The Hall of Fame is the highest honor to those individuals who make a significant contribution to WGI, and who have in some way influenced the course of our history. Their contribution may be made through artistic standards, administrative leadership or adjudication.
2008
Dave Marvin, Westminster, CO
Dave's highly competitive programs have set many of the "percussion theatre" standards the activity now builds upon. Dave has been the Percussion Director at Northglenn High School for the past 30 years.
Dave was the mastermind behind show concepts and visual coordination for the four time WGI World Champion the Blue Knights World Percussion Ensemble from 1999–2005.
Dave has served on the WGI board of directors and currently is the President of the Rocky Mountain Percussion Association. He served on the very first WGI Percussion Steering Committee through 2006 and has constantly been striving to develop a sound educational base for his and all indoor percussion students. Dave was instrumental in the creation of "Stampede", the first officially endorsed and sponsored drumline in the National Football League. To date, most of the teams in the NFL now have an official drumline as an additional entertainment source, thanks much to Dave’s innovative efforts.
Jay Webb, Avon, IN
Fifteen years ago, Jay became the Director of Bands at Avon High School. Under his direction the Avon HS percussion ensemble has made finals 12 of the last 13 year and has become the “poster child” of how the WGI system works: entering percussion competition in 1995, winning PSA in 1996 and 1997, moving to Open Class, winning PSO in 2001, moving to World Class and winning that in 2002.
Jay has contributed to the inner workings of the indoor percussion activity locally as well as on the international level through his work on the ISSMA State Music Board for eight years, the Indiana Percussion Association (an organization which he co-founded) from 1997 – present, the WGI advisory board from 1995 until the present and the WGI Percussion Steering Committee from 2004 – present, and the WGI board of directors from 2004 – 2007. Jay’s insight and commitment to quality have helped shape many decisions that have shaped the indoor percussion activity to what it is today.
2007
Michael Gaines San Francisco, CA
Known for his ability to design shows that appeal to the crowd, Michael has had a wildly popular association with Pride of Cincinnati including three world championships in 2001, 2005 and 2007. Michael has been a driving force for the WGI Board of Directors as well as the Color Guard Task Force. Michael has also been an international force, spearheading the debate on the age restriction and through his design for crowd favorite Aimachi color guard and indoor percussion ensemble.
Randy Nelson Fort Walton Beach, FL
Randy has served on the Board of Directors for over 20 years and acted as President since 2000. Overseeing recent major changes in WGI, including a sweeping reorganization, his leadership has been crucial to the growth and success the organization has experienced. Randy is the Director of Bands at Choctawhatchee High School. Choctawhatchee's influence began when the color guard became a finalist in 1984 for the first time and continues to this day. Throughout the years Randy's beloved "Choctaw" produced landmark shows of the scholastic class. The years 1990-1992 saw consecutive silver medals and enshrined Choctawhatchee in color guard history with shows such as "Spanish Fantasy", "Deedles" and the classic "Velveteen Rabbit."
2006
Cosmo "Gus" Barbaro Edinboro, PA
Gus was a key member of the initial percussion management team. He served as the first Percussion Educational Director from 1993 until 1996 when he became Percussion Coordinator. As Educational Director, Gus was responsible for gathering all the percussion judging criteria available at the time and compiling it into what has served as the foundation for the successful judging system used today.
Dennis DeLucia Little Silver, NJ
Dennis DeLucia is one of the most respected percussion teachers, arrangers, clinicians, and judges in the United States. A member of the WGI Percussion judging community since 1995, Dennis has enthusiastically brought his years of pageantry experience and wisdom to the indoor competitive arena, serving as a benchmark as well as "devil's advocate" to the ever changing environment of adjudication.
Mark Thurston Limerick, PA
Mark joined WGI Percussion in 1996 as a judge, and then served as the Educational Director in 1997-1998. He became Percussion Coordinator in 1999 (a position he still holds) and has been the guiding force behind the exceptional growth of the indoor percussion activity ever since.
2004
George Oliviero Walnut Creek, CA
George has an unparalleled history of service training judges. George served as the WGI Assistant Director of Education where he helped many judges enter the WGI judging arena. George has been extremely active on the Task Force, serving as a Facilitator in Movement and EA throughout the years. George is a mentor to many, a gentleman to all and is always willing to volunteer his time and energy to WGI and excellence in adjudication.
Mark & Mike Miller Dayton, OH
Mark and Mike Miller were born into the world of pageantry. After aging out of the Miller's Blackhawks, they continued to teach until the Blackhawks organization was retired in 1990. Mark and Mike also instructed the Miamisburg High School Winter Guard from 1980-2002 winning Scholastic World gold medals in 1991, 1992 and 1998. They both served on the WGI Board of Directors for 21 years and served on the WGI Task Force where they worked tirelessly to push the boundaries of color guard.
