Inside the Green Machine: Caleb Lamb

Sunday, May 20th, 2012 - 9:26 PM
By Dan Minkel
Posted by Christopher Lugo

The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps consists of many moving parts -- from new and veteran marching members to dedicated management, staff, and volunteers. Throughout this summer, we'll be featuring the people who help shape the Cavalier experience, giving YOU a behind-the-scenes perspective on your favorite corps. The Cavaliers are proud to welcome you, Inside the Green Machine!

In our first installment, we feature fifth-year horn sergeant, Caleb Lamb:

Please tell us your name, hometown and a little about your time with The Cavaliers.

My name is Caleb Lamb, I'm from Dayton, Ohio, and this will be my fifth and final year with The Cavaliers. I played trumpet in 2007 and 2009, mellophone from 2010 to 2012, and this will be my second year serving as horn sergeant.

Tell us more about your role as horn sergeant.

As a Junior Officer and one of two horn sergeants, my responsibility deals with the logistics and efficiencies of moving the horn line from place to place, making sure the members have all instructions and scheduling details necessary for success. I help facilitate the dialog and flow of information between the staff, management team and members, and I also help make sure the members are taking care of their individual job responsibilities (water crew, field lining, etc.).

What do you do outside of The Cavaliers?

Right now, I'm on a short break from school. I work at a restaurant called The Spaghetti Warehouse where I host, bus, and serve. I'm very much looking forward to getting back into school to finish my degree.

Why did you initially choose The Cavaliers?

I went to DCI Finals in 2006 held in Madison, Wis., and The Cavaliers struck me as a drum corps that really strived for excellence and achieved it at such a high level. So in 2007, I auditioned for The Cavaliers and I made it -- I've been wanting to be here ever since.

What is your all time favorite Cavaliers program?

My favorite Cavalier production is 2003's 'Spin Cycle.' This show was the full package, and you can plainly see the level of difficulty and effect. The music and the visuals together just made a lot of sense.

What makes the 2012 season unique?

This is my age-out year, and so far I have a lot of mixed emotions about that. You can tell that the membership is ready to work on day one.

What do The Cavaliers mean to you personally?

Being a part of the corps for so long, The Cavaliers have definitely become a part of who I am today. It's a close family. It's a bond that I have never felt with any other group. It's a place that I can escape the real world and become the best that I can be.

What advice would you give someone who eventually wants to join The Cavaliers?

Work hard and start early. Don't be afraid to audition; if you don't make it, then try again. The staff will recognize you and see that you're committed to being here. It takes hard work and perseverance.

Stay tuned for more installments of Inside the Green Machine!

By Dan Minkel, Marketing Communications Intern

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.