Good morning!
Well big news today and I don't mean the Sam vs. Judy saga we've all been riveted to...(Mayoral elections in Wpg that are anything but engaging)
The big boys with the sweet noise are coming to town!!
That's right, the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band will descend on Winnipeg April 1st to 3rd doing a full clinic day Saturday, a big party Saturday night, and their amazing concert on the Sunday.
Tickets are on sale at www.sfuinwinnipeg.com and since your's truly is in charge of social media keep an eye out for the Facebook group.
See you there!!
Sean
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Webster's Web
Good Morning!
Happy hump day everybody. I wanted to drop a line out here to tell everyone about our new website.
Still located at www.saspb.com our web guru Scott Webster has slicked up the site and will be adding stuff like crazy all over.
Find links to You Tube, this blog, and news and media.
We're all very happy with the new look and we're looking forward to taking advantage of this fantastic outlet.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
Sean
Happy hump day everybody. I wanted to drop a line out here to tell everyone about our new website.
Still located at www.saspb.com our web guru Scott Webster has slicked up the site and will be adding stuff like crazy all over.
Find links to You Tube, this blog, and news and media.
We're all very happy with the new look and we're looking forward to taking advantage of this fantastic outlet.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
Sean
Monday, October 18, 2010
Cleaned My Glasses
No...there is no hidden meaning here... I actually cleaned my glasses today.
I doubt very much if I would have noticed the difference but it's a beautiful day in the Peg and I'm on the bus. The city is almost pretty.
Today is Monday folks! I have come to find myself waiting for Mondays eagerly. What kind of a sick person loves Mondays? I'll explain myself.
I work 7 days a week. So I don't look forward to weekends in the same way. Mondays, however, are juvenile band days. It's amazing how fast kids learn, and I'm always excited to be challenged again and again each week.
Tonight is even more special, it's our AGM for the organization. Sure most bands don't relish AGMs but ours are quick, productive, and painless. Usually followed by a pint somewhere.
It's a great chance to meet, recap our successes, discuss our issues (if any), and plan our future year.
The only downside to this is we don't make any music. But there's band tomorrow night!!
----------
In some other news we had a fantastic weekend of piping here in Winnipeg and across the prairies. The Erin Street Pipe Band hosted their annual Mad Plaid event and the Irish Club and once again brought Mr. Terry (Currently the World Pipe Band Champion P/M) Tully to town for a concert, and to judge the contest.
I was working......
But from what I've heard already, it was a great event full of great music and comraderie.
That's about all the updates from here.. I have to go listen to my ipod we have a huge concert in two weeks.
Cheers,
Sean
I doubt very much if I would have noticed the difference but it's a beautiful day in the Peg and I'm on the bus. The city is almost pretty.
Today is Monday folks! I have come to find myself waiting for Mondays eagerly. What kind of a sick person loves Mondays? I'll explain myself.
I work 7 days a week. So I don't look forward to weekends in the same way. Mondays, however, are juvenile band days. It's amazing how fast kids learn, and I'm always excited to be challenged again and again each week.
Tonight is even more special, it's our AGM for the organization. Sure most bands don't relish AGMs but ours are quick, productive, and painless. Usually followed by a pint somewhere.
It's a great chance to meet, recap our successes, discuss our issues (if any), and plan our future year.
The only downside to this is we don't make any music. But there's band tomorrow night!!
----------
In some other news we had a fantastic weekend of piping here in Winnipeg and across the prairies. The Erin Street Pipe Band hosted their annual Mad Plaid event and the Irish Club and once again brought Mr. Terry (Currently the World Pipe Band Champion P/M) Tully to town for a concert, and to judge the contest.
I was working......
But from what I've heard already, it was a great event full of great music and comraderie.
That's about all the updates from here.. I have to go listen to my ipod we have a huge concert in two weeks.
Cheers,
Sean
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Changing Leaves
Well it's officially fall!
Regardless of how you feel, fall comes when a Cabela's employee says so, and I'm telling you it's fall.
My favourite time of year.
Along with hunting season, back to school, a new pipe band season, the leads change colour..... Wait I mean the leaves change colour... And I get this calm sense that it's business time.
Yes a small and massively lame crack at the big news this year. All over lead drummers are stepping down, retiring, or just letting someone else take over.
I suppose the biggest news impacting us would be the grade 2 moves. Mr. Harvey Dawson has taken the reins of Penetangore (Ontario) I'm excited to see his corps but a little disappointed we won't see another Kirkwood corp for awhile.
