ALIVE 2010 !!!
Our instructors have the pleasure to inform you of our new production. The 2010 programme for our percussion unit is "Alive".

The show will use ideas and music inspired by the life and emotions. We will perform music from popular and contrasting genres. Enhancing the dynamics of the production with rhythm, energy and tempo, Unik Star will produce a fast paced, high energy illustration and scores that will elevate our corps to the next level.

This year, the opportunities available to our development has been immense. The group has worked with Tony Nunez, Kevin Shah and Clark Gardner during several weeks. During this new season 2010, musicians will be performing at IPE and WGI regional shows.

Our team 2010 (Concept by David Lemant & Benoit Sueur) :
Music Designer : Pierre Lignée, Kevin Shah, David Lemant
Visual & Drill Designer : Tony Nunez, Kevin Shah, Benoit Sueur
Teaching and arrangments by David Lemant, Benoit Sueur, Arnaud Taton, Jerome Capoen
Music consulting : Clark Gardner
Unik Star Equipments : Vancore Percussion Instruments, VicFirth, Evans Drumhead, Zildjian, M-Audio & Apple

Alive is Amazing and very fun !

2nd Place for Xpression at WGUK (Crawley)
The second contest of WGUK 2010 season on Sunday 31st January in Crawley was a great success ! For the first time WGUK welcomed a French Guard into competition ; a new strategy because Xpression has participed during 5 seasons at the nederland championship CGN. Meeting was set at 3am for all the members and the followers. The majority of the equipments loaded in the bus under the direction of instructors. The remaining items (uniforms, make-up, shoes,...) were loaded on a beautifull bus TRANSIBUS and then 2 drivers hit the road for the boat and after in Crawley (South of England).


8am, our team has discover The K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley - a fabulous location with a lot of activities (tennis, swimming pool, musculation, fitness,...) and a small bar/restaurant. Xpression goes directly to the dressing room as the doors open to get ready and practise during 1 hour in 2 differents rooms. The color guards enter on the floor around 14:10am and the nice music of "The Village" can be heard. The audience is really reagent and generous ! A nice energy, movements executed with a lot of qualities ! The color guards leave the floor with a happy face, they have succeeded in the execution of their program.
For this first contest in England for Xpression Performance Ensemble, our guards took the second place with a good score. Mayflower took top honours in the Open Class with Southern Knights taking A Class, Junior Class and Cadet Class.

The team is proud of this result, and this day was amazing ! Ambiance, Positive Energy and Good performance of "The Forbidden Colour"! Members have enthusiastically exchanged experiences with english guards ; the vision is completly different and the contest was original and fun (no stress between performances). The A Class scores of this event are below with total recaps available on http://www.wguk.org.uk/wgcontests/results.html

SCORES A CLASS
1/Southern Knights: 71.9 pts
2/Xpression: 64.3 pts
3/Guardsmen: 62.4 pts
4/Mayflower: 59.1 pts
5/Reflexions Academy: 59.0 pts
6/Moonlight: 49.4 pts

>>> See the slide show of this contest
>>> See the video of this contest

I&E IPE 2010 : Unik Star in Force !!!
With 7 I&E performers registered, the IPE KICK OFF is going to be a important date for our group! Performers from England, France, Belgium and the United States will showcase their talents on Saturday February 13th. And our staff is proud to be in Dadizele (B) for this true percussion event.

Our Individuals & Ensembles IPE performers 2010 :

Individual Tenor (Open) : Ludovic Sueur
Individual Clavier (Open) : Georges Lecomte
Individual Snare (Open) : David Lemant
Individual Clavier (Cadet) : Adeline Bevernage
Individual Snare (Cadet) : Romain Devocelle
Individual Snare (Cadet) : Logan Alberdienst
Ensemble Percussion (Cadet) : For the first time, Unik Star Junior (Drumline) enters on the field with 5 musicians !

>>> See the slide show of the I&E rehearsal of January


Xpression 2010 : 1st contest at WGUK
In preparation for their first english winter season, Xpression Performance Ensemble will present his original program in Crawley, On Sunday January 31th. Members and Staff are working very hard to prepare "The forbidden Colour" (Created by Alliance Winterguard) and they are very excited to enter the WGUK Competition. A new english experience for our team... The Winter Guard United Kingdom season has started the Sunday January 17th and 27 winter guards has performed in Cannock. For Crawley, 6 A-Class groups have registered : Moonlight, Reflexions Academy, Mayflower, Guardsmen, Southern Knights and Xpression.

Xpression is the only foreign group at this english circuit this year.
Good luck for the beginning !

All at Unik Star & Xpression would like to wish all the members, relations and visitors a Marvellous New Year 2010 ! The Staff wants to thank all our members who have contributed to the tremendous growth we’ve experienced !

NEW OPPORTUNITY !
A good musical education is vital for the development of Unik Star. With this in mind the Unik Star are offering FREE music lessons run by a qualified music internal instructor! Benoit Sueur is given the opportunity to try out a  variety of instruments and learn important key musical skills through playing traditionnal musical exercices. Everyone is welcome !

Sessions happen every Tuesday from 6:30pm to 8:00pm (Centre Gustave Engrand - 208, rue Faidherbe in Hellemmes) and are completely FREE ! Contact Unik Star Staff Percussion Benoit Sueur for information : beutch19@hotmail.fr

YOUTUBE - VIDEOS



Production '10 Indoor Percussion - Suspense

The American instructors Tony Nunez and Kevin Shah have temporarily joined the staff of Unik Star Percussion Ensemble in december. The group is also exploring a new adventure with teaching methods and many visual rehearsals are on the Schedule with this new coming. The staff is very proud to announce and welcome two american professionals : "The progress they have made in the last five years has been amazing and everyone will receive  a great experience with a special training and a new artistic" said Sandy Sueur - President.

YOUTUBE - VIDEOS


Production '10 Indoor Percussion - Suspense


 
Benoit & David with Senators D&B Corps (UK)



IPE 2009 - Pinball in Final

XPRESSION 2010

(Thank you Mambofred for this video)

Denni Hawke and Helen Tomlin will come for 2 days in Hellemmes.  After teaching the production “The Forbidden Colour” using music from the move “The Village” in september and october, Denni and Helen will come in France the 4th and 5th december. Denni Hawke said that this 2 days schedule will be extremely tough for the guard team. This 3nd trip is a new challenge for this team. The program is really fabulous and with 6 contests in Europe, our staff want to have the best result for this new season Winterguard.

CONTEST SCHEDULE 2010 :
31 January 2010 - Contest WGUK (Crawley - UK)
14 February 2010 - Contest WGUK (Colchester - UK)
27 February 2010 - WGI Regional (Drachten - NL)
07 March 2010 - Contest Color guard (Estaimpuis - BE)
28 March 2010 - Championships Color guard ( ?? - F)
3 April 2010 - Championships WGUK (Brentwood - UK)

NEW STAFF BOARD
Sandy Sueur, an old alumni member of Xpression Performance Ensemble, has been elected as President in November. A new staff board, with many capacities and more younger, has been elected. You can find all informations on the Staff page. Sébastien Bévernage and Jérôme Capoen (Webmasters and communication coordinators) congratulates you for this new nomination. 

UNIK STAR 2010

Unik Star will announce his program only in February 2010 and the group plays the Secret !!!  The program, written by Pierre Lignée, Benoit Sueur and David Lemant, will be very qualitative and the staff wants to creates a special BIG effect and to keeps suspense for this production. Unik Star is exploring a new adventure with teaching methods, and a lot of rehearsals are on the schedule 2009.

Unik Star will participate at the WGI Regional in Goes (NL) and at the IPE Circuit. Everyone are really excited and prepare the new indoor percussion season 2010.

In preparation for this new show, the staff has invested in the arrival of 3 american instructors (thanks to Christophe Houard for your help) ; after the coming of Clark Gardner during 3 weeks on October/November, Tony Nunez and Kevin Shah will arrive in France in December and the team will work the music and the drill.


>>> Biography : Tony Nunez
>>> Biography : Kevin Shah

We wish you a nice visit !!!

