Steve Calzone

Steve Calzone’s induction into the Crossmen Hall of Fame recognizes his unique and lasting contribution to the identity, tradition, and spirit of the corps as the original creator and performer of the character that would become known to generations of Crossmen as Bones.

Steve began his drum corps career in 1972 as a 10-year-old cymbal player with the Oceanside Legionnaires from Long Island, New York, where he was born and raised. He first discovered the Crossmen in 1977 when he saw the corps perform at the Dream Contest in Jersey City, New Jersey. Inspired by what he saw, Steve auditioned in 1978 and earned a spot in the Crossmen timpani line.

That summer, the corps had two tours planned: a northern tour that included Canada, and a southern tour that would continue through Texas and on to Denver, Colorado, for DCI Finals. Shortly before the Canadian tour, Steve injured his back while carrying timpani and was unable to travel with the corps. When it came time for the second tour, and with his dues already paid, Steve approached Robby Robinson and asked if he could still go along simply to help out. Without hesitation, Robby said yes.

That decision would become one of the most important small moments in Crossmen history.

In 1978, DCI East was held two weeks before DCI Finals. While in the stands at Allentown, some corps members noticed a fan wearing what appeared to be a Crossmen cape. With that image in mind, Steve and color guard member Bea Jarmon gathered spare uniform parts — and there were plenty available — and created a mysterious figure they called “The Phantom.”

The Phantom made his first appearance at a show in Tennessee. From that point forward, Steve continued appearing as the Phantom throughout the remainder of the tour. Corps members and staff tried to discover who was behind the costume, but Steve carefully kept his distance. After each appearance, he would quickly ditch the costume and return to the front sideline as himself to avoid suspicion.

When the Crossmen arrived in Denver, the judges informed Robby that if the corps’ “spook,” as they called him, appeared in the back field, he would be counted as a marching member — putting the corps over the maximum number allowed. So Steve stood at the entry gate as the Crossmen entered the stadium. But they could not prevent the Phantom from leading the corps on and off retreat. And so he did.

The mystery finally ended when the corps circled up in the parking lot after retreat, trapping Steve in the middle and revealing him as the person behind the Phantom. What began as a creative way for Steve to contribute after an injury had prevented him from marching became something far larger than anyone could have imagined.

The following year, Steve enlisted in the United States Air Force and spent the next five years away from drum corps. When he finally saw the Crossmen again, he was stunned to see the mysterious figure still appearing in the back stands. The Phantom had continued — and by then, the legend had become known as Bones.

Years later, for the 25th anniversary of the Crossmen, Steve made one final appearance as Bones at DCI East in Allentown, reconnecting with the tradition he had unknowingly launched decades earlier.

Steve’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and devotion. When he was unable to perform as a member of the corps, he did not walk away. He asked how he could help. He wanted to contribute. And his contribution became one of the most iconic traditions in Crossmen history.

It is difficult to imagine the Crossmen without Bones. The image, mystery, and spirit of Bones have become inseparable from the corps’ identity, connecting generations of members, alumni, and fans. Steve Calzone put his heart and soul into creating and becoming that original figure, and today his role in Crossmen history is undeniable.

For his creativity, his determination to contribute despite injury, his creation of the Phantom that became Bones, and his lasting impact on one of the most beloved traditions in Crossmen history, we proudly honor Steve Calzone as a member of the Crossmen Hall of Fame Class of 2023.