Sarah To March At The Presidents Inauguration With The Colts

Sarah Quesnell is only a few weeks away from seeing history firsthand. The Galena High School junior is preparing for her trip to the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Quesnell, the daughter of Jeff Quesnell, Galena, will march with the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps. And it's an impressive event, performing at a presidential inauguration. "This is something the Colts have never done."

She was aware Colts officials were working toward playing at the inauguration for some time. "I had heard we had a pretty good chance of getting in," she said. But she didn't realize the trip was on until teachers and classmates began asking her about the inauguration just a week ago.

Quesnell plays trumpet in the Colts. In addition to the usual practices before performance, Quesnell also filled out a participation survey for the Secret Service, as part of a background check.

It will be quite a trek. The Colts take four buses for a typical 150-person show. There will be about 160 Colts performing at the inauguration, for five to six buses, plus an equipment truck, and other support vehicles, including transportation for other family members.

The convoy leaves Jan. 17. The Colts will have that Sunday and Monday for rehearsal, and will perform Tuesday.

The Colts perform everywhere: the Midwest, Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Canada. She's used to performing in extreme temperatures.

"It's usually been like 130 degrees outside with 100-percent humidity," she joked. The Colts musicians are bracing themselves for spectacularly cold winter weather.

Before someone can even participate in the Colts, he or she has to audition. Audition weekends are held in January and February.

A typical Colts season begins on Memorial Day weekend, and runs all summer long through the second weekend of August. The corps will practice at schools throughout the tri-state area in early summer, and travel to competitions the rest of the summer. "The summer rehearsals are pretty intensive. It takes a lot of stamina, dedication and devotion to the activity.

"She first saw the Colts in action when she was in sixth grade. "I decided that was something I was going to work for," she said. She auditioned, and became a Colts Cadet. It wasn't until she turned 16 that she was able to be a Colt.

She was the first Colt from Galena in 27 years. Other Colts from the county going on the inauguration trip include the daughters of Peggy Francomb, Elizabeth.

The total cost for the inauguration trip is $250, and she's looking for a sponsor. To sponsor her, call her home number at 815-776-9436.

She's looking to continue her discipline after high school in college, to major in music education. She's considering Vandercook. For now, she's content to be a part of history."It's definitely exciting that I'll make my mark on history," she said.

Sarah Signs Contract With Colts

Sarah has been awarded a contract with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps of Dubuque Iowa and will march with the Colts 2009 season. Sarah is really excited about marching her second year with the Colts and looks forward to further seasons.

Dominic From Southwest MO Getting Some Sleep

Dominic thought he would get some sleep before one of the shows on the way over to the show site. Sarah showed me this last night and Dom it was great I saw this and just started laughing. Hope to see you out on the field next season.

Sarah Returns Home From A Successful Colts Tour

Sarah returned home from her successful Colts tour on Sunday August 10th. She got in at about 7:30 PM that evening and was greated with a big hug from her sister Rebecca and I. It has been some time but she is finally home.

I asked Sarah are you ready for Decemeber camps and trying out for the Colts again and her answer was yes this is my other family and I love being a Colt.

Sarah said her final goodbye's to some of the Colts that rode teh bus back with her and off we were to home listening to all the great stories and we stayed up until midnight listening to Sarah tell all the wonderful events that took place during her Colts tour and all the wonderful friends she made this season.

Colt members be sure to check out the Colts photo's and Sarah Blog over the next week as we will be posting some really good things up there.

Dom, your up next after this post falling asleep on the bus on the way to a show. I saw this last night I laughed so hard it was funny. Hope you all enjoy the pictures and film coming up on the Colts photo and blog.

I do want to let all the Colt members know that you did a wonderful and outstanding season and I am proud of each and everyone of you.

I sent this to Greg to be posted on the Cook Truck I will post it here as well.

Esprit De Corps, Pride, Professionalism, Tact, Leadership and more. I have served this Nation for 20 years and I have seen all of this in all of you. You are the spearhead, the point. I believe that everything is within our reach.

You overcame many obstacles this season and each and every time you proved your success not only to yourselves but to the Drum Corps World. Everything is within your reach right now I believe, reach down deep inside you and give it that extra 100 percent. I have faith in the COLTS and YOU.

