Alive, and Educated

Happy Monday everyone,

I'm back, and I survived.

I have a quick synopsis of the weekend. A: I wasn't as prepared as I would have liked, most likely exhaustion mixed with nerves, my memory failed miserably, but my hands kept me in it, B: Damn those guys play fast. It doesn't sound like it when you listen, it sounds controlled and musical... but holy does it cook when you get your hands in it.

I was quite pleased with my MSR playing. The style is very different, but I made a ton of notes and I have great confidence that I will be able to make this jump.

I think the most important thing I learned this weekend, was that we're all very similar. In fact, Peel from a drumming perspective is very similar to us. Certainly not the music, but the personalities. They too have a few goofs who make everyone smile and relax the tension in the room. Graham also likes to teach through explanation as well as example, very similar to myself.

As I got to know all the players I became immediately confident that I'd made the right decision in coming to play in the big leagues.

These people are all driven, passionate, talented, and down to earth. I guess I was expecting an air of superiority. Not towards myself, but towards the non-elite player. This doesn't exist in Peel. Not a trace. That put me at ease.

Everyone knows I've always valued the friendships of pipe band above the abilities of individual players. I balance my corp based on personalities not hands. So to show up at practice Saturday and be welcomed by everyone from the rookies like me, to the experienced players like the Bells, Ian, and Graham, I was relaxed from the get go.

I'm looking forward to the next few weeks. I have a style in my head now, and a purpose... to make damn sure I not only play, but that I can contribute to this group in whatever way I can.

Now it's off to St. Andrew's practice tomorrow, reaffirmed that my years of leading this drum corp was in the right direction. I will share my experience with my younger players and let them know that they too can make this leap with hard work, and a friendly committed personality.

Cheers


Sean

ps not the photo is from the airport around 5 am Saturday morning.....owww