DCE Countdown (1) - 'I won't be placing any bets!'

In exactly two weeks, it will once more be time for the DCE Championships 2007. The contest for the title promises to be more exciting than ever. And what could be more fun than looking ahead to it? This is why we are launching the 'DCE Countdown' column today, in which we look ahead to 'Rotterdam' together with experts from the drum corps world. In the first episode, we talk to Rob Beeren, founder of Drumcorpsmedia.com.

Are you counting down the days to 29th September?

"Definitely! The day after the DCN Finals, we start looking towards the DCE Finals, one of the biggest events we have and certainly the best. We ourselves spare no expense and seven of us will be attending - three photographers, three people for the stand and a reporter. It really is a fantastic event, which I thoroughly enjoy taking part in. We at Drumcorpsmedia feel a real connection with the team."

Will it be an exciting title contest?

"I think it will be. I've talked to several people about it and I certainly won't be placing any bets. The field is completely open. Jubal, Beatrix, Senators and Northern Star are the biggest favourites in my opinion. Out of the four I haven't seen Senators yet, but they always have a competitive show."

Who will win in the end?

"Sorry, but I'm not going to make any comments about that as I really do not know. I think it would be great for the competition if there were to be a British champion".

Do you expect any surprises?

"I'm really curious about the new foreign clubs. I saw Millennium band in 2005 and am curious as to how far they have come. They didn't really give me a drum corps feeling at the time but their staff and members are considerably drum corps-focused, so I wouldn't mind if they were to spring a surprise on us. Furthermore, I think there will be an exciting contest between Rhythm Stars and DrumSpirit in the Percussion Class again. The whole day can be full of surprises in all the classes. The great thing about DCE is that so many excellent clubs come, and that is why it again promises to be a fantastic day."

No tickets yet for the DCE Championships 2007? Order them now from the web shop. For only 15 euros you can have a place in the main stand from where you can enjoy 22 top European corps!