The Seattle Cascades have been a DCI division I corps for all of three months, and things already couldn't be more exciting in the land of coffee grounds and the Space Needle.

"Now that we are division I there is much more interest from potential members from other parts of the country," Leone said. "In addition, we have been able to attract some experienced 'top five' staff members."

Leone said he thinks the corps isn't overstepping its bounds by stepping up to play with the big boys.

"There won't be much difference for us in terms of travel distance or cost," Leone said, "since we have been a nationally touring corps the past decade. In fact, we expect to have more revenue due to higher performance fees, tour fees and souvenir sales. However, we have some new challenges that will increase our expenses -- such as adding more staff members, another bus and a larger color guard and brass line.

"The biggest challenge is being competitive with such outstanding organizations that have been the cornerstone of division I. We decided to move up to division I because we want to become the best corps that the Northwest has ever produced. We have a lot of talent in the Pacific Northwest but we usually lose that talent to other division I corps in the country. There is no reason to lose that talent anymore. It is our hope that the Cascades will continue to improve and move up the ranks and some day become one of those cornerstones."

Seattle Cascades

Turning point: Leone becomes director

Leone became active with the organization starting in 1994, working with the booster club and fund-raising aspects. But the corps really started to take off in 1998 when he took duties as executive director and then corps director for the 2000 season...

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