Cavie69

I volunteered this summer for The Cavaliers for the full tour working on the CPI(Cavalier Promotions - Souvies) Trailor. Although we didn't see much of the corps after pre-tour when we had ample help at the shows, we would trade off so that 1 person would stay behind and sell while the others watched the show (or a particular corps they wanted to see) and the next night another person stayed behind and so forth. Most of us got to see all of the corps at least 2 or three times during the course of the season. Again, I want to thank all of the souvie people we came in contact with this year. There is always the friendly corps thing that goes on, but you will not meet a nicer group of people ready to help out each other at a moments notice. Whether thats Madison making a Wal-Mart run for everyone, or all of pushing each others trailers into place at the show. I look forward to seeing you all again this summer. If you haven't volunteered do it. You will never regret spending time with these wonderful young men and women who work their tails off and are so appreciative of what the volunteers mean to the sucess of thier corps. While all we here about the bad kids in society, I think society as a whole need to see the positve influnce that drum corps has on the kids, and the positive outlook that these kids bring to society. Off the soap box. Pat Jones FMM Cavaliers 1969-75

I want to thank all of the souvie people we had the pleasure of working with this year. I worked the booth for The Cavaliers all summer and met some remarkable people. From Phantom to Bluecoats, Blue Stars, Devils, Boston and all the rest, thak you all for making this season so enjoyable under some of the most trying times. And to all of you out there with free time on your hands, and that think the sovie people have an easy time, come out this summer and help out your favorite corps (Or your least favorite corps) and see how much work it is and what a wonderful job these people do in supporting their organizations.

I spent all summer volunteering for The Cavaliers. In pre tour I had my doubts that Rich would make it. 1st bass in Cavaliers is not that easy of a job. This kid gave 200% all year. He has the heart of a champion. It made me so proud to meet his mom and brother at finals and hear just how proud they were of him. He is a remarkably talented kid, that when given an a chance put his heart and soul into it. And besides that he is a great person. I will miss him next year.

Authors note: I am not responsible for spelling mistakes or gramatical errors. I just drove for 5 hours(anyone who has driven in California knows how grueling their traffic is) and I am tired. But thanks anyway. Just got back from my drum corps fix. Went to all three shows in California, Riverside, Glendora and Santa Ana. Rather than reviewing each show, since all of the corps were the same in each show, I will do a quick overview. First of all, to the show coordinators at Riverside and Glendora, PLEASE go to the show in Santa Ana and see what a real drum corps announcer should sound like. The guy in Riverside was a total goof. The funniest moment is when, in describing BK's show, he pronounced Shastakovitch as Igor Shatovitch or something similar. Both announcers were totally unaware what a drum corps was. For those of you who think that drum corps is dying, just watch the Div. II and III corps. What these kids lack in talent, they make up for in heart. From the Oregon Crusaders to the SCV cadets, these are some outstanding corps. Their presentations are wonderful and they give it their all. Congrats to all of these wonderful kids. Pacific Crest - I saw them reherse in the afternoon at Riverside, and I have to admit I was not impressed. Now before you start to get mad, They were one of my favorite corps of the weekend. In competition they turn it on. The horn line is lush and powerful, the drumline(sorry I am a drummer) is the weak part of their show, BUT these kids play there butts off. You can see and feel the effort. The drill is wonderful, and above all else, you can see on the kids faces, they ENJOY marching this show. My hats off to the staff and kids in this corps. WATCH OUT if they tour next year. Seattle Cascades - When I saw them last year in Phoenix, I was mezmerized(?) This year they have turned it up about 10 notches. This corps is for real. Strong hornline, the drumline got better and stronger as the weekend progressed, and a beautiful drill will get these kids into the top 12 at DCI. Anyone going to Madison make it a point to see this corps. They will amaze you. Blue Knights - I am sorry to offend anyone with this review. That said, the kids are truly trying their hardest. I (IMHO) do not believe the staff did these kids any favors by writing this show. It is flat. It starts out flat, and it ends flat. This is a wonderfully talented corps. PLEASE give them something that shows off that talent. (notice I used the word flat, not boring) Santa Clara - Although I didn't like this show at first glance, after spending the good part of Sunday seeing them in rehersal, I got it. A strong musical show performed wonderfully, Sorry, but the drumline is the weak link in this show. Now having said that, they were markedly better in Santa Ana than in the two previous shows. This has the markings of a strong, dare I say, 3rd place at DCI. Blue Devils - This show moves. This is one of the best written drills that they have performed in a while. Now the bad news. BD has gone for a flashy show this year, without a great deal of substance(IMHO). The show starts out kind of in the middle, hits one or two high points(the unison sop feature in Rythum(?) and the drum feature) and thats about it. Drum feature is cool(didn't we see somthing similar out of Cadets a few years ago?). I am going to get flamed for this, BUT, this is not the BD hornline or drumline of past years. Although they are very talented, their control problems are from trying to get to carried away when each section is featured. In the drumline feature, they start to really rock. But then the drumline gets carried away and the tempos get pushed and it creates phasing problems. Without some big changes in this show, I don't see it (for right now) any higher than 4th. Overall, I have to say this was the most enjoyable drum corp trip I have taken in a long time. It is tough however, to sit through this many corps, three nights in a row.(You DCM people know what I am saying)

Thanks for the review. I just heard an mp3 of the Cavaliers show, and I am puzzled with some peoples description, that the music is not accessible or it some how is not up to the lofty standards of all the other corps. Granted I am a little biased, but what I hear is a very lyrical corps, with a very strong percussion line and for the first time, IMHO, the BEST hornline ever put out by the Cavaliers(2000 line a very very close second). I can't wait to see them live. My upset picks for this season(or should I say surprise corps) are Blucoats and Crossmen. Don't you think it would fry Hoppys backside it they beat Cadets? Not saying it will happen, but Crossmen have been slowly coming on for the last couple of years. I hope that climb continues.