ROCKFORD (Sept. 5, 2008) — Phantom Regiment is pleased to announce the hiring of Rick Subel as color guard caption head and designer for the 2009 season.

Subel has been involved in the drum and bugle corps activity for more than 17 years as a marching member, instructor and designer.

He started his drum corps career at the age of 15 as a baritone player for the Cadets of Bergen County. While attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, he joined Emerald Marquis winter guard in 1995, where he performed for 5 years. He also spent two seasons as a color guard member of Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps and a year with Brass Theater (now “Blast”).

Rick was a choreographer and instructor on Phantom Regiment’s guard staff from 2005 through 2007.

“Among the first things I noticed about Rick were his fresh design ideas and his warm educational approach,” said Dan Farrell, program director for Phantom Regiment. “He is very much a musician and it shows in his visual design. The design staff is pleased to welcome Rick to the table.”

Prior to being hired as caption head of Phantom Regiment, Rick designed and choreographed for several prestigious winter guards and high school color guard programs, including Emerald Marquis Winterguard, Chimeras Winterguard, The Knights (UCF) Winterguard, Phantom Regiment Winter Guard, Kennesaw Mountain High School Winter Guard and Kell High School. Also, he has directed programs such as Lassiter High School, Westfield High School and Harrison High School. In addition, he has choreographed and taught many successful drum corps color guard programs, including The Cadets, Magic of Orlando, Santa Clara Vanguard and, in 2008, Bluecoats.

“I am so very honored to have this opportunity to come home to an organization that has been a huge part of my growth and development as a designer and educator,” Rick said. “The organization is filled with individuals who are like family to me, and I feel that the educational philosophies, the overall approach and work ethic, and environment are a right fit for me.”

Joining Rick on this year’s guard staff will be several familiar names, including choreographer Michael James and instructors Alex Cruz, Andria Foerch, Annie Pelka, KC Perkins and Carrie Short.

Rick resides in Kennesaw, Ga., where he is a student at Kennesaw State University, pursuing a B.A. in theatre and performance studies. He enjoys music, writing songs and recording his own music. He has two dogs, Buckley and Simon.

Rick joins the design team of Farrell, J.D. Shaw (brass), Paul Rennick (percussion), Nick Scotella (drill) and Tony Hall (visual).

He replaces Adam Sage, who held the position from 2005-08 and is now color guard caption supervisor for Carolina Crown. Phantom Regiment would like to thank Adam for his many contributions while on staff and wish him well in the future.