Drum Corps Europe has appointed a new Adjudication Manager. As part of the DCE management team Douglas Caldwell will lead DCE's judging organisation, with immediate effect.

Douglas was born in Glasgow in 1961. "My first musical instrument was the piano but stopped playing a few years later as rugby was better fun", Douglas says. At Boys' Brigade he learned the Bb bugle and when he went to Senior School graduated onto trumpet. He played in a variety of military bands, big bands, brass bands and orchestra's.

"I first became became involved with marching bands through the Silver Shadows in 1980 and worked with them for five years marching, teaching and writing brass", Douglas continues. "During this time in 1982, I was introduced to judging by the late Eddie Hendle and Lee Packham. After a year's training I was accredited to judge DCUK. I have judged DCUK for most seasons since then, with a more full time role from 1991. I have also judged the British Youth Band Association for the last five years."

Douglas moved to Brighton, England in 1986 to teach the Imperial/Southern Knights. The corps became DCUK Champions in 1988 and Douglas took the corps to DCA in 1990.  Over the past ten years he has also worked with Black Knights and 6th Hove Scouts.

"My first exposure to DCE was judging the 2007 DCE Championships in Rotterdam and what an experience I had that day", Douglas remembers. "I retired from judging after the 2008 season, but I still have the hunger for the judging fraternity. I am very proud to have received recognition from both the UK organisations for my contribution to the activity and in particular judging."

Douglas takes over the role of Bruce Vrancken who appeared to have too little time to continue his role as Adjudication Manager. Drum Corps Europe wants to thank Bruce for his time and dedication for DCE, and welcomes Douglas as the new Adjudication Manager. DCE Chair Marcel Matthijsse is delighted to have Douglas on board. "Douglas is very experienced in both music and judging. We are very much looking forward to work with him."


Douglas Caldwell.

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