You have been one TEAM for the last three months. It is now time to take it to the battlefield.

For hours on end you rehearsed from the time the sun rises until the evening ends.
It does not matter whether it is sunny, raining or hot.
You shed your blood, sweat and tears for twelve minutes of glory on the field.
This is Drum Corps
THIS IS YOUTHE COLTS!!!!!!!!

I am proud of all of you.
I am proud of you DewBear and I love you.
Be the Point, make it happen.
I will be watching tonight.
God Speed.

Jacksonville AL Dad Makes a Visit

Hello all

Sorry about getting to the blog and the web page late here. I know it has been a couple of weeks put I spent Sunday the 27th of July visiting Sarah in Rainsville AL at the housing site and then followed the Colts to the Show Site in Jacksonville AL. Sarah was really surprised and happy to see me and I was also happy to see Sarah. We spent some time talking about things while she was eating dinner at the housing site. What a show that was in Jacksonville. I watched the Colts during rehearsal and then seeing all the changes on the field during performance was great. I thought the home show was great, this in was super. With all the changes and what they did was just super, this went way beyond the home show. After the show was over I took Sarah out for dinner and we talked more about how her tour was going and I can see how proud she is to be a member of the Colts.

After dinner we said our goodbye's and they were off to another housing site.

Pictures of rehearsal and the performance from AL are going up on the web tonight.

Quote of the Day

My philosophy of life is that if we make up our mind what we are going to make of our lives, then work hard toward that goal, we never lose - somehow we win out

Ronald Reagan

Sarah With Her Bucket of Ice Tea In Texas

Free Day San Antonio TX

Additional Pictures of Free Day In San Antonio, TX

Here are some additional pictures of Sarah and Katie during free day.

Now that is what I call
a bucket of ice tea for

sure.

River Walk

Quote of the Day

Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can.

Sarah On A Free Day in San Antonio TX

Sarah called yesterday and said that her and Katie were sitting and drinking a bucket of ice tea with straws in San Antonio. Sarah said that it was beautiful there but really hot. The girls were basically taking it easy and just relaxing and enjoying some time off from some really hard work. Sarah said that they were going to walk around and see the sights of San Antonio. I will be adding a few more pictures that Sarah sent me yesterday tomorrow to the blog.

Sarah Sends Text With Great News Broken Arrow OK

Sarah sent a text message with great news this evening, the COLTS scored an 80 this evening and it sounds like they pushing ahead. Like the Executive Director said watch out the RED TEAM is coming. Great job COLTS!!!!!!!!!!

Quote of the Day

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

Albert Schweitzer

Colts Update From The Executive Director

Following the announcement of the scores this afternoon, the full corps had a quick meeting in the always hot Alamo Dome parking lot with Jude Boughton, our program coordinator.

Although certainly it is disappointing that we are not working this evening, the mood throughout the Colts is quite upbeat. The kids know the work they did this past week in clarifying the show and getting to be stronger performers of the material is paying off and it started really showing up today.

Earlier this week, it appeared we may be short several points for the finals cut off, but the work we did kicked in and allowed us to do the most electric and exciting show of the year and we ended up missing finals by about half a point.

Our Natalia friends have given us the keys to the town, and we are going to rehearse tonight until 12:30 under the lights. The kids are excited and ramped up for a great evening. We have more changes and adjustments to make yet, and we need to continue to get better at performing the show.

We designed a show that had lots of meat in it and a lot of challenging material, and we have frankly been chasing the show all summer. We have taken out some extra-risky things that we were not getting credit for and the corps around us are frankly quite a bit cleaner in their performance excellence and clarity.

The changes we are making, including a few more we are going to do tonight are making a definite difference and our confidence level is growing.

This upcoming week is full of challenges, with a 550 mile run Sunday night and two in a row 400 mile runs connecting the dots from Pittsburg Kansas on Wednesday to Atlanta on Saturday. But, we built in three rehearsal days leading into Atlanta to give us that extra edge in show improvements.

As I sit here under a big tree and listen to the brass rehearsal across the way from me, I can assure you they are sounding great, working hard and having a great time becoming great.

