First Camp of the Season!!!

     The first camp of the 2009 season was a huge success!  For the first time in a bunch of years - all sections of Brigade (horn line, battery, front ensemble and guard) have strong numbers.  It is so great to see a ton of former Junior Brigade members coming up this year and I really enjoyed the work ethic and attitudes on display all weekend!

     This camp is designed to give our old and new members a chance to get to know one another and start forming friendships that will not only last a summer - but often for a lifetime!  New members quickly started to learn how we do things the "Brigade Way" while the veteran members shook off the rust of winter and started to get back into "Brigade Mode".  Membership so far this year is almost up 50%!!  As I told the members - the numbers are looking great already, but we are always looking for just a few more people if possible to fill out our ranks even more.  I will accept new members until the middle of May, and then I will have to really start writing the actual drill with our final and confirmed numbers.

     As far as what was accomplished this weekend: Guard is learning all of the warm-ups and technique (body and flag) they will be needing for the season.  Battery worked on warm-ups, technique, the street beat and even started to look at the opener.  The Front Ensemble was without Patrick this weekend, but one of Patrick's friends - Alex - stepped right in and worked with the line.  He did a great job and we really appreciate him filling in for Patrick.  Patrick is expecting all of his front ensemble members to be able to play "four mallet" technique and they started working on that.  The Horn Line worked on a bunch of warm-ups and breathing exercises and also started work on the opener.  Brian Braatz is back as visual caption head and he started the long process of getting our members to march our style.  It is a long road ahead, but Brian and his visual staff are hyped!

     All I can say is: the staff and I are SOOOOO excited for this season - especially after seeing the talent level of the group; the full numbers and the behavior of the members.  It is going to be a fun AND competitive season for sure!!!  On a side note.....at the end of every rehearsal I do a final check of all of the rehearsal areas to make sure they are left clean.  Well - this weekend - each area was SPOTLESS!!  It was like we had never even entered the school - so a HUGE thank you to the staff and members for being responsible.

     Our next camp is right around the corner:  Saturday, February 21st (9-5) and Sunday, February 22nd (1-6).  There will be "Show-And-Tell" for parents on Sunday at around 5:15 (just follow the sign to see where it will start).  Come and see what amazing things your children are doing in this program.  Members - bring a friend!  I can't wait to see everyone in a couple of weeks!!

- Rex Out