Inside the Green Machine: Ian Caldwell

Monday, May 21st, 2012 - 7:29 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 seventh installment, we feature fourth-year trumpet section leader, Ian Caldwell:

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

My name is Ian Caldwell, and I'm from Alexandria, Ky. I play trumpet as one of the lead sopranos in The Cavaliers, and this is my fourth year. I'm also serving as the trumpet section leader.

What do you do outside of The Cavaliers?

I go to Northern Kentucky University, where I'm studying music education. This will be my fourth year in my degree program. I also deliver pizza for Papa John's and teach trumpet lessons to grade school students.

Why did you initially choose The Cavaliers?

The 2002 show 'Frameworks' really inspired me. My brother brought home a video of it and showed it to me. I thought, 'That's incredible, I want to do that.' Ever since then, my growth in playing trumpet worked towards getting into The Cavaliers.

What inspires you to keep coming back?

The brotherhood and the atmosphere is unique. It feels like one giant family here. Ever since I walked in the door at my first audition camp in 2008, I just felt at home. Until that time, I had always felt nervous at auditions, but auditioning with The Cavaliers felt comfortable.

What is your all time favorite Cavaliers program?

It's a tie between 2000's 'Niagara Falls' and 2002's 'Frameworks.' Both are very different, but uniquely Cavalier.

What makes the 2012 season unique?

We have a new drill writer, and the drill is a lot different than what I'm used to from years past. It's very difficult, but a nice change of pace -- I'm definitely excited to march the 2012 drill.

What do The Cavaliers mean to you personally?

The Cavaliers mean the world to me. This has been a home; I've made some of my best friends here and it's going to be really hard to step away at the end when I age-out. I've never loved something so much in my life.

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

Keep trying. No matter what, just keep coming back and practice hard. f you want it bad enough, you'll get it. If you don't get it the first time, there's always a good chance you'll make it in the future.

Stay tuned for more installments of Inside the Green Machine!

By Dan Minkel, Marketing Communications Intern

May 21, 2012 - Geddy Pontiff

May 21, 2012 - Dustin Ingram

May 21, 2012 - Franco Perez

May 21, 2012 - Manny Gandia

May 20, 2012 - Jesse Backes

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.