The biggest Grade 2 news impacting us would obviouslÝ be Blair (Buzz) Brown taking over the corp at City of Regina. Ian Aastrom and I have had a long standing and friendly rivalry which saw our corps duke it out locally, nationally, and at the World's.
I'm gonna miss Ian's challenges. He always put a great corp out and we were just two young corps struttin our stuff. Trying to make the best music we could.
But, with Ian's stepping down, up comes another great turn of events. Winnipegger Blair Brown has taken on the corp with Ian playing in it. I couldn't be more excited!! My generation has never seen a Buzz run corp on the prairies and I know the boys were very excited last night.
Hopefully our friendly rivalry will continue as this will certainly create a new challenge for me and the goon squad.
Stay tuned as tomorrow I've got some news regarding a grade 2 performance coming up.
Enjoy the fall!!!! Stick the landing :D
Cheers,
Sean
Regardless of how you feel, fall comes when a Cabela's employee says so, and I'm telling you it's fall.
My favourite time of year.
Along with hunting season, back to school, a new pipe band season, the leads change colour..... Wait I mean the leaves change colour... And I get this calm sense that it's business time.
Yes a small and massively lame crack at the big news this year. All over lead drummers are stepping down, retiring, or just letting someone else take over.
I suppose the biggest news impacting us would be the grade 2 moves. Mr. Harvey Dawson has taken the reins of Penetangore (Ontario) I'm excited to see his corps but a little disappointed we won't see another Kirkwood corp for awhile.
The biggest Grade 2 news impacting us would obviouslÝ be Blair (Buzz) Brown taking over the corp at City of Regina. Ian Aastrom and I have had a long standing and friendly rivalry which saw our corps duke it out locally, nationally, and at the World's.
I'm gonna miss Ian's challenges. He always put a great corp out and we were just two young corps struttin our stuff. Trying to make the best music we could.
But, with Ian's stepping down, up comes another great turn of events. Winnipegger Blair Brown has taken on the corp with Ian playing in it. I couldn't be more excited!! My generation has never seen a Buzz run corp on the prairies and I know the boys were very excited last night.
Hopefully our friendly rivalry will continue as this will certainly create a new challenge for me and the goon squad.
Stay tuned as tomorrow I've got some news regarding a grade 2 performance coming up.
Enjoy the fall!!!! Stick the landing :D
Cheers,
Sean
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The New Season Upon Us
Good morning everybody!
Long time no chat. I took a few weeks off of bloggin/social media to let my brain cool down.
Since then the grade 2 band has decided on another Scotland/Maxville appearance, the grade 3 band had a phenominal showing in Calgary Canmore winning Calgary and coming 3rd in Canmore, and the Juvenile band almost doubled in size.
I just wanted to mark a milestone this morning. Last night at Juvenile practice we had chanters, pads, and tenor sticks all at one table, and they played Mary's Wedding, at tempo, together.
I think this was probably one of the highlights of my drumming life to date. I know all the instructors were incredibly proud to have taken these kids from scratch and have them play together.
Have to thank Scott, Ian, Kyla, and Megan for all their hard work. We have a ton of new kids and we are contantly looking for more so if you're interested pop down to General Byng school on Mondays around 6 30 and check it out!
Johnston out
Sean
Long time no chat. I took a few weeks off of bloggin/social media to let my brain cool down.
Since then the grade 2 band has decided on another Scotland/Maxville appearance, the grade 3 band had a phenominal showing in Calgary Canmore winning Calgary and coming 3rd in Canmore, and the Juvenile band almost doubled in size.
I just wanted to mark a milestone this morning. Last night at Juvenile practice we had chanters, pads, and tenor sticks all at one table, and they played Mary's Wedding, at tempo, together.
I think this was probably one of the highlights of my drumming life to date. I know all the instructors were incredibly proud to have taken these kids from scratch and have them play together.
Have to thank Scott, Ian, Kyla, and Megan for all their hard work. We have a ton of new kids and we are contantly looking for more so if you're interested pop down to General Byng school on Mondays around 6 30 and check it out!
Johnston out
Sean
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
2011
Morning folks!
The new season is upon us.
Of course the Grade 3 band just wrapped theirs up this weekend in Calgary Canmore. The band won Calgary and paced third in Canmore. Couldn't be more proud.
They did however come home with horror stories of freezing to death. Oh well!
Grade 2 had it's first meeting last night. Nice to see we're all eager to get back to work. Lot's of decisions were made. Principally travle ones.
Scotland again. One week this time. No pre contests as we can't afford it. The bigger decision was to not go to Vegas.
