For any of you who have been around the bands the past few years you may have noticed some changes happening.
Technology has steamrolled into the pipe band world and as an organization St. Andrew's has attempted to embrace this change.
All music that our pipe bands play is produced through computers. We utilize such tools as Bagpipe Writer and Drum Scriobh to create files we can email around the globe if necessary. This has made the task of keeping fly-in players up to date nearly simple.
It also allows Wes and myself to edit music and arrange parts in a very efficient way.
Last night I sat down with my laptop and wrote scores to half of the grade 3 music while the scores were played back to me. I could watch the music to see some rhythms I needed to see, and I could highlight bars and phrases to make sure I knew where the drum scores should be heading.
Then I took these scores to Graham Fidler who put them in Drum Scriobh then we saved it as a pdf. then emailed them to the entire corp. All in about two hours.
We also use web based communication for everything, news, practices, everything. It saves so much time.
I strongly recommend to any bands not utilizing this technology to look into it. Not everyone has to be able to use all aspects of the technology but if a few can it'll make life so much easier for your bands.
So here's to Wes getting a door on his cave! Technology is here to stay like it or lump it.
Sean
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
The Week in Review
Good morning everyone,
Well it's been a fantastic week for the big blue machine. Lots of great successes.
Monday saw the first meeting of the Juvenile band taking place. I'm quite proud of the turnout, and even more proud of the interest the kids showed. Tuesday was our first kick at the cat for grade 2 and things were clipping right along already. A great effort by everyone prior to practice really paid off.
Last night was grade 3 practice and we had almost everyone out again. The pipers cut through their new MSR quite nicely and started to take a shot at the medley before retiring from brain burn. The drummers had an excellent rehearsal working on the March from the MSR, and some parade stuff to get everyone adjusted to my style of writing.
It has been a very busy week in the pipe band world. I know this is supposed to be down time but bands are just starting up and rosters are being shot around the globe.
The most recent news I personally found distressing. It comes from Chicago via piper drummer. In an article posted today P&D (Piper, Drummer) reported that "Melvin resigns as Mid-Lothian Pipe Major"(pipesdrums.com). Wes and I had heard some rumblings of this way up here in Canada but decided not to spread it around until confirmed.
According to the article the band's future is uncertain. What a quick turn around from taking 1st in the MSR at Maxville last season and edging us out in the medley for 2nd.
On the flip side Mr. Melvin (Adrian Melvin) will be moving to Peel Regional Police along with a plethora of other highly qualified players.
So much so that they're creating a feeder system! This bodes well for us as they have made Penatangor their feeder band and will create a grade 2 band out of the system. At least this way if we lose one great band we should gain a new great band to compete against.
Jake Watson, long-time friend and clinician of the band, is the director of Penatangor and will also be joining Peel this season. Looks like there's a new grade 1 contest in Ontario and should be very interesting to watch.
So that's the news this week. Some interesting shuffling in the east and I look forward to seeing it all play out.
As for us, shuffling is over, doors are open, and we're back to business.
See ya'll next week!
Sean
Well it's been a fantastic week for the big blue machine. Lots of great successes.
Monday saw the first meeting of the Juvenile band taking place. I'm quite proud of the turnout, and even more proud of the interest the kids showed. Tuesday was our first kick at the cat for grade 2 and things were clipping right along already. A great effort by everyone prior to practice really paid off.
Last night was grade 3 practice and we had almost everyone out again. The pipers cut through their new MSR quite nicely and started to take a shot at the medley before retiring from brain burn. The drummers had an excellent rehearsal working on the March from the MSR, and some parade stuff to get everyone adjusted to my style of writing.
It has been a very busy week in the pipe band world. I know this is supposed to be down time but bands are just starting up and rosters are being shot around the globe.
The most recent news I personally found distressing. It comes from Chicago via piper drummer. In an article posted today P&D (Piper, Drummer) reported that "Melvin resigns as Mid-Lothian Pipe Major"(pipesdrums.com). Wes and I had heard some rumblings of this way up here in Canada but decided not to spread it around until confirmed.
