Congratulations - You've already taken the first step towards entering the brotherhood that is The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps. Don't stop here. Many young men dream of becoming a part of the "Green Machine," but it's up to YOU to show us your passion and dedication as you look to attend the 2012 Clinic/Audition Camps this Fall.
Are YOU up for the challenge?
Founded in 1948, The Cavaliers are one of the most successful drum and bugle corps in history, winning 20 national championships, including seven Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championships since 1992. Each summer, more than 150 male brass, percussion and color guard performers aged 16-22 present a marching music production considered among the most challenging and original in the world. The corps performs at more than 30 competitions across the US in front of the most dedicated fans in the drum corps activity. Along the way, our young men not only learn about music and performing, but have a life-changing experience based on excellence, teamwork and camaraderie.
After an XtraordinarY season that concluded with an overall bronze medal finish and the Fred Sanford Award for Best Percussion Performance in 2011, The Cavaliers are looking for remarkable young men to build on our long and successful history in 2012 (and beyond)!
Rule #1: Do not be afraid to audition for the corps.
Many talented individuals fail to try out every year because they don't believe themselves to be good enough. EVERY position in every section is open every year; past members must re-audition.
Rule #2: There are no other rules.
There are, however, five requirements for obtaining membership in The Cavaliers: Talent, Dues, Attendance, Attitude and Health.
The Cavaliers: A Member's Perspective
Any student interested in auditioning for the corp MUST come to ONE of our clinic/audition weekends in either November or December to see what it takes to eventually become a member of The Cavaliers.
Make your arrangements to participate from Friday evening (Saturday morning for the Austin weekend) through Sunday afternoon. Brass and Percussion students who are invited to participate in the final round of auditions, and whose intention is to participate in the 2012 Cavaliers, will be expected to attend the corps' Call-Back Camp held on January 6-8, 2012.
Every spot in the corps (other than drum major) is always open for audition. To qualify for the following summer, all veterans need to attend a clinic/audition weekend if they have a serious intent to march each season. There are many new students who have no intent to march the following summer of 2012 who attend just to see what it's like and what the criteria are for membership, as they plan for a time later in their careers to make The Cavaliers. Audition materials will be made available for everyone whether you're planning to audition or not.
We hope to see you in this fall - so keep practicing! And as always, thank you for your interest in The Cavaliers!
Dates: November 18-20, 2011 Location: Elgin, IL Housing: Fox River Country Day School (MAP) Clinic/Audition Fee: $125 Prepaid on cavaliers.org / $150 at the door (non-refundable)
Registration will be Friday evening at Fox River, starting at 6 PM. Camp will begin at 8 PM on Friday and run until 3 PM on Sunday. Pickups will be offered from O'Hare, Midway, Greyhound, and Union Station.
Dates: December 10-11, 2011 Location: Austin, TX Housing: McNeil High School-Round Rock ISD (MAP) Clinic/Audition Fee: $125 Prepaid on cavaliers.org / $150 at the door (non-refundable)
Registration will be held on Saturday at McNeil High School-Round Rock ISD, Austin, Texas from 8-10 AM. Camp will be held at McNeil High School until Sunday at 1 PM. Please note, there will be NO transportation provided.
2012 Brass Audition Materials are now available for High Brass (Trumpet/Mellophone) and Low Brass (Baritone/Tuba).
Learn the techniques and warm-ups utilized by the brass section of The Cavaliers. These publications contain the materials that will be used for the 2012 Cavaliers Brass Line auditions. Included information will address the brass program goals, musicianship, brass playing techniques and expectations for being a member of the 2012 Cavaliers Brass Line.
Please Note: The 2012 Brass Audition materials will be the same as those used for the 2011 auditions.
These are the official audition packets for the 2012 Cavaliers Percussion section, produced in cooperation with and exclusively offered from Tapspace Percussion. Included in each sectional packet is:
All sheet music and technique text for individual sections (17-28 pages)
Reference recordings (MP3 format) of each excerpt
Please Note: The 2012 Percussion Audition materials will be the same as those used for the 2011 auditions.
Color Guard
No Audition Materials specific to Color Guard, but be prepared to participate in 2-3 dance classes throughout the Clinic/Audition weekend covering many styles of dance, including ballet, jazz and modern. These will include warm-ups, technique and combinations. You will also learn technical exercises on all three pieces of equipment, in addition to learning combinations for each of the three pieces of equipment.
More information coming soon.
PARENT INFORMATION
There will be an information table staffed by volunteers on Friday evening at the Chicago Area site and Saturday morning in Austin to answer any questions you may have about The Cavaliers or the drum corps activity.
Parents/guardians are welcomed to accompany their sons to camp, however, we are unable to provide housing or food for parents or family accompanying potential members. You may observe the majority of the rehearsal sessions as long as there is enough room. You will not be given access to any of the actual auditions.
Secret Society Shirt
The Cavaliers' 2013 Program is titled Secret Society, featuring the music of Hans Zimmer, John Mackey and Michael Giacchino.
Be the FIRST to get your Secret Society shirt!
2013 DCI Championship & Home Show Tickets On Sale!
Tickets for the 2013 DCI Championship in Indianpolis, IN and tickets for the 2013 home shows in Michigan City, IN & Lisle, IL are now on sale & shipping. Order now and get the best seats in the stadium. New Items Added For Our Female Fans
Check out the new items especially created for our female fans.
Paperback Edition Now Available- BTGM
The story of Don Warren, drum corps, and historic photos and anecdotes from The Cavaliers await you in this must-have book for any drum corps fan!
