Name, age, hometown: Eric Ryan Dodez, 20, Baton Rouge, La. What corps are you in and what is your role this summer? Kiwanis Kavaliers marimba

Eric Dodez
Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. I played tenors in marching band for three years in high school. I'm going on my third year playing tenors in LSU's drum line. I marched tenors last summer with Kiwanis kavaliers and this summer, I'm playing marimba in the front ensemble. How did you decide to be a member of your corps? My roommate, who I march with at LSU, invited me to a camp that was held in Florida. I went and loved what I saw so I signed up. What first attracted you to the drum corps activity? The first time I ever saw or heard of drum corps was when I saw Cavaliers perform Niagra Falls on PBS in 2000. Seeing the precision drill and the incredibly difficult notes pulled me into the activity. Then, in 2001, Phantom Regiment used my high school for a housing site. Everything they did, from wearing the same sectional shorts to rehearsing ALL day, made me love drum corps. What advice would you give to young people who want to march? Don't hesitate, dive right in. You only have until you're 21, so see if it's the right activity for you and make the most of what you'll gain in your experiences. Do you have any favorite road anecdotes? I believe we were in Indiana and I had been blessed with not one but two ear infections. The pain was bordering unbearable so I took a trip to the hospital and they gave me Vicodin for the pain. That was an interesting day. I remember eating lunch by myself that day – that's about all I remember. However, my roommate took some pictures of me that day and it seemed like we had fun. The last good book I read: "Candide" by Voltaire The last great film I saw: "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" Where I go to school and what I'm studying: I go to LSU, majoring in Philosophy and minors in German Jobs I have/have had: I'm currently a waiter at an Italian restaurant called DeAnglos. Come to think of it, I've always been a waiter somewhere. I also teach percussion lessons. Three CDs I'd want on a deserted island: Umm, three mix CDs with my favouritest songs in the world -- mainly Dave Matthews. My favorite TV show: "Family Guy" or "Good Eats" Favorite performers: Counting Crows, Dave Matthews, LSU Tiger band, and, of course, me. How do you "blow off steam?" I'm not a steamy kind of person What has been your formative drum corps moment? The time spent at the airport after finals. Best drum corps show ever: SCV '89 What are you most looking forward to about the summer? This is my first summer in the pit, so I'm sure it'll be a new experience for me. Also, I look forward to seeing friends from around the country come see me. Best thing about being in a drum corps: Being part of a brotherhood. Worst thing about being in a drum corps: Waking up in the mornings. During tour, the best part of the day is: Arriving at a show site and having free time. During tour, the worst part of the day is: Morning block Favorite drum corps personality and why: Ron Coleman, Kiwanis Kavaliers visual write and caption head. He's a witty, philosophical, and inspiring person to know on any level, whether it be friendship or drum corps. What I want to be when I "grow up": Content Describe what you think a typical DCI show will look in 2015. I think the fans, members, and alumni will keep it the way it is. Feel free to add anything else you'd like. I guess now would be the time for some astonishing wit ...