2023 Ghost Train: Continuing the Tradition
Every summer, the drum corps landscape is dotted with the satin sheen of maroon bowling jackets. Each one is worn as a badge of honor and a banner of support. Each one has a story to tell.
A summer in the maroon and gold is a profoundly uniting experience. Every season is different, yet so much is the same. For members of The Cadets, meeting alumni who stood in their shoes decades before is one of the most impactful experiences of the summer. Now more than ever, we are leaning into efforts that further the connection between nine decades of alumni and their current corps.
"The history of the corps absolutely motivates this generation of Cadets," said Dr. Matt Stratton, The Cadets Brass Caption Manager and a CBrass alumnus himself. "They soak up the history and make it their mission to be the next great chapter in the legacy."
Through the years, the occasional alumni jacket had made its way onto the seat back of a current marching member. Thanks to Dr. Stratton, this idea gained popularity during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Several alumni loaned jackets to current members, epitomizing the profound connection between Cadets of all generations.
For 2023, we're continuing The "Ghost Train" alumni jacket sharing program - a unique opportunity for Cadets Alumni to personally stand in solidarity with the current Cadets.
"It’s so cool when you can give your jacket to a current member," said Color Guard Staff Member and Alumnus Rob Godin. "It gives you a lifelong connection with another Cadet from a different generation!"
"It's such a special thing. Having this intentional connection from alumni directly to the members is only going to increase our success both on and off the field," Dr. Stratton said.
With spring training already underway, we encourage any Cadets Alumni interested in sending their corps jacket to a 2023 Cadet to wear this season to fill out this form!
Please consider including a note in the pocket of your jacket to the current Cadet who will be wearing it this summer, as well as your email address if you would like to be in contact with them.
Jackets MUST be received by the corps by Wednesday, June 21, 2023.
If you would like to donate a jacket in perpetuity for yourself or a loved one, please contact Dan Hurd at dhurd@cadets.org.
