Meet TeamBush 2015 is a series of introductions to the members, staff, and administration of the Bushwackers Drum Corps. We want to highlight and feature the people who make this Corps unique and exciting. Up Next:
Xavier Patterson – Tuba
One of the most exciting things about the Bushwackers is the atmosphere of family and teamwork. New members walk in and instantly become part of the family. Such is the case with Xavier Patterson, new Bushwacker member and recent DCI age-out.
Xavier comes to Bush with a large amount of marching experience. As a college graduate, Xavier works full time as a Director and Production Assistant for a local news station near Atlantic City, NJ. He is the quintessential DCA member, finding time for his passion and hobby on the weekends while enjoying a career post DCI eligibility.
Xavier learned tuba as a junior at Oakcrest High School. He had never played an instrument, and spent all his lunches, study halls, and free time practicing. He was introduced to videos of Drum Corps and decided it was something he wanted to try. In the fall of 2013, he chose to join the Raiders Drum Corps in New Jersey for his age-out summer in 2014. Patterson was able to use the skills and techniques he learned that summer to return to his High School band as an instructor and help them improve as performers.
Xavier came to the Bushwackers this past fall because he “wanted to continue growing as a musician and didn’t want to stop marching just because he turned 22”. Coming into the Bushwackers Open House, he was nervous and scared that he was not going to be good enough. “I met the tuba section and after the first few words we were laughing. I could already feel the bond. One hour and I felt as if I marched with them for ages. It’s that feeling that keeps me going, we were complete strangers but now I would do anything for my marching family.”
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves. Welcome to the family, Xavier. Here’s to your perfect year!
If you would like to march with Xavier and the rest of the 2015 Bushwackers, check out our open spots in the brass, front ensemble, and colorguard sections. For more information on the Six-Time World Champion Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps, visit www.bushwackers.org.