The toughest things are the most valuable and important, and this is no exception. I can't predict a thing for the next three weeks other than this will be the best Colts corps ever and it will be filled with proud and amazing kids. We will be in the hunt for finals and the corps who are marching tonight ahead of us earned the opportunity to do so. They will continue to have to earn it for the rest of the season, too, cause there's a Red Team coming on fast!

Stay tuned and be proud!

Thanks!

Greg

Quote of the Day 16 July 2008

Commitment leads to action. Action brings your dream closer.

Marcia Wieder

Colts Music on the March on YouTube

The Colts Music on the March Home Show from June 26th 2008 is now posted on YouTube in two parts. Go to Sarah's web page and then click on film footage.

A part III will be coming out this weekend with the age out, playing morning and credit. Film footage was done by Rebecca, Sarah's sister.

Hope you all enjoy.

Quote of the Day 15 July 08

Within each of us is a hidden store of determination. Determination to keep us in the race when all seems lost.

Roger Dawson

Mail Drop Information

Hello,

For those that are interested in sending Sarah a letter or care package, I know she would love it. I know that we posted here last night that you wil be able to visit her web site and get the mail drop information but we decided to place that information on her blog instead. We just sent out a care package today and it should arrive in a few days. Please send Sarah a letter as she would love to hear from all of you.

Some suggestions of things are bus snacks that will not melt, letter from family and friends or some cards, some extra cash is always good.
Please mail early. If your package does arrive late, it is automactically forwarded to the next mail drop.

Please remember NOT to send anything via UPS, Federal Express, or any other carrier except the US POSTAL SERVICE. Also, never have anything sent directly to the housing site. The school secretary will think it is the new textbooks that the teacher ordered, and put it in the school warehouse until fall.

Address are as follows for the remainder of her Colts Tour.

Friday July 17 -
Hold for Drum Corps
Sarah E. Quesnell
Main Post Office
2200 State Highway 132 North
Natalia, TX 78059

Friday July 25 -
Hold for Drum Corps
Sarah E. Quesnell
Main Post Office
302 East Washington
Monroe, GA 60655

Friday August 1 -
Hold for Drum Corps
Sarah E. Quesnell
Main Post Office
300 N. 7th Street
Perkasie, PA 18944

Tuesday - Friday
August 5-8
Hold for Drum Corps
Sarah E. Quesnell
Main Post Office
9048 West State Road 45
Bloomington, IN 47403

Mail Drops For Sarah

Now family and friends can send a care package or letters to Sarah. Log onto her web site and click on Daily Updates and Mail Drops and follow the information for sending a package. I know that Sarah will enjoy the mail. We sent her a package today and it should arrive within three days.

Sarah's Web Page Has a New Look

Sarah's web page has been given a new look this evening and has been updated. The links will now open a new web page for viewing. A new page has been added; Daily Updates and Mail Drops. Check out her web page.

http://home.mchsi.com/~adrean/welcome.html

From The Thibert Family In Canada

I want to thank you for the time you take to put all those picture on the web specialy the one of my son (vincent thibert ,guard members ) hope that you gonna keep sending more photos of my son and the all the nice people of the red team volunters ,staffs and members. We are far away from you but with those photo we are near by. Send my love to my son and to all the RED TEAM folow your dream and have fun

momine et popine + quebec fan club

Motivatinal Quote of the Day 12 July 08

A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.

Vince Lombardi

Motivational Quote 11 July 08

The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.
Paul Valery

Motivational Quotes

Rebecca and I were sitting around last night on her birthday which she turned the big 15 and we decided that we would post motivational quotes for the Colts, family and friends to read. We are going to post these daily so if any one else is interested in posting a quote along the same lines, go ahead and e-mail them using the e-mail link on Sarah web page and we will post them up here for you.

From Amy Walker

Just a quick THANK YOU for the great site and updates! This is my son, Dominic's first year as part of the Colts Trumpet Line as well. As a mom who is in Soutwest Missouri, I sure do appreciate all the pictures and updates. Keep up the great work! I will be traveling with the Colts starting this Saturday in Orlando...I can't wait! Thank you!

A Message From Betty Hoeger

Jeff,
Thanks for all the pictures. Just wanted to let you know, I just got off tour. Sarah and the whole crew look and sound wonderful. I can definitely say they are eating good. Lots of fruits, vegetables and cookies are being donated. You should be very proud, Sarah is doing a great job and really is dedicated.

