Needing a physical education credit for his high school, William Pichette went to a dance event at his high school and found out about the school’s color guard. 

While at a practice for the team, Pichette saw a recorded performance by the The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.

“I knew from then it was my dream to perform with The Cavaliers,” Pichette said. “As cheesy as that sounds.”

The Cavaliers are a world class junior drum and bugle corps based out of Rosemont and are currently practicing throughout Eastern’s campus during their pre-tour. The corps is composed of brass and percussion musicians as well as a color guard. Pichette is a member of their color guard.

Jen Parent, a tour manager for the corps, said they rehearse for almost the entire day during their pre-tour and they should know their show completely before they leave Eastern this week.

Parent said she enjoys looking after the members of the corps and she used to perform in a drum corps as well.

“I love the guys,” Parent said. “It’s such a team thing, a brotherhood thing.”

She said The Cavaliers is one of two all-male corps left and originally started as a Boy Scout troupe.

Ross Taylor, a fourth year drum sergeant from Waltlake, Mich., said the corps is a lot of fun and a way to make lifelong friends from across the world. He said he loves the atmosphere and the way the members are treated is unparalled.

“It’s a lot of hard work,” Taylor said. “It’s very rewarding. Once it’s over with you look back with a big sense of accomplishment.”

He said the corps starts training in May and performs until August each year. During the tour Taylor said they are in a different city everyday. The corps starts primarily in the Midwest but then travels throughout the country he said.

The rest of the year Taylor said the corps does other things such as school or work. 

He said they have a camp each month where they get together for a weekend.

Each year members of The Cavalier must audition again, Taylor said.

Scotty Flores, a color guard from El Paso, Texas, said the skills he develops with the corps will help with his dance career.

“I feel like it’s going to make me a stronger performer,” Flores said. “It’s going to build me up all around and make me better in the field of dance.”

Flores said he joined his high school color guard his sophomore year. 

He said he finds the artistry of the guard inspiring.

The Cavaliers’ first competition is the 15 and will tour for 12 weeks until August 11 for world championships in Indianapolis.

 Seth Schroeder can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].