BEATRIX' FEBRUARI UPDATE

At this moment all sections of the corps have their own schedule. The Winterguard members are working hard on their show, and do so in a sports hall far away from the rest of the corps. The drums are in the bunker or in the attic working on their scores, chops and playing style. They have a new staff, a new writer, new drumheads, new players and more, so there’s a lot they have to get used to this year. The horns spend their time in warm subsection rooms and are taught about breathing technique, playing technique and how to make music. It’s all proving to be quite challenging, but some pieces are already starting to sound quite good.

The First ensembles were fun and educational for members as well as staff. The music is technically demanding, but is starting to sound very cool. The first winterguard contests were a success for Beatrix’, but there’s still enough work to be done. A victory is always fun, but we don’t stop working until finals are over. Despite the fact that all sections of the corps are thoroughly enjoying themselves performing their own activities, we are all looking forward to that moment when the corps will be united again. United, to work together on an awesome product in the fresh air.

At this moment the hornline has covered the first four parts of the show, and only has Movement 5 left to go. The drums, like always, are one Movement behind, since their arranger can only start writing after the hornline parts are finished. They are currently working on part 3 of the show and will get started on Movement 4 soon. There will be three more ensemble rehearsals this winter (February 20th and March 6th and 20th) in which the brass music will be merged with the percussion book. In the mean time the drill is being written in the United States, and should be finished before Easter Camp. The first few sets have been received and are looking great. Every Saturday a part of the corps works on the marching & maneuvering technique required to march this drill.

The transport crew is busy working on the new truck and are performing some major maintenance on the trailer. In the USA progress is being made on our new uniforms, because yes, our plan is still to have Beatrix’ in a new style this year. The winterguard group will continue working on their ‘Magic Lane’ program, until they will be united with the corps again in Roggel.

As you can see, these times are very busy in Hilversum and surroundings, but nevertheless we can’t wait to show of what we have learned to the outside world. But until the sun show its face, we will be fine in our warm rehearsal rooms.