Alright, the season 2011 is nearly over. Even though both corps still have a number of performances ahead of them, for example the theater show “Beatrix on Stage”, the main goal lies behind us.

I regularly get the question: “Are you satisfied?” The answer is: “Yes, I am more than satisfied.” We can discuss endlessly about the results, but I am not going to do that. We would have loved to be in the top three with both corps, but it just wasn't meant to be. The members got a great feeling from their performance and the audience went crazy, what more do you want?

Jong Beatrix worked really hard this season. Unfortunately the corps had to deal with unfavorable vacation weeks, which resulted in a lot of rehearsal days with lots of absences. I understand that for a lot of families the vacation planning is difficult, especially when you both have a job. However I notice the upcoming ease at which children are being kept away from the rehearsals. Sometimes the staff does not even get a message that a child will not be attending a rehearsal or, when they do get a message, the reason is a birthday party from a friend or another hobby that goes before the Jong Beatrix rehearsal.

I find it a pity to conclude that there are parents who are not fully aware of what their children are doing at Jong Beatrix and what the responsibilities are that come along with membership. In this way you make it difficult for the staff and members to build a consistent product when half of the rehearsal time you have to miss so many children.

Despite that, staff and members brought a good product and we should be proud of that. The highlight was the explosion of emotions when the corps came off the field and the “relax” command was given. Members, staff and management were hugging each other and there were a lot of tears. Everybody was proud of each other. For some it was now starting to daunt that this could very well be their last performance with Jong Beatrix.

And then Beatrix': I rarely experienced such an intense season as this one. During the winter it became clear that this would be a program that the broadest audience would appreciate. The music was easy to listen to and challenging at the same time. The Easter Camp wasn't only great because of the weather, but was also very productive. The assignment, make sure that you can present an acceptable show on April 30th, was successfully completed. The complete drill was learned and the music could be played from beginning until the end. It became time for cleaning and refining of the product. Believe me, we have had years in which this was a little different.

A lot of energy was put into this season by everyone; there were great times as well as difficult ones. It is beautiful to see that a lot of members and staff experience this hobby so intensely. In the last week before Finals you could feel the excitement in and around the corps. Last Saturday, Beatrix' brought a performance that a lot people will remember with pure respect. The critics were full of praise about our program. That was our goal; that is what you do it all for.

Now the winter season is in front of us in which we will again present ourselves in the Winterguard competition. It will be a spectacle again, and I'm really looking forward to it.

To conclude I want to point out our theater production “Beatrix on Stage”, organized by Beatrix Brass, to be held on October 29th in theater “Gooiland” in Hilversum. We will bring you a mix of musical entertainment, among which the 2011 productions of Jong Beatrix and Beatrix'.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Gerard Eijlers