Today’s 2020 Ageout Profile recognizes Mitchell Kiriazes. Mitchell performs in the Mellophone section and this is his second season with The Cavaliers. We interviewed Mitchell’s family to learn a little more about him as the 2020 tour begins!
1. How did Mitchell become interested in the Cavaliers?
It all started when his oldest brother, Anthony, was on drumline in high school and showed Mitchell videos of The Cavaliers. Little did Anthony know, that small initial interest he sparked would turn out to be Mitchell’s heart’s desire.
2. Has Mitchell marched with other Drum Corps?
Yes! In 2016, Mitchell marched with Music City. 2017, he marched with Madison Scouts. 2019, he marched with The Cavaliers.
3. What is Mitchell’s favorite Cavaliers production?
The 2008 show. The Samurai.
4. What other hobbies does Mitchell enjoy besides Drum Corps?
Anything involving his dog, Luna! Mitchell has a German Shepherd dog around 3 years old named Luna and she absolutely adores Mitchell! The picture below is from the Murfreesboro practice last season when we surprised Mitchell with his puppy at his home show!
5. Where does Mitchell currently go to school?
Mitchell is a student at the University of Memphis in Tennessee. Go Tigers!
6. Do you think Mitchell will continue to be involved in Drum Corps in some way after he ages out?
Absolutely! He would love to continue his involvement in Drum Corps after his age out season;whether that be as a tech, as a volunteer, on staff, I’m sure you’ll find him on the field again insome aspect.
7. Has Mitchell related any of his favorite moments on tour?
Mitchell has had several favorite moments from tour this last season. First of which was having the honor of playing on Don Warren’s funeral. That was a very memorable experience he is proud to have been a part of. Secondly, this season was the first time we were able to get Mitchell’s grandma to come to a band show, let alone a DCI show! We were able to surprise Mitchell with his grandma showing up to the Whitewater show in early July and that was just so much fun for everyone involved! Last, but not least, this year we had a memory show up on our Facebook feed with Anthony, Stephanie (Mitchell’s sister), and Mitchell at the MTSU show almost 10 years ago. Mitchell was wearing a Cavaliers shirt with a mellophone player on the front. Years later, Mitchell was contracted to play mellophone with… The Cavaliers!
8. As the family member of Michell, how do you feel his time with the Cavaliers has affected his outlook on life?
I’ve seen Mitchell grow in so many different ways through each chapter of his marching band story. In high school, I was always called “Mitchell’s sister” and even now when I go to visit at practice and at the bus after finals; it’s “Mitchell’s sister.” I absolutely admire being called “Mitchell’s sister.” Mitchell has grown more confident in his skills with The Cavaliers. Not only is The Cavaliers helping him to learn new amazing show music, The Cavaliers are a brotherhood, and you can see that in how he acts with anyone that recognizes him from a show or even some random person on the street. Having the honor of calling him a Cavalier makes his eyes glow with a passion I have never seen before. Marching with The Cavaliers has been Mitchell’s dream since his brother, Anthony, introduced him to Drum Corps when Mitchell was in middle school.
Mitchell walks taller, laughs louder, and smiles bigger knowing he’s a part of something so much larger than just himself. There is great history with The Cavaliers. Mitchell is now a part of that great history. Playing at Don Warren’s funeral gave Mitchell a sense of honor that you can also see in how he walks, how he talks, and how he acts. With all of that, Mitchell was never boastful. I am proud to be called “Mitchell’s sister.”
9. What’s your favorite thing about marching Drum Corps, outside of anything mentioned before?
Other than meeting a bunch of cool people and making lifelong friends, the spirit posters
Stephanie makes are pretty cool. She makes a poster full of pictures from the season and I get it just after finals. It’s really great to see my family supporting me so much. My favorite poster has been the one from my first season with The Cavaliers.
Rolling With the Cavaliers 