1-27-06 ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

	HORN LINE: A special THANKS to those who participated in the extra rehearsal at Debbie Ruiz's house last weekend!  Great job, girls!
	BELLS: Patricia Firth and the EG Bells have FINALLY been reunited. Yeah!
	REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: Regular practices will continue to be the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month. Once a month, a practice will be held on a Sunday, with the exception of February.  Everyone is expected to attend the Sunday rehearsal, which will primarily be marching rehearsal. The Sunday practices will supplement our Friday night rehearsals. Most likely, all Sunday practices will be held at the Dover Elks. February's Sunday rehearsal will be held on Feb. 18th, from 12:00 p.m until 5:00 p.m in Greenwood Lake.
	PRACTICE LOCATION - WINTER: As we grow, during the winter primarily, out practice quarters are getting a little tight.  We are in the process of getting an additional facility for rehearsals on Friday nights.  Announcements will be made prior to the start of practice, at the Dover Elks, and then, once an additional facility has been obtained, the horn line will move to the new location to practice.  This is a temporary measure to get us through the winter months when the color guard is unable to move outside to conduct their practice.  Due to the fact that the announcements will be made at the start of the evening, the corps will more than likely not regroup at the end of the night.  The sections will be dismissed by Heidi.
	THE EG BOARD:  The new board held their first meeting on Friday, January 20th, and we thank them for all of their hard work and effort.  As a result of their meeting, everyone will be seeing some positive changes, they will be adding structure, rather than control. ! For example, Eileen Champa's report noted that the majority of the corps didn't pay dues last year, yet the corps was still obligated to pay instructors, and purchase various items.  Going forward, the members will now be required to re-commit to the corps.  Documentation was distributed last night that included the sign-up forms, medical releases, etc.  For those members who were not able to attend, you can either obtain your documentation at our next practice, or contact the board directly at their email address, EGBoard2006@yahoo.com, or you can contact me at the main Grenadears email, and I will get the information you need.
	EVENT SCHEDULE:  Gene Garabrant has provided the "standard" parades we participate in each year, plus the new exhibitions that the corps has been invited to attend.  The goal is to march a minimum of (10) parades, since we would like to avoid fund raisers if a! t all possible.  Additional parade invitations are still coming in, so the schedule is a work in progress.  The event listing was included in the folders Lisa handed out last night, and it is also available by going to http://www.calendar.yahoo.com/grenadears.  In addition, I scanned the event list and attached it to this email, for those who do not have their folders yet.
	KEEP PRACTICING!  Although parade season may seem like it is in the distant future, it is actually closer than we all realize.  And, the number of practices between now and the start of the season are less than you may think.  That is why it is important for all of us to practice, practice, practice.  We have so many opportunities in front of us, so many people willing to help bring our corps to the next level, that making a good showing when we perform is pivotal to bringing those oppo! rtunities to fruition.
	PRACTICE TIME:  Our practice time is currently 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., however, there will be occasions where practices run into "overtime" based on various events, such as finalizing learning new parts, etc., so there will be times when we are not done for the evening until approx. 10:30.  Please note that 10:30 will be the latest the corps will ever be dismissed for the night.
	DRUM LINE: The drum line will be holding an extra practice on Saturday, February 4th, from 12:00 p.m. until 4 or 5 p.m.  All members are encouraged to make every effort to attend.  We need to finish the new cadence and move on to learning some of the new songs.  The practice location is currently being arranged, and an announcement will be sent out to the line as soon as possible.  A special thanks to Gary for his willingness to give up his Saturday to help us out!!
	LEAVE OF ABSENCE:  On a sad note, Chris Simonetti has taken an official leave of absence from the corps, and will be turning in her bass drum / uniform, until the spring.  As many of us know from previous years, her work schedule, and home schedule are exceptionally busy during the winter months.  Chris has been invited to participate, whenever possible, in the color guard until she is able to re-join the drum line.  In addition, her daughter has been invited to continue as one of our banner carriers when she is available.

On a separate note, Angie Hagens was unable to attend practice last night because she threw out her back, (No questions asked, Ang!   ).  On behalf of the corps, we wish you a speedy recovery!  Hope you are feeling better real soon! 

 

Finally, attached to this email is the information on the Committees that have been decided upon at the Board meeting last Friday.  Please take some time to review the various committees, and see if you would be willing and able to participate on any of them.  As all of you know, it is important that we roll up our sleeves, and get our hands dirty, in order for our corps to grow and move forward.  Any assistance that the members can provide towards this goal would be greatly appreciated!

 

Well, I know this was an unusually long email, but, your over exposure to Caryn M is currently coming to a close, for today... LOL! 

 

Have a great weekend, enjoy the warm weather, and, last but not least, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

 

Talk to you soon!

 Caryn M