Cavaliers Announce 2019 Drum Major Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(ROSEMONT, ILLINOIS) – The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps is pleased to announce the 2019 Drum Majors!
“One of the cornerstones of our program at The Cavaliers has always been student leadership, said Dr. Michael Vaughn, Corps Director. “We rely heavily on our student leaders, not only on the field but, to promote and demonstrate the culture of dedication, teamwork, and discipline we seek to foster among our members.”
“The young men that have been selected to serve as our 2019 Drum Majors embody, collectively and as individuals, that culture, and are extremely well-equipped to guide this year's drum corps towards its pursuit of excellence. I'm very excited for these four gentlemen and look forward to working closely with them to build something special at The Cavaliers.”
Jacob Armstrong | Drum Major
Years in the Corps: 5
Hometown: Gainesville, FL
High School: Buchholz High School
College Education: University of Florida
Area of Study: Music Education
Achievements:
John Philip Sousa Band Award 2015
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award 2014
Eagle Scout 2015
Richard Bowles Scholarship Award 2015
Friends of Music Trombone Scholarship 2015-2018
University of Florida Band Scholarship 2015-2018
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF…WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
“I am an aspiring music educator and trombone player in the north Florida area. The 2019 season will be my fifth year with the corps and my 2nd season as a Drum Major. I find inspiration in many different ways and always from the people around me. Perhaps this plays a big part in why I come back to The Cavaliers year after year. Every season I am pushed in some way to be a better person and a better leader. The guys I've marched alongside have been my inspiration in this activity.”
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR THIS SEASON?
“I’m most excited for our west coast tour. This is going to be an amazing year to age-out of this incredible activity. I can’t wait to hit the field this summer to throw down one last show with my brothers.”
Joey Riedl | Drum Major
Years in the Corps: 4
Hometown: Lafayette, LA
High School: St. Thomas More Catholic
College Education: University of Louisiana in Lafayette
Area of Study: Music Education
Performance Experience:
High school band for 6 years, college band for 3 seasons (one as drum major) and I have completed 3 years with The Cavaliers. I have performed with various honor bands and state groups, and I’ve taught various high school groups.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO THE CAVALIERS
“I decided to march with The Cavaliers when I was in high school. The 2010 program, Mad World, was the first show I saw live and right then I knew I wanted to be a part of this incredible drum corps. Later, I got to meet some of the 2015 members and they encouraged me to audition. Those members, my best friend, my family, and my high school band director supported my dream to be a Cavalier. These people are my inspiration and I would not be where I am today without them.”
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR THIS YEAR
“I’m most excited to give back to the corps that has done so much for me!”
Davis Henry | Drum Major
Years in the Corps: 3
Hometown: Marietta, GA
High School: Hillgrove High School
College Education: Jacksonville State University
Area of Study: Music Education
Hobbies and Interests:
I enjoy playing in pit orchestras for musicals/ plays. My friends and I also love to hangout and play video games. I have recently started to pick up rock climbing, and occasionally will play a pickup game of soccer or ultimate frisbee.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE SUMMER TOUR?
“One of my favorite moments from every season is the final time we play Rainbow. The performance is so special because is the last time this group of brothers will ever play together. There is no better feeling than the raw emotion from everyone during and after the performance. Playing Rainbow at the end of the season really speaks to our journey throughout the season, the work every member put in, and the amazing brotherhood we all have.”
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR THIS SEASON?
"I’m excited to put on an amazing show and grow bonds with everyone in the organization. Every year I meet another group of exceptional people that become some of my best friends. The brotherhood in this corps is amazing and never ceases to amaze me.”
Joey Salinas | Drum Major
Years in the Corps: 2
Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX
School: Del Mar College
Area of Study: Music Education
Tell us about yourself:
“My name is Joseph Salinas, but I am known as Joey. I am from Corpus Christi, TX, and being a Texan is a big part of who I am. I come from a strong family that is a pack of dreamers. Music is my passion, my family is my life, and who I am has depended upon where I've been and more upon where I am still intended to go.”
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO THE CAVALIERS
"I was introduced to the activity when I watched the 2015 Drum Corps international Finals competition with my high school band, and was encouraged to audition by a mentor of mine, Jason Martinez who marched with the Crossmen in 2014. I decided to pursue my dreams of marching a DCI corps and eventually marched with the Casper Troopers (2016 and 2017 season). During the 2017 season, I was able to see The Cavaliers perform their show "Men Are From Mars" on multiple occasions. I was blown away by the commitment to performance that I saw in individual members who marched with The Cavaliers. I knew that I had to be a part of this incredible organization so in 2018 I auditioned. Originally I did not make the corps, but was offered a position a few weeks before spring training. Since I was influenced by an abundance of exceptional Cavaliers, I was able to grow as a performer and as a person throughout the season. I immediately knew that this place was home for me.”
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
“My mother has had a large impact on my life by selflessly raising a family and doing everything she could to help her children be successful and happy. My College's Wind Ensemble Director, Dr. Abel Ramirez and my private instructor, Dr. Donald Pinson have been a great influence on me by being my mentors the have helped me grow as a musician. Another person that has influenced me is our Brass Caption Head, Kevin Leboeuf. With his bold and relentless coaching, He taught me how to be a Fearless leader and has helped me embrace the meaning of "No Fear, Cavalier."
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, Chromium Winds, Crystal Lake Thunder, and Midwest Connection. 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.