The EIAA Organisation and french Unik Star instructors received during its annual clinics for this new edition, many persons from France and Belgium, this Sunday 25th October. 105 musicians and color guards participates for the edition "Open House  EIAA & Unik Star / Xpression" in Hellemmes : a fabulous success. The event take place in indoor and outdoor with 6 differents groups with a record for registrations. Clark Gardner, living in Los Angeles, American Clinician and external instructor for Unik Star, has worked with all drumline sections. Seba Flohart enlivened a Masterclass during the lunch with differents equipments : Saber, rifle, flag and Air Blade.

On the second part (in the afternoon), Unik Star Percussion Ensemble and Xpression Performance Ensemble have presented a lot of programs (individuals and ensembles) including advanced marimba and vibraphone creation (a ballade by Arnaud Taton). 16 juniors performed for around 300 visitors. Unik Star played the first piece that new show 2010 with a electronic presentation. Xpression has present a exceptionnal demonstration with the new winter program : "The Forbidden Color" created by Alliance (UK). David Lemant (Vancore Ambassador in Europe) gave a performance with a new snare for the end. Unik Star would like to thank Vic Firth, Vancore, EIAA, Rapid'flore, Fam'us (sponsors) for their support and presents of these events.

>>> See the slideshow
>>> See the junior video
>>> See all Unik Star & Xpression sections
>>> See the article

OPEN HOUSE 2009 WITH EIAA
Last article before the special Open House organised by our group and the organisation E.I.A.A (European Indoor Art Alliance).
We have the pleasure to discover you a lot of new elements : New DVD (5 euros during the event), the new facebook access, new logo and new design for the website.
By clicking on the poster you will have direct access to the complete programme of Open Doors Day of 25th October 2009 in Hellemmes.

101 REGISTRATIONS !

BENOIT & DAVID : DCE 2009
David Lemant and Benoit Sueur took the field this 26th September 2009 for the DCE European Championships in Kerkrade - The Netherlands. Our members liked this experiment and our staff congratulate their performance in the drumline section. The Senators ended in third place with a difference of nearly 1,60 Pts ahead of the winner Jubal D&B Corps.
1 - 90.15 - Jubal
2 - 89.40 - Kidsgrove Scouts
3 - 88.55 - Senators
4 - 85.30 - Juliana
5 - 84.00 - Northern Star
6 - 82.65 - Beatrix
7 - 74.05 - Millennium
8 - 72.80 - Poynton Commodores
9 - 70.65 - Starriders
10 - 68.35 - Black Knights

XPRESSION & ALLIANCE : 2nd Clinic
Our Staff is pleased to announce the return of Alliance Winterguard for a second color guard clinic. Jason Hawke, Denni Hawke, Helen Tomlin and Cheryl Gray came to Hellemmes in October and they finished the new color guard show 2010 with this second coming. Alliance team sets ambitious objectives and Xpression has worked hard to grow to higher performance and artistic level.

On timing was very important for this week (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), and the weekend was extremely intensive. Our new english friends has written a exceptionnal concept and a very nice visual show.

Online on our website, a video !

>>> See the video

JOURNEE PORTES OUVERTES WITH EIAA : EDITION 2009
By clicking on the poster you will have direct access to the complete programme of Open Doors Day of 25th October 2009, with the partnership of the new European Federation EIAA (registrations to work placements, full programmes, foreign instructors, and fees).
57 REGISTRATIONS

BENOIT & DAVID : DCE 2009
Two French musicians are joining for this summer season "The Senators Drum & Bugle Corps" in England. David Lemant and Benoit Sueur march in the drumline (David march snare, and Benoit is be part of the tenor line). Last weekend they had their first final championships DCUK  in Mansfield with the 2nd Place. Saturday, David and Benoit will participate at the DCE Championships in Kerkrade.

"The group wishs you a very Good Moment on the field and the best success for this special event !"

XPRESSION & ALLIANCE : 1st Clinic
Alliance Winterguard staff members Jason Hawke, Denni Hawke and Helen Tomlin came to Hellemmes in- France for the first Xpression Performance Ensemble clinics in September. The Xpression staff hired this team for its new 2010 winter programme.

During three days last weekend, the members learned 2 minutes and 40 seconds of the new production 'The Forbidden Colour', using music from the movie 'The Village'.

The weekend was extremely intensive and Everyone really worked hard for this new challenge.

The next clinic is scheduled for the first weekend in October.

Online on our website, a new slideshow with 35 pictures.

>>> See the slideshow

JOURNEE PORTES OUVERTES WITH EIAA : EDITION 2009
By clicking on the poster you will have direct access to the complete programme of Open Doors Day of 25th October 2009, with the partnership of the new European Federation EIAA (registrations to work placements, full programmes, foreign instructors, and fees).
33 REGISTRATIONS

Xpression becomes Xpression Performance Ensemble The entire team of our organisation has the pleasure to inform you of its new denomination and a new logo. After several year under the name of Xpression, our group of color guards becomes Xpression with the addition "Performance Ensemble" (more in adequacy with the winterguard movement very popular in the United States). In the same time, Xpression Performance Ensemble is pleased to present the theme of the show for the 2010 winterguard season : The forbidden colour. A new instruction & design team for this new challenge ! The staff called on a expert english unit for this new program (create by Alliance Winterguard based in Colchester in England). Jason and Denni Hawke has build this concept with all equipements, flags, uniforms and a fabulous music for a new advance program and a exclusive conception ! Xpression will have a first camp on September 04th, 05th and 06th and a second in october with his new english instructors !!! Xpression will perform this show in England and in the Netherlands. Here is a short presentation of these 6 foreign instructors :

	Jason Hawke - Show Design and Coordinator Winterguard Experience 2000 – 2003 : Golden Garrison Open Class WGUK 2003 – Present : Alliance Open/A Class - WGUK/CGN Drum Corps Experience Jason has marched, taught and judged at all levels within DCUK,DCE and BYBA since 1988.
	Denni Hawke - Equipment - Saber and Movement Design Winterguard Experience 2002 : Marxmen A Class WGUK 2003 – Present : Alliance Open/A Class WGUK/CGN Drum Corps Experience Denni has also marched/taught and judged at all levels within DCUK and BYBA since 1994.
	Erin Murphy - Equipment - Flag Winterguard Experience Erin first took the floor in 2002 with Marxmen. She was one of the founder members of Alliance and has been the guard captain of both the 2005 A Class Champions and the Open guard from 2006 until 2008. Erin has a vast amount of experience of performing and teaching and her skill with a flag is of the highest standard. Drum Corps Experience Erin was also a member of the Black Knights colourguard from 2004 till 2007 who competed in DCUK/DCE and BYBA.
	Helen Tomlin - Equipment - Rifle Winterguard Experience Helen also has a vast amount of experience with winterguard  including marching with Southern Knights Open in 2003 and was a member of Alliance Open guard 2008 as well as a part of the 2009 A guard staff.
	Frankie Armstrong - Equipment - Rifle Winterguard Experience Frankie became a member of Alliance at the end of 2005 and was with us until 2007 before his career took him away from us, until earlier this year when he has now joined the Alliance staff team again helping in the development of Alliance leading into the 2010 winterguard season. Drum Corps Experience Frankie has marched with several top corps over the years including Encore 2002-2004 and Black Knights 2006/2007 both corps competed within DCUK/DCE and BYBA.
	Jessica Chapman - Movement and dance Winterguard Experience Jessica started her marching career with Alliance in 2006 starting out a member of the A Class guard Jess soon made the step up to the saber line of the Open guard in 2008. Jess has recently been accepted into 3 of the top university’s in the UK to take her degree in dance and performing arts.

Ask your book and Join Us !!!

All instructors and clinicians have organised 2 dates (2 auditions) for  this new season 2010 with 2 books :
- 16th August : Drumline Audition
- 6th September : Keyboard Audition
Anyone who is interested in joining the drumline or the front ensemble is requested to send an email to webmaster@unikstar.com, for more informations and registration.

All instructors prepare the numerous projects and a very nice indoor percussion program. We are looking for the best musicians for 2010 ! Our group (all sections) will start the rehearsals after the drumline audition. The entire staff of Unik Star would like to wish you a good luck for this particular date.

 

Juniors perform a demonstration in the street !

Our webmasters have announced their demonstration in the agenda since 3 weeks : a special Event in june for the junior class ! This saturday 13th june, all young members (musicians and color guards) presented a special Show during the street market in Hellemmes (F). Musical selections in the program include individuals and Ensembles (drumline and keyboard) ; for our young color guards, a performance with the first dance movements of their winter program 2010.

