Lancers News

10 Jan 07 - Daves Bit - Winter Review

The Winter months have seen quite a few changes within the organisation with restructuring and rebuilding taking place. I would like to say Congratulations to Jenna Riley, Sean O?Neil & Adam Lowes (AKA Frank) who have all come through the ranks and have been promoted to our instructional staff team for 2007. Jenna is a founder member with Lancers joining in June 1995 when she was 10 yrs old and has filled virtually every role in the Guard over the years always willing to help out where needed. She takes on a huge challenge of leading and building our new Colour Guard (dance section), a challenge I know she relishes. Sean is also a long serving member of 8 years and joins our established Brass team as a junior instructor for his first role. Adam is also in this bracket having to take on a difficult role in leading our Drumline for 2007 with big boots to fill!

Also congratulations to everyone that received their 2006 certificates and year patches at the recent Presentation Night plus everyone that won Sectional Awards. A special mention must go to Rebecca Hughes who received the top two honours "The Lancers Shield" selected by the senior staff and "The Bands Band Member of the Year Trophy" as voted by the members themselves.

This is only the second time in 11 years that one person has done this so it is quite an achievement; Becky is a great role model for all to follow! 2007 is underway so it could be you that is up there at the end of the year. Just remember my favourite phrase; A.C.E. (Attitude, Commitment & Effort). Follow that guide and you will not go far wrong at anything you do in life!

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome all our new members to the main Corps, plus our established members returning from previous years. We have a great mix abilities and everyone has a big part to play over the next few months in the build up to the 2007 season and our fantastic show "Fiddler on the Roof".

It is everyone`s responsibility to make sure that we all do our bit to help out where need, our established members can play an important role by supporting and encouraging our new young members, plus I cannot stress enough how important the role parents and guardians play in supporting, encouraging and ensuring that your child is at rehearsals and at home, practices to their success. This will go a long way to building confidence and ensuring that they are up to speed with their music and routines as we get closer to the new season.

So what has been happening? The Brass line has been undergoing a basics programme to help build their skills and they have also been learning the music for the first piece and have started the second. The Drumline is currently being headed by a couple of our older members and after some serious restructuring are already shaping up well and looking good. Guard have virtually all new members, have been working very hard on their basics programme and have started their Winter Ensemble routine.

Frontline are currently being held back as last years Instructor has not been turning up to rehearsals and has meant a parting of ways, we wish them well. This does mean we do have an important vacancy in this area. If anyone knows anyone who has experience with keyboards please get in touch as they may be able to help us and the members out in some way!

At Lancers we work hard to make it a fun learning environment and we value each and every member. We are certainly planning more Social Events and making more opportunities where the whole team can mix together and appreciate what everyone does in the Corps.

Finally can I say although an awful lot of hard work, it is a pleasure to continue to lead the organisation into its 12th competitive year of serving the youth of our community! 2007 promises to an exciting year for Stafford Lancers and all involved we will be doing a lot more interesting & variety of things which will make the experience for our members even more fulfilling!

Dave Milton
Corps Director