A Great but Busy Weekend

Happy Canada Day everyone!!!!!!!!!!

A day early though... Mostly because I have no intention of touching my lap top tomorrow.

Well last week was a bit nuts for the SASPB. In a good way though.

Obviously two weeks ago we had the Manitoba Highland Gathering in Selkirk. Another hot day with a few unwanted blood sucking guests (mosquitos) but blood loss aside a great day. The Sunday after we had the grade 2 band working with The Captain (Ken Eller) and Mr. Alan Walters.

It was a great work out and really opened the bands eyes to our full potential.

Another week of rehearsals was in the cards for the upcoming B.O.B. contest this past saturday.

However one small kink in the chain.

Wes and I had been invited to judge the Red Deer Highland Gathering. An incredible chance to get to look, not only at Rocky Mountain Pipe Band (competition in Maxville) but Alberta Caledonia (the only grade 1 band on the prairies). We couldn't turn it down.

So we rehearsed the bands all week and on friday we wished them well and got on a plane.

Saturday we spent at the park judging solos and bands. Some really great playing is going on in Alberta, though that should come as no surprise. I'd like to say I didn't fret, but I spent a lot of time checking my phone for text messages regarding the plays back home.

The good news is everyone's hard work paid off.

With a P/M like Wes, who doesn't exactly embody good general health, and a D/S like me, who is apt to become disheveled and fall in a pot hole a break his leg, it's very important we have back ups in place.

A chain of command has been built into the grade 2 band. At both ends there is a system that is tested every week to make sure everyone knows who is in charge and when.

It worked beautifully and I'm happy to say the judges gave the band great reviews. Wes and I are very proud, and a very big pat on the back goes to "The Cams" for taking the reins and keeping things moving.

Rehearsal that Sunday was interesting as Wes and I flew home saturday to be there. It was finally time to say the words "final push" and like talking to a soon to be new mother, the band is responding with vigor.

The World's trip is getting ever so close. Of course we hit up our favorite contest first Maxville, but we are going to have an absolute blast for the next month preparing.

There will be more updates... just not tomorrow. So stay tuned.

Happy Canada Day

I'm off to try my hand at Skype lessons with Mr. Graham Brown... Pray he doesn't figure out how to throw a stick at me via the internet.

Cheers,

Sean

Big Fish Syndrome

How and Deee folks!


The past couple days, with upcoming contest and Scotland looming, I've been really meditating on pipe bands around the World.

I've come upon a hypothesis if you will.

It seems there are 3 mental levels within the piping community here on the Prairies.

Level 1: Local: We turn our mental focus to the local pipe band scene. We concern ourselves during these moments with, how many solo kids are coming up, why some bands are shrinking while others are growing successful, etc.

Level 2: Territorial: For us it's the Prairies. Western Alberta to Western Ontario really. More bands are here, and of course it's easier for traveling players to make trips. We have rivalries etc. It's fun, but only seems to pop into our minds come contest time.

Level 3: International: This is pretty much all thought outside the Prairies. I know our organization is constantly trying to stay informed about what's happening outside. Do we stack up? Things like this.

I've found over the years that what grade your in is a direct influence on which level you let your mind dwell.

In a grade 1 band in Canada you, for the most part I assume, focus Internationally. While SFU and Triumph Street do compete locally with one another... the show is at the World's for both.

In a grade 4 band, and I've had the pleasure of being in two of them, you tend to focus locally. Rivalries are easier here because there may be a few bands in your grade and you may not travel that often for bigger contests. A lot of the time you end up looking up into other grades for new challenges. Not necessarily looking parallel to other parts of the World for conquests.

So, what is Big Fish Syndrome?

I've dubbed this syndrome after years of hearing negative comments about successful organizations from people who aren't in them.

I've been on the receiving end, and on the dishing out side of this as well.

Back in my juvenile days my band was struggling to maintain numbers while another juvenile band locally was huge and darn near grade 3. It was frustrating and, instead of working harder at recruitment or playing, we spent a ton of energy bad mouthing the other group.... This is common everywhere not just Winnipeg.

I'm sure there's someone in B.C. that doesn't play in SFU's organization and still admires them. I'm positive they're there, but a lot of the time you get eye rolls and excuses for why they're so good, instead of admitting they and Triumph Street are successful from hard work and experience.

Alberta has the same problem. Al Cal this, and Al Cal that.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba, though smaller ponds, still have the same problem. The SASPB and CRPB have the same issues. Then off to Ontario where "Peel is stealing everyone's players" and "The Frasers are bullies" all unfounded.

Usually success breeds success. People are attracted to playing for dynamic leadership, or successful music, or World Champions. It's not rocket surgery.

So, my advice, to those who are on the receiving end of this negativity. Don't let it get to you. It usually means you're doing something right and your success has ticked someone off. Do your thing, enjoy it, make music, and leave the politics where they belong...

Try to focus on the 3rd Level of the International Pipe Band World. Luckily technology has made this possible. We can all compare ourselves daily with bands all over the planet. Then spend some time working on the 1st level locally, trying to build your community, instead of ripping it apart with negativity.

Remember, all the successful bands were once struggling, instead of complaining about the other successful bands they studied them, then chased them, and then caught them.

Pipe and let Pipe I always say... or something like that.

Cheers

Sean

Livin the Dream

Howdy Everyone,

It's been a month since my last update. I'm quite happy to say things are going better than ever here in the prairies.

The weather finally cooperated this week and is basking us in sunshine for a few days.

Not that I'm complaining. Nothing could be better than cold and rain for practice weather when you're heading to Scotland!

We've had some interesting rehearsals and made a new friend in the back end.

A couple weeks ago Kurt Hunter (78th Highlanders Halifax) came out and started to jam with me and the boys. This was a huge asset as his experience and demeanor really is a great example for the corp. Kurt won't be joining us this season, hopefully next, but it really opened some eyes when a fella learns our medley in two weeks. That's commitment.

This week is quite busy, last night was the Two River's windup BBQ. A nice chance for kids, parents, and instructors to unwind before the summer hits and we all go our separate ways for two months. I want to take this chance to thank the hard working instructors, Ian Walker, Kyla Johnston, Scott Foster, and Megan Ross for their commitment to excellence, and none of our progress this year would be possible without our Band-Parent Liason/Manager/Guru Gale Walker. From myself, Wes, the organization, and the kids, thanks so much you guys!

Tonight is rehearsal as usual for the grade 2 guys. Minus the cold and rain. Thursday is grade 3, no surprise there.

Tomorrow night however is the grade 2 spaghetti dinner at Deluca's! A great fundraiser for our trip to Scotland and a fabulous chance to get together and have some food and fun. If you haven't got a ticket... they may be sold out! If not just ask any grade 2 band member.

Saturday is the Manitoba Highland Gathering (AKA Selkirk contest). I'm very excited for this one as we're gearing up for Scotland now and will be treating this contest like the World's. We also have a workshop planned on Sunday with I believe The Captain.

Then it's another week until Bands on the Boardwalk, and another Sunday rehearsal with the whole crew.

Every time I turn around there more pipe band to do!

Which is in fact my definition of Livin the Dream.

Cheers Everyone,

Sean