Since 2007, all members practise very hardly and progress now ! With more than 15 members, Unik Star is proud of this section and prepare the future. The staff has developped a lot of events with young musicians and color guards this summer.

The next achievement for the staff and juniors : Recruitment, Travel & Animation in France

A retrospection of this special event is online on your website.

>>> See the pictures of the Street Market

>>> See the video "individuals and ensembles" programs of the Color Guards and musicians juniors.

BONUS / NEW VIDEO ONLINE : Carnival - Lomme 2009 !

>>> See this new video (musicians and color guards in this parade)

SAISON INDOOR PERCUSSION 2010

You are looking for a serious group of percussion or color guard in the Lille area ?

Please note that our team is actively searching for new members to prepare the new season 2008/2009.
We offer to train you and to evaluate your competencies and technical level to enter our sections.
Beginners are welcome in many sections and you will have a warm welcome from the members and the staff.

Come live the Indoor Percussion and Winter guard adventure with us !!! Dare doing it !!!

ON THE ROAD - SUMMER SEASON 2009


The last week, the color guards and musicians of Unik Star gathered to play in the streets of Berlaimont for the « Bouzouc Feast » ! This second performance of May was a long and hard parade with the Corps and crowd taking shelter from the rain.

Thursday saw the corps traveling to La Bassée, where they did one ENORMOUS parade with a lot of units and floats.

Saturday, A Night carnival near to PARIS and Sunday was a more traditionnal day with a street animation in Isbergues (with a short travel).

4 Parades, in 2 weeks only, gathered a very large and cheerful audience.

On timing was very important for this week, and all musicians and color guards have demonstrated once again their talents and their capacities.

A photo report and a video are available on your website !

>>> See the slideshow of Berlaimont
>>> See the video of La Bassée
>>> See the slideshow of St Cheron

UNIK STAR - SLIDE SHOW - IPE ROSELEARE
(Thank you JM for your precious new pictures)

The musicians and color guards is working hard to prepare a lot of feasts and parades for this 2009 summer season (See the slideshow: Xpression All-Ages),
Our group (color guards and musicians) gathered to play in the streets of ABSCON for the first street of may with a lot of new members. For this event, the webmasters have put on line 1 new slideshow (in MEDIAS/PICTURES) of the beginning of this summer season which is very promising. The rhythm will speed up for Unik Star and many performances are scheduled in the agenda. Don’t hesitate to visit this page !

You can find in the "Staff" page under THE GROUP, informations including several new nominations in the board and our organisation.

UNIK STAR - VICE CHAMPION IPE 2009
(International Class)

Meeting was set at 7am on sunday April 05th for all the members and the followers. The majority of the instruments were loaded the night before in a 30 m3 truck under the direction of Eric Sueur and Sébastien Bevernage. The remaining instruments were loaded in the morning on a other small truck. Our driver hits the road for Roselaere in Belgium for the IPE Championships (the last contest of this season).

The 23 musicians receive the program for the day and goes directly to the dressing room as the doors open to get ready.

The program of this season is a real challenge for our group ; Our goal for this day was to be noticed for our 2nd year.

In our Class, three strong units competed: Percussion Unlimited (Netherlands), DrumSpirit (Belgium) and Unik Star (France). We won the Prelims, but in Finals, Percussion Unlimited topped the International Marching Class, and our unit ended in second place.

The staff, The Audience, North Coast Academy and groups agree in saying, even before having the results, that it is a success, a fabulous program and a very nice performance !!!

Beyond the points, a great satisfaction and a feeling of success !

SCORES - INTERNATIONAL MARCHING CLASS: Prelims
1 - 84.7 Unik Star (FR)
2 - 83.4 Percussion Unlimited (NL)
3 - 80.8 DrumSpirit (B)

SCORES - INTERNATIONAL MARCHING CLASS: Finals
1 - 86.5 Percussion Unlimited (Ned)
2 - 84.1 Unik Star (Fra)
3 - 82.8 DrumSpirit (B)

For this occasion, we have prepared a new video and a new slide show.

>>> See the video (6 min 03)

>>> See the slide show

After this success, let's go forward with new projects...

CGN CHAMPIONSHIPS IN EINDHOVEN (NL) !

All the members (color guards & musicians) keep in mind this date at the CGN Championships 2009 in Holland this Saturday 28th March.

For Xpression Winterguard, this final contest was the best score since 5 year in the A-Class : 70,7 points ! A Top score for this fabulous program with only 7 color guards ! A nice energy for this final contest, movements executed much better than in the last contests, more dynamic and a nice score in the "Equipment" section ! Color Guards have succeeded in the execution of this program and have a BIG satisfaction feeling for this new year !

For Unik Star Percussion Ensemble, despite the absence of Mika due to medical reasons, The team has doing only the prelims selection. Disappointed by their performance, the members has performed with a big problem with the floor (very large for the area with no place for the front ensemble : a unconfortable situation ; we have placed the front ensemble on the floor and on a other position). For this reason, the drill was very difficult (no synthetiser, no sonorisation, no micro), a lot stress and much penalitys points ! All musicians and the staff wish the best for the IPE final in Roselaere (BE) with Drumspirit and Percussion Unlimited (and we are sure with a good condition)

All scores and informations on the CGN website : www.colorguard.org

UPDATE : MEDIAS

For this special final contest in Eindhoven (NL), the webmasters have put on line 2 videos of the ending of this winterguard season which is very promising.

We wish you an excellent visit. Don’t hesitate to leave comments or messages on the forum. Have fun watching the new medias!

We would like to thank Didier, Marie & Adeline for the many pictures and videos for the conception of this update.

>>> See the last video of "The Difference" in Eindhoven by the team Xpression

>>> See a small extract of the Special Pinball Theme in Eindhoven by Unik Star

IPE CONTEST IN BELGIUM FOR UNIK STAR :

It is with much pleasure that Unik Star Percussion Ensemble went for the first time in Estaimpuis (BE) for the first contest of this new season. The rehearsal pace has of course grown and the programm was ready for this first contest. 2 groups in "International Class" : Unik Star & Drumspirit.
UNIK STAR was successful for its first performance with a 1st place and a total score of 72.3 points ! Lots of pleasure for the percusionnists who gave their maximum ! Much applause from the audience at the climax of the program.
The season '09 is launched...

SCORES INTERNATIONAL CLASS - ESTAIMPUIS (08/03/09)
1. 72,3 Pts Unik Star
2. 68,0 Pts Drumspirit

>>> See an extract of "PINBALL : The lure of the silver ball" in Estaimpuis
>>> See the video of the Unik Star camp of February 2009
 

XPRESSION IN GOES (NL) :

Xpression and its team arrived in Goes (NL) around 3:00pm. For its third participation at the CGN circuit 2009 in A-Class, it is with a score of 66.1 points that the group won 4th place in this category.
Some modifications have been included in "The Difference" and we wish them the very best and a good score for the CGN finals on March !
All the staff would like to thank the color guards and their instructors (came this 22nd February for the last clinic of this program) who have participated in the conception of this great program !
Last stop for Xpression : CGN Finals in Eindhoven (NL).

SCORES A-CLASS - GOES (28/02/09)
1. 72.0 pts Alliance
2. 69.4 pts Jong Leven
3. 69.0 pts Vintage
4. 66.1 pts Xpression

>>> See the slide show of this contest
 

Two musicians join "The Senators"

Benoit Sueur and David Lemant will join The Senators Drum & Bugle Corps (Eastleigh, England) for the 2009 season.

They will both march in the drumline of the DCE 2007 and 2008 European Champions.

David will march snare, and Benoit will be part of the tenor line. David and Benoit will remain active members of Unik Star, as Unik Star is a winter drumline, while The Senators focus on the summer season. The Staff is proud of this announcement !

CONGRATULATION for this action !

XPRESSION PRESENTED ITS NEW PROGRAM...

