Corps Traditions and Rituals
- Corps Songs: Prior to entering the field for competitions, the entire corps sings both "Over the Rainbow" and "The Corps Song", which has original lyics set to the tune of "Semper Paratus", the U.S. Coast Guard hymn. These two songs are also sung by the corps and its alumni on special occasions and in celebrations.
- Battle Cry: Prior to entering the field for competitions, the entire corps shouts out "SPLOOIE!". This is also shouted by the corps and its alumni on special occasions and in celebrations.
- Street Beat: The Cavalier's street beat, "Iowa", is played by the bass drum line as the corps marches off the field after a performance. The beat reputedly was developed by the corps' bass drummers in 1964 or '65, soon after the Cavaliers became the first corps to use tuned bass drums.
- The Corps Handshake: is a handshake reserved for greeting or saying farewell to fellow corps members.
- Cavalier Member Jacket: may not be purchased until a member has marched in his first competition.
- Machine Gears or Nozos: Worn on a necklace, the small, plastic gears are symbolic of "The Green Machine", and one is awarded for each year marched in the corps. In recent years, gears have been painted or otherwise customized by the Drum Majors to represent that year's show.
- Cavalier Initiation: is held for all second year members and for "first-year age-outs". Once initiated, the member officially becomes "A Cavalier"; learns the meaning of the battle cry, "Splooie!"; and receives a small, white gear for the machine gear necklace.
- Annual Banquet: is held for members, staff, volunteers, family, and friends. Awards are presented at the banquet.
- Member Awards: The corps members elect, from within their ranks, a "Cavalier of the Year" and a "Rookie of the Year".
- Honorary Cavalier: is an award presented by the staff to non-marching staff members, volunteers, or benefactors "who have provided exceptional assistance to the corps over a significant period of time."
Read more about this topic: The Cavaliers Drum And Bugle Corps
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