Good morning all.
I hope everyone has recovered from the long weekend. For those who were visiting Winnipeg briefly, I hope you enjoyed your stay, and I hope you may have got a chance to check out festivale always a great tradition in our city.
Well the first contest is behind us and we're reviewing. I have to thank the adjudicators for their work and their sheets. I especially want to thank Doug Stronach for his sheets as they are always full of great advice and critique. Lots of stuff to work on, and some great encouraging words as well.
It would appear things are moving in the right direction. From a leadership stand point this weekend couldn't have gone better. We introduced some new players and they played fabulously. We ran a few youngins out in solos and they were very successful. I have to congratulate Shane Kirkpatrick (gr 2 snare) on his winning grade 3 and drummer of the day. I believe he'll be upgraded asap but we're proud of him. Shane has worked hard, as he has been the product of three separate instructors. I noticed Shane's abilities and knowing my own limitations and strengths as an instructor I also signed him up with the Fidler boys for work on attention to detail, and Dave Chorney for technique work and general knowledge. This triple team effort and Shane's hard work have resulted in one of the most well balanced young players I've come across and it's a real treat for all of us to see him blossom into the player he is.
I have to report that I've read the grade 3 sheets, and despite a second place over-all finish, they were very well appreciated by the adjudicators. They have plenty of work to do, and the competition between them and Macalaster College is heating up. Congratulations to their whole band on a great weekend.
Grade 2 had a fabulous day, all pistons were firing and all the new members were successful in bids to play with the band. Congrats to Anna, Amanda, Rob, Wendy, and Shane for making their first plays a memorable and victorious one.
This is the first year I've left certain facets out of my own hands. I hate being micro-managed and have finally learned to not micro-manage others (a do unto others approach I guess) the players in the all corps, instructors, sound guys, helpers, all rose to the challenge and were exactly where they needed to be when they needed to be. We finally are as organized and as independent as the pipe corp. This will show in Maxville, well done.
I have to take a moment to thank two awesome dudes for helping out all weekend. Dave Chorney and Ian Walker were invaluable. I wish you guys were coming to Maxville with us mostly for my own sanity. Thanks for tuning the grade 3 gear Dave and for helping in every way possible. Ian, thanks for carrying that spare drum up and down the hallway 50 times, it's appreciated.
I really really enjoyed the day. We never get a chance to hear the other bands, but I snuck in to hear Macalester and let me tell you, they do not disappoint, the quintessential grade 3 pipe band. Fantastic performance.
I did finally get to watch the City of Regina on video yesterday. I really enjoyed Buz's scores especially in the MSR. Buz has a unique style, and our corp versus theirs is very much an apples to oranges comparison. They have developed a real spark in the band with the addition of this skilled drum corp. I am truly looking forward to more contests.
The big story for us on the day wasn't grade 3, or 2, but grade 5. We finally got the kids out and rolling.
For those that were wondering what the big fuss was when the results are announced I should explain...
2 years ago we took a gamble, we decided we wanted to take what information and knowledge we had, and teach a new generation. The instructors Scott, Kyla, Jamie, Heather, Wes, Ian, Brian, Megan, Chris, Gina, Amanda,and most certainly Gale, all put in hours of effort to turn a group of kids who had really barely heard a pipe band and make them players. The kids worked tirelessly and Saturday was the first time they'd actually worn kilts, let alone played in public.
They responded exactly the way a St Andrew's band does. They played confidently and clearly, and won the day.
At about 1 o'clock the kids were introduced to counter-marching. They learned this with the entire grade 2, and 3 bands watching their every move. They walked to the line with 40 or 50 heavy players following them. They didn't blink.
The real reward wasn't the win, the real reward, for those of us who took this project on, was watching the kids enjoy each others company. Playing around, eating lunch, causing a bit of mischief, together.
A lot of the instructors made some big sacrifices to make this dream come true. Shunned by friends outside the organization, looked down upon, and smack-talked by ignorant individuals who don't see the pure value of one more educating pipe band teaching our trade. To those who took this in stride and helped us achieve this goal,we will never forget what you did for the kids and our program. You're forever apart of our family and we take care of our own.
Proof is in the pudding, we have our first grade 5 trophy, and the kids will never forget what they accomplished. I see great things in the future for this little group.
The next thing on all the bands plate is the concert in April. Tickets will be available this week and I hope everyone makes it out. I am looking forward to a fabulous concert.
Until then have a great March and happy practicing. I'm off to Toronto next weekend March 2 ,3 so keep your fingers crossed and I'll keep you all informed as this saga continues.
Take care.
Sean
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