Our color guards presented their new program Winterguard in Aalsmeer (NL) and Waalwijk (NL) with very good scores. Medias were put on the website to discover the Xpression's new realisation. Here are the scores of the 2 competitions :

SCORES A-CLASS - WAALWIJK (17/01/09)
1. 69,6 Pts The Pride
2. 67,9 Pts Starriders
3. 67,2 Pts Passie
4. 65,9 Pts Intension
5. 63,0 Pts Xpression
6. 61,7 Pts Jong Leven
7. 49,0 Pts Enjoy

>>> See the slide show
>>> See the video

SCORES A-CLASS - AALSMEER (03/01/09)
1. 65,1 Pts The Pride
2. 61,9 Pts Passie
3. 59,4 Pts Jong Leven
4. 56,1 Pts Xpression

>>> See the video

NEW PARTNER

Our Staff is very happy to inform you about its new partnership with Rapid'Flore - Armentières. Thanks to Sandy (our Drum Major)!

You can go to her new flowers store. Wonderful compositions are proposed at the best quality price ratio.

UNIK STAR 2008/2009

XPRESSION 2008/2009

Video: "The difference"

Video: "Pinball : The Lure of the Silver Ball"

The Difference

Xpression, Unik Star's winterguard unit from Hellemmes France, has announced the theme of the show for the 2009 winterguard season: 'The Difference'.

Xpression will perform this show at the CGN (Contest Aalsmeer, Contest Waalwijk, Contest Goes & Championships Eindhoven) in The Netherlands.

This new programm joins a mixture of beauty, hope and melancholy ; accompanied by an American modern music !

Xpression has attracted two new  instructors for this season : Michael van der Tweel et Suryono Wiersma (members of Beatrix).

Michael van der Tweel is the new drill and movement designer for Xpression and Suryono Wiersma hels color guard for practise.

There is no doubt that Xpression will benefit from these instructors and of this new concept!

Xpression celebrates these 5 years of Winterguard in 2009!

>>> See the slide show



Pinball: The lure of the silver ball

The staff of Unik Star Percussion Ensemble (Hellemmes - France) has the pleasure to present the theme of their new show 2009: "Pinball: The lure of the silver ball".

This new program, inspired on a Pinballmachine, is composed with the music of Coldplay and The Who. With arrangements such as Clocks, Viva la vida, Tommy (Pinball Wizard) and the beautiful Coldplay ballad Fix You, Unik Star is very excited to present their new show to the audience this winter! The show will be presented at the CGN and IPE competitions in the Netherlands, Belgium and France.

After the succes of last years program, Unik Star hasn’t changed their winning team of arrangers/designers :
- Erwin Van Gemert
- Bruce Vrancken
- Robin Bogert

They have gathered their talents to create a new show at the image of Unik Star.

These 3 professionals were chosen in the objective to help our unit take the next step into the future.

Pierre Lignée (external instructor since 2005 for our group) will bring his expertise for the front ensemble for keyboard technique. Erwin Van Gemert and Robin Bogert will also come to tune up the program and choregraphy.

Numerous camps have been organized to realize this program and the musicians are working really hard.

We hope for a warm welcome of this show by the audience and good results at the competitions.

Open House '08 with EIAA : Video

I&E CGN '08 : Scores

AUXILIARY ENSEMBLE OPEN CLASS
1. 75,5 Pts / Jong Jubal
2. 73,5 Pts / Volonté
3. 72,0 Pts / Xpression
4. 69,5 Pts / CMH Menaldum
5. 69,0 Pts / Avant Courir/Beatrix
6. 61,0 Pts / W.C.G.
7. 51,0 Pts / Cadans

FLAG ENSEMBLE OPEN CLASS
1. 70,5 Pts / Xpression
2. 61,0 Pts / Sas van Gent #2
3. 57,5 Pts / Sas van Gent #1
4. 48,5 Pts / Crescendo #1

AUXILIARY INDIVIDUAL OPEN CLASS
1. 87,5 Pts / Talitha van Wijngaard - Sensation
2. 85,5 Pts / Angela Zonneberg - Sensation
3. 81,0 Pts / Anneke de Jong - CMH Menaldum
4. 68,5 Pts / Seba Flohart - Xpression
5. 67,0 Pts / Natascha Muller - Avant Courir

FLAG INDIVIDUAL CADET CLASS
1. 74,5 Pts / Anne-Fleur Klok - W.C.G.
2. 74,0 Pts / Sophie Taton - Xpression

SNARE INDIVIDUAL OPEN CLASS
1. 89,0 Pts / David Lemant - Unik Star
2. 84,0 Pts / Benoit Sueur - Unik Star
3. 78,0 Pts / Jeremy Vaneureux - La Vaillante

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE OPEN CLASS
1. 68,0 Pts / Unik Star
2. 61,0 Pts / La Vaillante

TENOR INDIVIDUAL OPEN CLASS
1. 78,0 Pts / Alexander de Groff - Sas van Gent
2. 77,0 Pts / Ludovic Sueur - Unik Star

KEYBOARD INDIVIDUAL OPEN CLASS
1. 66,0 Pts / Arnaud Taton - Unik Star

KEYBOARD INDIVIDUAL CADET CLASS
1. 82,0 Pts / Jermo van Toor - Jong Jubal
2. 53,8 Pts / Adeline Bevernage - Unik Star

Open House '08 with EIAA : Success

The Open Day 2008, organized by Unik Star/Xpression and with the support of European Indoor Arts Alliance (EIAA) held on October 26, 2008 in Hellemmes (France), was a great success. For this first official demonstration EIAA, approximately 300 visitors and 90 trainees visited this exceptional day filled with Indoor Percussion and Color Guard.

The Drumline training course, like in the last 3 years, has brought together many musicians on snare and tenor. The section, lead by Benoit Sueur and several members of Unik Star, completed the day by presenting a musical piece with music of Daft Punk.

In the Front ensemble section, Pierre Lignée accompanied by Arnaud Taton and Melanie Reynaert informed a group of musicians marimbists and xylophonists on the rudiments of these instruments (2 and 4 rods). Many exercises were done during the 6 hours the training course took. Pierre Lignée also held a Master Class on all the instruments used in Indoor Percussion during the lunch which brought together many interested parties.

Unik Star & Xpression had invited 2 Dutch instructors for the training course color guard. Sylvia Vos and Manon Zuijdervliet worked with all the equipment used in Color Guard (rifle, flag, sabre). Techniques and movements were set up. Sylvia and Manon divided participants into 2 groups (according to the levels) during the day in order to be able to achieve the most.

The 2nd part of the day consisted of many exhibitions in color guard and percussion by Unik Star & Xpression. The juniors also presented a program in front of a very generous public! In short, an exceptional day for the groups and EIAA!  

>>> See the pictures of the Open House 2008

>>> See the video of the individual and ensemble programs of the Color Guards

>>> See the video of the individual and ensemble programs of the percussion

>>> See the video of the ensemble programs of junior

OPEN HOUSE 2008 UNIK STAR / E.I.A.A.

By clicking on this link or on the poster you will have direct access to the complete programme of Open Doors Day of 26th October 2008, with the partnership of the new European Federation EIAA (registrations to work placements, full programmes, foreign instructors, and fees).
92 REGISTRATIONS FOR CLINICS !!!

CGN INDIVIDUALS ET ENSEMBLES

By clicking on this text you will have access to the list of members (musicians and color guards) who take part in this competition. Meet you in Eemnes, Netherlands, on 18th October to know the results of the prepared programmes.
>>> See the names of the enlistes members

DAVID LEMANT & VANCORE

The efforts and hard work of a young French musician, a member of our drumline, are rewarded. David Lemant will perform at the Vancore Day, on 4th October in Joure (Netherlands). He will become a Vancore Ambassador in Europe and will be solicited by our sponsor to perform several demonstrations. Moreover, a surprise awaits him on arrival : a new snare with the new partnership!
 

NEW INSTRUCTORS !!!


Xpression welcomes for its programme Color Guard 2009 two new Dutch instructors : they will be part of our group as of 12th October for their first camp. They are:

- Michael Van Der Tweel (Beatrix Color Guard since 2001 and Staff member of Avant Courir Winterguard)

- Suryono Wiersma (Beatrix Color Guard since 2006, former The Pride & Jubal Color guard, and also Staff member of Avant Courir Winterguard)

Which programme will succeed “Behind the Magic Door”? Let us remember that Xpression and Unik Star will be celebrating their fifth year of competition in Winterguard and Indoor Percussion! Indeed, very beautiful shows ahead!

