One of the most entertaining moments in Drum Corps International history done right by (my mom’s favorite corps) - The Cadets!
I have a lot of positive things I could say about The Cadets - especially this particular show because I was blessed enough to march alongside some friends who had marched in this show (and their stories were always the BEST). I’ve heard horror stories about some of the drill (especially because Jeff Sacktig’s drill is no friggin’ joke - one of the best & most daring designers to follow the influence of Zingali - without a doubt).
The entire corps in 2000 was absolutely fantastic. I remember seeing the brassline when they were in Orlando and they had a Brass clinic for the crowd. Standing in front of the hornline - they literally played so loud and with so much pure power that the vibrations were felt in the ground and I just remember my whole body just like vibrating and my guts were turning and ribs were rattling - it was one of the most intense moments I have ever had in my experiences with Music in my life and I will never, ever forget it (one of Cipriani’s best brasslines).
The Cadets are one of the hardest working corps (especially when that dude Hopkins was in charge - I heard he was like a tyrant during rehearsal blocks - needless to say The Cadets’ success is not determined by one individual’s influence or command - Their overall commitment to excellence is the ultimate characteristic of The Cadets that truly sets them apart from other corps (in regards to a lot of fine details that other corps don’t necessarily apply especially in regards to individual technique becoming more unified both in a musical and visual sense). The Cadets are one of the oldest corps in America and their rich history has been full of amazing people that have truly helped shape & influence what the activity has become today (them & Star of Indiana, but that’s another story altogether)... Anyway - ENJOY!