Introducing Nikk Pilato Nikk Pilato will be addressing us today on the subject of the Drum Corps International judging system and criteria, with a survey and analysis of popular related issues. Nikk Pilato received his Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from the Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, where he also served as the principal Euphonium player in the Wind Orchestra for 4 years. He was a member of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from 1991 to 1994, serving as Drum Major his age-out year. While with Phantom Regiment Nikk won the 1991 and 1993 DCM Individual and Ensemble Baritone titles. For the last 5 years, he has been a featured columnist with Drum Corps World. His column, entitled "Nikk Nakks," often deals with real-life humorous experiences and stories about life on the drum corps road. Nikk is now a band director at J.P. Taravella High School in Coral Springs, Florida, and is still involved in the marching activity, writing the visual programs of schools in Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. He is also involved in music arranging, and his transcription of the Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 1 for Euphonium is published by the T.U.B.A Press. Nikk would like to dedicate this paper to his significant other, Shelby, who is a paragon of patience and loving support.