George Zingali – Drill Designer For Drum & Bugle Corps and Marching Bands

George Zingali was a drill designer for drum and bugle corps and marching bands. A native of New York City, he attended both New York University and Boston College.

He began his impressive career with his hometown corps, the 27th Lancers. There he elevated color guard work to new heights; from rifle throws while lying down to presentations on the 50-yard line – Zingali had his guard do it all.

Early Life and Education

George Zingali was an award-winning drill designer renowned for his creative designs for drum & bugle corps and marching bands. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he attended New York University and Boston College. In addition to creating some of the world’s most captivating color guard routines, George was also an ardent actor and director.

One of his greatest inventions was the “Z Pull,” an impressive drill move that first debuted in 1983 and still leaves viewers awestruck today. This feat of engineering left countless admirers gasping at its sheer audacity. Tragically, on March 6, 1992 at 40 years old, he passed away tragically, leaving behind a great void to the drum & bugle industry.

Professional Career

George Zingali had an illustrious career as a color guard designer, creating shows that still set standards of performance excellence with such corps as 27th Lancers and Cadets of Bergen County. His designs continue to influence contemporary color guard drill designs today.

He served as a WGI Contest Manager, strategic planning consultant and tireless volunteer. His efforts helped foster the growth of WGI by mentoring designers and serving as an inspirational trainer for judges. Furthermore, he served on the WGI Task Force – a group of volunteers that advises and guides WGI in various areas – providing invaluable assistance.

Achievements and Honors

George Zingali was an influential drum corps innovator during the 1970s and ’80s, best known for his work with 27th Lancers, Blue Knights and Star of Indiana.

Born in New York City, he attended Boston College and the University of the City. For his designs of routines for drum corps and marching bands – including the champion Quasar and Erte bands from Revere, Massachusetts – he won several awards. Additionally, he choreographed both opening and closing ceremonies of the 1980 Winter Olympics held at Lake Placid, New York.

On March 6, 1992, the world of drum and bugle corps suffered the loss of one of its greatest innovators and creators: Zingali. Yet his creative legacy lives on today, inspiring drill designers, color guard instructors and show coordinators across America with his innovative ideas.

Personal Life

George Zingali was a celebrated drummer & bugle corps and marching band drill designer renowned for reimagining the activity’s aesthetic appeal. His innovations brought color guard work to new heights, from rifle throws while lying down to presentations on the 50-yard line.

He was instrumental in founding Drum Corps International, uniting East and West and creating groundbreaking shows that continue to challenge both designers and spectators alike. Even after his passing in 1992, the world of drum and bugle corps is still better for his creative efforts. The drill designers, color guard instructors and show coordinators he inspired are still around today to bring us smiles – we will never forget him.