FROM AN ALUMNUS

When I became a member of Beatrix’ Drum & Bugle Corps there were two separate organizations, Jong Beatrix and Beatrix’. I came from a different drum corps and was used to being part of a very solid group of friends. I decided that I would not invest a lot of time and energy, I would simply do my thing and that was it.

But once you become a member it doesn’t matter what kind of organization it is; you simply get sucked in. My mom and dad always taught me to contribute to an organization. Not just do your thing but to help out when they need you. I’ll tell you, the thought of not putting much energy in was quickly gone. Also at Beatrix’ there were paint jobs to be done, old newspapers to be picked up and rooms to be cleaned. Also at Beatrix’ you would see volunteers carry heavy things and the voice of my dad appeared in my head: “what’s wrong with your hands? Go help!”

I am being honest when I say that I didn’t accept such tasks with a big smile in those days. I would think “please let someone else do it, I’m busy enough already.” Despite the fact that my parents weren’t there at that moment I felt an urge to contribute. Everyone thinks back to their parents and how they were so harsh.

At a certain point you realize that you are way past the age of forty and you start to get annoyed by people who don’t find helping out a natural thing. People who will walk by and think “He can manage that on his own,” or worse, they don’t think about it at all. Sometimes you would hear people say “That’s not my job. I only march.”

Call me an old man, but I become so irritated when that happens. I’m so glad my mom and dad taught me different. Of course there are parents who will do the same as mine, and there are always parents who don’t, but it seems to me that it has become more difficult for people to do something out of their comfort zone. Sometimes when there’s a call for assistance it remains awfully quiet. I’m glad to see that there are still people who always say yes. Then again, they are always the same people.

Was this always the case? Probably yes. But this has become a bigger problem than it used to be, for sure. Is it our society? Are we more busy now? Are we spoiled too much at Beatrix’ because there are always so many volunteers? I don’t know. But the fact remains that Beatrix’ needs all those volunteers and members who will do something outside their comfort zone.

Sometimes you don’t want to paint or clean up the building but when you start doing it, it’s so much fun. But the best thing about helping is that it gives you fulfillment when you have finished. I will always be grateful to my mom and dad for teaching me that.

Henk