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George Michael Zingali (December 1, 1951 – March 6, 1991) was an American choreographer and drill designer for several top drum and bugle corps including the 27th Lancers, The Cadets, the Star of Indiana, and the Blue Knights.

Career

Zingali became well known within the marching arts community for his radical approach to drill design. During the early days of modern drum corps, drill was highly symmetrical and straightforward, reminiscent of actual military formations. Zingali broke tradition by incorporating curvilinear, asymmetrical designs that could enhance the musical selections of the given show concept, often inspired by modern artists. This brought a challenge where Zingali needed to connect large sets that differed greatly from each other through smaller drill movements. Because of this, Zingali became one of the first drill designers to give large emphasis on transitions. This led to some of the most celebrated drill moves in the marching arts, such as the "Z-Pull" (a signature of The Cadets that was first performed in 1983) and, his final design before his death, the "Cross-to-Cross" (performed by the Star of Indiana in 1991).

In 1980, the 27th Lancers were invited to play at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Through his role as visual designer for the 27th Lancers, Zingali was given wide berth to choreograph these parts of the Olympics. The color guard award given at the end of each Drum Corps International season is named in his honor.

References

1. "George M. Zingali dies, 40, in drum corps Hall of Fame". The Daily Item. March 7, 1992. p. 2.
2. "St. Anthony's Band Puts the Zing In Zingali". The Daily Item. June 12, 1972. p. 15.
3. Amoroso, Mary (June 21, 1987). "The real esprit de corps". The Bergen Evening Record. The Cadets' drill designer, George Zingali, who choreographs the moves on the field, says he takes his inspirations from the works of modern painters Kandinsky and Miro.
4. Geli, Elizabeth (December 27, 2015). "Field Formations". Halftime Magazine. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
5. Sward, Rosalie (2003). "The evolution of musical and visual design". In Vickers, Steve (ed.). A History of Drum & Bugle Corps. Vol. 1. Drum Corps World. pp. 97–186.
6. ^ Boo, Michael (March 6, 2017). "Remembering George Zingali". Drum Corps International. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
7. Blair, Tom (September 22, 2022). The Genius of George Zingali (Video). 50th Moments: Episode 9. Drum Corps International – via YouTube.
8. "George M. Zingali, 40: Olympic Choreographer". The Boston Globe. March 10, 1992. p. 23.

External links

• Biography from the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame

• 1951 births
• 1991 deaths
• American choreographers