Inside the Green Machine: Meet the Drum Majors

Thursday, February 7th, 2013 - 1:04 PM
By Christopher Lugo

The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps consists of many moving parts -- from new and veteran marching members to the dedicated management, staff, and volunteers. Throughout our 65th anniversary season, 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 to meet the 2013 drum majors, Stephen Parsons and Jerin Harrison!

Drum Major Stephen Parsons, a fourth-year veteran of The Cavaliers (2010-2013), was born and raised in Sugar Land, Texas. Currently in his sophomore year at Texas A&M University, Stephen studies architecture with an increasing fascination in stadium design. "Growing up in the Houston area, I've had the opportunity to regularly attend games and events at some of the most innovative stadiums in the United States," said Parsons. "Performing in major stadiums across the country with The Cavaliers has also helped fuel this interest in a potential career."

Stephen began in music as a trumpet player in sixth grade, but quickly made the permanent switch to French horn. "I discovered the drum corps activity my sophomore year in high school, and it wasn't soon before I was hooked."

"It was the encouragement of a close friend and Cavalier member that brought me to the corps," added Parsons. "In 2009, I watched all the corps perform in Houston, and The Cavaliers stood out above the rest. Hearing the corps yell "Splooie" before taking the field; the members' calm, intense demeanor after the performance; the hypnotic and traditional bass cadence "Iowa" -- I could tell there was something more to the corps than performance excellence. It was the brotherhood that brought me to The Cavaliers in 2010, and it's the brotherhood that keeps me coming back."

Drum Major Stephen Parsons (left) and Assistant Drum Major Jerin Harrison

Jerin Harrison, fifth-year veteran of The Cavaliers (2009-2013), enters his final year with the corps as Assistant Drum Major. He was born in Bowling Green, Ky., raised in Hernando, Miss., and currently working full-time after previously attending Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Miss.

Jerin got his start in drum corps with Memphis Sound as a member of the contra line in 2008. "I learned so much as a young kid with Memphis Sound -- it's where the love I have for this activity began," said Harrison. "I had the opportunity to see many world-class drum corps that summer, including the 2008 Cavaliers with their production, Samurai. I was floored by what I experienced, and I knew I had to be part of that brotherhood and history. I made the Cavalier tuba line the following year (2009), and I've been passionate about this corps ever since."

Outside of drum corps and working to save funds to complete his college degree, Jerin is an avid online gamer and classic game collector. "I enjoy the challenge and strategy that goes along with group gaming." Jerin is also further developing and refining his skills as a marching band drill designer and instructor.

With increased expectations with regard to preparation, leadership, conditioning, and musical responsibility, Harrison is making sure he and Parsons are working closely with the 2013 Junior Officers, announced at the 2013 January Call-Back Camp, to drive success. "We've already set the bar VERY high for the camps and entire season," added Harrison. "Now, it's a matter of holding each other accountable so that 2013 lives up to our expectations."

Parsons added his excitement for the 2013 season and production, saying "this year, and this show, already has an aura that simply gives me chills. It’s mysterious, it’s intense, it’s aggressive, and most importantly…it’s Cavalier. This season is the perfect opportunity to show the world who we are and what we stand for as an organization."

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.

cavaliers.org