Name, age, hometown: Eric Robert Pfeil, 20 years old, Johnstown, Pa. What corps are you in and what is your role this summer? This summer will be my rookie year with the Cadets on trumpet.

Eric Pfeil
Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. Obviously I did the whole high school band thing with the festivals, but my drum corps career started in 2000. I marched with the General Butler Vagabonds, a Division III corps out of Lyndora, Pa. I absolutely hated it. I could not wait to get home and I told myself I would never do this activity again. Two championship attendances later I found myself wanting to march drum corps more than ever. So, I drove my lonely self out to Columbus, Ohio, and got a spot with Capital Regiment for the summer of 2003. I returned to march a record-breaking year for the corps in 2004. Now, in March of 2005, I am eagerly waiting the start of the 2005 summer with the Cadets. How did you decide to be a member of your corps? I would have to say my brother pulled my leg a little bit to get me out there and audition, but it really has been a dream of mine to march a top-five corps. The tradition with the Cadets is something I am proud to be a part of. What first attracted you to the drum corps activity? In 2000, my brother pulled me into it. However, after watching and listening for two summers I would have to say it is the crowd and the chance to perform. What advice would you give to young people who want to march? Don't be afraid to audition anywhere. Do it now. Love it. Hate it. You will turn 21 sooner than you think. Do you have any favorite road anecdotes? Yeah, probably one I will never forget. Summer of 2003. We did a show in Bloomington/Normal Ill. It was my 19th birthday. We marched in a storm, got a standing ovation inside. Priceless. The last good book I read: "The Inner Game of Tennis" by W. Timothy Gallwey The last great film I saw: "The Boondock Saints" Where I go to school and what I'm studying: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, music education. Jobs I have/have had: Teaching percussion for local bands as well as being the director for an indoor percussion line. Oh, I believe I worked at the Gap. Three CDs I'd want on a deserted island: Dave Matthews Band, "Some Devil," and probably two burned ones with drum corps on them. My favorite TV show: "Salute your Shorts" Favorite performers: Maynard Ferguson, Dave Matthews How do you "blow off steam?" I try to play da dubba C. Doesn't usually work though. Too tasty. What has been your formative drum corps moment? Probably being a part of first-ever tradition. Maybe like a corps song? Best drum corps show ever: Ahhhhh. Um, probably '83 Cadets. What are you most looking forward to about the summer? Just for the opportunity to march this amazing corps. Best thing about being in a drum corps: The feeling after the last release in the show. Worst thing about being in a drum corps: Rehearsal days, of course. During tour, the best part of the day is: Either bedtime or showtime. During tour, the worst part of the day is: Yes, I'll say it again. The worst part is waking up and asking yourself why you did this. Favorite drum corps personality and why: Dave Tippett. Because he is a master and he is great. What I want to be when I "grow up": Me Describe what you think a typical DCI show will look in 2015. Do I hear Saxophones? Muhahaha. Feel free to add anything else you'd like. Special thanks to Mike, my brother, for encouraging me to audition. By the way, Mike is the director of corps operations for YEA!