Pre-Tour Shifts into High Gear

Thursday, May 24th, 2012 - 10:15 AM
By Dan Minkel
Posted by Christopher Lugo

The summer may just be starting to heat up, but members of The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps are already on fire learning their 2012 production, '15 Minutes of Fame.' The first leg of Pre-Tour has continued on without any major weather interruptions here at Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill., which is just west of Chicago.

Check out Pre-Tour photos on Facebook

Practice Makes Perfect.

The corps is blazing through learning drill, with about two minutes of the show on the field thus far. The brass and percussion members are working through exceptionally challenging field maneuvers, and of course, this is a challenge they'll gladly accept. Members of the color guard have been refining their technique, learning work, and pushing themselves to take on new styles of performance. The choreography is precise and has been cleaning up quickly through rehearsal.

Check out Pre-Tour photos on Facebook

The front ensemble, drum line and brass have been bringing their musical selections to life throughout the last few days. The opening music is fast and intense -- a staple for Cavalier productions. Fans will hear a familiar call back to 1984 when the corps first played 'Don Juan.' The third movement, a combination of 'Out Here On My Own' and 'Vesti la Giubba,' is a ballad brimming with emotion. It's sure to bring out a heartfelt response from audiences across the country this summer.

Check out Pre-Tour photos on Facebook

Drum major Andrew Rhebergen expressed his excitement for the season. "Pre-Tour is off to the best start that I've seen since I first started marching here with The Cavaliers," said Rhebergen. "Everyone's working really hard, learning their parts, and taking in all the information smoothly." This excitement has been almost palpable throughout the organization during the first five full days of rehearsal. "Everyone's energy is noticeably higher than in years past," Rhebergen continued. "We're ready to take this program and make it something that no one will be able to forget."

Check out Pre-Tour photos on Facebook

Staff and volunteers have been working around the clock to keep the corps successfully moving toward achieving their goals for the season. From instructors and management team, to the uniform and kitchen volunteers -- We're already starting to see that midseason efficiency across the board. The corps does, however, still need volunteer help.

The Cavaliers recently put out a request for kitchen help starting in June and bus driving starting in July. Since 1948, the corps has relied on volunteers to support every aspect of the organization, and we ask that you take a moment to check your schedule and consider donating your time to the Green Machine this summer. Please email volunteer coordinator Sue Flynn at volunteering@cavaliers.org for more information.

Looking Forward to the Family Day BBQ.

Friends, fans, family, and alumni are invited out this Sunday to the corps' rehearsal site in Lisle, Ill., to enjoy the annual Family Day BBQ. The event (formerly known as the Pre-Season BBQ) is being presented by the Cavalier Alumni Association. Just prior to serving dinner, The Cavaliers will be giving their first sneak-peek of the 2012 program, '15 Minutes of Fame' to all those in attendance.

Members are getting primed for the BBQ and the weekend, when most of the Design Team will be in attendance to further develop the 2012 program.

"I'm excited to see the alumni, fans and families; play in the GREEN & WHITE Bags Tournament; and sing for the first time as a full corps," Rhebergen added. "The Family Day BBQ is a great bonding experience; it brings the new members that much closer to the organization and gives them their first real exposure to the Cavalier family."

With all of this hard work and preparation, The Cavaliers are well on their way to an amazing season opener, just over three weeks away, to be held in Akron, Ohio on Saturday, June 16.

By Dan Minkel, Marketing Communications Intern

Date: Sunday, May 27, 2011
Venue: Benedictine University
Advanced Tickets: $12 adults/$6 children (12 & under) via The Cavaliers' Ticket Store
RSVP: Facebook Event
More Information: Read More on Cavaliers.org

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.