Again Thanks for keeping us up on pictures of the kids. Even If I wanted to take pictures while I was on tour, I didn't have the time or equipment that would get close enough without disturbing the process.

Betty Hoeger

Film Footage of the Colts Home Show Rehearsal

I have posted film footage using pictures of the Colts rehearsal on the afternoon of their home show. You can view this by clicking on the film footage link on Sarah's web page which is below. Click on links and then film footage. Also I will be adding pictures to her photo link on her web page of the home show and also film footage which was shot by her sister Rebecca.
Rebecca also filmed the Colt Cadets and I took pictures which will be up on the Colt Cadets photo link soon as well.
I will be going through all the pictures and will also be building a 10 minute film of both the Colts and Colt Cadets home show. Once completed I will place a post. Hope you enjoy.

http://home.mchsi.com/~adrean/welcome.html

Dubuque Symphony Concert and The Colts

The Colts returned home from Normal, Il for the Symphony Concert with the DSO on the 28th of June which was to take place at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds but that was moved to Senior High School because of the high winds and steady light rain that started to fall around 7:00 PM that evening.
The Dubuque Symphony was great, the music super AND THE COLTS AWESOME once again. Morning was so emotional, so much was put into that it was great. The performance once again by the Colts was great. Their show music was there, sound was clear and was perfect.
I also found out while I was there from one of the DYSO staff members that Sarah is going to have a contract awarded to her as the principal trumpet player for DYSO again.
Way to go DewBear.

Colts Music on the March Home Show

WOW!!!!!!!!!! I was really impressed with these young men and women. I saw the Colts in South Wayne, WI and that was a little over a week ago. Seeing them tonight, what a jump, what a difference.
I thought they were great, I watched them in the late afternoon on the field during rehearsal and you can tell they were giving it their all. When they marched on the field and were announced as the Colts, the crowd was loud.
You can tell these Colts put everything into it and it really showed. I really saw a difference between South Wayne WI and here and the sound was just super.
After the show the Colts played a standstill of their show, along with Freebird and Morning, both of which I love. Morning you can always tell it is emotional, my sister sat there with tears running from her eyes.
I am proud of all these young men and women, as they strive to success each and every day. They are a wonderful group of people with a team goal that is very much within their sights.
Stay strong, give your best everyday and good things will come your way.
COLTS!!!!!!

From Sarah's Uncle Bruce Stillwater MN

I talked to my brother this evening after the show and he said that it was a great show. He was happy to see his niece Sarah and took her to get some dinner across the street from the stadium there in Stillwater. My bother and his family really enjoyed spending time with Sarah since it has been a while since they have ssen her.
From Stillwater, MN, the Colts move on to Mankato, MN and then on to Sioux Falls, SD, Spirit Lake, IA and then Dubuque, IA for Music on the March

I am living off of your footage!

It is so great getting to see what they are doing. My boyfriend (Lane) is Marimba 1 with the colts this summer. I am all the way in North Carolina which makes dropping in for a rehearsal day kind of difficult. Next time you are out there to see them can you get a picture or video of the pit, or just send them a hug from me? His mother and I would both appreciate it, the summers never get shorter (this is the second summer that I have had the opportunity to play drum corps girlfriend!)

thank you for all the AMAZING video footage!

Elizabeth Green

Colts and Colt Cadets Open The Season

Sarah called me last night from the bus around 11:00 PM as they were getting ready to move on to their housing site in MN. lastnight. Sarah was really excited and happy as well as the entire Colts (red team) were. I could hear everone on the bus and they sounded really happy and excited about the season opener. Sarah said that the show was great and they scored a 64.500, they came in fourth place in Division I. This is a great start Sarah said and she was very happy. I asked her how she felt she did and she said she gave it everything but you can always improve and that is what she is going to do she said, improve everyday and always give 100%.
Sarah said the Colt Cadets took first in open division with a score of 52.800, there was only one other corps in their division. In the Colts Division, the Colts went up against 5 other Division I Corps.
Today they will have rehearsal at Hill Murray High School in St.Paul, MN about 10 minutes from her Uncle Bruce. This evening around 5:30 PM they will move over to Pony Stadium in Stillwater, MN for their competition this evening against 7 other Corps.
They did wonderful last night in their opening season the Colts and the Colt Cadets. I am proud of the all.
Make it happen Colts Trumpet Line, stay focused, mind over matter, you are the power!!

