Inside the Green Machine: Ethan Marcus

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012 - 8:52 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 next installment, we feature fifth-year guard sergeant, Ethan Marcus:

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

My name is Ethan Marcus, and I am from Pleasant Grove, Ala. This is my fifth year with The Cavaliers, and I am the guard sergeant.

Tell us more about your role as guard sergeant.

As a Junior Officer, my responsibility is to handle a lot of logistics between the staff and the color guard. I am also the voice of the color guard, when communication is needed throughout the corps.

What do you do outside of The Cavaliers?

I go to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where I study Early Child and Elementary Education. I also teach the Oak Mountain High School marching band and color guard, Shades Valley color guard, and Hoover High School color guard.

Why did you initially choose The Cavaliers?

I had asked my past guard instructor which corps I should march with, and she said "The Cavaliers." Before that, an all-male drum corps program like The Cavaliers impressed me ever since I was younger. I came from a background where it was hard to find any males in color guard, and to watch The Cavaliers performances really inspired me.

What inspires you to keep coming back?

I stay here, because I love it!

What is your all time favorite Cavaliers program?

'Machine' from 2006 was the first Cavalier show I saw on DVD. After watching it, I was left speechless, and I got the feeling that I wanted to be a part of The Cavaliers someday.

What makes the 2012 season unique?

We all have great intentions, and it's clear that we all want to be the best, while having a great time doing it. We want to make sure that things go smoothly, and I think we're being a lot smarter about how we go through the season.

What do The Cavaliers mean to you personally?

The Cavaliers are my home away from home and my family. They gave me an opportunity to be myself, and accept me for who I am. This is a genuine corps, with great people.

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

The hardest part is walking through the door. You won't know if you're going to make it or not if you don't go to auditions. The worst thing that can happen is that the staff says 'no.' But don't stop, and keep coming back. When you're at auditions, don't hold back; holding back hurts your chances of being a part of something spectacular.

Stay tuned for more installments of Inside the Green Machine!

By Dan Minkel, Marketing Communications Intern

May 22, 2012 - Mike Flynn

May 22, 2012 - Brian Wulf

May 21, 2012 - Ian Caldwell

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.