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2011 Cavaliers Awards Brunch Recognition

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011 - 2:59 PM
By Christopher Lugo

After a stunning end to an XtraordinarY summer, The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps celebrated 2011 at its Awards Brunch on Sunday, August 14 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Members, staff, management, volunteer, parents and alumni were all in attendance as the corps recapped and celebrated its 63rd season the day after DCI World Championship Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The event kicked off with a generous brunch before the 2011 members circled up to sing "Rainbow" and the "Corps Song" one last time together. Corps Director Adolph DeGrauwe introduced the Board of Directors, recognized newly inducted DCI Hall of Famer Michael Gaines and personally thanked the management, design team, instructional staff, transportation team, volunteers, parents, alumni and corporate sponsors for their ongoing and big-hearted support. Tour Director Mark Ackerson highlighted the season's 85-day tour (through Texas and back) before Chairman of the Board and Founder Don Warren added his positive thoughts and words of encouragement to the 2011 corps.

The Cavaliers finished the season strong earning the bronze medal behind Blue Devils (silver medalist) and 2011 DCI World Champions, The Cadets. "From top to bottom, 2011 was an all-around impressive year for drum corps," said DeGrauwe. "We congratulate The Cadets organization on a well-deserved DCI World Championship!"

For the first time since 2000, The Cavaliers brought the Fred Sanford Award for Best Percussion Performance back home to Rosemont. "From the members to instructors, the entire percussion team brought it all the way to the very end," said Tour Manager Rick Lunn.

The Cavaliers would like to thank Pam Cabanski for her efforts coordinating the 2011 Cavaliers Awards Brunch, as well as long-time Office Manager Rosanne Duewerth for her tireless dedication!

A final congratulations and thank you to the 2011 members for a remarkable season! You inspired many and showed the world what it truly means to be XtraordinarY!

2011 Age-Outs

One Year:

Two Years: Matt Bracciante, Andrew Filipiak, Kyle Grear, Jack Holway, James Hansen, Kazuhiro Nakazawa, Travis Newman, Eric Proctor, Evan Pufpaff, Romen Rowland, Rudy Ruiz, Derrick Shannon, Ataru Shobu, Michael Spooner, Michael Stauffer, Ildefonso Vasquez, Kevin Wagner and Derrel Wallace.

Three Years: Allen Carpenter, Anthony Collini, Anthony Jackson, Kyle Miller, Tyler Richards, Maurice Wright, Jordan Yi and David Zillner.

Four Years: Ethan Bridges.

Five Years: Brandon Cave and Lynel Curd.

Yamaha Awards - Jack Holway and Jordan Yi

The Yamaha Corporation presents two scholarships, one to a member of the Brass Section, and one to a member of the Percussion Section, who displays outstanding musical ability and is planning to pursue a career in Music Education.

The Zildjian Award - Anthony Jackson

The Zildjian Award is presented to the member of the percussion section who displays significant leadership, as well as unparalleled musical talent.

Steve Brubaker Scholarships - Michael Brown, Kyle Miller, Bret Ryan and Juan Torres

Legendary Cavalier instructor and designer Steve Brubaker placed significant importance on continuing education. Since his passing in 1993, the Steve Brubaker Scholarship has been awarded to outstanding members of The Cavaliers who demonstrate a strong interest in academic pursuits outside of the drum corps activity.

Rookie of the Year - Max Atkinson

The Rookie of the Year is voted by veteran members of the corps and is awarded to the individual who displays significant motivation, a positive work ethic and will be a tremendous Cavalier.

Cavalier of the Year - Jordan Yi

This award is the highest honor a corps member can receive. Voted by every member of the corps, the Cavalier of the Year exemplifies, in every way, the true essence of being a Cavalier.