broken into endurance training, body, and "not so traditional" basic blocks..........all set to very cool music. Every brass member is guaranteed to walk away a better overall musician. Scott Brown, Brass caption head, has put together a great team. The members are embracing a very new to Fusion winter program. The members have a winter program full of several different styles of music to add to an advanced technique packet to get them ready to play a very technical repertoire for our 2014 program. The percussion team is very high energy and motivated. From the moment the drummers start you can't help but feel excited by the energy these guys/gals produce. The guard is growing every day. It's no surprise that people are drawn to Rob Watson. He has a passion that's contagious and he excites everyone he comes in contact with. Last but not least, Fusion will perform in Disney this July. It seems appropriate to visit the place "Where dreams come true" to coincide with our 2014 production "Dreamscapes". We currently have opening for two mallet players, two trumpets, a mellophone, two baritones and three tubas. If you are interested in being part of our growing Core, check out our website www.fusioncorenj.com and fill out a member application.

Mousey will definately be missed!!! He was definately one of the good guys!!!

Hey Everyone. Now that open house is just around the corner, I want to make sure we are prepared for open house. It's so exciting seeing all the interest forms coming in and the amount of prospective members we have on our Facebook pages. We currently have many people that have said they are attending on the section pages but are not signed up on our event page yet. To ensure that we are fully prepared for the day, it would be very helpful if everyone were to sign up on the Fusion Open House event page that was created. Here is a link to our Facebook interest page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Fusion14Interest/ We will also have a Fusion Friends and Family table set up so parents are invited as well so they can get a very clear understanding of what Fusion is all about :o). I'd like to thank all of you have been spreading the word. This is shaping up to be our biggest open house to date and this wouldn't be the case without all of you who have worked hard to make it happen!!! Thank you also to all of you out there who have supported Fusion through the years. It means A LOT!! GO FUSION...............LET'S MAKE OUR DREAMS COME TRUE~

IMPORTANT FUSION OPEN HOUSE UPDATE: Thanks to John Messenger, the Metuchen HS band director, Fusion will host our 8th annual Open House at Metuchen High School, 400 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ. Same times: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Fee: $25.00... If you have a horn, weapon, drum, friends, please bring along :o) Banquet following 8:00 pm - midnight Full hot buffet, Os"Core" presentation, dj, dancing and an overall GREAT TIME FUSION STYLE. Banquet open to everyone. So, if you're coming to the open house and want to come to the banquet while you're in town, no problem.........you're invited!! Please RSVP here https://www.facebook.com/events/715532171794922/ for the open house so we know how many people will be joining us. THE LOCATION IS NOT UPDATED ON THE EVENT LINK BUT WILL BE UPDATED SHORTLY. Please RSVP here https://www.facebook.com/events/190206594497110/ for the banquet. Thanks everyone. SO EXCITED FOR ANOTHER GREAT YEAR!!!