A Message From Brittany

Sarah!
I miss you already! You look so suave in your uniform lol! I cannot wait to see you in your show when you come to Dubuque. I will definitely be there! The concert I went to on Friday rocked and I totally loved it. I hope you are having fun and I really miss you a lot. I'll call you to update you every chance I get. I'll leave you really funny voicemails to entertain you! Love you so much!

Brittany

From The Oldenburgs

Good Evening Sarah,

Your website looks very nice, your father is putting a touch on it every day I think. I ran into him and your sister at Wal-Mart this evening and he was telling me about some of the improvements made to the website in the past couple of days. I will be checking in periodically to make certain you do ok. I wish you'd very best of luck the summer on your tour.

John

From The Varsity Volleyball Coach

Hi Sarah,

How are you? Looks like kind of busy! Just wanted to say hi and good luck...

Coach Wills

From Proud Parents Far Away

Hi-
Just wanted to thank you for all the pix and time you are putting into this web site. My son is a first time Colt and we are from Connecticut so seeing him every once in a while on your site is GREAT!!!
The weather out there has us scared to death!
Thanks again.

Dianne and Jeff Meltzer
Joel's parents (Euphonium)

From a Proud Colt Parent

Hi Jeff-
That's Joel...#P1011604. What a great shot!!!!!
Always excited to see when you post new shots!
Thank again.
Dianne

From Aunt Ellie and Uncle John

Dear Sarah,

Its just amazing how your Dad put together your web-site! I think he missed his calling? To bad the Paltteville show was cancelled, Aunt Ellie and I really want to see you and the Colts perform. I think Brady is going to try and get Rebecca to babysit a little more for Claudia? He’s been pretty busy with Apple River and can’t cover the time at Churchill and Burns. Anyway……. Just want to let you know we’re so very proud of you and what a great experience to be traveling.

Love;
Uncle John & Aunt Ellie

Your Fabulous Web Site

I should be on my way to work but I jumped into your web page and was blown away!!Thank you Sarah and Jeff for all your hard work --I always appreciate the summer diagloge from far away....Keep on smiling!! Cindy(Kayla Kenyon"s mom) See you this weekend

From A Proud alumni mom

Hey there....

My name is Jody - one of the many head cooks for the Colts. My son, Adam, aged out about 4 years ago - but, fortunately - us old folks can still stick around.

I can't thank you enough for Sarah's web site. I love my virtual cook truck, but, you give a whole new meaning to being a dedicated and loving Colts parent. I have enjoyed the music (tears at the Corps song every time) and listening to Freebird whenever I please makes the days at work go so much faster.

I loved the Belmont and Lancaster pics. I have head cooked the week of those two shows for the past 3 years..but, this year, due to work commitments I start tomorrow in South Wayne with Bill and Luba.
Those two shows and schools for cornfield have always been my favorite.

Oh, if only the rain would stop - life would be grand. Please come and introduce yourself on Monday night. I would love to thank you for the wonderful job you are doing!!!!!

This next week is the first of three that I do for the summer...and I can't wait to get started!!!! My bags are packed and the car is ready for my husband to drive the three of us the five hour drive to get to my second family - the Colts!

Take care...hope to see you on Monday...

Jody Proud alumni mom

From A Colt Parent

Thank you for all your wonderful pictures ..

Cindy Steichen(Kenyon)

Sarah Says She Feels Better

Sarah and I talked yesterday and she is in South Beliot WI, she was at the laundry mat in town there with other Colt members. Sarah did not have any laundry, Rebecca and I helped her out with that over the past weekend.

The Dew Bear told me that she was feeling so much better and that her throat was not hurting like it was before. Hopefully and it sounds like it, the meds did their job.

I will be adding posts as I hear from Sarah. I will be adding some comments from Parents of Colt members that visited the website since I started it and you can read some of their comments.

Keep charging Dew Bear and COLTS!!!!

