DCE Close Up (4): Laurens
In the DCE Close Up series you will meet the DCE personnel. Who are these people behind the scenes who offer their leasure time to run drum corps events? In this episode we'll meet Laurens van Zwieten.
Name: Laurens van Zwieten
DCE function: runner
Age: 35
Residence: Middelburg (NL)
Work: assembly worker
Drum corps history: "My first drum corps experience was with Blue Spirit drom Middelburg. In my youth, I played the piano, and I played the drums in a little pop band called Blue Eagle. In Blue Spirit I started in the drumline, but I moved to the hornline when they needed an additional contra bass."
Working for DCE since: 2002
Why? "There are a lot of old Blue Spirit members in DCE, and it's great to see them here. It's like one big reunion. And it's really fun to help the contest organisation. I was once in the United States, and I was amazed by the DCI contests. When I saw all the corps there, I thought: This is the greatest thing on earth."
Is it fun off the field? "Being a runner is a hard job, but it's fun! During a contest I'm the one collecting the sheets and the audio tapes. When the day is over, I'm exhausted and my feet really hurt, haha!"
Greatest drum corps memory: "1997, when Blue Spirit played soundtracks from 'Independance Day', 'Braveheart', 'Twister', and 'The Rock'. Great production! My favorite DCE moment was the DCE contest in Kortrijk last year, with the Blue Devils. What an experience, 135 people performing at that level! Afterwards, Blue Devils members congratulated us with the organisation of the event."
Do you want to be a DCE staff member yourself? Please contact us, and we'd be happy to welcome you in the DCE team!
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