GREG CESARIO, who was nominated by Phantom Regiment Hall of Fame designer Tony Hall, was hired as a color guard designer for the 1987 season. During 1987 and 1988, he was credited with creating a guard design that perfectly complemented the music. Additionally, he incorporated movement into the hornline and began integrating the color guard and hornline in a way that enhanced the overall effect of the program.
The color guard choreographed by Greg – with fellow hall of famers Cindi Baumgartner as caption head and Vicki Auditore as an instructor – earned top color guard honors at the 1988 world championships.
In 1996, Greg was hired late in the offseason to write the drill that would go on to help Phantom Regiment win its first Drum Corps International World Championship. Bob Smith wrote in his supporting letter for the nomination that it was Greg’s attention to detail and beautiful staging that brought “Defiant Heart” to life. Bob was then – and is now – the visual caption head for Phantom Regiment.
In his nomination letter, Tony said of Greg’s visual design in 1996: “(It) was everything: beautiful, deliberate, musical, engaging and entertaining.”
And of his choreography in 1987 and 1988, Tony gave one of the highest compliments that can be given a color guard or drill designer, “You could always see what you were hearing.”
An additional letter of support was written by Cindi Baumgartner.
In his professional life, Greg is a retired drill writer and antiques dealer and lives in Chicago. He is a brother of Phantom Regiment and DCI hall of famer Michael Cesario.
Join us in celebrating Greg and the rest of the 2020 inductees, November 21, 2020!
Since 2016, the Phantom Regiment Hall of Fame has recognized individuals who have made a significant and long-lasting positive impact on the Phantom Regiment organization at a ceremony in Rockford. We’re committed to continuing this tradition while also taking this opportunity to include even more of our phamily and phans through a virtual event!
Plus, we’re adding some exciting new elements, such as:
- 2020 Program highlights from the Drum Corps and PR Academy Directors
- An online auction, with one-of-a-kind items & experiences you can’t find anywhere else
- VIP Tickets including special experiences and an exclusive, watch-party kit!
Space is limited! So grab your quaran-friends, pair your bowtie with your sweatpants, and get ready for an exciting evening celebrating the craziest year of Phantom Regiment!