STREET - ARMENTIERES


Our musicians and color guards took part in the famous “Nieulles Festival” on Sunday 14th September 2008 in Armentières (Dany Boon’s hometown). This Festival gathered a very large and cheerful audience. A successful performance which has demonstrated once again our talent, our seriousness, and our technical qualities. A photo report is available on line so that you too may enjoy this wonderful and sunny day, without forgetting the night meal offered by the organisers!
>>> See the slide show

0PEN HOUSE 2008 UNIK STAR / E.I.A.A.

By clicking on this link or on the poster you will have direct access to the complete programme of Open Doors Day of 26th October 2008, with the partnership of the new European Federation EIAA (registrations to work placements, full programmes, foreign instructors, and fees).
 
 

CLARCK GARDNER IN FRANCE


After a visit of Tony Nunez and Kevin Shah during the whole month of June, another American instructor will travel to France. Clark Gardner will be in Hellemmes from September 27th till October 14th. He has been visiting Unik Star Percussion Ensemble since 2004, to help developing technical and musical skills of the members.

PARADE - FLEURY SUR ANDELLE


Our formation took part in the local fair of " Fleury on Andelle" located in France. Your webmasters prepared you a slide show. a very good day with the pictures !!!
>>> See the slide show

THE NEW SEASON 2008/2009 begins...
The musicians and color guards took back well rehearsals since August 07th and the team of the season 2008/2009 should be complet at the end of the month to prepare the indoor percussion and color guard circuits. In parallel, you can find in the agenda all dates of parades and demonstrations. More informations about the Open House '08 in collaboration with the new European Federation E.I.A.A. and C.G.N. will be online very shortly. If you want, you can envisage, in your calendar, the date of October 26 th to come at the Open house 'O8 with a lot of demonstrations and don’t forget that the places are restricted in the different clinics.

For this special edition, we will receive several outside masters of clinics:
- Pierre Lignée (Percussionnist - intervening in the pit of Unik Star since many years - student in musicology).
- Sylvia Vos (Staff "The Pride - Color Guard" in Holland and former member of "Pride of Cincinatti" in USA).
- Manon Zuijdervliet (Color Guard former member of Crossmen and Blue Devils in USA).

For the contest, several members will participate in the individual and ensembles C.G.N. in Emnes in Holland. The informations about this contest are on the website http://www.individualsensembles.org/.
Coming soon :
A list with all registrations... To be followed...

All this informations to say that all the members will spend as every year many fantastic instants during all the season and that the team Unik Star is more than ever motivated. To accomplish these new objectives, oreover, we are still recruiting for the season 2008/2009 and you are all welcome to live the experience of Unik Star and Xpression. You can contact us via contact@unikstar.com. The word of order for this new season: DARE !!!
 

The season 2007-2008 ends at the end of this month of June. All the members keep in mind the title of Champion at IPE 2008 in the “International Class” as well as the visit of Tony and Kevin in our artistic and musical group.

Many changes are made on the website and more specifically many pictures are added on the juniors and on our Americans.

Moreover, we are still recruiting for the season 2008/2009 and you are all welcome to live the experience of Unik Star and Xpression. Rehearsals will start again on August 7th. The Junior section will start again on August 27th.

Please note that the staff members are unavailable during the month of july. For any emergency please send a mail to “Contact” on the top left corner.

We wish you nice holidays and an excellent visit on our website !!!

The musicians and color guards have been working hard to prepare a new and richer street program for the 2008 summer season. With as main objective to develop our repertoire, our group will travail for 2008 in many French regions and more specifically near Rouen and the north. Several performances have already been done with much success such as Yssingeaux in “Haute Loire”, Gauchy in “Aisne”, Flers en Escrebieux and Somain in the North. Moreover, we have met in Somain our friends from St Quentin “La Vaillante” with whom some musicians have shared some notes! It’s always with great pleasure to meet some French groups who are really passionate and friendly with whom we can share such moments. For this occasion, the webmasters have put on line 2 slideshows and 2 videos of the beginning of this season which is very promising. The rhythm will speed up for Unik Star and many performances are scheduled in the agenda. Don’t hesitate to visit us in order ot share our mutual passion...

Here are the new medias on line :

>>> see the video of Croix (City Hall reception)

>>> see the video of Flers en Escrebieux (Street)

>>> see the slideshow of Somain

>>> see the slideshow of Flers en Escrebieux

We wish you an excellent visit. Don’t hesitate to leave comments or messages on the forum. Have fun watching the new medias!

Our President with the microphone...


Video Xpression - Color Guards


Video Unik Star Percussion Ensemble - Musicians

The Word of the President

"Summer is approaching... The end of the season is coming quickly but before there are still some carnivals and street parades that will close the season.

The street parades are also part of the occupations of the musicians, as much as the competitions. I am particularly proud of your results this year. It is with great pleasure to work with people who work so hard for music. You are a group well-known for its good reputation in France but also abroad. Our task is to maintain this reputation. On my side, I will do my best for that by bringing my help in order to realize your new project, but is is also your responsibility to be fully dedicated, staff and musicians, in order to continue to show that Unik Star is a strong, powerful and unified group.

During the last general assembly you were willing to reelect me as president, a position that I have had for 26 years now and I thank you. But I cannot do all the work alone without a true team behind me : the board members and the staff."

Our President gave these few words to the members ofr the organization after the general assembly which took place in Hellemmes on April 17th. Moreover an article was published in the local newspapers "La Voix du Nord" which you can find in the "Press Releases" page in the MEDIAS.

A few changes were also made, which you can find in the "Staff" page under THE GROUP, including several new nominations in the board, a new additionnal Drum Major and some technical leaders to strengthen the team, help continue the improvements and attain the new objectives of our group.
We wish you a nice visit !!!

Video Xpression - Color Guards


Video Unik Star Percussion Ensemble - Musicians

We recruit
for
Unik Star & Xpression !!!

You are looking for a serious group of percussion or color guard in the Lille area ?

Please note that our team is actively searching for new members to prepare the new season 2008/2009.
We offer to train you and to evaluate your competencies and technical level to enter our sections.
Beginners are welcome in many sections and you will have a warm welcome from the members and the staff.

Send us an email to contact@unikstar.com or come meet us during one of our rehearsals on Tuesday or Thursday from 6:30pm to 8pm at “Centre Gustave Engrand” rue Faidherbe in Hellemmes (59260).

Come live the Indoor Percussion and Winter guard adventure with us !!! Dare doing it !!!

New media on line

In the audio page, you will find an extract of the finale of our show "Dark Illusion" during the IPE championships in Wevelgem (B).

Have fun listening to it !

IPE International Marching Percussion Class : Prelims
1) 85.4 Unik Star (Fra)
2) 83.0 Southern Aurora (UK)
3) 72.4 Legion Star (UK)

IPE International Marching Percussion Class : Finals
1) 84.9 Unik Star (Fra)
2) 82.3 Southern Aurora (UK)

CGN Marching Percussion Open Class : Prelims
1) 84.1 (0,0) Vintage (UK)
2) 83.9 (0,0) Percussion Unlimited (NL)
3) 81.1 (0,1) Unik Star (Fra)
4) 77.8 (0,0) Southern Aurora (UK)
5) 75.2 (0,2) Advendo (NL)
6) 72.1 (0,0) Legion Star (UK)
7) 71.2 (0,0) Sternse Slotlanders (NL)

CGN Marching Percussion Open Class : Finals
1) 87.5 (0,0) Vintage (UK)
2) 85.1 (0,1) Percussion Unlimited (NL) 
3) 82.1 (0,0) Unik Star (Fra)

CGN Color Guard A-Class : Prelims
83.6 (0,0) Starriders (D)
81.3 (0,0) The Pride (NL)
76.9 (0,0) Alliance (UK)
76.7 (0,0) CMH Menaldum (NL)
75.1 (0,0) Blue Lions (Fra)
74.5 (0,0) 2Xtreme (NL)
71.9 (0,0) Passie (NL)
70.3 (0,0) Sensation (NL)
68.6 (0,0) Jong Jubal (NL)
68.4 (0,0) Intension (NL)
66.6 (0,0) Enjoy (NL)
66.0 (0,0) Jong Leven (NL)
65.1 (0,0) Xpression (Fra)
62.0 (0,0) Dynamix (NL)
61.0 (0,0) Jong Beatrix (NL)

New videos, pictures and articles are posted in the MEDIAS' page.

