Denise Bonfiglio

Captions WGI Colorguard Equipment, Colorguard Design Analysis Bio I've been judging Equipment locally and for WGI since 2001. I have a long successful history of teaching within the pageantry activity. Being the director of a top Independent World Guard and actively teaching students at all skill levels, I have a strong understanding of the types of skills being performed currently in the activty. I've spent years creating techniques to support different levels of choreography, and teaching students body and equipment skills. I spent several years working on the creation and implementation of the WGI judging system which is still in use today, although modified through the years. I have a strong understanding of my role as a judge, and providing a cohesive and fair evaluation for all units. Being a teacher within the activity, I have a very close understanding of what Instructors want to hear from judges,  and it's my hope that I will be able to fulfill the needs of all instructors and provide feedback to the students that will assist them in their journey during the competitive season. Bio With an extensive background in pageantry, Denise’s roots were firmly planted with the 27th Lancers Drum & Bugle Corps and Winter Guard. Since aging out of the Lancers, Denise has taught the 27th Lancers Drum & Bugle Corps 1976-1986, Garfield Cadets/Cadets of Bergen County/The Cadets 1987-1997, Star of Indiana 1993 and Santa Clara Vanguard 1997-1999, 2003 to present. Along with a wide-ranging drum corps career, Denise expanded her proficiency into Winter Guard. Denise’s accomplishments include Director of the 27th Lancers Winter Guard 1988-1989, Emerald Marquis 1983-1985, 1990-2001, Director of the (three time WGI Independent World Champion) Santa Clara Vanguard Winter Guard 2006-2016. Denise has also instructed, mentored and trained several successful Independent and Scholastic Winter Guard Units across the United States. Professionally, Denise recently retired from MetLife where she was an officer of the company for 16 of her 35-year career. During Denise’s tenure at MetLife, her “hands on” approach brought her to the front-line managing Insurance Product Software Development, and Quality Assurance functions in several locations around the US and Canada. Throughout Denise’s career at MetLife, she was extensively involved in company mergers and acquisitions converting software Illustration systems onto MetLife platforms. Denise managed a staff of 20 as well as associates in different locations around the country. Denise also played a significant role in relocating and transitioning MetLife’s Retail business operations to North Carolina. Denise is currently the Co-Founder and President of the 27th Lancers Foundation. As a non-profit charitable organization, the Foundation’s philanthropic mission is to raise money to provide scholarships in honor of George and Patsy Bonfiglio. Applications are accepted from young men and women that participate in DCI organizations. George Bonfiglio was the first president of the DCI Board of Directors, and played a significant role in leading the organization through its early years to ultimately build a foundation for future success. Denise is an active Adjudicator for Winter Guard International; Florida Federation of Color guards Circuit, Massachusetts Judges Association, Musical Arts Conference, and the Asian Marching Band Confederation. Denise was inducted into the WGI Hall of Fame class of 2000, the Massachusetts Drum Corps Hall of Fame class of 2012, and Drum Corps International Hall of Fame class of 2016. Back to list page