Name, age, hometown: Vinny Cataudella, 20, Shelton, Conn., and Storrs, Conn. (University of Connecticut). What corps are you in and what is your role this summer? I play trumpet for the Crossmen. Where I go to school and what I'm studying: I'm a junior at UConn, studying human development and family studies.

Vinny Cataudella
Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. I did the typical four years of high school marching band and was drum major there. I marched DCA with the Connecticut Hurricanes from 2002 to 2004, and for three weeks in 2005 after my rookie season with the Crossmen. What's your practice schedule like? It's tough to practice at school, but I make a point to rehearse at least seven hours over the course of the week on the horn, and plenty of buzzing in my dorm. What does your ideal free day consist of? Relaxing and actually being able to take in the sights. A lot of people think because we travel so much that I get to see a lot of the cities I perform in even though I have to tell them most of the time is spent rehearsing. Favorite pig-out food: Cooler Ranch Doritos, hands down. I'm addicted. In the shower you can hear me singing: I don't sing, I just whistle a lot. The last good book I read: I'm reading it right now, "Scarecrow" by Matthew Reilly. Good, good stuff, far-fetched but VERY entertaining. The last great film I saw: I have seen lots of good movies, the last great one would have to be "The Usual Suspects." Jobs I have/have had: I've done lots of volunteer work, but the last two main jobs I've had were being a playground counselor in my hometown and a building manager at the Student Union at UConn. My favorite TV show: "The Simpsons" and "House" What has been your formative drum corps moment? Giants Stadium the Sunday before finals in 2005. We just added the bum rush at the end of "Radar Love" that day and to see the whole crowd eat that up, stand, and go CRAZY was amazing. It was the most emotional performance for me of the season! What would you be doing next summer if you were not marching? Wishing I was marching on tour, and just working and marching with the Hurcs. How did you decide to be a member of your corps? It started out being a matter of finances, and Crossmen were close to me to the point where I wouldn't need to fly to each camp. But when I walked in the door, I knew this corps felt right and was one where I fit in well. I've always enjoyed the products Bones put out also, so it was a good match for me. What first attracted you to the drum corps activity? My sister and marching band instructors marched at the Hurricanes, so I tried it out, and have been hooked ever since. What advice would you give to young people who want to march? Get out there and audition, don't worry about whether or not you'll make it. You'll learn a lot and be prepared to audition again next year if you do get cut. But don't let the fear of auditioning cause you to miss out on marching, it's amazing! What I want to be when I "grow up": A counselor or therapist. Favorite drum corps personality and why: Tough question, but this past season I looked at our drum major Becky Terry with awe. Nine years as a Crossmen, it was a pleasure and honor to march with her! Best drum corps show ever and why: Tough question, so I'll pick one show I really love that isn't as popular among people as it should be -- the 2001 Blue Devils. The year is 2030. What does a DCI show look like? Nothing but jazz running, tempos pushing 260, and very intricate show designs. It's gonna be pretty cool! Feel free to add anything else you'd like. Best of luck to everyone in 2006! See you on tour!