Well a great practice today has left us prepped well for tomorrow's debut.
It's shaping up to be one fantastic contest as we, and many other grade 2 band, will not only duke it out in the grade 2 ring, but step up to grade 1 for the extra plays.
It's pretty amazing for me to think about even standing in the same circle as some of the players who will be there. Grade 2 was a daze last weekend, I can't imagine how I'll be feeling after grade 1.
We're all in great spirits. The band sounded great today despite rain causing some time restraints on tuning.
We've had a few lug heads pop off our harnesses so I've sent the boy out looking for replacements while I iron and sip Bowmore.
I'll be in touch tomorrow regarding results and how we played.
Until then, have a great Friday!
Sean
Friday, August 6, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Day #3 - Hot hot hot.... or cold?
It's Thursday, and it's hot out...
We practiced at 9 am to find some better weather and man did mother nature co operate. It was beautiful out.
Everything is clicking well, as long as we don't over think things. A lot of the folks went to Edinburgh yesterday and had a wonderful visit at the castle. I on the other hand rested up.
We hit the Todd again last night, it was nice and quiet and while the band all went to bed early, Wes, Jamie, and I headed for some late night kabob. I was informed this is the manly thing to do.... wrong...
The boys just finished changing all the bottom heads this morning, I find this really makes these Pearls come to life. I can't wait to hear them.
Apparently a few more bands arrive today, looking forward to see them, bumped into Hugh Cameron today on the walk to the park, I think he felt a little swarmed.
All in all, a great 24 hours. Now I believe the heads are on so I should head out and test run the drums.
Have a wonderful day and we'll all chat tomorrow.
Cheers,
Sean
We practiced at 9 am to find some better weather and man did mother nature co operate. It was beautiful out.
Everything is clicking well, as long as we don't over think things. A lot of the folks went to Edinburgh yesterday and had a wonderful visit at the castle. I on the other hand rested up.
We hit the Todd again last night, it was nice and quiet and while the band all went to bed early, Wes, Jamie, and I headed for some late night kabob. I was informed this is the manly thing to do.... wrong...
The boys just finished changing all the bottom heads this morning, I find this really makes these Pearls come to life. I can't wait to hear them.
Apparently a few more bands arrive today, looking forward to see them, bumped into Hugh Cameron today on the walk to the park, I think he felt a little swarmed.
All in all, a great 24 hours. Now I believe the heads are on so I should head out and test run the drums.
Have a wonderful day and we'll all chat tomorrow.
Cheers,
Sean
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Day #2 - I thought of you
Good afternoon everyone,
It's a balmy slightly chilly outside today, but all in all we've had good weather.
Practice was a bit nippy so it looks like we're changing times to 9 am tomorrow.
Most of the band headed to Edinburgh, Scotland's home of the crown jewels and royal mile...It's one of the most beautiful places on earth and I hope they all come back with great memories.
Me? Well I'm catching up on rest, and enjoying the quiet time to work a bit on next year's medley and then I think I'll walk to the Todd and relax with a pint and my pipe. Sound like an old man? Don't care.. I'm on vacation :)
We had another very successful practice, chanters were in great shape as they climatized nicely thanks to the very skillful hands of our chanter crew and a very special friend.
The band was so loud it woke up our good buddy Buzz sleeping at Victoria Hall! So he came down and had a listen, we had a good chat regarding Maxville, and Buzz confirmed some of my thoughts regarding our medley play and why we were so successful in the back end.
Of course we want to send our best wishes out to all the bands just starting their journey here. Especially City of Regina Pipe Band who will be arriving the next few days, we've warmed up the bar and the stools c'mon over the waters great!
Other than that not much to report. The sick folks are rehabilitating, things are looking up for them, and even the folks who don't own cell phones at home have brand new tiny ones. (They're ridiculously cheap over here, 7 pounds for a new samsung)
Hopefully we'll hear from the other bands soon, but right now, it's just us, and Band Club (Sydney Australia) leading the charge.
Cheers folks,
Sean
It's a balmy slightly chilly outside today, but all in all we've had good weather.
Practice was a bit nippy so it looks like we're changing times to 9 am tomorrow.
Most of the band headed to Edinburgh, Scotland's home of the crown jewels and royal mile...It's one of the most beautiful places on earth and I hope they all come back with great memories.
Me? Well I'm catching up on rest, and enjoying the quiet time to work a bit on next year's medley and then I think I'll walk to the Todd and relax with a pint and my pipe. Sound like an old man? Don't care.. I'm on vacation :)
We had another very successful practice, chanters were in great shape as they climatized nicely thanks to the very skillful hands of our chanter crew and a very special friend.
The band was so loud it woke up our good buddy Buzz sleeping at Victoria Hall! So he came down and had a listen, we had a good chat regarding Maxville, and Buzz confirmed some of my thoughts regarding our medley play and why we were so successful in the back end.
