Phantom Regiment - ROCKFORD'S PEP BAND

“When these 168 young adults put on their uniforms and perform under the lights, it’s the most engaging performance you’ll ever see,” said Dr. Todd Snead, director of programs for Phantom Regiment. “It’s the best combination of music in motion and storytelling on the world’s largest stage.”

Known initially as the Rockford Rangers, the group was formed in 1956 by VFW members who wanted a competitive drum corps. Over the years, it evolved and became the Phantom Regiment in the late 1960s.

Today, the competitive drum and bugle corps is known around the world for its powerful sound and precision moves. The Phantom Regiment has been a Drum Corps International finalist every year since 1974 and won the world championship in 1996 and 2008.

The Regiment, one of 22 world-class drum corps in the country, performs about 25 shows each year nationally, including local performances – the Show of Shows at Boylan High School, the Midwest Classic at Northern Illinois University, and its annual season kickoff at the Rockford Park District Sinnissippi Band Shell.

In addition, the Regiment organization hosts educational clinics across the country and participates in parades and festivals, not only to give back but to inspire future drum corps members.

The Regiment draws members from all over the world, including Japan, England and Canada.

“The best part about the Phantom Regiment is that our members learn grit, working as a team and giving back to the community through performance,” Snead said. “Something magical happens when they are in our program; they discover the best version of themselves and take it out into the world.”