Grenadier eh

Yes we have been busy lots to do yet but the support and interest has been on going. Thanks to all and Grennies will be back in 07 refreshed and ready to go. A media release is forthcoming so stayed tuned. Also I am looking forward to touching base with all my DCA friends in Rochester. Yes I will bring beer. Cheers DLD

Just to clear things up Grenadiers made the cut off date and it was changed the following year. As far as moving to open class the motivation to surrender the title for class A would be economics. As the rules stands I would for my corps support having the option . D.Dean

Best of luck in Rochester Rick. I will be spending 2 days in beautiful downtown Oswego that weekend. Steaks and beer I guess. We are staying at the armouries overnight. Cheers DLD

To do good things you must surround yourself with good people. It has been a key to our past and will be for our future. To step back and realize that of all the corps in Canada which were many in the 60,s and early 70,s that the Grenadiers would rise through CDCA to RCA and finally DCA is a testiment to a lot of fine people past and present. The last 10 years in DCA have been very dynamic for our corps. This weekend past is the toughest I have ever had in corps. We do have a plan for the future however which is more of a focus on the grass roots which will be better for the Grenadiers and the activity especially in Canada. We still have a strong base to build on and we will return. Best of luck to all my brothers and sisters and hopefully our paths will cross again eh....... Don Dean Executive Director Kingston Grenadiers

Grenadiers are holding a camp in Kingston this weekend. We still need brass players but the GOOD news is numbers are increasing. Percussion under Scott.Atkins,Mike Sharpe and Dan Hammond is very solid probably our line to date........very cool. Guard under Jenn Orser and Krysta Frost have over a third of their work done as well...good stuff. We still have rides coming from all directions in Ontario as well as Northern New York,Syracuse and Utica. The book is the music of John Tesh and an entertaining show as Grennies have done in a while. We will take a big step this weekend and would love to have YOU there! For more info......www.kingstongrenadiers.com CHeers Eh....DLD

Grennies next camp is this weekend coming. Solid percussion and guard sections it can be amazing if we can fill our brass spots. It`s not too late to play a big part in the future of corps in Canada and DCA. There is a real need to continue the tradition........ down a little......yes.....out..... by no means! Check our home page www.kingstongrenadiers.com Don Dean

Interesting stuff indeed. I have been director of the Kingston Grenadiers for 20 years and involved with the corps since the late sixty`s. There have been numerous reasons as to success and failure north of the border. Grass roots begin here as a direct result of educating folks from square one. In other words describing corps is hard without actually showing it. A picture speaks a thousand words. Also nothing kills education like education. High school marching bands for the most part do not exist here so the exposure to marching and playing requires a program that educates from the bottom up so to speak. Liability,fuel costs, exchange are hurdles as well. Sometimes it is just as easy to hop in the car and travel south as well in our case New York State. We on the other hand have recruited from the US as well in order to try to maintian stability as well. As far as grants etc. much is said about community involvement especially youth where there are so many choices to compete with. There is funding but you must persist and micro manage your dollars constantly. The biggest assest we have is staff. It cares very much about corps in Canada and I believe some of the best teachers our country has to offer. Activity first and dollars second. Just some insight from my perspective although I could write a book on this one. Cheers Don Dean

We are on the right track at the right time. Gareth Skipp will be at our next camp along with the return of Randy Billings. I know Randy it is hard to stay away and not feel the need. Gareth is then off to Germany and then Blue Coats so it is a busy time for all. Fill out that brass line and we have the goods.....percussion is solid and the front ensemble are working hard under Dan Hammond. I also believe we have 2 guard spots open as well. Jenn Orser has brought her years of experience and has been a lot of help with a fresh approach. Next camp is just over the bridge folks in Brockville On. May 20th,21st. www.kingstongrenadiers.com DLD

Right you are Mike! Next camp in Brockville on May 20,21st. Great weekend. Don

The Grenadiers will be holding their second camp in Carthage New York on the 22,23 of April. This is a full corps rehearsal at Carthage Central High School. We still have openings in the brass line and one bass drum spot opening in a really progressive battery for people who know our program. For more info check our main page at www.kingstongrenadiers.com or email yours truly at grennies@kingston.net Thanks Don Dean Director

And then Randy declared free drinks! Actually the Islander closed down last week but the good news is there are other watering holes near by! All hail Drum Taxi!

Grenadiers will be makig a tour this weekend to the sunny south. Such tropical destinations like Utica,Syracuse and finish the day in the 1000 Islands for an overnight stay and camp in Alexandria Bay. Can`t wait! Remember your water wings! Cheers DLD

Don`t forget the McDean`s. DLD

Camp went well especially Sunday..........it was nice to introduce some more new faces to the activity and welcome a few old ones back. Percussion...... that street time is smokin........ DLD

Ditto Sars.......more programs should be pro-active with hearing protection during the indoor months. I am now hearing impaired after years of exposure especially indoors. As far as battery goes I believe it does really assist the ability to listen in as well, which with newer players is a skill that requires practise. The result is a cleaner sound. Cheers DLD

Ready...you bet........don`t forget good shoes for marching this weekend. Meal plan is in effect and it is a 10am. start Saturday. Cheers DLD

Gotchya Smitty.. things are moving along with some annoucements forthcoming. New and exciting! The guard is taking shape with rehearsal and staffing info to follow. Cheers DLD

We will be having some more good news from the Grenadier camp in the near future. After a bit of a glitch we are full speed ahead. It is just amazing how things can turn around if you have faith and surround yourself with good people. No doubt team yellow with the red Maple Leaf is back. DLD

Global Warming!

And not a tooth mark in any of it! haha Cheers DLD

And not a tooth mark in any of it! haha Cheers DLD

Sars I feel it needs to be mentioned also that as we have for the last 37 years have rides from the US. Not really a new concept to us but it is good info to have. Really looking forward to some ensemble this weekend. Happy 46th Grenadiers! DLD

Hey Shackelton, Tesh stuff came in UPS.....bigs thanks to the Rollster Mr. Transportation. I am seeing a light ! Is that the end of the hall! I will tell Neil you made changes although he does get upset but is stubborn like his Mother. She doesn`t read this stuff but Glenda will tell! Cheers DLD

Neil was by yesterday and played the street time top to bottom. He figures he has Scott figured out........better be careful Neil or he will never ever write the same bar twice ever!haha Looking forward to Barcelona this weekend. DLD

In 99 in Allentown our Honor Guard had a fellow on the right end who carried the Sabre. He also had a patch on his right eye! Figure the rest out............ DLD