no injury - equipment truck accident

At about 11:00 PM Thursday night our equipment truck was rear ended while traveling from Denton, TX to San Antonio TX. The accident happened while passing through construction in Waco, TX on I-35 at mile post 338A.

There were no members involved in the accident and our truck driver was unhurt. The student buses were far behind the equipment truck at the time. All students and staff are safe.

The truck is currently being taken to a secure storage location, and we will assess the damage in the morning in the daylight. Also at this time we are unsure of what kind of equipment damage there is to marching equipment as the battery and many brass instruments were stored in the back end of the equipment truck.


We are doing our best to reach out to the drum corps community to temporarily replace any instrument and trailer damage to keep the corps moving forward through their summer tour.

Friday 8:00p PST: Thank you to the drum corps community for being so supportive. We are on tour and we don't have an equipment trailer, so this is very serious.

The trailer is a complete loss. The frame has completely buckled causing serious damage to keyboard instruments on the floor level, damage to battery percussion instruments and drum major podiums that were located in the rear of the trailer.

This trailer has been with the Cascades for a few decades now and has certainly done a great job for us! We just recently repainted and renovated the interior in 2009, but now, she will rest in Waco, TX.

The good news, is the equipment damage is contained to some battery instruments, but, one battery problem is like loosing them all! Unfortunately there are also new Adams keyboards that are a complete loss. The new King Ultimate Brass, new uniforms and all guard equipment are intact. The percussion will be performing tomorrow in San Antonio due to the kindness of Pearl Drums and Wagner High School.

The members had plenty of visual rehearsal today and took a nap during the heat of the day. They are in great spirits and are ready for a wonderful performance tomorrow.

After a grueling removal, inventory, photos, interior gutting and reloading process, the assets have now arrived in San Antonio and with the help of many we will have a wonderful weekend.

As most know, the corps closed shop in 2008 due to finances and has worked so hard, not only to return with class, but, to rebuild with better equipment, instruments, and this year, new uniforms. This has meant that our budgeting has been as tight as you can possibly run a ship. Of course, insurance will eventually help solve financial issues, but today, we need to keep these students moving forward.

We have rented a 48' trailer from Penske and will be renovating it on Sunday while the students are at I & E. If you are interested in helping with renovation that day at Kitty Hawk M.S. 840 Old Cimaronn Trail, Universal, TX please contact Pat Davis (425) 210-5980.

Please consider donating to help keep our 53 year history alive. Thank you.