Drum Corps International: Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps preparing for home DCI performance at Benedictine University in Lisle
Share this @internewscast.com

LISLE, Ill. (WLS) — A local drum and bugle corps is making Chicago Proud, continuing a long legacy of performing arts around the nation.

The Cavaliers were back in town ahead of their home show at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

So much history comes with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps and their 77 years of dominance in performances across the country.

Known as the “Green Machine,” they participated in practice Friday before Saturday’s performance at Benedictine University. It’s a brotherhood that provides lifelong guidance.

The beat of a drum, the melody of a horn line, and the elegant motion of the color guard are just a few of the special performances by the Cavaliers, a drum and bugle corps with a rich history of cultivating young men through their passion.

Personal accountability, time management, just an intrinsic work ethic you cannot get anywhere else.

Will Collavitti, drum major

Originally established as a Boy Scout troop in 1948 by Don Warren, it now continues that legacy with their performing arts on a summer tour nationwide.

“We really focus on not just the craft of marching acts of drum core ok moving and playing but developing them as young people and building strengths that will serve them for their lifetime,” director Daniel Belcher said.

The Cavaliers are in the beginning of their summer tour, grinding through these hot summer days with rehearsals that last for hours.

“It’s exciting we have lots of fun moments, whether it’s on the bus laughing as a color guard or on the field, getting through the hard moments, pushing through the heat, pushing through the wind and the elements,” color guard member Devin Hairston said.

It’s all about the details as they prepare for big performances.

“All the alumni coming out to support us 77 years,” marimba player Haydn Veith said. “That’s so many alumni, and they’re always willing to pour back into us, so it’s a big deal for us we’re excited.”

The corps is made up of 160 young men from all around the United States who have to audition to be a part of the group. They make more than 20 stops across the country before competing at Drum Corps International World Championship Finals in Indianapolis in August. With that comes some fun along the way in the brotherhood.

“I’m out here with my friends, and we’re just working really hard, and it’s fraternal,” horn player Kenny Hunter said. “So it’s almost like a frat party, but just the entire summer.”

Once the young men pass 21 years old, they age out of the corps, but they take lifelong lessons with them.

“Personal accountability, time management, just an intrinsic work ethic you cannot get anywhere else,” drum major Will Collavitti said.

The guys are hyped up for Saturday’s performance in front of all the alumni. It will begin at 6 p.m. at Benedictine university.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Judge orders Trump administration to halt indiscriminate immigration stops, arrests in California

Court Mandates Trump Administration to Cease Random Immigration Checks and Arrests in California

LOS ANGELES — A federal judge on Friday commanded the Trump administration…
2025 Illinois measles cases: Health officials declare end of outbreak in southern Illinois

Southern Illinois Measles Outbreak Concludes: Health Officials Announce in 2025

CHICAGO (WLS) — Health officials in Illinois declared an end to an…
Chicago White Sox unveil statue of ace pitcher Mark Buehrle at Rate Field for 2005 World Series championship reunion weekend

Mark Buehrle Statue Unveiled at Rate Field During Chicago White Sox 2005 World Series Reunion Weekend

CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox unveiled a statue of former ace…
Naperville news today: Centennial Beach closed amid death investigation at 500 West Jackson Avenue, park district says

Naperville Update: Centennial Beach Closure During Investigation of Incident at 500 West Jackson Avenue, Reports Park District

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — A west suburban beach is closed to the…
Union says farm worker died after ICE raid that uncovered underage laborers

Union Reports Farm Worker Dies After ICE Raid Revealing Child Labor

On Friday, union officials reported that a farmworker had died following injuries…
Illustration of the Poseidon underwater drone.

Putin’s Main Spokesperson Warns of “Radioactive Tsunami” with Nuclear Torpedoes as Trump Approves Arms for Ukraine

PUTIN’S chief propagandist has warned Russia could wipe out both coasts of…
Portrait of Colonel Sergei Ilyin in military uniform.

Top Russian Commander, Accused of War Crimes and Atrocities, Killed in Ukraine Attack

VLADIMIR Putin’s brutal war machine was dealt another blow today as Moscow…
Supreme Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson triggered by 'state of our democracy'

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Expresses Concern About the ‘State of Our Democracy’

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, known for sparking debate, is facing…
17-year-old British teen dies after beach sand tunnel collapses during family vacation: report

Tragic Accident: 17-Year-Old British Teen Dies in Beach Sand Tunnel Collapse During Family Vacation

A day at the beach turned tragic when a 17-year-old boy was…
New England serial killer fears grip coastal town after paddleboarder’s ‘terrifying’ murder

Fear of New England serial killer looms over coastal town following paddleboarder’s ‘terrifying’ murder

A week after a paddleboarder from Maine was discovered murdered in a…
Claim $150 bonus or $1K first bet safety net for Wimbledon final between Swiatek and Anisimova

Grab a $150 Bonus or Secure a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net for the Wimbledon Final: Swiatek vs. Anisimova

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Mariners' Cal Raleigh hits 37th, 38th homers to move within one of Barry Bonds' pace

Cal Raleigh of the Mariners Slugs 37th and 38th Home Runs, Approaching Barry Bonds’ Record Pace

DETROIT — Cal Raleigh launched his 37th and 38th home runs, closing…