Inside the Green Machine: Jesse Backes

Sunday, May 20th, 2012 - 11:41 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 second-year snare drummer, Jesse Backes:

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

My name is Jesse Backes, I'm from Downers Grove, Ill., and this will be my second year as a member of the snare line.

What do you do outside of The Cavaliers?

I am a music education major at the University of Illinois at at Urbana-Champaign.

Why did you initially choose The Cavaliers?

I grew up around here, and my first exposure to drum corps and marching percussion was with The Cavaliers' 2004 show. Since then, it's been a goal of mine to be here. I actually auditioned four times and made it the fourth time, so it's been a long, but meaningful, process for me.

What inspires you to keep coming back?

The environment is amazing, the people are awesome, and the staff is the best in the world. It's a complete package.

What is your all time favorite Cavaliers program?

That's a really hard question. 2011's 'XtraordinarY' was a great show in which to be a performer. Outside of that, I'd have to say The Cavaliers' 2004 production, '007.'

What makes the 2012 season unique?

We're seriously off to a great start. We have some great new guys and a lot of really funny people (which goes a LONG way when on the road). It's going to be an incredible season.

What do The Cavaliers mean to you personally?

The Cavaliers are an icon -- It's the place where everyone wants to be. A place where people can see and be a part of greatness, excellence, and professionalism.

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

Practice and relax. It's so important to come here and present yourself in the best manner that you can. It's really all about just being yourself and being able to relax and have a good time.

Stay tuned for more installments of Inside the Green Machine!

By Dan Minkel, Marketing Communications Intern

May 20, 2012 - Caleb Lamb

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.