The Cadets 2010
TOY SOULDIER
Perhaps the most cherished and well-known characteristic of The Cadets is … The Uniform!
Inspired by the Cadets of West Point, the Maroon and Gold has been worn continuously through the many years The Cadets have entered the field of competition. In 2010, using the look of the corps as central to the production, The Cadets present TOY SOULDIER, a look through a young man’s imagination of what it might be like if the regiment of life as a soldier was replaced with the freedom of the individual spirit. Many young boys have played with toy soldiers. Opening at center stage, our single character does just that before suddenly realizing that perhaps these solders are more than imaginary. They are right here, and they are VERY REAL!
To the majesty of Procession of the Nobles, the Rimsky–Korsakov classic, The Cadets enter the field to the wonderful clarity and precision of this grand musical fanfare. Twenty-two herald trumpets announce the entrance, the guard complements with choreography distinct to the mood and time, and the line between imagination and reality begins to blur.
Alas, being toys, and being of the old fashioned wind-up variety, soldiers can slow down, and even come to a halt. After a bit of a breather, Overture for School for Scandal by Samuel Barber provides the background for a dramatic change of mood. Our soldiers run the field, move without direction, and even threaten our story’s character, all as the tale takes various twists and turns. Eventually, there is a chance for friendship and learning. With School for Scandal continuing as the backdrop, our young man is able to communicate with one of the soldiers and what follows is the chance to communicate on equal basis! There is a connection and a possibility.
Children’s Dance, a movement from Howard Hanson’s Maypole Dances, is a piece filled with joy and energy and this selection works as a backdrop for a presentation on two levels. The Cadets have the opportunity to highlight each section of the corps in featured presentations, and through the use of the shako, soldiers are able to come to life, at least for a few minutes, culminating in a joyous ending that features visual speed and great effect.
The escape however is short lived, and our soldiers return to from where they came, with Rimsky-Korsakov again providing the backdrop as Dance of the Tumblers shows off The Cadets’ technical excellence, values of precision, and the importance of team, during a final two minute blur of speed and excitement that brings The Cadets 2010 production, TOY SOULDIER to a thrilling close!
For the Cadets, Music and Movement have forever been intertwined. This is again the case in 2010 and as an added treat, there is a bit of a story, a good look at uniform and even a look into our soul. Enjoy, the 76th Edition of the Cadets as we build upon a history of performance excellence.
The 9-time World Champion Cadets are an “All Yamaha” performing ensemble utilizing the following Yamaha brass instruments:
YTR-8335RGS Xeno Trumpet, YMP-204MS Marching Mellophone
YBH-301MS Marching Baritone, YEP-202MS Marching Euphonium
YBB-202MS Marching Tuba
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