The invite to the Vegas contest was a real honor however with a very small amount of travel money to us, we had to decide between Scotland and Vegas. It's to bad as the two trips would nearly cost the band the same amount.
The grade 2 pipe corp will once again grow. Starting roster is around 25 with players coming from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Minnesota, and now Ontario. The drum corp will start with some where between 9 and 11 sides, 3 tenors and 1 Chris Brown! This shows we're on the right track.
Grade 3 will again grow! Bigger pipe corp bigger drum corp. More on that once they're back to work.
There's a big weekend coming up. The Selkirk Settler's parade is Saturday which is a major part of our promotion of Scottish Culture. Honoring those that paved this great community is a high priority in all three bands.
Also the Saspb Golf Tournament is saturday. If you want to play just email me at sean@saspb.com. Then clean your clubs and prepare to be owned by the Fidlers..
That's the update. See you soon!
Cheers,
Sean
The new season is upon us.
Of course the Grade 3 band just wrapped theirs up this weekend in Calgary Canmore. The band won Calgary and paced third in Canmore. Couldn't be more proud.
They did however come home with horror stories of freezing to death. Oh well!
Grade 2 had it's first meeting last night. Nice to see we're all eager to get back to work. Lot's of decisions were made. Principally travle ones.
Scotland again. One week this time. No pre contests as we can't afford it. The bigger decision was to not go to Vegas.
The invite to the Vegas contest was a real honor however with a very small amount of travel money to us, we had to decide between Scotland and Vegas. It's to bad as the two trips would nearly cost the band the same amount.
The grade 2 pipe corp will once again grow. Starting roster is around 25 with players coming from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Minnesota, and now Ontario. The drum corp will start with some where between 9 and 11 sides, 3 tenors and 1 Chris Brown! This shows we're on the right track.
Grade 3 will again grow! Bigger pipe corp bigger drum corp. More on that once they're back to work.
There's a big weekend coming up. The Selkirk Settler's parade is Saturday which is a major part of our promotion of Scottish Culture. Honoring those that paved this great community is a high priority in all three bands.
Also the Saspb Golf Tournament is saturday. If you want to play just email me at sean@saspb.com. Then clean your clubs and prepare to be owned by the Fidlers..
That's the update. See you soon!
Cheers,
Sean
Monday, August 16, 2010
Home for a Rest
Well Happy Monday everyone!
I have to apologize to everybody for being absent this past week and a bit. After running out of time on my internet stick I had to choose between pints, or blogging...
The good news is some of us are home now. We arrived last night at 6 in from Toronto via London from Glasgow. The rest of the band is in Glasgow until Tuesday.
I'm happy to say we accomplished every single goal we set out for ourselves this season, and we even exceeded some expectations Wes and I had for the group. Both the Pipe Major and myself are very very proud.
I should retrace myself back to North Berwick. A fascinating day all in all. The weather gave us pretty much everything mother nature can in Scotland, we had over-cast, sunny, and raining in each of our three plays.
Our first contest was the grade 2 medley which we were very pleased with. We managed a 3rd place overall losing out to the St. Thomas machine and University of Bedfordshire. The spread worked out P1, P7, D5, E4. Not a bad start.
The next two plays were a combined grade 1/2 MSR (though we were the only grade 2 band entered) and a grade 1 medley. In the MSR we faired well as we ended dead last out of six. The spread was P6, P6, D6, E4. I think that ensemble mark was a huge highlight for the band. In the Medley we ended up 8th out of 8 but the spread worked out P5, P7, D8, E8. The pipers were particularly proud of that 5th as they managed to squeak one off of Peel Regional Police from Ontario and our guru yoda piping God Jake Watson. Judges can be funny sometimes.
All in all a very very successful day and we were all in good spirits for Bridge of Allan.
The Bridge started off cold but warmed for the plays in the afternoon. We had two plays Sunday, the first a grade 2 medley where we were placed 9th out of 15. This is a two judge contest and the spread broke down P12, D3. I obviously can't complain about that and we're all proud of the plays we had.
The second event was a grade 1 MSR. Again we were last out of 11 but we had a great play and the spread ran P11, D 10.
Then it was two days of rest before the final push.
I took off to Ireland to visit family and get my mind rested from pipe band... and my liver. Upon returning we immediately went to two a day practices.
Friday however, we performed in the RSPBA's parade through Glasgow, got to play in George's Square, and had lunch with the RSPBA's exec. and dignitaries as well as the Lord Provost of Glasgow. First class dining in the Chambers including fine wines, beers, and a gourmet buffet. Not to shabby!
