Jeff Sacktig

A former drum corps member and current visual designer, Jeff Sacktig's contributions to The Cadets and to drum corps overall have been called legendary.

A member of The Cadets from 1986 to 1989, playing soprano, Sacktig was featured as a soloist many times, served as a horn sergeant and was the first non-drum major to win "Cadet of the Year." Fellow cadets remember him as a vocal leader in his brass section, a quiet leader on the field, and one of the few in the brass section to infiltrate the percussion section.

Sacktig began working with The Cadets' visual program in the early 1990s, and eventually became their drill writer. Since 1982 The Cadets have known four drill designers and Sacktig has held that post longest, from 1995 to 2001, and again from 2003 to the present.

Following an innovative visual design track laid by The Cadets designers George Zingali ('82–'85 and '87–'88), Tony Hall ('86), and Marc Sylvester ('89–'94), Sacktig credits the most influence to Zingali and Sylvester.

As observers have noted on the website Drum Corps Wiki, Sacktig's drill often involves large, sweeping curvilinear forms contrasted to the more compact geometric moves of, say, Michael Gaines. Sacktig prefers a faster, riskier style with many exposed block rotations and pass-throughs.

Sacktig used a more representational style in the 2005 and 2006 shows, using drill formations to communicate the elements of each theme. Reviewers say this was most evident in "Liquid," the second section of the 2005 show, "The Zone," where waves, a fish, a waterfall, a faucet and a working showerhead are all incorporated into forms.

For The Cadets' 2007 show, "This I Believe," the corps wanted a more traditional approach and Sacktig seemed to borrow heavily from the 1998 show, "Stonehenge," which he has said he felt was some of his best work. Supporters call Sacktig one of the leaders in drill design known to "push the envelope," and now often imitated by other writers.

Sacktig has been a member, instructor and designer for some of the greatest corps in DCI history. While mostly known for his drill writing for The Cadets through several world championships, he has also worked with Capital Regiment, Magic of Orlando, and others. He continues to contribute to The Cadets's success and is contributing his expertise and leadership to the Cadets ².