2003
Karl Lowe San Diego, CA
The premise of innovation, imagination, quality and risk are only a few words that apply to the unparalleled contributions he has made to WGI. Karl has brought us program concepts that have awakened awareness in our minds. From Odyssey to Fantasia he has been intense in his approach to his programs as well as his respect for his competitors.
Jeffrey Namian New York City, NY
Through his work with units such as Skylarks, Blessed Sacrament, Genesis II, Choctawhatchee and Tate, Jeff has continued to set new artistic standards year after year. His imaginative designs have spanned two decades and reached all three classes of competition. Jeff was also a major contributor to the development of the World Championship yearbook. He has served five terms on the WGI Task Force.
2000
Denise Bonfiglio Revere, MA
Denise served on the task force for nearly ten years while mentoring young instructors who have graduated from her color guards, including Emerald Marquis. Denise was also responsible for the 27th Lancers whose impact opened the door for small guards within the World Class.
Marie Czapinski Chicago, IL
Marie is an original founder of WGI and served as Chief Judge in the early years of the organization. She was instrumental in the development of WGI in the early 1980's and has a long and successful history of judge development within the Midwest.
Ward Durrett Estes Park, CO
Ward is considered by many to be a Founding Father of indoor percussion. He was pivotal in the development of the Percussion Division within WGI serving as Chief Percussion Judge for several years. His vision helped define the standards within this division.
1997
Scott Chandler Walnut Creek, CA
Scott has created an amazing span of talent and contribution to this activity. His work with James Logan High School, Blue Devils, State Street Review, Tate Chaparrals, to name a few, are examples of his passionate approach to pageantry.
Harry Sampson Stoneham, MA
New England's Regional Director since the inception of WGI, Harry continues his commitment to the development of WGI. A specialist in timing and penalties, he is a resource for units and other regional directors.
1996
George Lindstrom Arvada, CO
The expansion and growth of WGI is directly due to the vision of this man who is responsible for the creation of both the Percussion and Marching Band divisions. George served as Contest Manager for the World Championships, strategic planning consultant and tireless volunteer.
Vincent Monacelli Rochester, NY
A builder of champions, this innovative designer was pivotal in uniting the East and West when WGI was founded. Director of such color guards as Holley Hawks and Bishop Kearney, Vinnie created unique shows that are still benchmarks of performance excellence.
1995
Mary Denniston Sayreville, NJ
An adjudication leader for more than 30 years, Mary's integrity and commitment to the performers has set her apart. She served on the WGI Task Force for a number of years and continues to offer a wealth of information to guards, beginning judges, and pageantry as a whole.
Fred J. Miller Dayton, OH
Founder of the Miller's Blackhawks, Fred is considered a master showman of color guard. He served as WGI Financial Director for a number of years and contributed to our growth through his expertise as unit director, local circuit administrator, and enthusiastic advocate.
Jay Murphy Walnut Creek, CA
Through his shows with St. Anthony's Imperiales, Blue Devils, San Jose Raiders, Clovis West High School, and other units, Jay's approach to color guard marks him as the paradigm which has defined the standards of design and creativity.
1994
Mickey Kelly Madison, CT
Under his direction, the Skylarks were one of the most creative units in the history of WGI. Mickey also served as Judge Coordinator, bringing standards, accountability and quality to the adjudication.
Wayne Wengert Berthoud, CO
Our organization was incredibly impacted by technological advancements brought by Wayne. His computer expertise, linked offices in 4 states, created the original WGI web page and designed the tabulation programs that are still in use today.
Dolores Zappala Wakefield, MA
President of the Board of Directors for more than a decade, Dolores spearheaded WGI through its' critical growing years as an organization. As director of Blessed Sacrament, she leaves a legacy that thrives to this day.
1993
Sal Salas & LuAnn Russell-Salas Madison, WI
Leaders in innovative design and authors of the grand production within color guard, Sal and LuAnn created the State Street Review and moved the activity into a new level of entertainment. Their legacy survives today as their many alumni now instruct their own units.
1992
Stanley Knaub Seattle, WA
Stanley was responsible for securing the funding and organizing the meeting that ultimately founded WGI. He revolutionized the activity with the addition of dance to color guard. Stanley passed away in 2002.
Lynn Lindstrom Arvada, CO
As Executive Director, Lynn was instrumental in nurturing the explosive growth of color guard from 30 guards in 1978 to over 300 participating at the point when she retired in 2001. She led WGI's expansion into percussion ensemble and marching band competitions.
Shirlee Whitcomb Walnut Creek, CA
Shirlee and others who founded the organization in 1977 shared the vision of WGI. Her contributions over the past 22 years as Education Director have included the education initiatives for instructors and judges that are unparalleled in the pageantry activity.
