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
Caribbean police work to ID body found during search for missing American as nearby security guard was killed

Caribbean Authorities Seek to Identify Body Found During Search for Missing American After Nearby Security Guard Killing

A security guard was killed about 9 miles from where an American…
Canadian police official warns 'traditional values' may be sign a person is becoming 'extremist'

Canadian Police Officer Cautions that ‘Traditional Values’ Could Indicate Emerging Extremism

A spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) cautioned on Tuesday…
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…
Kendra G, Raven Smith join Windy City Weekend; Val and Ryan talk Bud Billiken Parade, Windy City Smokeout, new movies

Kendra G and Raven Smith Team Up on ‘Windy City Weekend’; Val and Ryan Discuss Bud Billiken Parade, Windy City Smokeout, and Upcoming Movies.

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Friday morning, Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini invited…
Jacksonville protest against Camp Blanding detention facility

Jacksonville Demonstration Opposes Detention Center at Camp Blanding

Advocates in Northeast Florida are protesting Gov. DeSantis’s plan to turn Camp…
Air India crash preliminary investigation report released

Preliminary Investigation Report on Air India Crash Published

The June 12 crash claimed the lives of at least 260 individuals…
Ex-Jaguars employee convicted of stealing $22M from team now faces state charges

Former Jaguars Worker Convicted of $22M Theft Now Faces State Charges

Amit Patel, 32, was admitted into the Duval County Jail Tuesday afternoon…
Carsten and Vivian Spohr at the Cannes Film Festival.

Wife of Airline CEO Allegedly Hits and Kills Babysitter, 24, With Car Before Leaving Vacation Island

THE wife of a billionaire airline CEO ran down and killed a…
Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier in the English Channel.

Russia’s Sole Ailing Aircraft Carrier, Once Struggling Through the Channel, Set to Be Retired

VLADIMIR Putin’s only rustbucket aircraft carrier that struggled through the Channel is…
Boeing settles with Paul Njoroge, man whose wife, 3 children died in 737 Max crash in Ethiopia in 2019, averting trial in Chicago

Boeing Reaches Settlement with Paul Njoroge, Man Who Lost Family in 2019 Ethiopian 737 Max Crash, Avoids Chicago Trial

Boeing has reached a settlement with a Canadian man named Paul Njoroge,…
Therapist sitting in front of hyperbaric chambers.

Therapist, 43, Tragically Perishes in Fiery Blaze Inside Oxygen Chamber After Sudden Fire at His Clinic

A PHYSICAL therapist has been burned alive inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber…
Singer Chris Brown pleads not guilty to 2 further charges over London nightclub assault case

Chris Brown Maintains Innocence Against Additional London Nightclub Assault Charges

LONDON — Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown on Friday entered a not guilty…