BEATRIX' ODSC CHAMPION IN ASSEN

It was time for CBSD in Assen, where the program seems to come together every season. Also this year it was day not to be forgotten; a day during which Beatrix' became Open Dutch Champion. It was an early start for the members. At 8:00 the corps was present at Sherpa for a last minute rehearsal. Different parts of the show, mainly those where the new props are used, were repeated. During the run-through members became more confident and were ready for a good show in Assen. The trucks were loaded and the Streef busses arrived around 11:30 to bring the Corps to Assen. Upon arrival everybody helped to unload the truck and to assemble the props. The staff soon came to the conclusion that there was too much wind from the far North? While the members were getting ready for their warm-up, a solution was found.

At 16:00 it was finally showtime. The members were a bit nervous. This was the first judged performance of the season. The field seemed a little different to Beatrix’ own rehearsal field, and the wind made it difficult to move the props around. The members were not satisfied with that afternoon’s show, but all in all, it still was reasonable according to the staff members who had watched from the stands. The Olympic retreat in Assen is always very casual. Beatrix' was in 1st place with a score of 68.8. A decent score for the show that was not our best.

After a quick bite to eat a huge turnaround was made this day. It was time to get everything ready for the show on the Koopmans square. The warm-up was short, but nevertheless everyone was ready for a better show than this afternoon; you could feel the energy from the members. Everyone wanted the same thing: this had to be a good show.

The wind lied down and this gave the members more confidence that there wouldn’t be any struggles with the props. It is always interesting how the corps is so close to the audience as the members march onto the square; this is the power of Assen. Another aspect of this location is that the judges have a very prominent place right behind the front line and all the members can hear what they have to say about the show. It is certainly odd to see that the arranger of our program is also in the jury.

After the introductory text, it was time for “Wicked ". After 12 counts the statement had already been made: the opening was very solid. The members had enough confidence to retain this energy until the end of the show. The field was a lot smaller than what Beatrix’ is used to and this required some adjustment in the drill, but it looked like the members had done this for years. The props worked great this time and Beatrix’ performed the best show of the season so far. After the show the members were very pleased that they put aside the afternoon show and now performed it the way it should be performed.

In the evening all competing corps are in one class, not the separate classes as in the afternoon. It was finally time for the awards ceremony. Would Beatrix’ keep that afternoon’s position? Gradually, the concentration on the faces of the members came back. The first place was for Beatrix' with a score of 887 point. It was great to see the excitement of the members, staff and management. Finally Beatrix’ takes home a title after the disappointing results last season. The members were anxious to play the program once again during the victory encore concert. The ark was set up, the guard and pit instruments were picked up and the performance was started. This was an emotional, energetic encore and everyone enjoyed it, members and audience alike.