Saturday came early as we were informed we had to have the coach at the contest grounds by 7:30. Since we played at 1:00 no one was impressed, but alas this is the circus and there were over 230 bands going.
We had a wonderful play in the qualifier, despite some ridiculous group screaming at our right flank as we made our attack. It sounded like a rugby squad was about to attack. Regardless we managed to play well and we were all happy with the performance.
Wes and I eagerly awaited the results and I'm happy to say we made it through. That was our final goal of the year achieved and the weight was gone. We took a 6th in the qualifier and moved through to the final, the qualifying spread was P5, P9, D8, E8. I'll say one thing, they're consistent over there!
A little rest and then the final push. We had a brilliant run at the final, all of the players were pleased. We knew full well we were playing against some incredible bands in one of the strongest grade 2 classes in the history of the contest.
Once massed bands settled we had a strong hold on 11th in grade 2 in the world. I supposed some would be disappointed in second last, but it was more like 11th out of 26 and with all the bands playing I can honestly say it was darn close to all the best bands in the world.
Of course as a leading drummer I can't go away without some pride in the spread. I'm not one to complain about judging I'm very fond of the RSPBA and how fairly we were treated when everyone here in Winnipeg said we would be laughed at, but I must have missed something in the final where someone's pipes started on fire or something. Anyways the spread was.. P12, P11, D7, E12.
So as a leading drummer I can only say one thing, thank you. To our pipe corp of experience and contest trialed professionals. I know that there is no single group of people myself, or the drummers, would rather follow into contest. For two years we as a drum corp have thought only of supporting your brilliant music and sound and you have given us a chance to prove ourselves at such a young age that it will surely improve our collective future.
To the drummers. Hold your heads high. 7th in drumming, in the toughest grade 2 class in years, at such a young age, there are great things in our future, together. When we were told by former World Champions we were barely grade 3A over there. We should be proud. I know I am.
Finally on behalf of Myself, Wes, and the entire grade 2 band, I want to thank all our supporters and teachers and friends. Jake Watson, for his tireless wisdom and yearly head cracking, John Fisher, for his constant inspirational teaching, Graham Brown, for helping me gain the confidence required to believe in what I am doing, Ken "the Captain" Eller, for always supporting Wes and the band, The Meade's (Harry and Bob) for helping us find our drum corp's sound and supporting us in dark moments, Blair "Buzz" Brown, for defining what the pipe band community is all about and rescuing us from Air Canada's dooming, Cameron Trotter, for selflessly lending us his personal drum for our trip, Reid Maxwell, for coming in my first season and showing me the way to ensemble which saved us numerous times, Dave Bowman, our own personal World Champion, for fielding my constant emails and always taking time to come over and show support to the kids, and finally our families, we sacrifice so much for this game, and you never question our insanity, without you we'd be lost.
MaCallum Bagpipes, Pearl Percussion, Meade Custom Drumming Supplies, Tartantown, Shell Canada, and of course The St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg, for all your support we would be at a loss. While the bands primary funding comes from the membership our success at this level is, without a doubt, only possible with your support.
Don't forget the grade 3 band is heading to Calgary/Canmore this September long weekend so I'll be keeping you posted on their trek.
For any new players who wish to join any of the three bands please feel free to contact me at sean@saspb.com and I would be happy to point you in the right direction.
Cheers, and thank you once again.
Sean Johnston
Drum Sergeant
SASPB Winnipeg
I have to apologize to everybody for being absent this past week and a bit. After running out of time on my internet stick I had to choose between pints, or blogging...
The good news is some of us are home now. We arrived last night at 6 in from Toronto via London from Glasgow. The rest of the band is in Glasgow until Tuesday.
I'm happy to say we accomplished every single goal we set out for ourselves this season, and we even exceeded some expectations Wes and I had for the group. Both the Pipe Major and myself are very very proud.
I should retrace myself back to North Berwick. A fascinating day all in all. The weather gave us pretty much everything mother nature can in Scotland, we had over-cast, sunny, and raining in each of our three plays.
Our first contest was the grade 2 medley which we were very pleased with. We managed a 3rd place overall losing out to the St. Thomas machine and University of Bedfordshire. The spread worked out P1, P7, D5, E4. Not a bad start.
The next two plays were a combined grade 1/2 MSR (though we were the only grade 2 band entered) and a grade 1 medley. In the MSR we faired well as we ended dead last out of six. The spread was P6, P6, D6, E4. I think that ensemble mark was a huge highlight for the band. In the Medley we ended up 8th out of 8 but the spread worked out P5, P7, D8, E8. The pipers were particularly proud of that 5th as they managed to squeak one off of Peel Regional Police from Ontario and our guru yoda piping God Jake Watson. Judges can be funny sometimes.
