Inside the Green Machine: Justin Rowan

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012 - 7:41 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 next installment, we feature second-year trumpet player, Justin Rowan:

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

My name is Justin Rowan, and I am from Atlanta, Ga. This is my second year, and I am on lead trumpet.

What do you do outside of The Cavaliers?

I'm double-majoring in Music Education and Performance at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga.

Why did you initially choose The Cavaliers?

Back in 2006, I saw my first show at the Atlanta DCI Regional. The Cavaliers really impressed me, and I went home and researched their videos. From that point, I fell in love with the corps.

What inspires you to keep coming back?

I read everything I could about The Cavaliers online, and then some! When I learned more about the significance of the gears, and the process of becoming a Cavalier, I told myself that 'this is the corps for me.'

What is your all time favorite Cavaliers program?

As much as I loved 'Frameworks' from 2002, I would have to say my favorites are a three-way tie between 'Four Corners' (2001), 'Spin Cycle' (2003), and 'Samurai' (2008).

What makes the 2012 season unique?

The different direction that The Cavaliers are taking is what I think is unique about this season. This show is going to stick to some of the drum corps traditions, but there's also going to be a unique layer behind that. I don't think anyone knows quite what this is going to develop into just yet.

What do The Cavaliers mean to you personally?

Being with The Cavaliers reminds me that even though something may not always be fun, you must push towards your goals, go past them, and always strive for excellence. The corps helps me clear my mind and focus on one goal, no matter what else is going on in my head.

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

Just do it. I waited a year to try out, and in retrospect I should've auditioned earlier.

Stay tuned for more installments of Inside the Green Machine!

By Dan Minkel, Marketing Communications Intern

May 22, 2012 - Ethan Marcus

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.