Inside the Green Machine: Russell Wharton
Saturday, June 2nd, 2012 - 12:42 PM
By Dan Minkel
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 drum sergeant, Russell Wharton:
Please tell us your name, hometown and a little about your time with The Cavaliers.
My name is Russell Wharton, and I'm from Naperville, Illi. This is my fifth year as a member of The Cavaliers, and I march the bass drum. I'm also one of the drum sergeants.
What do you do outside of The Cavaliers?
I study Music at Texas Christian University.
Why did you initially choose The Cavaliers?
I'm from the Chicago area, and one of the first Cavaliers shows I've ever seen was '007' in 2004. I first saw The Cavaliers live in Oswego, Illi. and I was really drawn to the corps from that point.
What inspires you to keep coming back?
I was first drawn to them because they were local, but the more I learned about them, the more I realized that they were doing things right. Their technique, the volunteer support, the prevention-based health methods, their meal times - it all made sense.
What is your all time favorite Cavaliers program?
'007' from 2004. I think it's possibly the best drum corps show ever. It's a great show to introduce people to the drum corps activity - everyone knows the music, and every aspect of the show was awesome. It caters to non-drum corps fans in a very unique way.
What makes this season unique?
We have six marching bass drums, which is new. I'm also aging out, which is a unique experience that I'm working with.
What do The Cavaliers mean to you personally?
It's a very big part of who I am as a person. The Cavaliers are a big part of my self-concept. I consider my time here as one of the biggest accomplishments of my life, and it's by far the coolest, hardest, and most rewarding thing I've ever done.
What advice would you give someone who eventually wants to join The Cavaliers?
Show up to auditions. A lot of people doubt themselves, and hold off from auditions until they think they're 'good enough'. Come and find out what were about, and learn with us! Go to the high school camps and auditions and learn the technique, and see what the corps is looking for.
Stay tuned for more installments of Inside the Green Machine!
By Dan Minkel, Marketing Communications Intern
Inside the Green Machine Archive:June 1, 2012 - Scotty Flores
May 31, 2012 - Andrew Smit
May 31, 2012 - Sam Carlberg
May 30, 2012 - Thor Schumacher
May 30, 2012 - Tyler Zastrow
May 28, 2012 - Max Monsivaiz
May 28, 2012 - Andrew Barberi
May 27, 2012 - Andrew Rhebergen
May 27, 2012 - CJ McCrory
May 27, 2012 - Doug Young
May 27, 2012 - William Clayton
May 26, 2012 - Conrad Zimmer
May 25, 2012 - Jeff Hargis
May 25, 2012 - Evan Black
May 24, 2012 - Cory Glenn
May 23, 2012 - Brian Gallegos
May 23, 2012 - Shinichi Tomari
May 23, 2012 - Justin Rowan
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
About The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps
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.