Of course we want to send our best wishes out to all the bands just starting their journey here. Especially City of Regina Pipe Band who will be arriving the next few days, we've warmed up the bar and the stools c'mon over the waters great!
Other than that not much to report. The sick folks are rehabilitating, things are looking up for them, and even the folks who don't own cell phones at home have brand new tiny ones. (They're ridiculously cheap over here, 7 pounds for a new samsung)
Hopefully we'll hear from the other bands soon, but right now, it's just us, and Band Club (Sydney Australia) leading the charge.
Cheers folks,
Sean
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Day #1- Was no fun.... well maybe a little!
Good Morning friends... well it's afternoon here..
We're live and in Glasgow and finally back online.
We had a fantastic trip to Ottawa, Saturday Maxville was a special treat and surprise.
The Band had absolutely fantastic plays the Medley was rockin and the MSR was strong and confident.
When the smoke cleared we not only clinched 2nd place, we manage to win best pipe corp in the MSR, and best drum corp in the Medley. Smiles all around.
We spent the evening in the beer tent talkin with people and trading pats on the back then Sunday we were airborne for Scotland.
We had to pretty sick folks on the plane. Kyla, my sister, seems to have contract ebola or some God awful flu, and Geordie our main man tenor champ, was in grand spirits getting on the plane, but as things go it wore off and he may have passed out and fallen on a bulkhead. Personally I think he was trying to meet our stewardesses but he was a little roughed up in London. (just kiddin Geordie)
So we're in Glasgow, as of last night, we even practiced straight off the plane. I'm happy to say even at 8:30 practice this morning everyone was up and running. We have had great weather but it's supposed to rain tomorrow.
This is the hardest few days. We've been away from family, ill fed, and poorly rested, everyone is a little short in the fuse. But surprisingly we're all in great spirits and can't wait for the next practice. I can hear a drum pad right now.
We're all very thankful for the wonderful messages of support and congratulations we very much appreciate it, we're do our best to make everyone proud this coming weekend and at the World's the weekend after.
I'd like to say, I hope there isn't much of a story for tomorrow's blog... but we all know something funny will happen tonight and I'll paraphrase it for those back home.
Cheers everyone, I'm off to the Todd!
Sean
We're live and in Glasgow and finally back online.
We had a fantastic trip to Ottawa, Saturday Maxville was a special treat and surprise.
The Band had absolutely fantastic plays the Medley was rockin and the MSR was strong and confident.
When the smoke cleared we not only clinched 2nd place, we manage to win best pipe corp in the MSR, and best drum corp in the Medley. Smiles all around.
We spent the evening in the beer tent talkin with people and trading pats on the back then Sunday we were airborne for Scotland.
We had to pretty sick folks on the plane. Kyla, my sister, seems to have contract ebola or some God awful flu, and Geordie our main man tenor champ, was in grand spirits getting on the plane, but as things go it wore off and he may have passed out and fallen on a bulkhead. Personally I think he was trying to meet our stewardesses but he was a little roughed up in London. (just kiddin Geordie)
So we're in Glasgow, as of last night, we even practiced straight off the plane. I'm happy to say even at 8:30 practice this morning everyone was up and running. We have had great weather but it's supposed to rain tomorrow.
This is the hardest few days. We've been away from family, ill fed, and poorly rested, everyone is a little short in the fuse. But surprisingly we're all in great spirits and can't wait for the next practice. I can hear a drum pad right now.
We're all very thankful for the wonderful messages of support and congratulations we very much appreciate it, we're do our best to make everyone proud this coming weekend and at the World's the weekend after.
I'd like to say, I hope there isn't much of a story for tomorrow's blog... but we all know something funny will happen tonight and I'll paraphrase it for those back home.
Cheers everyone, I'm off to the Todd!
Sean
Friday, July 30, 2010
Day 1.....Wow
Good Morning folks!
It's Friday and we landed safely in Ottawa yesterday morning.
Well...we did. Our bass drum however got destroyed.
Brand new hard plastic and padded case ruined, and the drum inside...shell cracked, hoop cracked, and heads ruined.
Big thanks to Air Canada for trying to completely ruin our trip, and not caring.
However, the pipe band world is charitable and supportive. I immediately got on the phone and within and hour had offers from 3 bands who were competing saturday in maxville too, to lend us their drum!
Then there's Pearl, some of the best customer service people in the business. After speaking with Bob Meade, he selflessly dropped everything and contacted Pearl who began pulling strings to find us a new drums.
Amazing.
Then just moments before we played the concert last night I got a call from non-other than Blair Buzz Brown. Buzz had a contact, Cameron Trotter, who won the drumming for drinks awhile back in bass.
His prize? A free Pearl bass drum.... Baby blue. Cameron was willing to lend us his drum for the remainder of our trip.
