Students perform across East Coast in marching band program

Levi Buczkowski, Reporter

October 25, 2024

Senior Cayden Puttlitz performing in Del Val’s color guard on Homecoming night.

Over the summer, Del Val students, Kacey Burd and Cayden Puttlitz, performed in the Fusion Core Drum and Bugle Corps marching band across multiple states on the East Coast, before playing their final show in Indianapolis.

Burd and Puttlitz participate in Del Val’s marching band, the Golden Regiment. Burd is a percussionist and vibraphonist. Puttlitz is a spinner for the color guard.

The program lasted from their open house in Nov. to their final performance in Aug. From June to Aug., rehearsals at Jefferson Township High School and performances across the East Coast were held. Around 80 people from multiple states performed alongside Burd and Puttlitz in the program.

Both students participated in the program for the same reason: to better their musical abilities and perform alongside people who love marching band.

“I wanted to grow and learn more in a setting with education I don’t have much access to at Del Val,” Burd said.

Kasey Bird, a percussionist, with their parents on senior night. (Ella Genovese)

Puttlitz shared a similar sentiment.

“I really focused on improving my skills as a spinner,” Puttlitz said. “I made sure to improve and keep up my practice.”

Thomas Hayden, Del Val’s band director, was in awe at their musical and personal development.

“They both have grown so much in their confidence and skill, and it is inspiring to other students,” Hayden said. “I was so excited when I found out they were accepted as members of Fusion Core. I never had the chance to march in it myself, so it had been a dream of mine to help students achieve this goal.”

Burd described the Fusion Core community in a positive light.

Cayden Puttlitz, a leader of the color guard, with his parents on Senior Night. (Ella Genovese)

“Drum corps have such an active community, including lifelong fans and a family-like relationship between everyone involved, so there is so much love and connection in Fusion Core,” Burd said. “To rehearse for 12-plus hours together, spend weeks on end traveling together, and then often sharing housing spaces with other corps, offered the chance for long-lasting connections with people which I’ve never experienced before

Burd and Puttlitz shared how the program impacted them as individuals and musicians.

“This program has changed me as a musician,” Burd said. “I have grown so much and it has reignited a passion in me to work hard and achieve my goal of moving up in the world of drum corps.”

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About the Contributors

Levi Buczkowski, Reporter

Levi Buczkowski is a freshman at Del Val. This is his first year writing for "The Delphi." He also participates in the school’s concert band. In his spare time, he loves to read, write, play his trombone and learn to play the guitar. He is also a huge fan of sci-fi entertainment.

Ellie Lyons, Opinion Editor

Ellie Lyons is a sophomore at Del Val. This is her second year writing for “The Delphi,” and she is the Opinion Editor. Ellie plays softball for Del Val and enjoys reading in her free time. She hopes to improve her editorial and leadership skills this school year.

Ella Genovese, Managing Editor

Ella Genovese is a sophomore at Del Val. This is her second year writing for “The Delphi.” She is the Managing and Sports Editor for this year. She also is a stage manager for this year's fall play and enjoys being involved in the theater department. In her free time, Ella likes to swim, read, write and listen to music.