According to the article the band's future is uncertain. What a quick turn around from taking 1st in the MSR at Maxville last season and edging us out in the medley for 2nd.
On the flip side Mr. Melvin (Adrian Melvin) will be moving to Peel Regional Police along with a plethora of other highly qualified players.
So much so that they're creating a feeder system! This bodes well for us as they have made Penatangor their feeder band and will create a grade 2 band out of the system. At least this way if we lose one great band we should gain a new great band to compete against.
Jake Watson, long-time friend and clinician of the band, is the director of Penatangor and will also be joining Peel this season. Looks like there's a new grade 1 contest in Ontario and should be very interesting to watch.
So that's the news this week. Some interesting shuffling in the east and I look forward to seeing it all play out.
As for us, shuffling is over, doors are open, and we're back to business.
See ya'll next week!
Sean
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Justice Served
Good day everyone,
Quick update on practice last night. Grade 2 that is.
Things went well, we had a change in location for one night due to legion conflicts but Joe and the gang came through for us and found us space.
Good numbers out for practice. There will be a learning curve for some as our low turnout this year will be a record turnout any other year. Still a definite positive.
In other news the PPBSO finally handed down some justice regarding the Montreal Highland Gathering fiasco.
For those who aren't aware, this year in Montreal some mistakes were made and the Glengarry pipe band was disqualified from the grade 2 contest after performing. The were dq'd based on an interpretation of a rule taken from a dated rule book and thus, unfairly disqualified.
After about a month the PPBSO admitted its mistake and apologized which is wonderful to see. Recently, not sure how recent, but as of yesterday the results on the PPBSO website have been updated adding Glengarry's results into the mix.
While this had a bit of a reverse effect on the SASPB placings it boded well for our friends in Regina. Our overall marks for the day became 4piping, 4piping, 3drumming, and 2ensemble, with an overall placing of 3rd. Regina then moved to 2nd, a wonderful result for them.
It's a bit complicated with the point system being associated with placings, but it was nice to see justice served and the folks from Glengarry got to see the results of their hard work.
In a volunteer organization like the PPBSO, or the PPBAM, etc. It's easy for the membership at large to expect certain quality within these organizations. We must remember, however, that these people are volunteers and donate a great deal of their time to giving us the opportunity to do what we love so dearly.
So keep this in mind, humans are humans, we make mistakes, and you get what you pay for!
Great job to the PPBSO on this one. Way to lead by example!
Sean
Quick update on practice last night. Grade 2 that is.
Things went well, we had a change in location for one night due to legion conflicts but Joe and the gang came through for us and found us space.
Good numbers out for practice. There will be a learning curve for some as our low turnout this year will be a record turnout any other year. Still a definite positive.
In other news the PPBSO finally handed down some justice regarding the Montreal Highland Gathering fiasco.
For those who aren't aware, this year in Montreal some mistakes were made and the Glengarry pipe band was disqualified from the grade 2 contest after performing. The were dq'd based on an interpretation of a rule taken from a dated rule book and thus, unfairly disqualified.
After about a month the PPBSO admitted its mistake and apologized which is wonderful to see. Recently, not sure how recent, but as of yesterday the results on the PPBSO website have been updated adding Glengarry's results into the mix.
While this had a bit of a reverse effect on the SASPB placings it boded well for our friends in Regina. Our overall marks for the day became 4piping, 4piping, 3drumming, and 2ensemble, with an overall placing of 3rd. Regina then moved to 2nd, a wonderful result for them.
It's a bit complicated with the point system being associated with placings, but it was nice to see justice served and the folks from Glengarry got to see the results of their hard work.
In a volunteer organization like the PPBSO, or the PPBAM, etc. It's easy for the membership at large to expect certain quality within these organizations. We must remember, however, that these people are volunteers and donate a great deal of their time to giving us the opportunity to do what we love so dearly.
