The Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps has always been a leader in innovative show design. The tradition of high velocity, impactful programs continues into our 33rd season with the 2014 Design Team.
We are happy to welcome back Minesh Shah as Program Coordinator. Minesh was instrumental from Day 1 in surpassing our goals last season, and continues to work with the Design and Instructional teams to push us back to the upper echelon of DCA.
Returning to the Bushwackers in a new role, Ben Schwartz joins the team as our Brass Arranger. Ben is a veteran Band Director and Full Music Arranger for Elizabeth High School in Elizabeth, NJ where they have recently won their third consecutive USBands championship. As an arranger, Ben has worked with some of the top names in the drum corps world, and writes for several highly competitive Marching Bands in the United States.
Back to handle the Percussion arrangements is longtime Bushwacker Rob Thatcher. Rob has been an integral part of our Percussion program; starting as a marching member in 1993, he has steadily advanced and is now in his third season arranging for the Corps. Rob also writes for the Jersey Surf Drum & Bugle Corps, and WGI medalist Old Bridge HS.
Joining Rob is our new Front Ensemble Arranger, Joe Bergen. Joe tours internationally with his critically acclaimed groups Mantra Percussion and Transit, and is the education director of Mantra’s “Young Creators Program,” as well the percussion director for Montville High School. He has previously taught the Reading Buccaneers, Cadets2, and marched with the Crossmen.
Drillwriter David Caravella is also returning from 2013. David has been a staff member at the Reading Buccaneers, Cadets2, and the Raiders. As a performer, he marched with the Blue Devils, The Cadets, and the Raiders. After the excellent job he did maximizing our impact last year, we are eager to see what Dave will do with larger numbers to play with.
George Mattis returns from last season as Color Guard Designer. Currently the program coordinator and Guard designer at Ridge High School, George has taught several area high schools and independent guards, including WGI A Class Silver Medalist and Open Class Finalist Pegasus Winter Guard. George’s performing career began in 1983, marching with the New York Skyliners, the Bushwackers, Spirit of Atlanta, and Conquest Winter Guard.
Aiding George with Guard design will be Leighann Fields. With the wealth of experience and knowledge she brings from the Crossmen, Black Watch and Field of View, Leighann was a great help towards the end of last season, and we are excited to have her full time this year.
And as always, Sean McReady is returning for 2014. After designing our props and assisting in drill and choreography additions last year, Sean will be making those Visual Aspects his primary focus this year. Entering his 17th season with the corps, Sean was elected into the Bushwackers Hall of Fame in 2012.
To learn more about the design team and the rest of the staff, please visit our Staff page to read their bios. Or, better yet, come meet them at our 2014 Open House! Click here for more information.