Cavaliers Kickoff Summer of 2012

Saturday, May 19th, 2012 - 3:52 PM
By Dan Minkel
Posted by Christopher Lugo

Cavaliers Kick-Off Summer of 2012!

The gears have been set in motion as The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps has officially begun the 2012 season. Saturday, May 19, marked the first full day of Pre-Tour: the four-week period of intensive everyday rehearsals. This year, the corps returned to the beautiful campus of Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill., to spend the first 16 days refining technique, learning drill and choreography, and building the 2012 production, '15 Minutes of Fame,' from the ground up.

On the Friday night of move-in, Tour Director Mark Ackerson led the first corps meeting of the summer in front of an eager crowd of new and returning members. After welcoming everyone, he addressed the reality of the summer ahead. "June 16th (the corps' first performance in Akron, Ohio) seems like a long way away," said Ackerson. "At the end [of Pre-Tour] you get to put on that uniform and be the coolest bunch of guys on the planet, but you'll have to stop at nothing to put in the work necessary to make this summer truly special."

The recently announced 2012 Junior Officers then spoke with The Cavaliers' membership about rules and policy, but stressed that the corps is more than just a sport. "This experience is for us; these are your brothers," said fifth-year member and Horn Sergeant, Caleb Lamb. "By the end of it all, you'll have such an incredibly strong bond that you can't get anywhere else."

By the conclusion of the meeting, the members were excited and ready to get to hit the ground running with '15 Minutes of Fame,' a show that will no doubt leave an impression on audiences lasting for more than the namesake!

What Happens During Pre-Tour?

Creating a high-caliber and memorable production is no easy task. During the next four-weeks of Pre-Tour, The Cavaliers will be strengthening their technical foundation, fielding the music and drill, and "producing" the show, all the while growing closer together as a corps.

The first 16 days of rehearsal are spent just west of Chicago at Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill., before moving 195 miles south to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Ill., for five days of rehearsal. Next, the corps travels 215 miles to Michigan City, Ind. for six days, then heads 315 miles east to Akron, Ohio, for the final day of Pre-Tour. The corps' first competition, Innovations in Brass, is the 2012 Drum Corps International Tour Premiere. This opening day contest will be held at The University of Akron’s InfoCision Stadium, featuring Blue Stars, Bluecoats, The Cadets, Carolina Crown, Phantom Regiment and The Cavaliers.

But before the corps gets to the first show, there is a massive amount of hard work and dedication required.

Each day is very well-structured, beginning with physical conditioning led by the corps' Strength and Conditioning Coach, Jim Olea. Under his guidance and direction, members of the brass and drum line work through a variety of exercises aimed at building power and endurance for yet another demanding Cavalier production. The corps then eats breakfast while the color guard section stretches and warms up for its day. The entire corps then jumps straight into the rehearsal day, generally consisting of three 3- to-4-hour "blocks."

Behind the Scenes.

While the members are training and creating the field production, the corps counts on many dedicated volunteers who are working behind the scenes to ensure The Cavaliers are ready for the 2012 season. The sewing team is taking measurements and fitting uniforms so the members look their best. The tour management team is nailing down the seemingly endless daily details of the summer. The medical team is ensuring that each member stays healthy, which includes managing medicines, illness and injury treatment and, of course, prevention.

The unwavering dedication of the volunteers creates a solid foundation on which the corps' members can reach their full potential.

Like many non-profit organizations, The Cavaliers rely on volunteers to operate and flourish each year. If you would like to donate your time during a camp or on the road this summer, please contact volunteering@cavaliers.org.

The first day is barely over, and The Cavaliers are already well on their way to another amazing season. During the next four weeks of Pre-Tour, The Cavaliers will rehearse approximately 300 hours learning and detailing this year's production, 15 Minutes of Fame. We look forward to seeing our friends, fans, family, and alumni in 2012!

By Dan Minkel, Marketing Communications Intern

Date: Sunday, May 27, 2011
Venue: Benedictine University
Advanced Tickets: $12 adults/$6 children (12 & under) via The Cavaliers' Ticket Store
RSVP: Facebook Event
More Information: Read More on Cavaliers.org

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.