David Bruni has been drum major of the Empire Statesmen since the corps was founded in 1983. He has been the Statesmen’s drill instructor since 1983 and show coordinator since 1996. He has four times been chosen top drum major during the DCA championships: in 1996 in front of home town fans in Rochester, NY, in 1999 in Allentown, PA, and in 2004 and 2005 in Scranton, PA. He has served as drill instructor and overall show coordinator. He has instructed and coordinated shows for many high school bands, including Eastridge High School, which has been New York State champion five times. He was named DCA corps director of the year in 2004, the first year he served in the top management position with the Empire Statesmen after his father, Vince Bruni, passed away. During his early years of involvement, he participated in every area of activity, including color guard, percussion and brass with such groups as the Rochester Crusaders, Niagara Regionaires, and the Cadets of Greece. From 1975 to 79 he was in the percussion section of the Rochester Crusaders. In 1980, he played soprano horn with the Firebirds. In 1981, he moved to the Greece Cadets as drum major.
