The mission of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corp has always been to provide each member of the all male society with life changing experiences, both
educationally and socially. Not only has this mission been continuously fulfilled since its foundation in 1948, but the organization has also set
the standard in Drum Corps International competition winning five world championships since the 2000 season.

Discipline, dedication, and teamwork are what have led each Cavalier member to success both on and off the field for the past 60 years. No different is the story of Naperville resident Russell Wharton. In his first year with the Corp, this 2008 Naperville North graduate is learning first-hand how the tradition of excellence works.

"It's still a challenge for me and I think it's a challenge for everyone,"said Wharton of the mental aspect of competing with the Cavaliers. "Getting up in the morning, you feel terrible and don't want to rehearse. Maybe it's raining, maybe it's cold, maybe it's hot... you still have to go out there and do it perfect the first time every time, because that's the way we do things here."

Wharton said he is excited about the show the Cavaliers have put together this year.

"It's a very Cavalier-ish type show," Wharton said. "You can expect to see a
lot of excitement, very thematic elements."

For their 60th anniversary season, the show will be all about Samurai-that is, the ancient Japanese warrior. The Cavaliers will celebrate the culture of honor, courage, and discipline by performing original music and complex choreography which will be presented in four dramatic movements.

"I think everyone will really enjoy the show. It's what the Cavaliers do best."

The Cavaliers hope to perform their best when the Village of Rosemont sponsored Corp head to the DCI World Championships on August 9 in Bloomington, Indiana.

Jeff Mahoney Reports