All in all a very very successful day and we were all in good spirits for Bridge of Allan.
The Bridge started off cold but warmed for the plays in the afternoon. We had two plays Sunday, the first a grade 2 medley where we were placed 9th out of 15. This is a two judge contest and the spread broke down P12, D3. I obviously can't complain about that and we're all proud of the plays we had.
The second event was a grade 1 MSR. Again we were last out of 11 but we had a great play and the spread ran P11, D 10.
Then it was two days of rest before the final push.
I took off to Ireland to visit family and get my mind rested from pipe band... and my liver. Upon returning we immediately went to two a day practices.
Friday however, we performed in the RSPBA's parade through Glasgow, got to play in George's Square, and had lunch with the RSPBA's exec. and dignitaries as well as the Lord Provost of Glasgow. First class dining in the Chambers including fine wines, beers, and a gourmet buffet. Not to shabby!
Saturday came early as we were informed we had to have the coach at the contest grounds by 7:30. Since we played at 1:00 no one was impressed, but alas this is the circus and there were over 230 bands going.
We had a wonderful play in the qualifier, despite some ridiculous group screaming at our right flank as we made our attack. It sounded like a rugby squad was about to attack. Regardless we managed to play well and we were all happy with the performance.
Wes and I eagerly awaited the results and I'm happy to say we made it through. That was our final goal of the year achieved and the weight was gone. We took a 6th in the qualifier and moved through to the final, the qualifying spread was P5, P9, D8, E8. I'll say one thing, they're consistent over there!
A little rest and then the final push. We had a brilliant run at the final, all of the players were pleased. We knew full well we were playing against some incredible bands in one of the strongest grade 2 classes in the history of the contest.
Once massed bands settled we had a strong hold on 11th in grade 2 in the world. I supposed some would be disappointed in second last, but it was more like 11th out of 26 and with all the bands playing I can honestly say it was darn close to all the best bands in the world.
Of course as a leading drummer I can't go away without some pride in the spread. I'm not one to complain about judging I'm very fond of the RSPBA and how fairly we were treated when everyone here in Winnipeg said we would be laughed at, but I must have missed something in the final where someone's pipes started on fire or something. Anyways the spread was.. P12, P11, D7, E12.
So as a leading drummer I can only say one thing, thank you. To our pipe corp of experience and contest trialed professionals. I know that there is no single group of people myself, or the drummers, would rather follow into contest. For two years we as a drum corp have thought only of supporting your brilliant music and sound and you have given us a chance to prove ourselves at such a young age that it will surely improve our collective future.
To the drummers. Hold your heads high. 7th in drumming, in the toughest grade 2 class in years, at such a young age, there are great things in our future, together. When we were told by former World Champions we were barely grade 3A over there. We should be proud. I know I am.
Finally on behalf of Myself, Wes, and the entire grade 2 band, I want to thank all our supporters and teachers and friends. Jake Watson, for his tireless wisdom and yearly head cracking, John Fisher, for his constant inspirational teaching, Graham Brown, for helping me gain the confidence required to believe in what I am doing, Ken "the Captain" Eller, for always supporting Wes and the band, The Meade's (Harry and Bob) for helping us find our drum corp's sound and supporting us in dark moments, Blair "Buzz" Brown, for defining what the pipe band community is all about and rescuing us from Air Canada's dooming, Cameron Trotter, for selflessly lending us his personal drum for our trip, Reid Maxwell, for coming in my first season and showing me the way to ensemble which saved us numerous times, Dave Bowman, our own personal World Champion, for fielding my constant emails and always taking time to come over and show support to the kids, and finally our families, we sacrifice so much for this game, and you never question our insanity, without you we'd be lost.
MaCallum Bagpipes, Pearl Percussion, Meade Custom Drumming Supplies, Tartantown, Shell Canada, and of course The St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg, for all your support we would be at a loss. While the bands primary funding comes from the membership our success at this level is, without a doubt, only possible with your support.
Don't forget the grade 3 band is heading to Calgary/Canmore this September long weekend so I'll be keeping you posted on their trek.
For any new players who wish to join any of the three bands please feel free to contact me at sean@saspb.com and I would be happy to point you in the right direction.
Cheers, and thank you once again.
Sean Johnston
Drum Sergeant
SASPB Winnipeg
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