OUT OF THE BLUE: SABRINA SWERISSEN

- Please introduce yourself.
I am Sabrina Swerissen. I come from Hilversum and am 16 year old. I am a member of Beatrix’ colorguard.

- What do you do at Beatrix’?
Last winter I started at Beatrix’ Winterguard with the program “The Magic Lane”. After that I continued marching during the summer season.

- How many hours per week do you practice?
There is not a lot I can practice at home, but I do listen to the Music as often as I can and watch our video recordings.

- How did you get to know Beatrix’?
Before joining Beatrix’, I was a member of the cadet corps Jong Beatrix. I got in touch with the corps through my brother, Jeffrey, who marched there as well. Also my mother marched with Beatrix’ in the past. During my time at JB I made up my mind to join Beatrix’.

- Before you joined Beatrix’, did you march with any other corps?
I was a member of Jong Beatrix’ for seven years.

- What makes Beatrix’ special?
I find it special that everybody gets along with each other. The corps is like a family and everyone helps each other.

- Why did you decide to become a member of Beatrix’?
When I was seven years old I joined Jong Beatrix playing the flute. After three years I was ready for something new and joined the colorguard. During my last summer season (2009) I was Drum Major. When I turned 15 I was allowed to transfer to Beatrix’ Drum & Bugle Corps. I felt that I was up for the challenge and so decided to go for it.

- What do you believe to be Beatrix’ power?
At Beatrix’ it doesn’t matter who you are; you will always have fun. We’re all friends who share the same passion and everyone is prepared to help each other.

- You will undoubtedly get questions from friends and relatives asking what Beatrix’ (or drumcorps in general) is. How do you explain it?
I used to try to explain it in words, but people often got the idea that I was a majorette in a high school style band. Nowadays, I don’t bother trying and just show them a Youtube video.

- During Easter Camp you were out rehearsing from 8:30 until 22:00. Besides that, you only had a couple of free hours to shower, have a drink, sleep and get ready for the next tough day. What makes this worthwhile?
People say I’m crazy. However, the fact that you work as team and know what glorious things you’re working towards makes it all worth it.

- You have now been a member for a few months. What did you think of Beatrix’ before you joined and has that opinion changed?
Before I joined, I thought Beatrix’ to be a fantastic group of people. After a few months I can definitely confirm that.

- Did you ever doubt whether you were going to make it in the corps, and was that doubt necessary?
At the very beginning I did have some doubts. This was because returning members were of course already at a much higher level than I was. My doubts were ungrounded. You get all the help you need and if you make the right effort you will succeed.

- What would you tell outsiders who are considering joining Beatrix’ and are afraid that they won’t make it?
Just do it!