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