News From The Road

Sorry about getting behind on Sarah's Blog. I am filling in some notes here during lunch. As you know this past Saturday I had gone out and visited Sarah at South Wayne, WI. The Colts did such a great job during rehearsal, they sounded great. Well later that evening about 10:30 at night Sarah called and told me she really had to get into the docotors office, she said that her throat hurt really bad and was concerned it might be strep. I called our family doctor that evening and he returned my call. Instead of running Sarah into the E.R. or back here to the family doc, he said call the closet pharmacy and let me know and I call in a script. Did that the next morning and Sarah had her med's.

Drove out Monday night to see the Dog & Pony Show there in South Wayne, WI and Dew Bear said she was feeling better.

The show was great, talk about talent on the field, these kids have it and they are showing their stuff. A great show, I was impressed. You have to check them out at the Music on the March Show in Dubuque, IA on the 26th of June, they are going to be GREAT!!!

South Wayne, WI Sarah Calls and Feels Better

Sarah called this morning and told me that she is feeling better, she said her throat hurts a little but not like last night. Sounds like perhaps a nasal cold with some draniage. I said to Sarah to keep us posted on how she is feeling and we will monitor her and she will let the staff know if things change.

Sarah said that rehearsal was going real well today and had to cut her call short as she had to get ready to go back out on the field.

Sarah Calls To Say Happy Fathers Day and Under The Weather She Feels South Wayne, WI

Sarah calls me this morning to say Happy Fathers Day at 12:30 AM, no big deal about the time as I was up and working on the blog for today. Was glad to hear from her and thank you Sarah. She also told me that her throat is hurting a little and a lot of post nasal drainage. I told Sarah to see Cindy on the food truck because she is a nurse. Sarah called back and told me that she has a low grade fever. They gave her some meds for the nasal issue and Sarah has tylenol for the low grade fever.

Sarah said that Cindy wants to see her tomorrow morning and see how she feels and check the temp again. Thanks Cindy for looking out for my baby. Cindy is on the far right in the picture. Colt parents always there for the kids.

Happy Father's Day to all us Dad's.

Will put a post up later today on how Sarah is feeling when I know.

South Wayne, WI Visit

Rebecca and I made a run today up to South Wayne, WI to see Sarah and the Colts. These young men and women ever time I see them, they are better then the day before. They worked really hard today. From talking to some of the trumpet line they were cleaning up a lot of their drill. They really sounded and looked strong today.

Later in the afternoon, mother nature made a visit to the Colts with some rain and lightening which pushed the Colts indoors for the late afternoon but that did not stop the Colts from accomplishing the mission.

Rebecca and I left after the Colts were done eating dinner. I was able to take over 100 pictures of them combined from outdoors and indoors today and even got about 10 minutes of some film footage of them.

Rebecca and I also let the trumpet line know some of the nick names we gave Sarah as a baby and as she got older, (Dew Bear, which the trumpet line named her) turned a little red when we said some of the names during lunch today.

We plan on being up at South Wayne, WI Monday night to watch the Colts and get some pictures and film footage for all.

The picture on top is the Trumpet Gang and the Colts on the field below working hard.

Colts Strong!!!!!!!!

Platteville Showed Cancelled But 185 Lancaster Pictures added

Rebecca and I were upset that the show was cancelled this evening but this is a good thing because safety of the Colts is first and leadership stood out this evening by Greg, the Executive Director of the Colts.

With all the rain, flooding and tornado warnings the decision was made not to have the show. The next opportunity to see the Colts in the area is this Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at South Wayne High School in South Wayne, WI. The school is located on Highway 11. I know that the Galena folks here know where that school is, so I hope to see you out there supporting the Colts as they get ready for their summer tour which begins a week from this Saturday with a performance in Rockford Illinois.

Sarah texted me this evening and said that they are staying put this evening and heading out in the morning for South Wayne High School.

The performance the Colts put on in Lancaster on Wenesday the 11th was great. You can see the difference between Belmont and Lancaster. The Colts are doing great and I really enjoyed listening to them, strong sound. I also loaded up 185 pictures of the Colts from Lancaster on Sarah's photo page and two short films on the film footage page. Check those out on Sarah's webpage link. Let's hope for some dry weather here in the midwest for all.