Fusion Core has been having a blast entertaining crowds and providing members with memorable experiences. We are very pleased to announce our Design Team and Caption Heads for the 2014 season. Our 2014 production will be sure to entertain once again. The 2014 team will be led by Robert Watson, Production Coordinator, Guard Designer and Caption Head. Team members also include Chris Bernotas, Brass Arranger/Composer, Scott Brown, Brass Caption Head, Mike Durborow, Visual Caption Head, Mike Schmitt, Battery Arranger and Co-Caption Head, Mike Wyatt, Front Ensemble Arranger, Ralph Marino, Design team member, Al Chez, Design Consultant and new to the Fusion family Ian Flint, Drill Designer. The show concept and musical selections will be announced separately. The following is background on each design team member: Rob Watson, Production Coordinator, Guard Designer/Caption Head, is excited to return to the Core in an expanded role. Fusion Core is also very excited to have Rob return to Fusion for a second season as our Guard Designer/Caption Head and in his new role as Production Coordinator. Fusion’s guard excelled exponentially after Rob joined us in mid-season this year. The end product was one that we were all very proud of. Throughout his 15-year career, Rob has remained active in the marching arts and education. Many people know him for his work with Emanon Winter Guards: 2013 Caption Head of Emanon A Guard and a show designer of Emanon's 2010 "Seated Perspective" show (WGI IO 6th Place). Rob has taught and consulted with numerous high school, college, drum corps, marching band and winter guard ensembles all around the country, receiving numerous accolades, with units including Southern Regional HS (NJ) 2003-2008, Middle Township HS, Toms River East HS (NJ) 2009-2012, West Orange HS (NJ) 2011, Washington HS (MO) 2011. Rob also serves as a national color guard and visual performance adjudicator for US Bands. In 1999, Rob was named among the "Top 10 Performers in the World" by Field & Floor Magazine. Rob resides in Mount Olive, New Jersey and is the Vice President of User Experience for the Advertising Specialty Institute, a leading agency in promotional marketing and advertising. Chris Bernotas, Brass Arranger/Composer, is 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 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. His accomplishments include writing and arranging music for many drum corps and marching bands throughout the United States. He also adjudicates for marching band competitions and festivals nationwide. His professional affiliations include MENC, ASCAP, NBA, and NJMEA. Mr. Bernotas resides in New Jersey with his wife Cristina and three children. Specifically for drum corps, Chris has written for the Caballeros, Crusaders, Hurricanes, Sunrisers, Carolina Gold, Pheonix, and Magic of Orlando. Fusion brass members have loved playing Chris’ charts over the last few years and we are very excited to have Chris return to The Core for a third season. Scott Brown, Brass Caption Head, returns to Fusion for a second season. This year Scott will return as Caption Head. Scott was quoted as saying, "I love having the opportunity to work with such a fine organization and with such quality and talented people." Scott brings a strong knowledge of brass pedagogy to our group having studied Trombone with Tyrone Breuninger of the Philadelphia Orchestra, jazz trombonist Urbie Green and conducting with Claude Pichareau of the Paris Conservatory. Prior to working with Fusion, Scott worked with the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps (2004, 2005, 2006 and 2011), winning DCA's coveted High Brass award in 2006. When Scott isn't teaching the Core, he is working as the Director of Musical Activities for Northwestern Lehigh Area High School. Scott is an active freelance brass musician performing though out Pennsylvania, New Jersey, NYC, Delaware and Connecticut. He is often found performing with such groups as The Anthracite Brassworks, The Mixolydian Brass, Endless Mountain Brass, Soul, Souled Out, Daddy-O and the Sax Maniax, The Wyoming Valley Civic Orchestra, and others. Scott holds degrees in Music Education from Wilkes University and The American Band College, and has done post graduate work at The University of the Arts and Villanova University. Mike Durborow, Visual Caption Head, returns for a fourth season with Fusion Core, having a long history in the drum corps activity including DCA and DCI. Mike is a great motivator 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 from 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 for the 1983 and 1984 seasons. He continued with the corps as part of the visual Staff from 1985 – 1993. Mike served as visual caption head from 1994 – 2005 and Staff Coordinator 2002 – 2005. Ian Flint, Drill Designer, joins Fusion for 2014. Ian currently lives in Dartmouth, MA. He works full time for the Dartmouth Public Schools as the district wide brass specialist where he teaches 5th-12th grade group lessons. He also serves as a show designer and visual coordinator for the marching band and indoor percussion ensembles. In the past 7 years the marching band has won 4 USSBA National Championships and the indoor percussion has won 2 WGI World Class Championships. Ian also works as a drill designer and program coordinator for marching bands and indoor percussion ensembles. He designs for numerous bands along the east coast every season and many of these bands have found success by winning both their state and circuit championships. In the indoor percussion activity Ian has designed for such groups as King Philip Regional HS, Penn State University, Boston University, Westhill HS and Norwalk HS, and all have been WGI Finalist groups. Ian holds a Bachelors in Music Performance (Tuba) from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and completed a music education certification through the State of Massachusetts. He was a member of The Cadets from 1998-2000 and worked on visual staff with The Cadets from 2004-2007 teaching both the hornline and percussion sections. Mike Schmitt, Ensemble Coordinator, Percussion Co-Caption Head and Battery Arranger, began his drum corps career serving the roles of marching member, technician, Caption Head, and Arranger at the Hawthorne Caballeros from 1999-2010, earning a world championship in 2003. In 2011, Mike joined the Connecticut Hurricanes as Caption Head and Arranger through 2012. Mike is heavily involved teaching both marching bands and indoor drum lines. His teaching career began as Caption Head and Arranger for the Parsippany Hills High School (NJ) from 2001-2008. While in this position, his drumline won 4 state drum titles, 4 national drum titles, and 4 overall band championships. Rounding out the Percussion Caption leadership, is Omi Batan as Percussion Co-Caption Head. Mike taught for seven years at Westhill High School in Stamford, CT, as Arranger and Ensemble Director. During this time, Westhill's percussion ensemble won state championships three times, became a WGI finalist in 2012, and won the US Bands Indoor Championships in Group AA in 2012. During the 2011 and 2012 seasons, Mike was Caption Head and Arranger for Pequannock Township High School in Pompton Plains, NJ. This ensemble won the Best Percussion award at both the US Bands States and National Championships in 2011 and were the US Bands Indoor Champions in Group A in 2012. In addition to Parsippany, Westhill, and Pequannock, Mike has been involved with a large number of high schools, including Stamford High School, Roxbury High School, Ramapo High School, Morristown High School, Pompton Lakes High School, West Essex Regional High School, Wayne Valley High School and Ramsey High School. Fusion’s percussion took a huge step in 2013 under the direction of Mike Schmitt and he’s very excited to continue on with Fusion for his second Season. Mike Wyatt, Front Ensemble Arranger, has been active in the marching community for over fifteen years. As a performer, he was a member of the WGI World Class finalist United Percussion, and was also the Front Ensemble Captain for the nine-time world champion Hawthorne Caballeros from 2005 through 2009. As a teacher and arranger, he has worked with the Hawthorne Caballeros, DCI's Raiders, United Percussion, and most recently was Assistant Caption Head and Arranger for the Connecticut Hurricanes. Mike holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies: Percussion Performance from the University of the Arts. Fusion is very excited to have Mike Wyatt return to Fusion for a second season. Drum Corps crowds were often “wowed” by Fusion’s front Ensemble and members excitedly performed Mike’s challenging writing. Mike is also the Band Director at Westhill High School in Stamford, CT. Ralph Marino, Design Team Member, is new to the Design team but not new to Fusion Core. Ralph is a founding father of Fusion. Ralph started his drum corps career in Los Federales from Brooklyn New York so he could spend time with his father. Ralph has had a long career as a baritone soloist with many corps over the years. He has always been intrigued by the design process, often bringing ideas or musical selections to Fusion’s design team. This year, Ralph is very excited to “officially” be part of the team. Al Chez, Design Consultant, is currently touring with “Al Chez & The Brothers of Funk Big Band”, which is his “personal expression in the world of music – all set through the big band style”. Al has been seen and heard every night on "The Late Show With David Letterman” in a 15 year run as the featured trumpet player appearing on both CBS and NBC. Al previously toured or played with Bonjovi, Robert Cray, Tower of Power, Arturo Sandoval, The Young Rascals, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Maynard Ferguson, Eric Clapton and The Dave Edmunds Band, to name a few. When asked why drum corps work is so important to him, Al said “I told you I had the secret! I HAVE FOUND THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH AND IT’S WORKING WITH KIDS!!!” Mr. Chez has been involved with many drum corps over the years beginning in 1969 with The Saints from New Jersey. In the late 70's early 80's Al became a marching member and soloist of The Garfield Cadets. Al has also performed with The Bushwackers and Reading Buccaneers. After his marching days were over, Chez became a Brass and Visual Instructor. He was part of the team that was instrumental in winning numerous Drum Corps International Championships. Al has also worked with the Brass lines of The Oakland Crusaders, Reading Buccaneers, The Cadets, Crossmen, The Bushwackers, Kingston Grenadiers, Empire Statesmen, and returns to Fusion Core for a third season. Mr. Chez also worked for numerous high school bands across the country. Al holds an honorary Masters Degree in music performance. He is an active clinician and speaker throughout the country. In addition, Al is a member of The John P. Stevens Hall of Honors, Drum Corps Buglers Hall of Fame and The Cadets Hall of Fame. Fusion would like to thank ALL staff members that have been a part of Fusion Core's history from when our journey began to present as we enter our 8th year of competition. It's been an emotional, fun, exciting ride and you all were a part of our success!! Additional staff and 2014 Production announcement coming soon. 2014 Membership Interest - Visit us at http://www.fusioncorenj.com/newmembership.html