CGN et IPE CHAMPIONSHIPS (2nd part)

After Eindhoven, the color guards and musicians hit the road for Hellemmes in order to come home. We arrive at 2:30am (so 3:30am new time) and a new meeting time is set for 7:00am for the musicians that will compete in Wevelgem in Belgium at the IPE competition (Indoor Percussion Europe). Some latecomers due to the tiring previous day, but the members have good spirits despite some tangible stress. The musicians wanted to defend the points obtained the previous day at CGN in another competition judges by Americans and Belgians! A new challenge for the group!

The bus arrives around 8:30am and the staff registers the group for the competition. The members then go to the main hall and wait for the first performing groups. It is then that we meet our friends from Edelweiss who presented a wonderful program in “Concert Class”. Around 11:00am, the instruments are unloaded and the musicians get ready (make-up, uniforms and last adjustments for the instruments). Just one problem: it is 2:00pm and the members involved with the Croix concert ensemble and who had to perform in the morning haven’t arrived yet. Unik Star is waiting. Fortunately the musicians arrive and no time left to finish up the make-up as the doors open. A warm audience can be heard and we can hear the support from our friends and family...

The show starts, the visuals seem to be better than at CGN. A little faster tempo, applauses at the climaxes of the show. All the musicians leave the floor satisfied and the technical director accompanied by some leaders go inside the hall to see the results. We see them coming back with radiant faces and it is with a score of 85.4 points that the group obtains 1st place!!! The emotion fills the hearts of the members; we are qualified for the finals of the « International Class » with Southern Aurora (UK).

We have 2 hours to kill but also to work in order to prove to the audience and to the judges that our show is the best show in its category for this season. Everyone is excited about the idea of getting the title of Champion at Indoor Percussion Europe!!! During these 2 hours, and under the direction of Pierre Lignée and of the instructors of Unik Star, we work several passages to perfect our ensemble. This rehearsal ends up with a war cry just before the concentration time prior to entering the floor again. « Dark Illusion » is performed for the 2nd time and all the musicians expect to give the best of themselves in energy, visuals and technique.

We enter the floor. The show is better executed despite accrued fatigue since the previous Friday. The audience is still very generous and Unik Star leaves the floor with full applause. We only have to wait for the results to know the outcome of this competition. Beyond the points, a great satisfaction and a feeling of success for having done this program in 4 months!!! A real challenge for our group. Our goal was to be noticed for our 1st year as « Unik Star Percussion Ensemble » and the staff agrees in saying, even before having the results, that it is a success!!!

The pressure comes down and the members go to the bus to put away the instruments quickly and then go see the performance of the 2 star groups of the day: Matrix and Father Ryan coming from the United States. The 2 percussion groups showed an exceptional performance with innovative shows amazingly executed. What a delight to see such groups of exceptions quality!!!

Of course, the members are still waiting for the results. After the performance of Father Ryan, the leaders of each group from each class go to the floor to get the results and prizes. Isabelle Eggermont and Eric Sueur go get the points for Unik. Even if the members were scattered in the hall, the stress is tangible. It is with a score of 84.9 points that the members confirm their 1st place and Unik Star obtains the title of Champion at Indoor Percussion Europe in the “International Marching Class”. Congratulations to all for this performance and work done which has been fruitful. A special thought to our friends from Edelweiss who obtain 1st place in “Concert Class”.

The summer season is now launched at Unik Star with the street parades!!! See you soon for coming adventures !! 

IPE International Marching Percussion Class : Prelims
1) 85.4 Unik Star (Fra)
2) 83.0 Southern Aurora (UK)
3) 72.4 Legion Star (UK)

IPE International Marching Percussion Class : Finals
1) 84.9 Unik Star (Fra)
2) 82.3 Southern Aurora (UK)

CGN Marching Percussion Open Class : Prelims
1) 84.1 (0,0) Vintage (UK)
2) 83.9 (0,0) Percussion Unlimited (NL)
3) 81.1 (0,1) Unik Star (Fra)
4) 77.8 (0,0) Southern Aurora (UK)
5) 75.2 (0,2) Advendo (NL)
6) 72.1 (0,0) Legion Star (UK)
7) 71.2 (0,0) Sternse Slotlanders (NL)

CGN Marching Percussion Open Class : Finals
1) 87.5 (0,0) Vintage (UK)
2) 85.1 (0,1) Percussion Unlimited (NL) 
3) 82.1 (0,0) Unik Star (Fra)

CGN Color Guard A-Class : Prelims
83.6 (0,0) Starriders (D)
81.3 (0,0) The Pride (NL)
76.9 (0,0) Alliance (UK)
76.7 (0,0) CMH Menaldum (NL)
75.1 (0,0) Blue Lions (Fra)
74.5 (0,0) 2Xtreme (NL)
71.9 (0,0) Passie (NL)
70.3 (0,0) Sensation (NL)
68.6 (0,0) Jong Jubal (NL)
68.4 (0,0) Intension (NL)
66.6 (0,0) Enjoy (NL)
66.0 (0,0) Jong Leven (NL)
65.1 (0,0) Xpression (Fra)
62.0 (0,0) Dynamix (NL)
61.0 (0,0) Jong Beatrix (NL)

NOUVEAUX MEDIAS :

>>> Videos :
- IPE Championships "Dark Illusion"
- CGN Champ. - "Dark Illusion"
- CGN Champ. - "Behind magic door"

>>> Pictures :
- IPE Championships
- CGN Champ. Music & CG

>>> Press Release :
- David Lemant invited at the Musik Messe in Frankfurt (D)

CGN and IPE CHAMPIONSHIPS (1st part)
Meeting was set at 4am on saturday March 29th for all the members and the followers. The majority of the instruments were loaded the night before in a 30 m3 truck under the direction of Eric Sueur. The remaining instruments were loaded in the morning on a 2-floor bus  HAZEBROUCK (our partner) and then the driver hits the road for Eindhoven in the Netherlands for the CGN Championships.

The 31 musicians and 9 color guards receive a program for the day and, upon arrival, Xpression goes directly to the dressing room as the doors open to get ready. After a promotion in A-Class, will the show rearranged by Ilona Hamstra and Norman King convince the audience and the judges ? With 9 members, Xpression presents for the last time their program "Behind The Magic door".

The color guards enter the floor around 10:30am and the famous music of Harry Potter can be heard. A nice energy, movements executed much better than in the last contests, a show rearranged and more dynamic, the color guards leave the floor with a confident face, they have succeeded in the execution of their program. They go to the score board and see 65.1 points which ends the season. The magic of Harry Potter has given 3 more points from the previous season and a 13th place well appreciated by the members and the staff.

The day continues with the musicians who get ready (make-up, uniform, warm-up and last tuning of instruments). The stress is on all the faces : the musicians have worked all sundays since january to achieve a high performance, they are expecting success !!

It is 1pm and Unik Star is ready behind the curtain. The stress is there. The members concentrate and encourage each other. The curtain opens and the front ensemble settles, the mat is in place, the first notes of the vibraphone resound. The audiences reacts much at the climaxes of the program, the quality of the drill (choregraphy) is much higher than at the previsou contests WGI and CGN, the chromaticisms for the front ensemble are much cleaner and the energy is fantastic !!!

All the musicians leave the floor and run to the score board hoping to have convinced the judges !!! Musicians, staff, color guards look at the points. We can even see members from other groups very curious to see our score. The 1st number is written, an 8 !!! Unik Star gets carried away, some cry, other smile, the emotion is overloading. The group is still waiting for the score of the last 2 groups to know if we would make it to finals.

The dream comes true, Unik Star is qualified for finals with a score of 81.1 points and a 3rd place.

After this great surprise, Unik Star executes for a 2nd time "Dark Illusion" in the evening for the finals with as competitors Vintage (UK) and Percussion Unlimited (NL).

The group meets at 7pm to work the program and some details to improve the show. Second performance at 9pm to defend the placement and points !!! Unik Star obtains an extra point !!! Excellent performance, and it is with a score of 82.1 points and a 3rd place competing agains the english and dutch group that Unik Star closes this 2008 CGN circuit !!! Happiness and satisfaction for this season !!! 