So keep this in mind, humans are humans, we make mistakes, and you get what you pay for!
Great job to the PPBSO on this one. Way to lead by example!
Sean
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Two Rivers Week #1
Good morning everyone,
I'm back at school and feeling refreshed after a great get together last night with some new friends.
We had the inaugural meeting last night for our new Juvenile program. Two Rivers Juvenile. A few families couldn't make it out last night, but even still we had 3 snare students, 7 piping students, and a tenor drummer who took to spinning like a duck to water.
Next week we'll have everyone out and we'll be up and running.
I was very proud of the instructors last night. They did a fabulous job keeping the kids busy and interested while Gale Walker and I addressed the parents on the business end. Later the instructors jammed a little bit and the kids were hooked. Well done!
A great friend of the band came down last night to drop off some instructional materials for Ian and I. As many of you remember Bob Cooper was once the Drum Sergeant of the SASPB grade 3 band (which became the grade 2 band) and he lead us to a North American Championship and countless provincial drumming titles.
It was great to hang out with Bob. He was my instructor from day one, taught me how to hold my sticks. So as I, and the other instructors, take on the responsibility of teaching a band it was really helpful sharing teaching philosophies and remembering where I came from.
I still remember my first Transcona pipe band practice. I walked into a school out in the middle of a field in Transcona and proceeded to tell Pipe Major George Lawrence I wanted to play bagpipes............
I know... please don't tell anyone.
I was then told I was to old and it would take to long to teach me to play. So, Bob took me in. I remember meeting this seemingly giant man. At the time Bob was still working with the Winnipeg Police Service and he frequently wore nice suits, mock turtle necks, and sunglasses to practice. I tell ya you did anything not to make that man angry.
The amazing thing is once I got to know Bob, he's the nicest fella you'll ever meet, and now that I'm 24 he doesn't seem quite so enormous either!
Bob is the kind of guy I think we should all try and emulate in pipe bands. He'll do anything to help anyone. While many have complained about our new Juvenile band, Bob came down to see it, encourage us, welcome the competition (he teaches the Lord Selkirk Boys Band), and share some material.
He's always a phone call or email away from advice and years of experience. An invaluable resource in an association that, for the most part, doesn't communicate that well.
So, I'd like to communicate one thing to everyone and anyone who reads this blog. C'mon down. Pop in to any St. Andrew's practice. Hang out and meet the crew afterwards. See how we do what we do. We'd love to have you!
See you at the Legions!
Sean
I'm back at school and feeling refreshed after a great get together last night with some new friends.
We had the inaugural meeting last night for our new Juvenile program. Two Rivers Juvenile. A few families couldn't make it out last night, but even still we had 3 snare students, 7 piping students, and a tenor drummer who took to spinning like a duck to water.
Next week we'll have everyone out and we'll be up and running.
I was very proud of the instructors last night. They did a fabulous job keeping the kids busy and interested while Gale Walker and I addressed the parents on the business end. Later the instructors jammed a little bit and the kids were hooked. Well done!
A great friend of the band came down last night to drop off some instructional materials for Ian and I. As many of you remember Bob Cooper was once the Drum Sergeant of the SASPB grade 3 band (which became the grade 2 band) and he lead us to a North American Championship and countless provincial drumming titles.
It was great to hang out with Bob. He was my instructor from day one, taught me how to hold my sticks. So as I, and the other instructors, take on the responsibility of teaching a band it was really helpful sharing teaching philosophies and remembering where I came from.
I still remember my first Transcona pipe band practice. I walked into a school out in the middle of a field in Transcona and proceeded to tell Pipe Major George Lawrence I wanted to play bagpipes............
I know... please don't tell anyone.
I was then told I was to old and it would take to long to teach me to play. So, Bob took me in. I remember meeting this seemingly giant man. At the time Bob was still working with the Winnipeg Police Service and he frequently wore nice suits, mock turtle necks, and sunglasses to practice. I tell ya you did anything not to make that man angry.
