FROM THE CHAIRMAN

It has certainly been a busy period as the board, staff and volunteer groups were busy preparing for the new season. Most members see Easter camp as the true start of the season, but for us, the season started quite a while ago. Everyone gives all their effort to get everything ready on time. The staff team is working hard to get the new program to the right level, and they are under tremendous pressure. It is quite a challenge to have a complete and stable program on the program presentation day in April.

The two program committees are constantly in touch with the design team to fine-tune the product we shall be bringing to the fields. In the mean time, the Beatrix Action Committee is in full swing organizing fund-raising activities to help pay for all the investments that have to be done to keep Beatrix running. The maintenance and transport crew hasn’t been sitting still either. The trailer has had been updated, our new truck has been made ready for use and many repairs have been performed on the other trucks. There is still a lot of work to be done, but a tremendous amount of effort is being put in.

The board has recently started a series of meetings in order to formulate a vision for the association’s future. In the second half of the year we will present a long term plan (several years) to the members. It is important for an organization like Beatrix to have a set of goals that will help guarantee its quality and continuity. The main topics will be finances, organization in general and education of members and staff. We want to create a reference point, so that it will be clear for members what we will be working to maintain and improve in the coming years. Of course, such a plan should not be a static document.

There should be room for change and flexibility, but the core goals must remain central. A start has been made at improving the education of the members. Kids in the Band and Jong Beatrix have already met some changes in the way music is taught. Furthermore, the arrangers of Beatrix’ Drum & Bugle Corps have visited the corps several times this season. This has greatly helped members and staff interpret the music the right way, and they have received great advice on technique and musicality.

I really look forward to the summer season, and I am convinced that Jong Beatrix and Beatrix’ Drum & Bugle Corps will both surprise their audiences with fantastic products. Before that, however, all eyes are on our winterguard units. Both groups are performing very well in their own classes, and March 27th will be a very exciting day. I wish them the best of luck as they rush towards the end of the winter season!

Gerard Eijlers