With the Cadets announcing they’ll perform “Mass” in 2017, we got to thinking about five other times the corps brought the best of Leonard Bernstein to the football field.
Historically the corps has been well-known for demonstrating its love for the American Composer, having featured his works on multiple occasions since Drum Corps International’s founding in 1972.
5 2009
“West Side Story: Conflict and Resolution”
3rd Place, 97.200
The Cadets celebrated their 75th anniversary with a production of “West Side Story.” That year the corps reverted to its original name, “Holy Name Cadets,” bringing back several drill maneuvers from the group’s storied past.
4 1994
“West Side Story”
2nd Place, 97.700
The Cadets performed another “West Side Story” show for their 60th anniversary. Bringing the classic Sharks versus Jets saga to the football field, memorable moments included a drill formation of a jet that morphed into a shark’s fin.
31990
“XtraordinarY”
3rd Place, 96.850
The title of the corps’ “XtraordinarY” production itself gave a nod to the XY male chromosomes, and turned our expectations upside-down with its physical demands.
21992
“Mass”
1st Place, 94.400
Cadets won the corps’ first DCI title with a show largely comprised of “Mass.” Back then, electronics were not yet legal by DCI rules, so what Bernstein referred to as “A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers” had to be performed without the lyrics written by him and Stephen Schwartz of “Wicked” fame. Look for an eight-member Cadets vocal ensemble to bring new life to “Mass” in 2017.
12010
“West Side Story”
1st Place, 98.000
Entirely dedicating their 50th anniversary to “West Side Story,” the World Championship-winning production was famed for its complex drill forms that were often referred to as “un-marchable.” The most memorable moment is one that practically burned out the rewind function on thousands of VHS players: George Zingali’s company front that seemed to appear out of nowhere, no matter how many times one saw it unfold.