The amazing thing is once I got to know Bob, he's the nicest fella you'll ever meet, and now that I'm 24 he doesn't seem quite so enormous either!
Bob is the kind of guy I think we should all try and emulate in pipe bands. He'll do anything to help anyone. While many have complained about our new Juvenile band, Bob came down to see it, encourage us, welcome the competition (he teaches the Lord Selkirk Boys Band), and share some material.
He's always a phone call or email away from advice and years of experience. An invaluable resource in an association that, for the most part, doesn't communicate that well.
So, I'd like to communicate one thing to everyone and anyone who reads this blog. C'mon down. Pop in to any St. Andrew's practice. Hang out and meet the crew afterwards. See how we do what we do. We'd love to have you!
See you at the Legions!
Sean
Monday, September 21, 2009
Posers and Patience... maybe pipe band too!
Welcome back after a wild and wacky weekend of fun.
I got to spend Saturday and Sunday with some good friends having some relaxing times so it can't be all bad.
Saturday afternoon I had a great meeting making sure we're well prepared for the inaugural Two Rivers Juvenile meeting tonight. I think we're all very excited. My sister Kyla Johnston, the head piping instructor and Grade 2 piper, had a great time over at Gale Walkers prepping things and getting our final touches done on the presentations.
After that it was time for my second meeting. I call it my pipe band down time. Every week or so I venture out to one of Winnipeg's fine British style establishments with my good friend and Grade 2 piper/soundguy Clarke Stockton and we basically solve all the problems in the world in two hours on the patio. Great times!
Sunday Clarke and I met up again at Wes' house and spent the afternoon holding particle boards up and struggling with Wes' overpowered, but way to fund air-screwdriver. Everyone should have one!
The real story outside of pipe band from my weekend involves my other band. Pop the Trunk. We perform all over the place as a cover band, playing anything people will dance to. Out of nowhere our sound tech Eric came bursting out onto the patio yelling Burton Cummings is here! He wants pictures with the band!
WOW GREAT!!!! HOLY COW BURTON CUMMINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So we charged inside and stood shoulder to shoulder on stage with "Burton" and his "friends" taking pictures.
Luckily this weekend was also our good highland dancing friend Laurie Tyndall's birthday and she had managed to drag out a few friends to see PTT live saturday night. So I will include photos later of this extravagant event.....
But wait................
If this was so great why did I include quotation marks around "Burton" and "friends".
Good question.
I'll say this, I have yet to prove any of this, but at this exact point our so-called Burton Cummings was about 6 foot 1 had black curly hair a killer mustache, and bright white blue eyes. I'm doing some research but three people in the bar who claim to know Burton insist this was not him.
So this leads me to believe that somewhere in Winnipeg right now there is a fella running around Winnipeg getting free drinks and partying with girls half his age (or less) insisting he is a legend and hero of so many Winnipeggers.
So stay tuned I'm looking into this.
I was so excited to meet this idol but alas i'll have to wait to see if it was meant to be.
So far his website photos don't seem to match his description.
Sean
I got to spend Saturday and Sunday with some good friends having some relaxing times so it can't be all bad.
Saturday afternoon I had a great meeting making sure we're well prepared for the inaugural Two Rivers Juvenile meeting tonight. I think we're all very excited. My sister Kyla Johnston, the head piping instructor and Grade 2 piper, had a great time over at Gale Walkers prepping things and getting our final touches done on the presentations.
After that it was time for my second meeting. I call it my pipe band down time. Every week or so I venture out to one of Winnipeg's fine British style establishments with my good friend and Grade 2 piper/soundguy Clarke Stockton and we basically solve all the problems in the world in two hours on the patio. Great times!
Sunday Clarke and I met up again at Wes' house and spent the afternoon holding particle boards up and struggling with Wes' overpowered, but way to fund air-screwdriver. Everyone should have one!
