Marc Sylvester Leads 2013 Colts Design Team
October 17, 2012From: Jeff MacFarlane, Executive Director
The Colts are pleased to announce the appointment of Marc Sylvester as Program Coordinator and Visual Designer. Marc is a member of the DCI Hall of Fame and brings a lifetime of design and coordination experience having worked with The Cadets for many of his 30+ years. He is an innovator within the activity and helped create some of the most imaginative programs in DCI history. Marc joins returning Colts design team members Chris Tomsa (Brass Arranger), David Nelson (Percussion Arranger) and Brandon Smith (Guard Caption Head).
Marc has been teaching and designing visual programs for over 30 years. He began his career under the tutelage of George Zingali at the 27th Lancers. Together they moved to the Garfield Cadets in 1982 where they changed the visual landscape of the drum corps field. Prior to their arrival, the Cadets finished in the bottom half, or just outside, of DCI Finals for a decade. With George and Marc leading their visual program, the Cadets won three DCI World Championships in Marc' s first four years with the corps. He joined the Star of Indiana staff for their first two seasons in 1986-87. Marc also worked with the Sky Ryders in 1987 on their popular "West Side Story " production, as well as Suncoast Sound in 1988.
For the past four seasons, Marc has been serving in a similar programming capacity with the Blue Knights. He is also an adjudicator, marching band consultant, and drill designer. His experience includes working with some of the world 's finest winter color guards including the Emerald Marquis and Erte, as well as Center Grove HS, Lassiter HS and Braddock HS.
"Marc's experience and success at the highest levels of the marching arts will be tremendous for our program, and most importantly our members," said Vicki MacFarlane, Colts Director. "We are excited to have him contribute to all aspects of our organization. "
Chris Tomsa begins his ninth season with the Colts as Brass Arranger. He has written some memorable arrangements and compositions throughout that time, and is especially known for some of the best ballads of the past decade. David Nelson begins his third year with the Colts and his second as Percussion Caption Head and Arranger. Brandon Smith returns for his second year leading the Colts color guard.
"Coming to the Colts on their 50th anniversary season will be a special time for this year 's members as well as all those prior," said Sylvester. "I have always followed what was happening out in Iowa, and it will be great to collaborate with their accomplished arrangers and designers. I am also excited to be working hands on with all the returning members of the Colts. This will be an amazing journey! "
The Colts first audition weekend is November 23-25, 2012. Interested students should click the JOIN button on the right side of the COLTS webpage and follow the steps listed. Check back here later in the week for sectional staff announcements along with the audition materials you will need prepared for camp.
MARC SYLVESTER (from his 2001 Hall of Fame induction on the DCI website)" Those who were fortunate enough to benefit under the tutelage of Marc Sylvester remember his love of performing and the challenges he gave the performers in fast moving, innovative drill. Those who have been fortunate to see Marc Sylvester 's shows remember the amazing speed and complexity of design he created on a football field. Beginning his teaching career with the 27th Lancers, Marc started by helping George Zingali put the dots on the paper. Over the years Marc began to develop techniques and mechanics of making the 'wild' ideas of Zingali a reality. Together they moved to The Cadets and continued their collaboration on outstanding drill. Designing and collaborating with Zingali, Marc learned the value of pushing the design concept to the edge and having faith in the performers to accomplish his vision. Marc continues to influence visual design as a consultant of many drum corps, color guards, and high schools. And his passion for the activity has not diminished. You may still find him writing drill, cleaning forms, painting props, or designing flags. He understands the value of entertainment, and clearly understands how important it is to ensure the performers are recognized for their efforts."
