The Colts kicked off their 2006 season over the weekend of Dec. 16-18, with the first of two audition camps.
The newly opened Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School became home to a record number of returning and prospective members auditioning for each of the brass, percussion and color guard sections. The talent level of new members, coupled with the many seasoned vets, created an amazing weekend of achievement.
New faces on the teaching and design staff melded well with returning staff to make an immediate and positive impact on their respective sections, and set the tone for the season in a very positive way.
Colts director Greg Orwoll sent in this report.
A return rate of vets from 2005 approaching 70 percent will be a significant building block for the success of the upcoming season.
Throughout the weekend, participants were busy auditioning and rehearsing in every nook and cranny of this beautiful new state-of-the-art facility. This culminated in a Sunday performance by each section of the corps for the hundreds of parents and fans in attendance.
The brass line previewed the first three minutes of the 2006 program (entitled “Continuum”) and the guard and percussion sections demonstrated technique work and previewed parts of the upcoming show.
The performances of each section were outstanding and stronger than previous first performances, and the talent level and attitude of members, staff and volunteers alike created quite a buzz throughout the weekend.
The full-house audience enthusiastically responded to the preview of this year’s show music and the achievements of the weekend.
Approximately 80 parents and volunteers were on hand as well, and assisted in preparing meals and numerous other projects. Returning parents spent the weekend welcoming new parents to the Colts family and answering the many questions they had about the Colts.
During this first audition, many participants were offered positions in the 2006 Colts, and many more were asked back for a second and final audition weekend.
For those interested in auditioning yet this season, new members can still attend the Colts’ second and final audition weekend, from Jan. 13 – 15 in Dubuque, Iowa. Be sure to check the website often for the most updated information. If you haven’t already done so, you need to RSVP for this (and every) camp.