Sarah Gets A New Nick Name

I was getting some text messages from Sarah the other day and the signature was Dew Bear, well last night as the trumpet line was walking past me and heading towards the center of the track in Lancaster to set their water bottles down I said (so that the trumpet line would hear) hey Dew Bear whats up.

Well I saw this big smile from Sarah and half the trumpet line was smiling and laughing. It sounds like the trumpet line has given each other nick names. After the Dog and Pony Show and after their rehearsal the rest of the trumpet line was asking me what other nick names I gave her a a young child and as a baby.

I told the trumpet line last night that I would give them one nick name of Sarah at the Platteville WI show, some of the trumpet players were saying come on tell us now and one was saying I will text you my cell number if you will send it and of course Dew Bear was putting her hand in my face so I could not say anything.

Keep charing trumpet line.

Dog & Pony Show Lancaster WI

I drove up to Lancaster WI and caught the Dog and Pony Show for the Lancaster crowd last night. The Colts sounded great. Every time I watch them, you can see them each and every time improve in all areas.

Sweat, blood and tears these young kids are working hard and giving their heart, mind and soul to what they are doing every day. I am proud of them all.

Keep the hard work going, it will pay off in the end.

Brass 'n Brats Belmont, WI

WOW!! What a show the Colts put on this evening. I was very impressed with everything and what they have accomplished as a group. They sounded sharp and looked sharp. Watch out the Colts are coming. Free Bird at the end as always is a great closer. You need to get up to UWP in Platteville, WI and see their Summer Premier, I feel they are going to be explosive their Premier day and forward. I am proud of them all.

Muddy Shoes

Sarah sent me a text message and said that her shoes looked like these after 2 days in the rain and a mutilated footaball field. She said that it was so muddy and gross but it was fun. Sarah said that she has another picture she will be sending of her legs, wonder what those look like. Sounds as if they had some rainy weather and it looks like more rain for tomorrow.

Colts Car Wash 2008

Well it was a good day for a car wash, most of the Colts trumpet line and some Colt Cadets where at the East Dubuque, Illinois car wash location with me today. It was hot and humid but the team at this location enjoyed themselves today. They could not bring their instruments according to the Colts because the equipment truck was leaving early for Lancaster, WI. So there was no music playing for the crowd, however they did enjoy a great lunch of grilled chicken, a veggie and some apple sauce, they even went back for seconds on the grilled chicken. Check out the pictures at Sarah's links page.

Free Night

Sarah and the Colts got their first free night for the season. According to Sarah the trumpet line and others went to a movie. Sarah said that they went and saw IronMan in Dubuque, Iowa

Sarah is now playing 1st music

This afternoon Sarah called from her cell phone to tell me as she was on the equipment truck getting music that she was moved from 2nd music to 1st music today. I called and talk to her this evening as they were traveling on the buses back to Dubuque Iowa. She said that she was looking over her music but it sounds like she was wiped out and ready to close her eyes and get some sleep.
Not sure of what her schedule is but I do know that they are in Dubuque on Friday and and Saturday. Sarah said she thinks that they have a half day tomorrow for laundry and things. Of course dad is going to help her out and get her laundry done for her so she can focus on the new music she has to learn.
Sarah will be at the car wash in East Dubuque on Saturday so all of her friends, stop by and see her. She misses you all. After Saturday not sure where they are off to. Sarah will update me and I will enter things in the blog.

