Glenn Kotche: From The Field, To The Stage

We’re celebrating Glenn Kotche’s roots, and raffling off an all-expenses-paid trip to see Wilco in London

 

Wilco, photographed by Peter Crosby

 

Royal Albert Hall, London

Imagine seeing Wilco live in London, from box seats at Royal Albert Hall, with flights and a hotel stay covered- while knowing that the band's drummer has a special connection to The Cavaliers. That dream can become reality! June 22nd. London. Wilco. A once-in-a-lifetime experience. But for The Cavaliers, it's also a celebration of our own history.

The Cavaliers have a long and storied legacy in the drum corps world, known for their dedication to excellence and innovation. Today, we're thrilled to announce a special raffle that offers an incredible prize and also highlights the journey of one of our own: Glenn Kotche, the renowned drummer of Wilco.


Glenn Kotche & The Cavaliers


Glenn Kotche's musical journey began on the drumline of The Cavaliers in 1989. "I marched snare drum in 1989," Glenn recalls. "I came from a very competitive high school program. Not only were the Cavaliers the hometown corps, but we also shared several staff members with the Cavaliers which was amazing." He remembers the long hours of rehearsal, the camaraderie, and the dedication it took to perform at the highest level. "I had to learn to play traditional grip to audition. I made it past the first round of auditions miraculously after my junior year, and I practiced constantly and tried again the following year to end up making the snare line."

Glenn Kotche receiving instruction, 1989

Looking back, Glenn emphasizes the invaluable skills he acquired. "The discipline immediately comes to mind. I’m not sure I would have had the discipline to practice and focus and refine to the level that I do had I not been exposed to that with The Cavaliers." He also highlights the importance of teamwork and communication, essential for a touring musician. "There’s also the team work aspect, being able to get along and communicate and live with others - those are essential for a touring musician. Of course there are other lessons too like listening skills, perseverance and being able to make last minute changes - that kind of flexibility and fluidity are important not to mention the ability to quickly memorize musical ideas and changes. And lastly, just the techniques, coordination and chops that I acquired with the corps, that probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise. All of these are skills that I honed with the corps and that have been crucial for me in my career."



You Could Win A Trip To London To See Wilco!

Wilco, photographed by Peter Crosby

The Cavaliers are thrilled to announce a special raffle offering one lucky winner suite tickets, flights, and a hotel stay to see Wilco perform at Royal Albert Hall in London on June 22nd! Runner up prizes include a soundcheck with the band prior to the show, and a merchandise bundle including an autographed item. This raffle celebrates the journey of Glenn Kotche, while benefiting future Cavaliers and powering their experiences.

Here are the details:

  • Raffle Dates: April 10 - May 7

  • Cost of Tickets: $50

  • Grand Prize Includes: 2 suite tickets to Wilco at Royal Albert Hall, 2 round trip flights, and lodging in London to be arranged with winner

  • Runner Up Prizes: One lucky runner up winner will receive behind the scenes access to a Wilco soundcheck/aftershow, and another will receive an exclusive merchandise bundle including an autographed item!

  • Restrictions/Conditions: Must be 18 or older to win. View full rules and regulations at the link below.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to experience Wilco live in one of the world's greatest cities! Raffle tickets are limited, so act fast. 

Supporting The Cavaliers of Today and Tomorrow

The Cavaliers 1989 Snare Line (Glenn Kotche pictured third from right)

Every ticket sold helps support The Cavaliers' mission of providing world-class performing arts education and experiences. The money raised from this raffle will help fund our 2025 operations.

Glenn highlights the enduring sense of community he found in the corps, that is still felt today. "Having friends who pushed me was essential in motivating me to keep practicing and trying. You don’t want to let your fellow members down, and you don’t want to be left behind skills-wise either." He also recalls, "My entire college life was rife with Cavaliers (and most of my roommates were Cavaliers too). So I guess you could say that camaraderie stuck. Same with the instructors, I’m still regularly in touch with at least 3 of them."

He also notes the importance of discipline and perseverance. "Well, certain types of discipline - like not moving when a mosquito landed on my face - and not letting that affect my playing -  is something that has helped me when unforeseen things happen on stage. That ability to roll with it and keep focus and concentration was something I got from The Cavaliers." And, "But there's also the idea of perseverance. That you keep trying and modifying until the very end - instead of phoning it in - which you can’t do, or the judges will know it. Same with what I do now, giving every show 100% no matter the situation. Because not only are concert tickets expensive, but music is a huge release and life-line for so many people, it’s something that as a performer, you can’t take for granted."

Marie Lauten