Please welcome back Chris Jones, front ensemble veteran to the 2022 Cavaliers!
From Chris’ mother, Susan:
Chris started band in 6th grade. He heard they went on trips and was sold! He tried out on several instruments, including percussion, but decided on the flute. Then comes the first day of school and woodwinds didn’t fit his academic schedule. But percussion did. He was going to change electives, but I encouraged him to stick it out for a bit- after all, he had some interest in percussion to try out for it. Fast forward to him heading into his senior year of college as a Music Ed major and a talented and dedicated percussionist. And his fourth year in DCI, third with the Cavaliers.
Chris loved DCI all the way back in middle school. He and his friends would get together and watch the championships live streamed, and go to any local shows they could. He was a Vanguard fan back then, but loved and appreciated all the corps. He talked about auditioning for DCI as soon as he was able to. His senior year in high school, at 17 years old, he got contracted with Spirit of Atlanta.
He was so excited (and probably a bit in disbelief) as he prepared for tour. At the airport there were lots of hugs and tears (mostly from me) as we both worried about the unknown. I got a lot of calls and texts the following weeks. The call I remember most, was when he had full rehearsal on the field with the whole band. He couldn’t believe he was living out his dream. That was the last call I got on tour. He knew he was exactly where he was supposed to be and was soaking it all in.
His rookie year we met up with him in San Antonio and took him out for lunch. He showed us videos and pictures and told us tour stories. One stood out the most- there was a pillow fight amongst corps at a housing site they were all sharing. And he met some Cavaliers. I had heard him talk about the Cavs previously. I knew he loved their style and they were a fave corps for him. But this day I knew he had given his heart to them. He would be a Cavalier.
He had a plan before that summer- that encounter with those guys. He’d march here and then there and then age out over here. That next summer he got his contract with The Cavaliers. He was home. He’d march every year he had left with them, and age out with this brotherhood. That first tour, 2020, ended up getting canceled. But he was still a Cav. He was still making lifelong friends.
So here we are, his third year, only one left after this season before he ages out. He found his home and there’s no looking back. He loves The Cavaliers. He loves the community, the family, the brotherhood. He also loves the instruction. How the Cavs got their nickname as “The Green Machine”. He loves the music he gets to play, the style of performance, and the shows they put on. He loves being apart of their history and their future.
So that’s how we became Cavalier parents. We too love the corps. We feel safe with sharing our son with them. Not just for his physical and emotional safety, but also knowing he’s learning and experiencing the truest essence of DCI. And that he’s doing it with an organization that firmly believes in equality, tolerance, and love.
When he’s not with the Cavaliers, he is performing in one of the many ensembles he’s in at University of Texas- Arlington, performing and competing with The Vigilantes Indoor Percussion, at a high school tech job, or he’s playing the marimba, drum set, or another instrument at home. He also enjoys spending time with his beautiful girlfriend (also a music major), gaming with his youngest brother, creating play lists for his younger sister, and loving on one of our many animals- especially his cat, Sushi.
Rolling With the Cavaliers 