Thanks for your support

Sarah a couple of nights ago sent me a lot of text messages. These messages that she was sending to me for a little over an hour compiled the letter that was sent to the Galena Gazette. Here is what Sarah wrote. I want to take this time to say thank you to all my sponsors for your generous donations in support of my sponsorship to march with the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps of Dubuque, Iowa.
Looking for sponsors is not at all an easy job, but because of so many wonderful poeple in Galena, you helped make a tough job a little easier for me and what you did was truly an act of kindness. I am so grateful for what you have done for me.
You brought me closer to my tuition fees so that I could march; at present I am only $235.00 dollars from having the fees paid. A percent needs to be meant in order to march once the contract is signed and you helped me achieve this so far.
As a thank you for all you have done, I asked my father to create a website so that you, my sponsors and others in Galena may be able to follow me throughout the season and see what your generous donations have done. For the past three weekends my father has built and completed the webiste.
You will be able to see so many wonderful things just not of me but also of all the Colts members and what we are doing. There will be photos and film footage; some of these are already up on the links to my webpage.
I also have a blog so I can leave messages as what I am doing and you will be able to make comments as well or you can send those comments to the e-mail link and they will be posted for you.
If you would like to be notified of updates please send your e-mail address to the e-mail link on my webpage and you will be notified when updates are posted.
My web page is; http://home.mchsi.com/~adrean/welcome.html.
I would like to remind you of the summer premier show at Platteville, WI (UWP) on June 12 at 7 p.m. This would be a great opportunity to see what your sponsorship has done for me and I really hope to meet you there in person and talk with you. I would love to have a picture taken with all my sponsors; it would mean so much to me.
I have asked my father to send out a personal letter to each of you, my sponsors thanking you for what you have done for me. I am unable to sign them and I want to apologize for that, however I am currently with the Colts and it is hard to meet with my father at night and get them signed as we work until sometimes after 9 p.m.
I would also like to mention that I will be at the Colts Car Wash in East Dubuque, on June 7 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. I hope we will have some other trumpet players with me so that we can play some music for you while your car is being washed.
Again thank you so much for your generous donations for my sponsorship, I could not have done this without all of your help.
Thank you and I hope to see you soon on the field.

Sarah

Trumpet Line

Sarah sent this picture of all the trumpets lined up while at Delhi, IA during warm ups. Looks cool.

Delhi IA Visit

Rebecca and I visited Sarah at Delhi IA yesterday on 31 May 08. She looks good except for the blisters on each of her little toes. Sarah and Rebecca gave each other a big hugh after not seeing each other so far for a week. The Colts look good and they sounded really great. I spent the day taking pictures of as many of the Colts members as well. So parents of a Colt member check out the link so that you can see your son or daughter hopefully. All the pictures of Sarah and the Colts members will be at the following link;http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahscoltstour/. The Colts will be in Delhi IA until the 4th of June. They are relocating to another location for the 4th and 5th of June and then there will be the car wash on the 7th of June throughout Dubuque IA. Sarah will be located at the car wash site in East Dubuque IL at the Family Beer and Wine on Route 20 in the parking lot washing cars for the fundraiser for the Colts. Help out the Colts and get your car washed by stopping by and please make a donation for the Colts travel this summer as the fuel is going to be high in price.

Music on the March Tickets

Sarah just got in the US mail today (8) eight Music on the March tickets for Thursday June 26, 2008 with a start time of 6:30 PM, Dalzell Field, Dubuque Senior High School. These are general admission and the cost of each ticket is $10.00, which is a $2.00 discount off the $12.00 gate price.

If any one is interested in getting $2.00 dollars off their tickets and saving a few dollars please contact me.

Platteville UWP

I drove up to see Sarah lastnight at UWP in Platteville WI. She was getting ready to head back out in the rain again. As she put her cold wet sweatshirt back on, I asked her is she gave it any thought about wanting my military rain gear to keep her dry from now on and all she could do is shake her head yes. Spirts high she went out again and gave it her all. Come sunshine, rain, snow or sleet she loves playing the trumpet. Here is some footage from lastnight that I took after getting out of a warm and dry vehicle and going back to the same vehicle again to stay try. Credit to all the Colts, they are working hard no matter what the conditions are. I am in the blue sweat shirt with the trumpets.

Sarah Falls and Scraps Her Knees

Rebecca and I drove Sarah to Jefferson School in Dubuque so that she could move in with the Cotls for her season tour. At about 8:30 PM she is walking towards the doors with her luggage all happy as can be when all of a sudden she is on the ground laughing and luggage all over. Sarah tripped on the only crack in the sidewalk and wiped out. What a picture that would have been to post here, back thing is that I left the camera back in the vehicle because I was carrying some of her things for her. We cleaned up her knee, put a big band-aid on it, gave her a big hugh and said make it happen and off she went. Spirts were high and she was good to go.

Sarah is packed and ready to move in

Sarah, along with the help of her sister and father finally got her all packed up and ready to move in with the Colts for her 2008 season tour on the 23rd of May. Actually it went pretty well dad stated. I thought she would be somewhat unorganized for this event but she pulled it off with the help of her sister Rebecca.