When it Rains... it Pours....

Buenos ding dong diddly dias Mi Amigos....

Or something...

It's beautiful here in The Peg, and I'm nursing a sunburn from practice this morning. We had our last weekend practice before the trip this weekend and couldn't have planned two more extreme days.

Saturday was the definition of miserable. For those who were in Maxville 2 years ago... that crazy storm that hit.... yep all day.

I had to work Saturday morning, turns out real jobs require preparation before one departs for 3 weeks, but when I got there there were drum cases floating in the parking lot. Thank God I ordered those Humes and Burg (shameless plug) cases from Meade Custom Drumming (ditto) for our new Pearls... ( :D )

It was so bad we actually called practice around 2:00. However, as Cam was mulling this over with me we both decided to play the medley one more time.

Now, I'm a drummer, not terribly tall, but if I was... say.. Jamie Simpson, 9 foot 7 inches with shiny stuff on my pipes... playing with that lightning coming at us would have worried me a bit. There the band stood, in rain like I've never seen, defiant of nature... and we sounded darn good.

Flash to Saturday night, Wes' house, big party... of course, he's not there. It was the big guy (a.k.a the old guy now)'s birthday! He got off the plane from Saskatoon and walked into a house full of band-mates who cracked their first beers some 4 hours before he took off... nice.

Well Sunday came, and we were greeted with incredible weather. We had a good discussion about how fortunate we are with our draws at both Maxville and the World's, and how we need to take advantage of our brilliant positions. It's never easy, not even close, but if you have to play a qualifier at the World's... second to last is a great spot!

It's going to be a busy week. Tuesday, practice, Wednesday exec meeting, Thursday, practice.. etc. But it's sooo close.

If you're kicking around Winnipeg and are interested in seeing the band before we head out, both Tuesday and Thursday's practices will be held at the 215 Legion a.k.a "Henderson Legion". C'mon down and check the band out, maybe even have a pint with us afterwards.

Oh, and if you're in Ottawa July 29th track down the "B" in the Park concert, ourselves, Rock Mountain, and the City of Chicago pipe band are all playing with Sons of Scotland at their annual concert.

Happy practicing!

Sean

Coming Distractions

Well it's 13 days to the plane ride and 2 and a half weeks of bliss.

Those who know me, know I'm prone to nervousness and general stress around band contests.

So, why not now? Am I older and wiser? No... A rumour says a certain big league pipe major is late for the bus every world's due to nervous stomach.

But today it hit. My mind can't stop thinking about it. I try positive imaging. I viualize perfect plays and hearing the world's announcer calling our name, but it doesn't cap the nerves.

I wish it was tomorrow...

Normally this wave of anxiousness sets in two weeks ago, but I've been distracted with work. This is awesome. I get paid to think about something else.

It's been a good distraction but perhaps I should apologize to the president of Cabela's Canada now. I'll be useless for the next week sir.

It's pipe band season!

:)

Cheers,

Sean

P.s I wrote this with my Blackberry... Took an hour!!!

Ensemble: The Next Generation

Good morning,

Just spending Monday morning catching up on the videos from this weekend. Loving the music I'm hearing all over the world.

For those who read regularly a few weeks back during an update I mentioned I was having a lesson. This was thanks to the wonders of technology.

I had my first Skype lesson with Mr. Graham Brown of Ontario. It was a real treat. For an hour we worked through my band scores, some exercises to take to the corp and discussed musical philosophy.

Graham is a true musician at heart. He hears and sees the big picture and views his composition work as more of a producer's role in the pipe band. This is exactly how I feel about my role.

In the studios of New York, L.A., and Nashville, producers sit listening to bands and coming up with arrangements to get the modern audience to buy into the music, or just to make the very best version they can.

Flash over to the pipe band world.

Pipers create beautiful melodies, gorgeous harmonies, and complicated music. However, it is tremendously one dimensional when it comes to emotional expression to the average listener. Enter the drum corp. In today's modern pipe band, snare corp, tenors, and bass, are all utilized to create what I refer to as motion.

Some in the pipe band world call it tension and release. It creates the illusion that the music is always going somewhere, never a dull moment.

The combination of beautiful piping, motion based drumming, and good rhythmic consistency, is what we call good ensemble.

Rightly so.. it makes people wanna tap their foot to the beat!

