Ray’s marching career began as a member of the Park Ridge Marching Band where he played percussion, saxophone, euphonium, and tuba. He caught the bug for drum corps when he was recruited by the Garfield Cadets in 1979 and 80. Unfortunately, responsibilities at home kept him from marching with Garfield, but the desire to march drum corps never left him.

Following high school, Ray taught visual for many high school bands throughout NJ. In 1984 a friend from high school, and a Cadet alumnus, told Ray about the Bushwackers. The rest, as they say, is history.

Ray’s tenure with the corps would span 16 years; 7 as a member marching both brass and colorguard and 10 as visual staff and support staff. Ray won 4 DCA World Championships as a marching member, and two more as a staff member. Ray passion for excellence made him an inspiring member and instructor. He has left an enormous mark on the Bushwackers.

Ray married a fellow Bushwacker, Maureen Byrne, in 1997 and resides in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. They have one daughter, Cara, who is now 13 and a cheerleader. Professionally, Ray has been a marketing consultant in the dental industry since 1995.

Please help me welcome Ray Brunner, Class of 2014, to the Bushwackers Hall of Fame.