Coming soon : 2nd part of the week-end CGN and IPE CHAMPIONSHIPS (with the presentation and the program of this exceptional sunday)

2 NEW MEDIAS
2 new videos on line :

Demonstrations of percussion with David Lemant and Ludovic Sueur at the Vancore booth for the Musik Messe in Frankfurt in Germany. Also a  special ensemble with the famous group Advendo (NL). We would like to thank Vancore for the invitation. And congratulations to David Lemant to have taken up this challenge...

A retrospection of the last camp for Xpression that occurred on March 14th, 15th and 16th 2008 with the instructors Ilona Hamstra (NL) and Norman King (USA).
(click on the texts to download)

The media talks for itself, have fun watching it !!!

Norman and Ilona

UNIK STAR IN FORCE IN BELGIUM !
It is with a torrential rain that the musicians and color guards of Unik Star performed at their 1st street parade of the season 2008 on March 9th in Wellin (B). Belgium didn't spare our members with such a weather. t was the first time in street uniform for several musicians. A successful carnival thanks to a large and warm audience and the well-known carnival people from Belgium, especially due to their sense of party and humour. The season for street parades is launched !!!

The same day, a delegation of Unik Star, Isabelle Eggermont, Pierre Lignée and David Delcourt, went to the "Private Drum Teacher Seminary" of Vic Firth in Melsbroek (B). For this occation, our team met again with Neil Larrivee, the director of education of the brand with whom the group has been in contact for several months, but also met Vic Firth in person ! This wonderful experience has allowed our members to learn new development methods and also hear some anecdotes from the speaker, Dom Famularo, and also talk more with our sponsor for sticks and mallets !!!
As you can see we have lots of work at Unik Star !!! 


NEW CLINIC INCORPS
On March 17th 2008, the musicians had a clinic with the drill designer of "Dark Illusion", Robin, accompanied by Albert (both Visual staff for Jubal). The drumline worked on the drill and marching techniques. We would like to thank both of them for their help !!! Very fun people too !!!

Coming soon :
The video and the pictures of the Musik Messe in Frankfurt where David Lemand and Ludovic Sueur performed several demos. Patience...

Unik Star in Wellin (B)


Unik Star in Wellin (B)


Unik Star, Vic Firth, Neil Larrivee and Dom Famularo


The drumline with Robin and Albert from Jubal


David and Ludovic at the Musik Messe in Frankfurt (D)
 

Xpression at the CGN contest in Waalwijk (NL)

Scores CGN Contest - Waalwijk (NL) - 09 February 2008
AA-Class
1. 58.7  Xpression (F)
2. 56.1  Vision (D)
3. 52.4  Avalance (NL) 
4. 46.7  West Coast Guard (NL)

Xpression and its team arrived in Waalwijk (NL) around 4:30pm for the opening of the doors. For its first participation at the CGN circuit in AA-Class, Xpression presented its new show "Behind the Magic Door" designed by Ilona Hamstra (NL) assisted by Norman King (USA).
Stress and anxiety could be seen on all the faces but Xpression has shown much tenacity and has imposed its original program.
It is with a score of 58,7 points that the group won first place in this category and has been promoted to the upper class : the A-Class.
A slide show showing the emotion of this real success has been put on line.
All the staff would like to thank the color guards and their instructors who have participated in the conception of this great program which allow Xpression to the next step.

Next stop for Xpression and Unik Star : WGI Europe in Drachten (NL).

See the slide show

The juniors, the staff and the instructors


Coralie honoured by the city hall

INTENSIVE REHEARSALS AND CLINICS:
Rehearsals follow one after the other but are very unlike. Unik Star and Xpression will enter competitions in the next few days. The rehearsal pace has of course grown and clinics have been organized to boost the work done by the sections. On January 20th, Pierre Lignée did the last adjustments for the front ensemble and on January 27th, Erwin Van Gemert from InCorps, one of the arrangers of the program Dark Illusion, came and brought his expertise. Many pictures have been taken : .
See the slide show with Pierre
See the slide show with Erwin

HONOURS :
On February 3rd, in the morning and like every year, one of the members of the organization is invited to be honoured for the good deeds accomplished. This year, Coralie Sueur is honoured by the city hall. Since she is 4 years old, Coralie is an active member of the organization. First in the pompom section, she's been able to grow to acquire all the necessary skills for the color guard techniques. Thanks to her motivation and perseverance, she's been able to help her section grow. She's also involved with the junior section. All the staff members would like to thank her for all her efforts and her pugnacity.

JUNIOR DAY '08 :
On February 3rd, around 100 visitors came to discover the children of the color guards and music sections of Unik Star and Xpression. A great first performance for the juniors who presented their exercises and programs..
See the slide show of the Junior Day

Special day for the junior musicians and color guards of Unik Star !!!

Come meet our young members on our Junior Day '08 !
For the families and friends, our group will offer a drink at the end of the day to share the success of the junior programs.

PROGRAM OF THE DAY :

2:30pm
Arrival of visitors and juniors

2:40pm
Unik Star Junior
Demonstrations and Show

3:10pm
Xpression Junior
Technical exercices and Show

3:40pm
Drink offered by the organization

A booth selling our goodies will be present for this occation. All the articles (see the Webshop page) will be sold at a unique price of 5 euros.

Our team is available for any additional information by mail at contact@unikstar.com

Drumline Unik Star - Rehearsal of January 13th 2008


The front ensemble team 2007/2008

All the musicians and color guards have been actively preparing the indoor competitions for a couple of months already !!!

For Xpression, the first CGN competition will occur in Waalwijk (NL) on February 9th. It's in the AA-Class that the color guards will present their program "Behind The Magic Door".

For Unik Star, it will be at the WGI-Europe competition in Drachten (NL) that the musicians will present their new show "Dark Illusion" in Independant A-Class competing with 2 other dutch experienced groups : Percussion Unlimited and Advendo Nijverdal.

Information regarding these competitions are on line on the website of CGN and WGI Europe.

Little gift for our web visitors :
The webmasters have opened the webpage MEDIAS - Audios and offer you an extract of the show DARK ILLUSION played by the Front Ensemble. The piece is called : Danse macabre.

We wish you an excellent visit !!! 

NEW YEAR 2008

All the members of our organization wish you a happy new year for 2008.

We would like to thank all the visitors who come to our web site. Thanks to you, this web site has gathered more than 200000 visits.

The staff is available for any information, registration or price request to perform for your festivals and parades.

Have a nice visit !!! 

Video for the holidays (by Mambofred)


Video of the year-end party (20/12/07)


Video of Monschau in Germany (08/12/07)

RESULTS FOR DECEMBER

The month of December was very busy for all the members of Unik Star :

- delivery of the packages for the seniors of the Guinguette in Hellemmes with a musical demonstration at the retirement home.

- camps and clinics to prepare the new programs for 2008 on top of the regular weekly rehearsals for the main groups and the juniors.

- a trip to Monschau in Germany to see the Christmas markets (all of this offered by Hazebrouck Voyages).

In conclusion a month full of work and emotion for the members of the organization.

For this occasion, we have prepared 3 videos for you to see all these activities that occurred in December.

The entire team of Unik Star and Xpression as well as the Comité would like to wish you happy holidays.

To prepare the numerous projects for 2008, our group will start the rehearsals again the first week of January 2008.

THE PROJECT JUNIOR GOES ON...

It has been almost one year since the project junior has started and the results of these 2 new sections are very promising (see the video). A great growth !!!

Where are we today ?
Unik Star supervises more than 20 young people for color guards (danse and flag work) and music (percussion and keyboard). Some projects are in scope for the long run in order to help these sections improve. Our group is still looking for new young members to discover and share a passion for music and color guard. All the information is available under "The Sections" webpages.

Coming soon :
Information on the progress of the shows Xpression and Unik Star... 

Growth of the Juniors from January to December


Exhibition of the Juniors in Hellemmes (May 2007)

The staff of Unik Star Percussion Ensemble (Hellemmes - France) has the pleasure to present the theme of their new show 2008 : "Dark Illusion".

This new program, inspired on horror, is composed of dark ballads and the famous music from the Exoscist ! The Show will be presented at the CGN and WGI regional competitions in the Netherlands.

