ACKERSON RETIRES, ROACH PROMOTED TO CAVALIERS DIRECTOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (orginally posted August 23, 2016 by Chris Lugo)
(ROSEMONT, ILLINOIS) – The Cavaliers congratulate Mark Ackerson on his retirement as Director of The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps and announce the promotion of Joe Roach, who will take over the director position, effective immediately.
During the recent Drum Corps International (DCI) Championships week in Indianapolis, Ind., Ackerson let the membership know about his upcoming retirement at the conclusion of the season.
“It’s time for us to take another positive step in our development and support the next generation of leadership,” Ackerson said. “This announcement is about setting the corps up for success, and I believe we’re doing exactly that with Joe Roach as the new director."
Ackerson, who spent more than 30 years as an administrator and the last two years as director of The Cavaliers, will continue to serve as an advisor to the organization’s senior leadership. Mark has also been elected back onto The Cavaliers' Board of Directors to focus on enhancing strategic planning and growth initiatives.
“We all have so much respect and admiration for the years of service Mark dedicated to the corps,” said Chris Lugo, Executive Director. “As we continue taking bold steps forward as an organization, I can’t think of a better way for Mark to guide our development than as a strategic advisor."
Chris Lugo (left), Mark Ackerson (center), and Joe Roach (right)
After holding the Assistant Director position in 2016, Joe Roach has been promoted to take on the corps’ Director role effective immediately.
“Joe embodies the absolute best of our mission, ideals, and work ethic, and I’m proud to say that he’ll be leading and shaping the Cavalier experience into the years ahead,” Lugo said. “Our future is bright with Joe Roach as an inspiring figure impacting our corps and our organization."
"The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps is a unique and powerful place that has taught me so much, and I look forward to helping lead the charge into the next era of excellence that will have a positive effect on so many," said Joe Roach.
Roach, an alumnus of the corps, was originally hired by The Cavaliers in 2008 to teach the organization's new performing ensemble, Green Thunder Percussion (GTP). As director, Joe has helped take Green Thunder Percussion from an Independent A Class ensemble to an Independent World Class ensemble now known as Cavaliers Indoor Percussion (CIP).
Joe was also deeply involved in the organization’s Summer Drum Days clinic series that lead to the development of GearWORKS, the educational programming arm of The Cavaliers. He began teaching the corps’ front ensemble in 2011 and served as the front ensemble coordinator from 2012 to 2015.
Originally from Mt. Prospect, Ill., Roach attended Prospect High School and performed with The Cavaliers' front ensemble in 1998. After attending The University of Iowa, Joe returned to Chicago to pursue his career as a private music educator.
Please join us in congratulating Mark Ackerson on his retirement and welcoming Joe Roach as The Cavaliers’ new Director.
About The Cavaliers
Founded in 1948 from Boy Scout Troop 111, 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.
The Cavaliers provide a variety of educational and performance programs for young people, including GearWORKS, Cavaliers Indoor Percussion, and Chromium Winds. The organization delivers life-changing experiences that go beyond music and performing arts to build personal accountability, 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