Yes thanks Ray. Please say hello if you get to one of our shows? :)

I love allentown

Thanks Fran. We're very proud of their hard work. They were great in every sense of the word :)

Fusion Core finished strong taking 7th place in it's 7th year and only 2nd year in Open Class. What started out as a dream has grown into a respectful competitive organization within the DCA Association. Fusion is particularly excited about the success within the guard and percussion captions which finished stronger than any of our previous years and we are thrilled to announce that the Caption Heads and Designer/writers for both captions will be returning for the 2014 season. The guard in particular had a rocky start to the 2013 season but when Rob Watson came in that all changed. They grew not only as a team but as individuals. Now that ALL the elements are in place we are ready to take the next steps towards our next goal................... Please enjoy some hilites of our season...........till we meet again!! Disclaimer: Date and location of the open house may be subject to change. Keep an eye on our website www.fusioncorenj.com for updates.

Great idea Frank. Yes, the Statesmen will be very missed. Dave was always very supportive of Fusion when we started. I'll never forget doing our very first victory concert as an A corps and Empire did theirs as open and they cheered us on. Our members, who were very new to drum corps that year, were so impressed and touched by their support. They certainly are going to be missed for so many reasons. XOXOXO Empire Statesmen!!!

SO, SO HAPPY FOR YOU GUYS!!!! I love the excitement you guys have and of course your Director, well she loves this corps so much and her passion (and Pete's) is such a driving force behind the good things that will continue to come your way. Every time she talks about you guys her face lights up as if everyone of you were her own children. It seems like you guys have a very bright future!!

Thanks guys. We are always excited and honored to take the field with these corps. I'm very proud of Fusion's accomplishments over the years and your kind words mean a lot. Hope you get to see us some time Ray!!

Congrats everyone. You truly deserve the honor :)