By Brandon BarromettiThings are a lot different now that we have all returned to the "real world."For many, drum corps provides an escape from reality, a chance to get away from everything and throw all of your worries aside. Now it's time to go back to school, find a job, and move on with life. I can't say that I'm entirely comfortable with this change, but it is just another step in life that everyone must take. The drum corps chapter in my life has come to an end, but I'm sure it will be reopened every summer. It's very hard to stay away, and I don't imagine that a summer will go by when I won't be involved with drum corps in some way. Looking back, I feel very fortunate to have been involved with The Cavaliers for four years. I have learned a great deal about myself, and about music, that will stay with me forever -- no matter what I choose to do in life. Aging out was something that I had feared ever since my first summer, but I knew that the day would come when I would have to walk away. I can't think of a better way to end my drum corps career. The Cavaliers had an incredible summer, one for the record books. The emotion and energy on the field on Finals night was incredible! However, it was just the icing on the cake. The friendships, laughter, hard work, and lifelong lessons are what truly made my drum corps experience worthwhile. Winning championships doesn't make me happy. Being a Cavalier makes me happy. If I marched for ten years and didn't win a single championship, I would still feel like the luckiest guy in the world. It's hard for people to understand that, but it's true for anyone who has ever worn the green and black.I will take so much with me as I leave this activity. It's hard to put into words unless you've experienced it.