The real story outside of pipe band from my weekend involves my other band. Pop the Trunk. We perform all over the place as a cover band, playing anything people will dance to. Out of nowhere our sound tech Eric came bursting out onto the patio yelling Burton Cummings is here! He wants pictures with the band!
WOW GREAT!!!! HOLY COW BURTON CUMMINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So we charged inside and stood shoulder to shoulder on stage with "Burton" and his "friends" taking pictures.
Luckily this weekend was also our good highland dancing friend Laurie Tyndall's birthday and she had managed to drag out a few friends to see PTT live saturday night. So I will include photos later of this extravagant event.....
But wait................
If this was so great why did I include quotation marks around "Burton" and "friends".
Good question.
I'll say this, I have yet to prove any of this, but at this exact point our so-called Burton Cummings was about 6 foot 1 had black curly hair a killer mustache, and bright white blue eyes. I'm doing some research but three people in the bar who claim to know Burton insist this was not him.
So this leads me to believe that somewhere in Winnipeg right now there is a fella running around Winnipeg getting free drinks and partying with girls half his age (or less) insisting he is a legend and hero of so many Winnipeggers.
So stay tuned I'm looking into this.
I was so excited to meet this idol but alas i'll have to wait to see if it was meant to be.
So far his website photos don't seem to match his description.
Sean
Friday, September 18, 2009
Rumours To Rest
Howdy everybody,
One more post today, maybe i'll take tomorrow off.
As with all pipe band things i've learned rumours are rampant, and deadly if not addressed.
Rumour # 1: Not sure who this one is spread by but I'll address it and kill it now.
"We're collapsing the grade 3 band"
If you've read my other blogs, including today's post, you'd know that not only is the grade 3 band up and running but they're already making progress. It's a fun atmosphere making good music.
The loss of some former members is a loss for sure. New members, however, have filled the ranks and they'll do just fine. Like we said they would.
Rumour # 2: Again no clue on where this started
"The grade 2 band is broke"
The grade 2 band is not broke, we have money and we finance differently. Each member in our band is responsible for a larger portion of their travel cost than in other bands and thusly, our bank account is smaller
Rumour # 3: .... you get the idea
"We're getting new drums!"
This is true. The organization is in need of new drumming equipment and we will be making the switch to Pearl very shortly. This purchase will come from the General Bank Account that the Organization holds. It will not be funded by any bands seperate bank account.
Rumour # 4: ....
"If the grade 3 band collapses, their healthy bank account is liquidated to general"
See Rumour # 1. Plus the bands control their own travel accounts and I'm quite proud of the effort and control all members and former members of the grade 3 band have put into that account. Nuff said get over it!
So those are the big ones really moving around.
I suppose when you're relatively successful there's always someone trying to paint a bullseye on your back.
So spread the word, both bands are kickin and in my personal opinion better then ever. As soon as possible I'm hoping to explain how the financial system in our organization works so everyone knows both within the organization and outside. It's not a common system to other organizations in the area so perhaps it appears a bit mysterious. Never fear all will be brought to light.
Cheers everyone have a great weekend!
Sean
One more post today, maybe i'll take tomorrow off.
As with all pipe band things i've learned rumours are rampant, and deadly if not addressed.
Rumour # 1: Not sure who this one is spread by but I'll address it and kill it now.
"We're collapsing the grade 3 band"
If you've read my other blogs, including today's post, you'd know that not only is the grade 3 band up and running but they're already making progress. It's a fun atmosphere making good music.
The loss of some former members is a loss for sure. New members, however, have filled the ranks and they'll do just fine. Like we said they would.
Rumour # 2: Again no clue on where this started
"The grade 2 band is broke"
The grade 2 band is not broke, we have money and we finance differently. Each member in our band is responsible for a larger portion of their travel cost than in other bands and thusly, our bank account is smaller
Rumour # 3: .... you get the idea
"We're getting new drums!"
