Michael Cesario '71
How would it feel to receive the same honor as an award-winning actor and musician like Andy Griffith? Ask Michael Cesario, 1971 graduate of UW-Whitewater, as he, along with Griffith and other noted musicians, were inducted into the 2007 class of Signature Sinfonians.
Cesario, a current band and drum corps uniform designer, received the Signature Sinfonian award, which recognizes alumni members of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonian music fraternity for men who have achieved a high standard of accomplishment in their field. Cesario joined Phi Mu Alpha as a UW-Whitewater student in 1967.
His appreciation for theatre, arts and costume design began as a college student at UW-Whitewater. "My passion grew because of my professors at the university. I started off small after college and eventually turned my dream into a big reality," he said. "This new honor is kind of like a "hall of fame" award. I'm really the odd lot of the group," he said.
But with all the accomplishments the former theatre major has, that couldn't be further from the truth. Cesario has designed costumes for Broadway, TV and in Las Vegas. He also holds Professor Emeritus status from New York's Purchase College where he was the director of design/technology and graduate studies for theatre arts and film. He has also taught at Dartmouth College, New York School of Visual Arts, the University of Illinois and Julliard in New York where he now resides. His work has been published in several design texts and as the exclusive uniform designer for Fred J. Miller Inc, his designs are being worn by some of the world's most prominent band and drum corps. He is also a member of the distinguished Drum Corps International Hall of Fame.
"The plan was to design modern band uniforms that were as athletic as the members, breathable and washable. Now I can proudly say that I design band uniforms for the University of Central Florida, the University of Miami, Arizona State University as well as other high schools and drum and bugle corps around the country," he said.
Cesario is grateful for this recent honor. "I am so excited to receive an award that reflects the values of the Sinfonian such as brotherhood, harmony, leadership and innovation. I am honored and humbled," he said.
Other 2007 inductees include longtime jazz musician and educator, Alvin Bariste, television personality and musician Andy Griffith, Alabama Dept. of Labor Commissioner James Bennett, president of the National Band Association, Dr. Bobby Adams and author of the Mozart Effect, Don Campbell.
All recipients of the Signature Sinfonian award received a medallion, lapel pin and a framed certificate. In addition, the new recipients will have their names listed in the fall issue of The Sinfonian, a magazine published by Phi Mu Alpha Sinphonia.
As a graduate of the College of Arts and Communication, Cesario gives back to his alma mater in a number of different ways. He is a member of the UW-Whitewater Foundation Board and the College of Arts and Communication Advisory Board. He also supports the college through various scholarships.