Cavaliers Respond to 2020 Tour Cancellation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(ROSEMONT, Ill.) — It is with great sadness that The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps will not be performing in stadiums across the country this summer. This decision corresponds with the cancellation of the 2020 Drum Corps International summer tour due to health and safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is not the decision we wanted to make but we could not see a scenario where we could tour and ensure the health and safety of the members, staff and volunteers in our organization.The concerns escalated forcing the cancellation of our March brass camp and it became clear last week to all involved that the situation was not likely to be safe in time for a quality experience by all involved. The professionals of our Cavaliers Medical Group have been instrumental in providing us with information to advise us in this process and the entire Board of Directors has been fully engaged in the decision. Our tour administration team and design and instructional staff have been working as a team in the planning process as well as coordinating with the DCI office and the other member corps.” said Executive Director Monte Mast.
Corps Director Dr. Michael Vaughn echoed these sentiments and added: “As always, the health and safety of our members, as well as the quality of the experience we offer them, is at the forefront of everything we do. Cancelling the summer season was heartbreaking, but certainly within the best interest of the entire Cavalier family.” He stressed that the staff and Corps management would work diligently to keep the membership, as well as friends and fans of the Corps, engaged throughout the summer interim. “We may not put a show on the field in 2020, but crowd-pleasing shows and nationwide tours represent only a portion of what we are about at The Cavaliers. We are first and foremost an organization that shapes the lives of young men by offering them life-changing experiences. That is ongoing; it never stops.”
“I couldn’t be prouder of the people that comprise The Cavaliers organization in their patience, understanding, and support as the Board and Management worked through this VERY tough and heart wrenching decision,” commented Board Chairman Adolph DeGrauwe. “I’m especially humbled by the concern and engagement of our Board members and their willingness to do anything to help. We may be out of sight this summer but I promise we will not be out of mind. The Cavaliers will continue to March on Through the Years!”
“It’s easy to take each summer’s DCI tour for granted. As a marching member, and now as an alumnus, I've always assumed that we'll have those moments on tour to be with our Cavalier brethren. This pandemic has touched every aspect of our lives, but we are very fortunate to have such a strong base of alumni to push through and preserve our brotherhood for the next generation of Cavaliers. We are looking forward to opportunities to connect with the current membership, as well as our broad alumni network, throughout the next few months,” states CAA Board President Ryan Ling.
Mast noted that this crisis unfolded rapidly and there are still many issues to resolve. With the State of Illinois under a shelter-in-place order, our office staff is working from home, and many businesses involved in making the tour possible are temporarily closed. The team will be working as efficiently as possible to complete these tasks but to do it we need everyone to do their part by adhering to social distancing and other guidelines designed to bring this pandemic under control.
“We are fortunate that the work this organization has done over the past few years has put us in a better financial position to weather this storm,” said Mast. “However, it will not be without challenges. We will be entering a period of hibernation where we will be reducing expenses to an absolute minimum while continuing to support and engage our members. Our use of social media will be our lifeline to the CavalierNation. We need the support of our members, fans, and alumni to bridge the gap as we work through these next several months in preparation for the 2021 Cavaliers. However, our first priority is the well-being of the men of the 2020 edition of The Cavaliers.”
2020 Summer Cancellation FAQ
Q: Will there be a 2021 season?
Yes. While this pandemic has placed the entire activity at risk, the decision to cancel the season now rather than later, allows us to start planning immediately to ensure a 2021 season. We know there will likely be changes but feel confident in the future of the activity that we all love and are so passionate about.
Q: How will The Cavaliers survive a summer off?
We began discussing the possibility of the virus impacting the season in early February and started some small measures of financial adjustment at that time. Those steps, along with the work the organization has done over the past few years has put us in a place that we can weather this storm. It will require going into operational hibernation for a period of time to reduce expenses to a bare minimum. We are researching all forms of funding and financing, as well as a variety of initiatives to keep the organization in good financial health. We will need everyone in Cavalier Nation to help us by supporting these initiatives as they are announced.
Q: Will there be an extension for members scheduled to age out in 2020?
The DCI member corps have agreed that in order to preserve the opportunity for this year’s class of age-outs, performers will receive additional eligibility based on existing age requirements with a one-year extension.
Q: What is the status of 2020 contracted members?
All individuals currently contracted with The Cavaliers for 2020 and in good standing will not need to re-audition for a spot in the 2021 corps as their place is guaranteed.
Q: I ordered tickets to a DCI show. What is the refund status?
If you ordered tickets through The Cavaliers website, we will be contacting you shortly about the refund process. If you ordered the tickets through DCI, you will need to contact them for refunds.
Q: What is the status of member dues?
We will be contacting members and their families directly regarding member dues refunds. If you donated to a member’s dues through their BOOST Board or in another way (sponsorships), we will contact you in the near future.
Q: What are The Cavaliers going to do during the summer now that there is no tour?
We will do everything in our power to fulfill the organization’s mission to provide life-changing experiences through the performing arts. Our instructional staff will be reaching out to the membership with a variety of virtual/online experiences to keep them engaged during this period of public inactivity. We also plan to hold regular full-corps virtual meetings to discuss a variety of topics, as well as to keep us united as a brotherhood. As conditions allow, we will pursue any opportunities for GearWORKS events or other forms of engagement.
Q: How can I help?
Today your gift to The Cavaliers is more important than ever. Without appearance fees and revenue from our shows, we will depend on your contributions and merchandise purchases to support our daily operations. If you have already made a gift to The Cavaliers, you have our most heartfelt gratitude. If you are in position to help further, please consider the role this extraordinary organization has played in your life and in the lives of thousands since 1948. You can help us emerge from this challenging time stronger than before and poised for the future.
Q: Will the office remain open?
Though currently closed in compliance with government recommendations, the office will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
Q: How can I contact The Cavaliers?
Executive Director, Monte Mast, can be reached at: director@cavaliers.org
Corps Director, Michael Vaughn, can be reached at: corps.director@cavaliers.org
Office Manager, Rosanne Duewerth, can be reached at: office@cavaliers.org
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 Drum and Bugle Corps is sponsored by The Village of Rosemont, Ill.