This is true. The organization is in need of new drumming equipment and we will be making the switch to Pearl very shortly. This purchase will come from the General Bank Account that the Organization holds. It will not be funded by any bands seperate bank account.
Rumour # 4: ....
"If the grade 3 band collapses, their healthy bank account is liquidated to general"
See Rumour # 1. Plus the bands control their own travel accounts and I'm quite proud of the effort and control all members and former members of the grade 3 band have put into that account. Nuff said get over it!
So those are the big ones really moving around.
I suppose when you're relatively successful there's always someone trying to paint a bullseye on your back.
So spread the word, both bands are kickin and in my personal opinion better then ever. As soon as possible I'm hoping to explain how the financial system in our organization works so everyone knows both within the organization and outside. It's not a common system to other organizations in the area so perhaps it appears a bit mysterious. Never fear all will be brought to light.
Cheers everyone have a great weekend!
Sean
News Update: Grade 3
Okay if I wasn't excited after the grade 2 meeting (and believe me I was) I sure am now!
A great first get together for the grade 3 band last night. The band definitely has the numbers to compete, and great people to make for some good times too.
It started around 6:45 when I drove into the parking lot to find a host of people milling about trying to figure out where to go from there. The pipe cases and drum sticks confirmed they were there to play, so I led them downstairs.
We had a great round table introduction session and appointed our new P/M and D/S.
Thanks and congratulations to Pipe Major Mark Jorgensen and Drum Sergeant Austin Hay. These folks stepped up into big shoes and they've already taken a shine to the driver's seat. It's always nice to show the depth our organization has when long time members step up to take on leadership roles. Well done you two!
It will be no easy task. There were a few returning members from last season, but for the most part a lot of new faces. I immediately assumed it was going to be a long process.
I took the drum corp into the back meeting room to discuss expectations etc. I assumed that the pipe corp would do the same. Next thing I know, I'm stopping my pep talk to listen to the chanter practice already plowing through the new MSR, and it sounded superb! I could not be more pleased.
For the first time in my life a drum corp I teach will comprise of students I personally taught. I'm hoping this will make it better for myself and them, but perhaps the repetition will stagnate things. If it does I'll have to make I'm changing things up.
Either way, great news from the SASPB this morning. Thanks to everyone that made it out last night, and remember we are recruiting so if anyone is interested in playing drop myself or Wes a line at sean@saspb.com or wes@saspb.com and we'll give you the details.
Thanks again everyone and happy practicing!
Sean
A great first get together for the grade 3 band last night. The band definitely has the numbers to compete, and great people to make for some good times too.
It started around 6:45 when I drove into the parking lot to find a host of people milling about trying to figure out where to go from there. The pipe cases and drum sticks confirmed they were there to play, so I led them downstairs.
We had a great round table introduction session and appointed our new P/M and D/S.
Thanks and congratulations to Pipe Major Mark Jorgensen and Drum Sergeant Austin Hay. These folks stepped up into big shoes and they've already taken a shine to the driver's seat. It's always nice to show the depth our organization has when long time members step up to take on leadership roles. Well done you two!
It will be no easy task. There were a few returning members from last season, but for the most part a lot of new faces. I immediately assumed it was going to be a long process.
I took the drum corp into the back meeting room to discuss expectations etc. I assumed that the pipe corp would do the same. Next thing I know, I'm stopping my pep talk to listen to the chanter practice already plowing through the new MSR, and it sounded superb! I could not be more pleased.
For the first time in my life a drum corp I teach will comprise of students I personally taught. I'm hoping this will make it better for myself and them, but perhaps the repetition will stagnate things. If it does I'll have to make I'm changing things up.
Either way, great news from the SASPB this morning. Thanks to everyone that made it out last night, and remember we are recruiting so if anyone is interested in playing drop myself or Wes a line at sean@saspb.com or wes@saspb.com and we'll give you the details.
Thanks again everyone and happy practicing!
Sean
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