THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING I HAVE EVER...

Saturday, May 8th, time was spent on the entire musical program. Every piece of the show was played and where needed Rob gave explanations on how the music should be interpreted. “Allright, This was one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard, but it was out of balance and not good enough!” Said Rob, “But that is why I am here and it’s all going to be allright.”

The members were triggered to make their best effort. All sections of the hornline received lots of information from Rob about what he wants to hear and feel throughout the passages of the show, because Rob Balfoort says: “The musical score is the most unmusical thing thinkable; music is something you need to feel.”

A musical day for the horns and drums meant that the colorguard had plenty of time to fill in their movements. The ladies and gentlemen of the guard have filled in a lot of motions but there’s always room for more. After a whole day of making music the corps performed a successful run, where the music had greatly improved and the many new movements of the guard really enhanced the program.

The following Wednesday evening was spent working on Movement three. This piece is a combination of tunes from Wicked and Brand New Day, including an extensive drum break. After a good warm-up, it was once again time to work with our arranger. The drumline used the evening to give the percussion feature its finishing touch. It is a tough piece of music, where the brass has some very challenging drill. The guard used the main field to rehearse all the movements that were added the previous rehearsal and combined it with their drill. The total picture made for a great addition to the entire program.

The following Saturday was again a good rehearsal day. The music had been fine-tuned; the drill rehearsed, but the combination of the two still needed some work. Movement three’s drill was repeated after a short physical warm-up, and some new visuals were added. After lunch there was a short musical warm-up and Rob Balfoort was there to coordinate a musical ensemble, after which some time was spent putting it all into coordination.

The drill is very demanding of the members, being fast and challenging. The drumline brought a fantastic percussion solo with newly added body moves. For Rob Balfoort the run at the end of the day was a one like he never heard before; his help has definitely brought the corps to a higher level. “This was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard, but there is still room for improvement.” There sure is. Beatrix’ is on the Yellow Brick Road; the road to a fantastic drum corps season.