Be A Cavalier in 2021!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(ROSEMONT, Ill.) — The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps announce auditions for the 2021 season!
“With recent advances in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, we feel confident in our ability to safely return to the field in 2021. One of the most important steps in that journey back will be our upcoming auditions. Though we anticipate very good retention of contracted members from 2020, there will most definitely be openings in every section.” - Dr. Michael Vaughn, Corps Director
There will be multiple avenues available this audition season for potential additions to the 2021 cast. Each section (color guard, brass, percussion) will have their own set of virtual camps and workshops leading into individual auditions for the Corps. PLUS, we will be hosting a limited series of brass masterclasses that will be open to all through our GearWORKS educational program during the months of January and February!
Vaughn adds, “Our audition process is, of course, designed to help us select the very best candidates to fill spots. But the process is also an educational opportunity that will benefit performers and musicians of all levels. Even if you don't feel quite ready to compete for one of the coveted openings in the 2021 Cavaliers, I hope you'll take advantage of the chance to work with our incredible staff, to interact with our student leaders and other members, and to experience what we have to offer at The Cavaliers. We think it's something very special.”
COLOR GUARD AUDITIONS
Specific dates and the audition packet is still in development but will be published soon. Until then join our color guard Facebook 2021 Audition group to interact with Cavaliers, our staff, and other auditionees!
BRASS AUDITIONS & WORKSHOPS
“Since March, we’ve been meeting weekly to get plans in place for the 2021 season. The healthy and safety of our members and staff is our top priority, and we feel confident about bringing The Cavaliers brass program back in 2021 through the tireless work of our medical team, board of directors, administration, and staff. Though we are getting started later than usual, we are excited to finally be moving forward with plans for virtual instruction throughout the winter to minimize travel while returning home to Adrian College to begin our pre-tour in 2021. Our returning members are already hard at work, and we are excited to have openings in all sections of our brass program for new students to audition,” shared Drew Dickey, Brass Caption Coordinator.
“Not having the opportunity to have a 2020 season was difficult for both our members and our staff after such a successful run in 2019,” said Kevin LeBoeuf, Brass Caption Manager. “However, it makes us that more excited to be back in 2021, giving both our returning and new members the experience they deserve at The Cavaliers. Offering a 2021 season would not be possible without the advice and contributions from medical professionals and direct guidance from members of the CDC throughout this off season. We cannot thank them enough for their tireless work on the front lines and their professional advice behind the scenes to ensure that the drum corps activity lives on.”
Brass GearWORKS Educational Workshops:
Designed to help musicians get additional feedback in preparation of the 2021 audition. You’ll have a chance to work with the brass and visual staff on the technique program, play audition materials, and get small group coaching on your performance. This is not required to audition for the 2021 season but is highly recommended as you can get additional feedback. This is open to anyone auditioning for The Cavaliers and anyone who wants to work with our staff in preparation of a future drum corps audition. (Co-Ed Event)
Workshop Dates:
Saturday, January 16th, 2021
Saturday, January 23rd, 2021
2021 Brass Auditions:
This will be a one day virtual event where you will work with our brass and visual staff on continuing to develop the techniques needed to be a member of the 2021 Cavaliers Hornline. During the event, you will also complete a brief audition with our brass and visual caption leadership (details are below).
Audition Dates:
Saturday, January 30th, 2021 & Saturday, February 6th, 2021
Audition Registration Cost:
$150 (if you attend only the audition event)
$100 (if you register for both the GearWORKS event, a discount code will be emailed to you)
2021 Brass Callbacks:
If you receive a callback based on your initial 2021 audition, you will have weekly assignments to evaluate your performance and ability to learn new material. In the month of February, we will have a one day callback event where you will receive continued instruction on the 2021 technique program and complete a final audition to determine membership in The Cavaliers.
Callback Audition Date:
Saturday, February 27th, 2021
Additional Masterclasses:
If you attend either/both of the GearWORKS and Audition events, you will also have access to live masterclasses with professional brass educators throughout the months of January and February (Dates announced soon). Currently scheduled guest clinicians include (but are not limited to):
Chris Martin, Principal Trumpet - New York Philharmonic
Colin Williams, Associate Principal Trombone - New York Philharmonic
Mike Roylance, Principal Tuba - Boston Symphony Orchestra
For those auditioning if haven’t already, join our brass Facebook 2021 Audition group to interact with Cavaliers, our staff, and other auditionees!
PERCUSSION AUDITIONS & WORKSHOPS
“The successful PAS clinic project by the 2020 Cavaliers Percussion created a great bond amongst performers, with many planning on returning. For the summer of 2021, we are looking for a few “rock stars” to join the established 2020 percussion section to create something truly special next summer!” -Michael McIntosh, Designer/Music Coordinator/Caption Manager
“Embrace the Education” Weekend #1 - January 16
-Three (3) 90 min Zoom session “master classes” on Cavalier playing logistics. How we do things.
-These are broken down into two section specific sessions (snares, tenors, basses, front ensemble) and a final master class session. All sessions are organic and interactive.
-Section specific sessions will be with two separate instructors PLUS a final educational session with Bret Kuhn & Mike McIntosh and front ensemble masterclass with Clif Walker & Alan Miller.
-These sessions would be recorded and available throughout the time between weekends for participants to review.
Registration Cost: $50
“Embrace the Challenge” Weekend #2 - January 23
-Price includes video audition $$ as these performers are planning to audition. Basically this is the price of the video audition with the benefit of instructional master classes via staff.
-A more focused (Saturday morning at camp) approach, specific to those aware of the limited # of spots and still interested in “embracing the challenge"
-Teaching advanced concepts, both instructors present/breakout rooms etc.
-Student leaves with a good sense of where they stand and what is expected of them moving forward
-These sessions would be recorded and available throughout the time between weekends for participants to review.
Registration Cost: $250
Video Audition Due - February 6
Join our percussion Facebook 2021 Audition group to interact with Cavaliers, our staff, and other auditionees!
START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY!
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS
The Cavaliers were founded in 1948 from Boy Scout Troop 111 by the late Don Warren. One of the most successful drum and bugle corps in history, The Cavaliers have won 20 national championships, including seven Drum Corps International world championships, since 1992.
The Cavaliers provide a variety of life-changing educational and performance programs for young people that go beyond music and performing arts to build personal accountability, excellence, teamwork and camaraderie. Programs include GearWORKS, Cavaliers Indoor Percussion, Chromium Winds, Crystal Lake Thunder and Midwest Connection.
A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, The Cavaliers Arts, Performance & Education Inc. is sponsored by the Village of Rosemont, Ill.