New contributors have come to realize this new program. For this 2008 season, Erwin Van Gemert (arranger drumline - former member of Boston Crusaders), Bruce Vrancken (arranger front ensemble - former member of Blue devils) and Robin Bogert (drill designer - caption head visual of Jubal) have gathered their talents to create a show at the image of Unik Star. These 3 professionals were chosen in the objective to help our unit grow in power and also to give a new breathe in order to achieves the objectives of Unik Star.

Pierre Lignée (external instructor since 2005 for our group) will bring his expertise for the front ensemble for keyboard technique. Erwin Van Gemert will also come in January to tune up the program and choregraphy.

This season's show is starting up right. Numerous camps have been organized to realize this program and the musicians are working really hard. We hope for a warm welcome of this show by the audience and good results at the competitions.


Unik Star will present the new program during competitions in the Netherlands :

16 February 2008
WGI European Regional (Drachten)

01 March 2008
Contest CGN (Goes)

29 March 2008
Championships CGN (Eindhoven)


Coming soon :
Information on the progress of the Show Xpression and Unik Star... 

To be followed... 

Video of the Program '08 : Dark Illusion


Unik Star Front Ensemble with Pierre Lignée (left)

Unik Star Percussion Ensemble has a new partnership with the Belgian company "Les Voyages Hazebrouck" (bus company organizing trips).

  

To start on this new partnership, the director, Mr Laurent Hazebrouck, has offered a trip in December to Monschau in Germany to see the famous Christmas markets. The members of the organization are, of course, very excited about this exceptional event. The staff would like to thank this new partner and the great relationship and mutual trust this partnership brings.


Please find below the contact information for this company :
Voyages Hazebrouck
Chemin d'Halluin, 36
B-7780 Comines Bas-Warneton
Tel : +32.473 75 54 02
http://www.hazebrouck-voyages.be/


NEW IN THE WEBSHOP :

Unik Star has produced its caps in different colors. You may now order this new product at the price of 8 euros TTC (delivery included). You can find all the information on our WEBSHOP page. Hurry up as the stock is limited !!!

The UNIK STAR staff is available for any additional information by mail at : contact@unikstar.com


Coming soon :
An update with the presentation of the 2008 show for Unik Star with the names of the external contributors to this new indoor show. 

To be followed... 

Marimba Solo 2007 - Georges Lecomte
  
 

Here are our new caps

Xpression is pleased to present the theme of the show for the 2008 winterguard season : Behind the Magic Door. A new instruction team for this new challenge ! For this season, on top of Sandy Sueur and Séba Flohart, the staff called on 2 experts for this new choregraphic program. Xpression had a first camp on October 26th, 27th and 28th (more than 20 hours of rehearsal) and has worked on the new program !!!

Here is a short presentation of these 2 foreign instructors :

- Ilona Hamstra (from the Netherlands) / She is the drill and movement designer of the show. Strong with an experience of 8 years at Art Development (color guard group from the Netherlands from the 90s) and 3 years in the United States for the drumcorps Freelancers and Crossmen, Ilona showed her talent and creativity in writing this program. She has committed herself very much in this project and we thank her for her trust towards us.

- Norman King (from the United States) / He's helping our color guards in performing movements, working on technics and brings his expertise. He teaches in high schools in the east of the United States and has performed several time at the WGI competitions in his native country. We would like to thank him for his availibility and expertise. He will help during many week-ends for this season 2007/2008.

Please note that "Behind the Magic Door" is performed on music from the famous movies HARRY POTTER.

>>> See the slide show of the Xpression camp of October 26th, 27th and 28th


On the left : Norman King
On the right : Ilona Hamstra

Coming soon :
An update with the presentation of the 2008 show for Unik Star with the names of the external contributors to this new indoor show. 

To be followed... 

Video presenting the show Xpression 2008



Xpression is preparing many competitions in the Netherlands :
09 February 2008 - Contest CGN (Waalwijk)
16 February 2008 - WGI European Regional (Drachten)
01 March 2008 - Contest CGN (Goes)
29 March 2008 - Championships CGN (Eindhoven)


Xpression 2008 with the instructors

The entire team of Showband USA (newly UNIK STAR), color guards and musicians, were mobilized the entire week-end of October 20th and 21st. The first step of this intense week-end : the Individual and Ensemble competition at CGN in Eemnes in the Netherlands (about 270 kms from Hellemmes). Six programs were presented by our group who competed against many others coming from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and France. For this 2007 season, our musicians and color guards showed much technic, originality and excellence. See for yourself the scores on the right of this table...

>>> See the pictures of CGN I&E of October 20th in Eemnes (NL)

Due to illness, David Lemant wasn't able to perform his individual programm in snare. You can find an extract of it in the web page Medias/Videos in the video of the Vancore Day. We all wish him to get well soon.

The second step of the exceptional week-end : the Open House of October 21st. Our clinics hosted 81 musicians (keyboard and drumline) and color guards ! More than 350 visitors from France and Belgium came to discover our passion and our new name ! The individual and ensemble performances were saluted by a warm audience ! A great sharing time .
All the ingredients were gathered to create a successful Open House, greather than last year. We would like to thank all the members of the other groups who came for this great event, Fabien from Music Office (our new partner) for his stand. We would also like to thank all the volunteers, the members of the organization, the former majorettes, and our President, Mr Franchomme and his spouse. This day will stay forever in the history of our organization.

>>> See the pictures of the Open House 2007

>>> See the video of the individual and ensemble programs of the Color Guards

>>> See the video of the individual and ensemble programs of the percussion

We would like to thank Sébastien, Didier, Michel, JM and the photograh of the city for the many pictures and videos for the conception of this update.

Coming soon :
An update presenting the program 2008 for Xpression as well as the list of external contributors for the conception of this new show. 

To be followed... 

Extracts of the Open House

SCORES I&E CGN EMNES

 AUXILIARY INDIVIDUAL OPEN CLASS
 1. Sensation - Danielle van der Kieft : 94 pts
 2. Sensation - Lisette Terwijn : 87,5 pts
 3. Xpression - Seba Flohart : 80 pts
 3. Avant Courir - Natasha Muller : 80 pts
 5. Avalance - Ingrid Noordhoek : 73,5 pts
 6. Xpression - Irving Demeyere : 68,5 pts
 7. Blue Lions - Virginie Renard : 67,5 pts
 8. Sas van Gent - Mieke de Coeyer : 61 pts

 FLAG ENSEMBLE OPEN CLASS
 1. Xpression #2 : 75 pts
 2. West Coast Guard #1 : 69,5 pts

 AUXILIARY ENSEMBLE OPEN CLASS
 1. Avant Courir #1 : 78,5 pts
 2. Blue Lions #1 : 77,5 pts
 3. Xpression #1 : 75 pts
 4. Volonté #1 : 69,5 pts
 5. Johan Friso #1 : 68,5 pts
 6. Hollandia #1 : 67,5 pts
 7. DSM #1 : 63 pts
 7. DSM #2 : 63 pts
 9. Sensation #2 : 61 pts
 10. Sas van Gent #4 : 59,5 pts
 11. De Tambourijnen #2 : 57,5 pts
 12. Showgirls #1 : 57 pts
 12. Avalance #1 : 57 pts
 
 TENOR INDIVIDUAL OPEN CLASS
 1. Jubal - Paul Versteeg : 82 pts
 2. Showband USA - Ludovic Sueur : 61 pts
 3. Blue Lions - Claude Lucas : 40,5 pts
 
 KEYBOARD INDIVIDUAL OPEN CLASS
 1. Showband USA - Georges Lecomte : 84,5 pts
 2. Rhythm Stars - Wendy Brouwer : 76,9 pts

The entire team of Showband USA has the pleasure to inform you of its new artistic denomination. After several year under the name of Showband USA, our group of musicians and color guards becomes Unik Star Percussion Ensemble, a more dynamic name and more in adequacy with the Indoor Percussion movement very popular in the United States. The staff, musicians and color guards don't change and thank you for welcoming UNIK STAR in the best conditions. You may contact the staff for any additional question you may have.

Long life to Unik Star ! 
Let's go forward with new projects...
 

Coming soon :
An full update on the our week-end of October 20th and 21st. You will discover many medias of the CGN competition for individuals and ensembles (Emnes - NL) and of our Open House : A great success (more thatn 350 visitors from Belgium and France) !

To be followed...