Randy Accardi started his Drum Corps career at age 14 as a drummer in the Dynamics, a small-town parade corps from Oradell NJ. Having interest in the color guard aspect of the activity, he joined the winter guard program for two seasons.
Knowing that was where he needed to be, he followed his brother and joined the Hawthorne Caballeros as a rifle and the youngest member of the corps. He stayed for three seasons.
The next winter season, he followed his new found friends, and joined the Commanders winter guard from Waldwick, NJ.
Spending so much time in the Hawthorne area, he decided to join the Hawthorne Muchachos winter program. Unfortunately, the program disbanded, and the group started the competition season using the name, Conquest.
Conquest had a successful eleven-year run, turning heads by doing “not so normal” things in the competition arena. This included, being the first color guard to use moving scenery to create effects and backdrops, making the shows more intimate. In 1984, Conquest received penalties for using these now common place panels.
During Randy’s years marching and designing for Conquest he taught the New York Skyliners for four summer seasons bringing the Conquest style and approach to their drum corps.
Spending so much time in the Hawthorne area, he decided to join the Hawthorne Muchachos winter program. Unfortunately, the program disbanded, and the group started the competition season using the name, Conquest.
Conquest had a successful eleven-year run, turning heads by doing “not so normal” things in the competition arena. This included, being the first color guard to use moving scenery to create effects and backdrops, making the shows more intimate. In 1984, Conquest received penalties for using these now common place panels.
During Randy’s years marching and designing for Conquest he taught the New York Skyliners for four summer seasons bringing the Conquest style and approach to their drum corps.
Also, during this time period, in between continuous winter /summer seasons, Randy taught over twenty-five High School color guards throughout the tri state area and South Carolina.
Randy joined the Bushwackers as a marching member in 1986 and returned again in 1987. He was the Bushwackers color guard caption head from 1988 – 1991 winning three consecutive Best Color Guard trophies 1988, 1989, 1990.
In 1994, Randy taught the Connecticut Hurricanes color guard for one season
Randy spent over 12 years in DCA. In his career, he won 4 DCA Championships and 3 Best Color Guard titles as Caption Head and performer.
Randy made a smooth transition from Drum Corp into the theatre world. As a successful Director, Choreographer and Performer, Randy has created for, and performed in countless musical and dramatic productions throughout the tri state area. For the last ten years, Randy has been the owner/operator of “Interactive Entertainment”, a production company that performs at Care and Rehab Centers, Schools and Private Parties.
It is with great pride we welcome Randy Accardi into the Bushwacker Hall of Fame.
Randy spent over 12 years in DCA. In his career, he won 4 DCA Championships and 3 Best Color Guard titles as Caption Head and performer.
Randy made a smooth transition from Drum Corp into the theatre world. As a successful Director, Choreographer and Performer, Randy has created for, and performed in countless musical and dramatic productions throughout the tri state area. For the last ten years, Randy has been the owner/operator of “Interactive Entertainment”, a production company that performs at Care and Rehab Centers, Schools and Private Parties.
It is with great pride we welcome Randy Accardi into the Bushwacker Hall of Fame.