Brother Michael Cesario S, Xi Pi (Wisconsin-Whitewater) '67, is a busy man. "I'm currently working on the formulation and passage of new Systems and Rules for the adjudication of Drum Corps International (DCI), where I hold the position of Artistic Director. I'm also putting the finishing touches on uniforms for the centennial edition of the Calgary Stampede Band for the Tournament of Roses Parade, while beginning the custom designs for new Marching Band clients at Fred J. Miller, Inc." This magnitude of involvement seems to be the norm for Cesario, who has become involved in every level of Drum Corps throughout his career. Among these endeavors and honors is being honored as Professor Emeritus by New York's Purchase College, where he was the Director of Design/Technology and Graduate Studies for Theatre and Film. He has also taught seminars nationwide, and is considered to be a national leader in pageantry arts.

Fred J. Miller ™

Fred J. Miller Inc., a well-known supplier of uniforms for many of the nation's bands, is one outlet for Cesario's many talents. "People know my Drum Corps designs, like Blue Devils, Cavaliers, Phantom Regiment and Carolina Crown," he explains, "but don't necessarily realize University of Alabama, TCU, and Arizona State also wear my suits!" The designs range from traditional band uniforms to the latest contemporary designs, and all of them reflect a precision of craft and a passion for the musical arts they compliment. Cesario has also directed a number of Drum Corps groups more directly, helping to stage musically and visually inspired shows with groups such as Dutch Boy, Phantom Regiment, and the Garfield Cadets. His work led to his induction into the DCI Hall of Fame in 2006, and he has also appeared as a television commentator for DCI's World Championships.

The idea of working directly toward such goals is something Cesario enjoys about the Sinfonia Educational Foundation. "The SEF gets right to the point; it's direct, and I like that, he says. "It's a clear and potent investment in the future for the continued strength of men in music." He discovered his admiration of the SEF early in his Sinfonian experience, and saw the same ideals in his collegiate experience. "[My chapter's] idea of continued leadership through service, and the use of their unique musical skills to transform the world around them have a lock on my heart. The SEF captures that same spirit."

Fred J. Miller ™

It's hard not to see some similarities between Cesario and another Sinfonian highlighted this month: Percy Burrell. Like Burrell, he displays a deep love of the Fraternity, and is an active man whose work touches thousands in the music world. And in this case, the endeavors of the two men are somewhat similar, as organizations like Drum Corps International and the events they put on are perhaps the closest modern analogy to the pageants Burrell once presided over. And just as Burrell often called upon his brothers to join him in service to others, Brother Cesario sees the same need today. "Supporting the SEF is the perfect opportunity to 'give back' minus the painful 'giving' campaigns usually foisted on us by sundry institutions," he says. "Our Brothers are just asking for help to do the heavy lifting that keeps the Sinfonian vision vital." With the help of the many generous donors to the SEF, we are indeed able to keep Sinfonia's vision vital, and the scope of that vision is limited only by the amount of support the brotherhood provides.

And for Brother Cesario, the joy of involvement in all of these things – music, Sinfonia, and the SEF – reveals itself constantly. "Whenever I'm at music events," he explains, "it's a gas to hear new young pledges speak about upcoming inductions, and to see brothers living the goals of Sinfonia. It's still fun to surprise someone with a Sinfonia tag on their name badge by offering the handshake. All these years later, it still is true…OAS AAS LLS!"