Cavaliers Announce 2012 Junior Officers

Saturday, May 19th, 2012 - 11:50 AM
By Christopher Lugo

The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps has relied on its members to play a pivotal role in leading the organization since the early days of Boy Scout Troop #111. Founder Don Warren looked to the members to influence all aspects of the corps, especially the Junior Officers who served as the student leaders both on and off the performance field.

"These members are responsible for driving discipline, organization and time management, and ultimately serving as the advocates for the entire membership," said Corps Director Adolph DeGrauwe. "We all strive to make this experience the best it can possibly be," added DeGrauwe, "but we can't do it without a dedicated team of Junior Officers. I'm proud to say we have the leaders who are ready to make this another great season for The Cavaliers!"

The Cavaliers' 2012 Junior Officers Overview

Andrew Rhebergen, Drum Major
Ethan Marcus, Guard Sergeant

Travis Barzee, Horn Sergeant
Caleb Lamb, Horn Sergeant
Geddy Pontiff, Assistant Color Guard Sergeant
Ross Taylor, Drum Sergeant
Russell Wharton, Drum Sergeant

Learn More About The Cavaliers' 2012 Junior Officers

For sixth year age-out member and Drum Major Andrew Rhebergen (2007-2012), The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps is a family affair. Andrew's father Scott (1974-1978), uncles Eric (1979-1987) and Dave (1975-1981), as well as cousins Dan (2007-2010) and Mike (2010-2012), all donned the green, black, and white. Originally from Roselle, Ill., Andrew, who marched with Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps in 2006, attends Arizona State University where he studies Aviation Management: Professional Flight. “My goal for the 2012 season is to elevate the Cavalier experience in every possible way, making this summer something truly meaningful.”

Stepping into the role of Guard Sergeant for his fifth summer, Ethan Marcus (2008-2012) from Pleasant Grove, Ala., currently attends the University of Alabama at Birmingham studying Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Ethan has performed with Spirit Drum and Bugle Corps (2007), Northeast Independent (2010), and Pride of Cincinnati (2012). "I aim to help members prepare not only for the logistical and physical demands of the summer, but also prepare members for the life-changing experience that is The Cavaliers."

Horn Sergeant and baritone player Travis Barzee (2010-2012), from Blue Springs, Mo., enters his third season with The Cavaliers. Currently studying music at Metropolitan Community College-Blue River, Travis also teaches with his high school alma mater Blue Springs Golden Regiment. "I want every member to have no regrets this season. Period."

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Caleb Lamb (2007, 2009-2012) serves as Horn Sergeant in his fifth and final season with The Cavaliers. Caleb studies Exercise Science at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. He performs with Capital University’s Wind Symphony and Chordsmen, as has experience with Bluestars (2008), Matrix Indoor Percussion Ensemble (2010) and Rhythm X (2011-2012). “I want to focus on creating a new performance standard, connecting the members to each other, and building the brotherhood that is The Cavaliers.”

Fourth-year returning member Geddy Pontiff (2009-2012), from Friendswood, Texas, serves as this year's Assistant Guard Sergeant. Geddy, who performed with Code Black in 2012, attended the Maryland Institute College of Art and currently attends San Jacinto College as a sophomore Art Education major. "The positive attitude and atmosphere of April Camp was a huge success, and I want to keep that same energy flowing as we approach the summer tour."

Ross Taylor (2009-2012) begins his fourth year with The Cavaliers leading the front ensemble and serving as Drum Sergeant. Originally from Walled Lake, Mich., Ross is a member of NorthCoast Academy and studies music education at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich. "I'll be working hard to make sure each member is on the same page, helping set us up for the most successful season yet!"

Entering his fifth and final year with The Cavaliers' percussion section, bass drummer Russell Wharton (2008-2012), from Naperville, Ill., is a senior at Texas Christian University (TCU) studying music education. Russell has performed with Green Thunder Percussion, L.e.a.P. (Learning Everything About Percussion) and various university ensembles, including the TCU Drum Line, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, Steel Band, Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Basketball Band. "It's humbling to be part of such a fantastic leadership team for such a fantastic corps. From the staff and the management down to the rookie members, this group of guys is 100% committed to taking this corps to the next level."

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 world championships since 1992. Each summer, 150 male brass, percussion and color guard performers aged 16-22 present a marching music show considered among the most challenging and original in the world.

The group performs at more than 30 competitions across the US and for more than 100,000 fans. Along the way, the young men not only learn about music and performing, but have a life-changing experience based on excellence, teamwork and camaraderie.

The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization sponsored by The Village of Rosemont, Illinois.