While many recent graduates are taking a well-earned break this summer, ATEMS graduate and Cooper High School competitor Rylan Murray is embracing a unique opportunity to grow as both a performer and leader. Murray will spend his summer in Michigan, training and touring with the internationally renowned Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.

Founded in 1948 in Chicago, the Cavaliers are an elite, male-only performance group that competes in more than 25 events each summer, culminating at the Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championships in Indianapolis. Murray earned a spot in the group’s color guard after submitting an audition video earlier this spring.

“I thought about sending in an audition video last fall, but I thought I would just do it next year after my freshman year in college,” said Murray, who will attend Texas Tech University and major in speech pathology. “But this spring I decided just to do it now because I might not have the opportunity again.”

Murray was a drum major for the Awesome Cooper Band and played clarinet in the concert band. For his Cavaliers audition, he showcased his skill in flag and rifle choreography, a new challenge that pushed him outside of his comfort zone.

“This was completely different than anything I’ve ever done before,” he said.

After weeks of preparation, Murray heard back just before graduation.

“I was sitting in sixth period, and I was checking my email when I saw an email from the director,” he said. “I ran to my band director (John Landin) and told him. It was really awesome.”

Following graduation from ATEMS on May 24, he flew to Michigan to begin rehearsals. Murray was inspired to audition after seeing the Cavaliers perform in Abilene last summer.

“That was my first time to see them in person, and I fell in love with the group,” he said. “The Cavaliers have a strong bond; a brotherhood is what they call it.”

The Cavaliers’ summer tour begins June 27, with stops in Indiana, Texas, and beyond. They’ll perform in Houston, San Antonio, and Mesquite, where Murray expects to see family cheering him on. The season ends August 9 in Indianapolis, just days before he begins college and joins Texas Tech’s Goin’ Band from Raiderland.

“I’ve already been to one weekend camp and made some great friends,” Murray said. “I know I won’t get much of a summer break, but this is such a great opportunity, and I’m excited for what’s coming up in the next couple of months.”