Breaking News: The Cadets Suspend Competition for 2024
One of DCI's most storied organizations will be watching from the sidelines this coming season.
Earlier today, Cadets Arts & Entertainment (CAE), the non-profit organization overseeing The Cadets Drum Corps, officially announced the suspension of The Cadets' 2024 competitive season. The decision came after a comprehensive review of the organization's financial health, revealing a significant failure to meet fundraising goals for the year. This comes just days after Southwind Drum & Bugle Corps, out of Mobile, AL, announced that they would be suspending operations in the wake of their own financial difficulties.
CAE Board Chair John Broschak expressed the difficulty of this decision in the press release covering their suspension, stating, "Simply put, budgeted fundraising amounts did not materialize as anticipated, which has led to an unsustainable financial situation and concerns about providing a quality Cadets experience for 2024. For these reasons, the CAE Board has no other choice but to suspend The Cadets' 2024 competitive season."
The organization also announced the resignation of Executive Director Vicki Ferrence Ray. Brian Murphy will continue in his role as Corps Director. Broschak emphasized that CAE made this decision before the new season's commencement, highlighting their commitment to prioritizing the well-being of the students.
Despite recent financial challenges, The Cadets enjoyed a successful year on the field, achieving fifth place and earning their highest Finals score since 2015. CAE had previously relocated The Cadets’ operations from Allentown, PA, to the Erie Sports Center in Erie, PA, in a move intended to secure the future of the corps and insulate it from the financial challenges faced in the wake of COVID-19, as well as their well-publicized separation from former non-profit Youth Education in the Arts, Inc. and director George Hopkins.
For further information about CAE and The Cadets, please visit their website at cadets.org. The drum corps community and supporters will watch closely as CAE navigates these financial challenges and plans for the future.
Matthew Carstensen is currently GEM’s Managing Editor. He has been involved in the Pageantry Arts for over a decade as a performer at the highest level, an instructor, and a fan. You can find him on Twitter, Threads, and Instagram at @SatNightLites. He currently lives in Florida with his dog.