Matt joined the Bushwackers in 1987 and continued marching until 1995. During this time he made his way through several sections of the drum line including 5 years on Snare, Tenor, Pit, and in the Bass line on “Thunder”, closing out his marching career as Drum Captain in 1995. Having learned to drum at Franklin HS in NJ and the Rutgers University Marching Band from Fred Oltarzewski, also a Hall of Fame member, Matt made his way to the corps.
Another corps member, Gene Hedden, aided in Matt’s recruitment. “Hey Gene Hedden, when do those Bushies have rehearsal?” “This weekend.” “…Can you pick me up?” That was the beginning, and they were interesting years to say the least.
After a hiatus including getting married, raising kids, managing a few dogs and a house, Matt returned in 2012 to help on the admin team, build props, wire the pit, and pull the trailer. In 2015 he was approached by Bob Gupta, the Executive Director, and was elected to a position on the Board of Directors eventually becoming the Board Secretary, and currently serving as the Board Chair.
The Bushwackers were and have always been the only Drum Corps for Matt.
Through the years, doing as Bushwackers do, we showed up on time, worked hard, often and longer than most other corps, and had fun. Among the many influences from BIG personalities in the corps, Fred, Gene, and Hall of Fame members Ed Marino and Bob McCarthy made the kid in 1987 a leader in 1995. The reward? A lifetime of memories and friendships including 5 DCA Championships and 5 High Drum Trophies.
It is with great pride we welcome Matt Carlsen into the Bushwacker Hall of Fame.
Another corps member, Gene Hedden, aided in Matt’s recruitment. “Hey Gene Hedden, when do those Bushies have rehearsal?” “This weekend.” “…Can you pick me up?” That was the beginning, and they were interesting years to say the least.
After a hiatus including getting married, raising kids, managing a few dogs and a house, Matt returned in 2012 to help on the admin team, build props, wire the pit, and pull the trailer. In 2015 he was approached by Bob Gupta, the Executive Director, and was elected to a position on the Board of Directors eventually becoming the Board Secretary, and currently serving as the Board Chair.
The Bushwackers were and have always been the only Drum Corps for Matt.
Through the years, doing as Bushwackers do, we showed up on time, worked hard, often and longer than most other corps, and had fun. Among the many influences from BIG personalities in the corps, Fred, Gene, and Hall of Fame members Ed Marino and Bob McCarthy made the kid in 1987 a leader in 1995. The reward? A lifetime of memories and friendships including 5 DCA Championships and 5 High Drum Trophies.
It is with great pride we welcome Matt Carlsen into the Bushwacker Hall of Fame.