Phantom Regiment is pleased to welcome its newest inductees to the Phantom Regiment Hall of Fame.

The class of 2025 will add two members to the hall of fame: David Kisting and Jamey Thompson. This brings the total number of inductees to 61. There is one criterion for the hall of fame: Someone who has made a significant, long-lasting, and positive impact on the Phantom Regiment organization.

DAVID KISTING, who was nominated by Phantom Regiment hall of famer Rick Valenzuela, has been involved with Phantom Regiment for the past 55 years as either a marching member, staff member, board member, Phantom Regiment Alumni Association president, donor or volunteer.

David’s tenure as a marching member is impressive both for its quality and duration: He joined Phantom Regiment Cadets in 1970 and Phantom Regiment in 1971. He marched through 1981 and was a soprano soloist in multiple seasons. That’s a remarkable 12 years of drum corps!

He didn’t take a break after aging out, either, teaching PRC through 1985 and then the big corps in 1986-87. David was elected to the Phantom Regiment Alumni Association Board of Directors in 1996 and served as either vice president or president from 2001 to 2017. During his years as PRAA president, he also had a seat with the Phantom Regiment Board of Directors.

In his nominating letter, Rick said of David, “His generosity has extended far beyond monetary donations, though he is indeed a donor. He has personally funded and provided essential materials for the corps, including large items like the stairs of our new equipment truck. David was instrumental in the construction of the truck, dedicating countless hours of labor, expertise, and resources to ensure its completion. Furthermore, his mechanical skills were invaluable in building and repairing equipment and props over the years, often working behind the scenes without seeking recognition.

“The impact David has had on Phantom Regiment cannot be overstated. His contributions, while often unnoticed by the general public, are critical to the success of the organization. He never seeks attention or accolades; he simply wants to give back to the corps that means so much to him. It is this selfless dedication that serves as an inspiration to us all.”

Rick also quoted long-time brass arranger and Phantom Regiment Hall of Famer Jim Wren, who said, “Whether playing a solo or just a part in the soprano line, we always knew he would do his job with excellence. His dedication and loyalty to the corps continues to this day. Indeed, I can say that he and the Kisting family have always exemplified the best in Phantom Regiment.”

In his letter of support, Phantom Regiment hall of famer John Baumgarter, who has known David for 50 years, said, “David’s greatest contributions may be his never-ending assistance in the projects the corps continues to have. Having someone who owned a commercial sheet metal, heating and air conditioning business in your back pocket never hurts. His generosity, leadership, labor, and funding of many past projects through the years has been extraordinary!”

When he’s not helping Phantom Regiment, David is a recently retired business owner and sheet metal contractor. He lives in Loves Park with his wife, Phantom Regiment alumnus Mary Kisting. Phantom Regiment most certainly runs in the family as his brother and sister both marched in the corps, and his parents and grandparents were also involved (his late father, Bob, is in the Phantom Regiment Hall of Fame).

An additional letter of support was written by Phantom Regiment alumna and long-time volunteer Renee Fieldhouse, who marched with David in the horn line.

JAMEY THOMPSON, who was nominated by Phantom Regiment Hall of Famer Dwight Emmert, was Phantom Regiment’s visual designer in 2005-07 and again 2011-14.

He brought a big, beautiful and musical approach to the visual program when he first joined the design team for the 2005 season. In that first season, the corps placed third in Visual General Effect and then won the caption the next year. And each of his years had a memorable signature visual moment. Some of the most notable were the umbrella and Eiffel Tower in the 2005 American in Paris show, a Star of David and gothic cross in the 2006 Faust show, and the “flocking” in the 2007 On Air show.

In his nomination letter, Dwight said, “Equally important, however, was his mindfulness of the corps’ strengths. He would design these iconic visuals to be achievable, cleanable and performable as the corps matured.”

“Jamey had an uncanny sense to design right to the edge of the performers’ ability to grow over the season. Marry this with his creativity, and you have the wonderful shows produced from 2005-07 and 2011-14.”

Dwight first got to know Jamey when he hired him as the visual designer for his high school marching band in Florida. Later, he was tightly connected to these Phantom Regiment shows as the visual caption head responsible for teaching Jamey’s drill.

“He was very focused on the scope of his work so the instructional process could be smooth. His handwritten charts were works of art. Each page told a story all its own about his process – the care and love poured into each dot that represented a future member marching each spot,” he said in his nomination. “The excitement of teaching his drill never left me nor the staff, while the members’ performance always rose to thrill, thus finishing the life cycle started with the energy in his quill.”

In her supporting letter, former color guard caption head KC Perkins said, “As a longtime fan, he looked for what made Phantom Regiment special. His intention was to use his visual artistry, in collaboration with the organization, to bring the essence of the Regiment forward. Through his staging, Jamey Thompson showcased the musical heart and the emotional passion that had always pulsated from the center of this drum corps.”

Long-time program coordinator Dan Farrell said, “Jamey’s meticulous attention to detail and natural musicianship were just part of what made him such a powerful presence as a visual designer for the Regiment. From the very beginning, it was clear that he didn’t just understand Phantom Regiment’s history and visual legacy – he felt it. He carried that tradition with deep respect, while also daring to dream beyond it.”

Jamey is a visual designer for top organizations across the marching arts activity in Drum Corps Associates, Drum Corps International and Bands of America. He lives in Chicago.

An additional letter of support was written by Phantom Regiment alumnus and former visual caption head Drew Solomonson, who marched and later taught when Jamey was the designer.

The purpose of the Phantom Regiment Hall of Fame is to honor those who have made a significant, long-lasting, and positive impact on the Phantom Regiment organization. The inductees will be honored with a private dinner followed by a public induction ceremony and celebration July 2 at Prairie Street Brewing Company in Rockford. Nominations are accepted in February of each year. More information and a full list of inductees can be found at HERE.

The Hall of Fame induction will be part of the annual Show of Shows Homecoming Party starting at 7:30 p.m. July 2. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $25 (the price will be $5 more at the door). The cost includes a variety of appetizers as well as soft drinks, iced tea and lemonade. There will be a cash bar for alcoholic beverages.

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