Cavalier Cadets

The Cavalier Cadets junior drum & bugle corps was formed in 1955 as the Cavaliers B corps, a feeder corps for the Cavaliers, under the direction Art Mix.

Initially, the corps numbered a dozen members and twice a summer, donned white shirts, black pants and green and black berets, joined the “Cavaliers A” in parades. In 1961, a more formal unit was organized as a training corps, glimmering in and out of existence depending on the number of interested and the needs of the parents.

In 1970, the Cavaliers B corps, under the direction of Art Kurth, reorganized with a stronger foundation and by 1973, Adolph DeGrauwe, Cavalier alumnus, brought his two sons in the Hall and took over the program with a new vision and name, the Cavalier Cadets. As part of the vision, the corps entered the field of competition that season, participating in both state conventions, placing 12^that the IL American Legion (AL) and 15^th at the IL VFW.

The following year saw the corps return to the IL AL and VFW state contests, placing 12^th and 16^th respectively before competing at the 1974 VFW Nationals, finishing 28^th in the prelims. In 1975, the corps continued its progression and became founding members of the “Cadet Corps International (CCI) circuit in 1976. After a 14^th place finish at the IL VFW convention, they went on to finish 3^rd at the inaugural CCI championship.

In 1977, the Cadets participated at the DCI Midwest “Cadet Class” division championships, where they placed 3^rd along with a 2^nd place finish at the CCI finals. The next two seasons saw the corps place 2^nd and 3^rd at the 1978 and 1979 CCI circuit championships and in 1980, contended at the IL Drum Corps Association contest, placing 5^th in the finals and returned to the VFW Nationals, with a 14^th place finish in prelims. The corps capped off the season with yet another 2^nd place award at the 1980 CCI.

In 1981, the corps enjoyed a strong season of competition, placing 8^th in the finals of the IL State Fair and winning the elusive CCI title for the first and only time. They participated at the American International Open in 1982, placing 18^th in the “Class A” preliminary round and proceeded to a 3^rd place finish at the CCI championships over the next 4 years.

 In 1984, the Cavalier Cadets appeared at their final VFW Nationals, placing 8^th in the finals and toured to the Key to the Sea & US Open championships’ prelims, placing 21^st and 23rd respectively. In their final season of competition, the Cadet corps competed at the Drum Corps Midwest championships, placing 10^th in the “Class A-60” prelims and finished their celebrated story by winning the IL State fair title. 

Due to financial strains, it was reluctantly decided that the Cadet corps was to be discontinued in 1986.

Paul Legault (DCX)

CORPS 2 items

Cavalier Cadets

CavalierCadets,Rosemont,IL,Pin1(BJA)J_U_S from the Richard Elmquist Collection

Cavalier Cadets

CavalierCadets,Rosemont,IL,Pin2-GreenYoungCavalier(BJA-3.5)J_U_S from the Richard Elmquist Collection

LOADING.....