2011 Austin Clinic/Audition Camp Report
Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 - 7:39 PM
By Christopher Lugo
Auditions heat up in Austin, Texas.
It was a December to remember for brass, percussion and color guard hopefuls as The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps held its second 2011 Clinic/Audition Camp at McNeil HS in Austin, Texas. After a strong November showing in Rosemont, Ill., the bar was set high for those potential and returning members attending the two-day weekend camp (December 11-12), but those expectations were undeniably surpassed on every measure.
From logistics to overall talent, tour director Mark Ackerson thought the weekend went extremely well. "It's always challenging for a potential member to walk into a Clinic/Audition Camp with The Cavaliers. It can be an intimidating venture for some, but these young men brought a level of maturity to the weekend that really impressed us all." The organization strives to make sure our Clinic/Audition Camps are as welcoming, efficient and educationally sound as possible, and we could not have accomplished our goals without the dedicated help of McNeil High School associate band director, and Cavalier alum, Jason Dimiceli, and the wonderful McNeil High School Band Boosters. "Jason and his crew went above and beyond with their hospitality, flexibility and attention to detail."
Check out the Austin Clinic/Audition Camp photo album on Facebook!
"The increase in talent and preparation compared to last year's audition camps was undeniable," said brass caption head Scott-Lee Atchison. "It's refreshing to see the young men auditioning who have put in the detailed work necessary to take the next step towards becoming a member." While we have not finalized the 2011 roster just yet, we now have an impressive group we're inviting back in January to continue our audition process. It will be important for those who received a callback to build on the fundamental techniques and concepts addressed in both Rosemont and Austin. "It's clear that the veteran members and brass staff are excited to pick up where we left off in 2010, and we can't wait to hit the ground running!"
Sheldon Apo and the color guard staff held extensive equipment and movement blocks, in addition to interviewing each potential guard member in Austin. "Across the board, we're looking to have an exceptionally strong color guard in 2011." Apo looks forward to seeing the growth and development of members over the winter, as the guard meets back up with the corps in late April.
Entering his fifth and final year, returning drum major Brandon Cave talked to potential members about how they have already impacted the corps. "No matter if you're asked to join us this summer, or if you have been asked to try again next year, each and every one of you has positively impacted The Cavaliers' organization in 2011 and beyond." This year's edition of The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps will be even more incredible because of the talent, dedication and perseverance shown by everyone attending our camps.
The Cavaliers will hold brass and percussion callbacks on January 7-9, 2011 in Rosemont, Ill. During this intensive weekend, all invited potential and veteran members will continue to be evaluated for membership in their respective sections. Winter technique programs and goals will be established, and the design team expects both brass and percussion to begin reading portions of the 2011 production. The color guard will rejoin the corps and resume auditions during the April 29-May 1 camp weekend.
We would like to thank the many parents, alumni, staff and volunteers who helped make our Austin Clinic/Audition Camp a Texas-sized success! Thanks to the McNeil High School Band Boosters for delicious meals and Jason Dimiceli for the perfect facilities. Special thanks goes to Don McWhorter for safely transporting the equipment truck more than one thousand miles from Rosemont, Ill., to Austin, Texas. Lastly, we thank The Cavaliers' office manager Rosanne Duewerth for her herculean effort of coordinating the weekend!
2011 BEGINS NOW!
2011 January Callback Camp Information
Dates: January 7-9, 2011
Location: Rosemont, Ill
Housing: Rosemont School (MAP)
Times: 7 PM Friday - 3 PM Sunday
Camp Fees: $100 on Cavaliers.org (If you are offered member status, the $100 will be applied to your 2011 dues.)
Pickups will be offered from O'Hare, Midway, Greyhound, and Union Station.
Pre-pay your January Callback Camp fee.
NOTE: Color guard will NOT be required to attend the January Callback Camp. Instead, the guard will rejoin the corps during April 29-May 1 camp.
2010 Mad World DVD - NOW AVAILABLE!
2011 Camp Schedule
2011 Rosemont Clinic/Audition Camp Report
2011 Percussion Staff
2011 Design Team
2011 DCI Tour Schedule Released
