Phantom Regiment is pleased to announce the hiring of Don Hill as brass arranger.
Hill has had a long and varied drum and bugle corps career. Most recently he was the brass arranger for the Glassmen from 2008-11, a consultant to the Bluecoats in 2005 and the brass arranger for The Cadets in 2002-03.
“I’m well aware of the rich tradition involved in arranging for the Regiment,” Hill said. “It’s a real honor to be chosen as only the fourth arranger for Phantom Regiment in the past 40 years.
“I hope to continue the incredibly high standard that has been set, while trying to bring something a bit new to the table as well. I’m also looking forward to working with this design team, many of whom I’ve worked with before.
“Here’s hoping we continue to give the drum corps public the innovative, exciting and accessible programs the Phantom Regiment is famous for.”
Hill started in the activity as a marching member of the Des Plaines (Ill.) Vanguard and then the Blue Stars of La Crosse, Wis., until 1975. He taught the Blue Stars’ hornline for 6 years and eventually took over as arranger as well.
After his time with the Blue Stars, he moved into judging and was a DCI finals judge three times and the brass and music general effect caption head for DCI for 7 years.
He has been a band director at two schools in Florida and arranges for many competitive marching bands, including The Woodlands, L.D. Bell and Broken Arrow. He arranged for Plymouth Centennial Educational Park from 1994 to 2005.
“We’re all very exited to have Don on board as our brass arranger,” said Dan Farrell, program director. “His varied experience, together with his understanding of the Regiment tradition, makes him a great fit.”
In addition to his work in the marching world, Hill has been a member of the American Society of Composers and Publishers since 1994 and six times has received recognition from the ASCAP Awards Panel for his original works. Recently, he was the featured composer at University of South Florida. His compositions are published by Great Works Inc. and Ludwig Music Publishing Co.
He and his wife, Dianne, live in Los Angeles, where he is pursuing a career in composing music for visual media. He is part-owner of Patio 7 Productions.