How many times have we all heard "I hate bagpipes, sounds like a cat being hit with a baby"? Answer, alot. I always challenge these people to listen to the Fraser's Medley from 2007, or SFU's medley from 2009, how about some 1987 Strathclyde MSRs.

Never fails, there's that foot tapping.

Throw on Master Blasters and dare them not to enjoy Top Deck in Perth or Up an Adam.

Talking with Graham about the concept of Ensemble makes me think of all the times I've wanted to throw some ridiculous drum lick into a score and didn't....

Composing drum music is about sacrifice. A balance between the Can, and the Should. But restraint can be rewarded. Graham writes his music for ensemble. Look at this year's Ontario results and you'll see Peel right across the board. He told me he wasn't concerned with the drumming prize, Drew Duthart is a machine, but he was confident his pipers would take at least one first in piping. Of course then it becomes a battle for ensemble. There's where Graham shines.

Listen to the way his music moves the piping.

But there is a pay day for the drumming ego. This weekend Peel not only took the contest but won the drumming prize as well.

I've personally been told my music isn't difficult enough. This took its toll on my confidence for a long time. People you look up to as a kid tell you you just don't cut it and you question yourself.

Then you sit down with a Reid Maxwell, John Fisher, or Graham Brown, and they tell you "don't worry I did that too when I was your age" and they help you grow and improve as a composer.

Consistent message from all of the greats.. don't worry about the drumming prize those will come, get ensemble as good as you can, that wins competitions.

So, practice tomorrow, busy as ever. Wes is away teaching in Saskatchewan at Diefenbaker so I'm sure rehearsal will be a blood bath of hard work, our pipe sergeant Cam Ballantyne is a great drill sergeant.

Then this weekend is a busy weekend rehearsal, last one before the plane ride.

Can't believe how close it's getting.

Ok, I'm off to write some drum scores. For fun.

Cheers,

Sean

Brothers in Arms

"Never make a companion equal to a brother." Hesiod.


... I like pipe bands.

I really love drum corps.

I think it's because I have this idea in my head that pipe bands are like families. At least ours are. All of them, one big family. We share big moments, we celebrate together, we mourn together, it's a beautiful thing pipe band.

I love drum corps probably because I never had a brother. I always wanted a younger brother named Mike, and I'm sure if I had known about pipe bands back when I was three I would have insisted he was a drummer like me. However, my dear mother bless her heart gifted me a sister... and a piper.....

According to my Grandmother I referred to Kyla Dawn as Mike for quite some time. Periodically I still do.

I take great satisfaction in watching Kyla tune her pipes, and warm up with the pipe corp in the grade 2 band. It always seems surreal having her there. So don't get me wrong I'm a very, very proud brother, but she's a piper... and a girl.

So, I'm very attached to my guys in the drum corp. All of them. There's an old saying you can pick your friends but you can't pick your family. I feel the same about drum corps, when it's right it's right and you don't have much say in it. So you learn to love each other and put up with each others little quirks and presto, you're family.

In my case I have 6 brothers that stand beside me in the closest thing to battle I hope any of them ever comes up against. I always say when we hit the line "just trust me and I'll get us through to the other side" then I look them all in the eye and they seem to buy in. We're brothers and we trust each other when push comes to shove.

So in this little dream of mine it's pretty easy to spot the obvious familial differences..... Dave and Dylan don't exactly look like Graham and Cam... So it's not like I can run around Maxville claiming my entire corp is the Johnston family drum line.

However, three weeks before the biggest pipe band trip of our lives to date one of my brothers gave me one hell of an early birthday gift.

Looks like when I hit the field for the World's I'll be standing with 4 brothers.. and one brother in law to be.

That's right, my little baby sister in the pipe corp actually said yes to one of the goofballs in the drum corp and we're gonna have us a good ole fashioned SASPB Wedding.

Apparently Ian Walker decided it was good security to make sure I didn't cut him at the World's... jokes on him.. now he's really family :)

Naw... after years of dating, and incredible patience on both their parts I'm proud to say the little couple that could has and they're getting hitched. I could not be more proud of both of them and how far they've come.

Ian has played with me for 4 years now, from the grade 4 band, to the World's, and now the grade 2 band and back across the pond. I'm very proud to have him join our family.

I suppose it's only right that the only type of man I would trust with my little sister would be one of the drummers in my drum corp. One of my brothers.

Hesiod didn't know what he was talking about....



Congratulations you guys.

Love Always,

Sean

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