Now that's sportsmanship and kindness. I cannot believow generous and selfless everyone I've been in contact with has been.... Except Air Canada.
I want to thank everyone for helping me and the band out, especially Buzz who is bringing the drum to Maxville Saturday morning, and Cameron for lending it to us in the first place.
So that was the first day...
And now I face day 2!
Cheers!
Sean
It's Friday and we landed safely in Ottawa yesterday morning.
Well...we did. Our bass drum however got destroyed.
Brand new hard plastic and padded case ruined, and the drum inside...shell cracked, hoop cracked, and heads ruined.
Big thanks to Air Canada for trying to completely ruin our trip, and not caring.
However, the pipe band world is charitable and supportive. I immediately got on the phone and within and hour had offers from 3 bands who were competing saturday in maxville too, to lend us their drum!
Then there's Pearl, some of the best customer service people in the business. After speaking with Bob Meade, he selflessly dropped everything and contacted Pearl who began pulling strings to find us a new drums.
Amazing.
Then just moments before we played the concert last night I got a call from non-other than Blair Buzz Brown. Buzz had a contact, Cameron Trotter, who won the drumming for drinks awhile back in bass.
His prize? A free Pearl bass drum.... Baby blue. Cameron was willing to lend us his drum for the remainder of our trip.
Now that's sportsmanship and kindness. I cannot believow generous and selfless everyone I've been in contact with has been.... Except Air Canada.
I want to thank everyone for helping me and the band out, especially Buzz who is bringing the drum to Maxville Saturday morning, and Cameron for lending it to us in the first place.
So that was the first day...
And now I face day 2!
Cheers!
Sean
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Help Needed
Hi Everyone,
With only one day left until the trip begins we had our final rehearsal yesterday evening.
While practice was really great, and everyone played great, despite the on-setting nerves, we do have one HUGE problem.
Enroute to band practice last night one of the tenor drums was either stolen out of the back of a truck, or magically jumped out of a truck traveling 60 kms down a major Winnipeg route from a truck with a cap on it.
Please if anyone know anything this is a one of a kind instrument, an orangish colour, with chrome Pearl logos and the drummers first name on it.
Please contact me if you have any information regarding this matter.
sean@saspb.com
204 391 5057
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Sean
With only one day left until the trip begins we had our final rehearsal yesterday evening.
While practice was really great, and everyone played great, despite the on-setting nerves, we do have one HUGE problem.
Enroute to band practice last night one of the tenor drums was either stolen out of the back of a truck, or magically jumped out of a truck traveling 60 kms down a major Winnipeg route from a truck with a cap on it.
Please if anyone know anything this is a one of a kind instrument, an orangish colour, with chrome Pearl logos and the drummers first name on it.
Please contact me if you have any information regarding this matter.
sean@saspb.com
204 391 5057
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Sean
Sunday, July 25, 2010
...the essentials
How and dy everybody,
It's Sunday, 4 days to go, I'm starting to pack.
I thought I'd be responsible this year and pack early so I don't forget anything, like a jacket, or raincape.....
Of course this is the first large packing mission I've attempted with a 4 year old's help. I'm positive half of our lego is in my suitcase... at least I'll have something to do between practice and the pub.
I guess I have everything I need. My uniform is ready, minus the kilt, vest, and jacket... drycleaners. I have every pair of sticks I own, even though I only use the maxwell ones, and 4 metronomes. I cleaned my drum, twice, and polished my brogues. So what is left?
Not much....
Oh right, civies. I'll get to that.
So here I sit, looking at predictions, fascinated by youtube videos, and completely wrapped up in a place half a world away.
I'll be posting our rehearsal schedule once the chief pooba ok's it.
Until then, tuesday is our last Winnipeg rehearsal, 7 pm Henderson Legion. Come out see the band in action, stay for a pint, wish us luck.
Have a great week!
Sean
It's Sunday, 4 days to go, I'm starting to pack.
I thought I'd be responsible this year and pack early so I don't forget anything, like a jacket, or raincape.....
Of course this is the first large packing mission I've attempted with a 4 year old's help. I'm positive half of our lego is in my suitcase... at least I'll have something to do between practice and the pub.
I guess I have everything I need. My uniform is ready, minus the kilt, vest, and jacket... drycleaners. I have every pair of sticks I own, even though I only use the maxwell ones, and 4 metronomes. I cleaned my drum, twice, and polished my brogues. So what is left?
Not much....
Oh right, civies. I'll get to that.
So here I sit, looking at predictions, fascinated by youtube videos, and completely wrapped up in a place half a world away.
I'll be posting our rehearsal schedule once the chief pooba ok's it.
Until then, tuesday is our last Winnipeg rehearsal, 7 pm Henderson Legion. Come out see the band in action, stay for a pint, wish us luck.
Have a great week!
Sean
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