Rosemont, IL · DRUMCORPS.NET PROFILE
The Cavaliers at a glance
The Cavaliers are a World Class drum and bugle corps associated with Rosemont, Illinois, and the Cavaliers Arts, Performance and Education organization. Their identity grew from Chicago scouting roots into one of DCI’s founding ensembles. The Green Machine nickname, geometric visual design, and long championship history are common entry points for fans, while the present organization also offers other educational programs. Official organization.
Don Warren and the beginning
Don Warren founded the corps in 1948 for Boy Scout Troop 111 in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. The organization’s remembrance of Warren links his personal leadership with the community that sustained the ensemble over decades. DCI’s obituary also identifies his role among the activity’s founding directors. These sources help connect the corps’ origins with the later national organization rather than treating the history as only a championship list. Official remembrance; DCI founder profile.
The organization maintains a broader history page and anniversary video montages. Those resources trace changing personnel, equipment, uniforms, and performance language across generations. Historical resources.
2002 Frameworks: music and visual design as one idea
Frameworks completed an undefeated 2002 season at 99.150, a record final score at the time, and the corps’ third consecutive championship. DCI’s retrospective identifies original music by Richard Saucedo, Bret Kuhn, and Erik Johnson, with Michael Gaines’ visual ideas contributing to the musical construction. The movements explored melody, harmony, and rhythm.
For a first viewing, follow the transformation of geometric forms. On a second viewing, listen for the melodic fragment and how the brass and percussion develop it while the forms evolve. The production is particularly useful for understanding design that creates its own abstract logic instead of relying on a familiar story. Official DCI production analysis.
A separate first-person DCI account focuses on the physical demands of traveling across the field during the production. Pairing an audience perspective with a performer’s account reveals how an apparently fluid formation depends on precise individual timing and movement. Performer perspective.
For supporters and listeners
Sources and further reading
- Official organization
- Warren remembrance
- DCI founder profile
- History
- Frameworks analysis
- 2002 performer account
- Percussion auditions
- Current team
- Policies
- Volunteers