Jimmy Russo and John Campese will assume two of Magic of Orlando's primary leadership roles for the 2004 season. Russo will serve as corps director and will be responsible for all aspects of the corps' operation. Russo joins Magic from a very successful 26-year career with the Hawthorne Caballeros senior corps. There, he has been a leader both behind the scenes as chief financial officer, and on the field as the corps' legendary drum major. A very popular personality with drum corps fans in general, Russo has been awarded more than 130 top drum major trophies while with the Caballeros. In 1993, he was inducted into the prestigious Drum Corps Hall of Fame. "I'm very excited about joining the Magic family," said Russo. "Magic is about perseverance and dedication to the activity. I plan to continue to build on the solid foundation has been set in place there." Campese will serve as program director. In this role, Campese will share many of the responsibilities of the corps operation, but focus primarily on program development. A lifelong Central Florida resident, Campese also has a long and distinguished drum corps history, marching with Leathernecks, Florida Vanguards, Anaheim Kingsmen and Suncoast Sound. In 1989, Campese was a founding member of Magic of Orlando. He's also served as percussion instructor/caption head for such corps as Suncoast Sound, Boston Crusaders, Yokohama Inspires (Japan) and Magic of Orlando. For 18 years Campese has served as a performer/arranger with Walt Disney World. He is perhaps best remembered as one of the performers in the powerhouse Future Corps. "We've got an awesome future ahead of us!" says Campese. "I see so much local talent with our teachers and students. We should focus on cultivating these resources to truly present the Magic of Orlando." He goes on to explain, "It feels great to be back with Magic. It's like coming home."