2013 - A New Hope

Star Wars? YUP!



Why not eh? I've seen Lord of the Rings references on pipe band blogs so it only seems fair.


Plus Star Wars kicks ass....


I've had my ear to the ground during the off season... of course it doesn't take an expert to hear the rumblings from Ontario, Scotland, and the rest of the communities. Today's blog, however, is about the Big Blue Machine (once upon a time I think someone called us the borg from Mordor... mix references much?)

Lots of shake ups here in the Peg. I MOVED!!! I now reside in a beautiful mansion in Transcona, Manitoba. Transcona is the home of great things like mullets, mint condition Iroc Camaros from the 80s, flamingo lawn decorations, the Transcona and District Pipe Band (of which I am alumni), and now... the Johnstons. We already love it there and I can't wait to spend my evenings in my gorgeous gazebo puffing on my pipe and writing drum scores.

I should also mention that in Transcona a split level 2,000 sq ft house with a single detached garage is a mansion.


So that means that I can go to band practices easily. I'll be popping into Grade 3 often, and I am back on the roster for teachers at Two Rivers. I can't wait!

Two Rivers Juvenile gets going again on Monday night. This is the bands 3rd year of running, last year doing quite well in Grade 5. This year they hope to become more consistent and hammer out an identity of their own.

Grade 3 has some big changes. After a somewhat successful season, both PM Mark Jorgensen, and DS Dylan Knight will step back for personal reasons, and they will be replaced by new PM Alex Peden, and DS Dave Chorney. All four of these men are amazing players and people, I can't wait to see what the band looks like come February.

Grade 2 is on break. Wes and I are discussing tunes, and working with a few of the pipers to form medleys and selections. Things are progressing, and if I can stay out of my scotch collection should be good to go.

I'm happy to announce my little drum corp is growing. We're retaining all members from last year (7) and adding Mr. Craig Weston. Craig comes to us after a very successful several years with Edmonton & District. Apparently he's a sucker for some cute girl here in Winnipeg (his very favorite niece Isla Bisset, Kyle's daughter) and is moving here to try his hand as a Winnipegger. Whatever works! I'm pleased to have him.

He's not the only new comer in the back end, but I'll save it for a more formal and confirmed blog post...

Always leave them hangin.... ;)


Check in later, take care, and cheers!


Sean

The Gap in the Circle

I've spoken at great length recently about the family of pipe band. I've referred to a brotherhood in the drum corp. At a time when we reflect on successes and struggles of a season gone by, we receive news of a loss of a brother.

I remember the day I was informed of a new player joining the ranks, one with history, trophies, skill, and knowledge. I was in awe of this man the day he showed up.

Allister Rodger was a quiet force. He demanded respect simply through his silence. He always had a quiet word for the young guys, like myself, that needed encouragement from those with more experience. Many of us benefited from his experience.

He always satisfied myself, and the other young punks, with stories of bands he played in, pipers he competed against.It was the stories that sparked our dreams.

As Allister took ill he would often reappear at competitions. I would catch a glimpse of him watching a young piper walking the boards, and his smile would always be there when the band broke off after a run in the circle. A pat on the back for the boys, a "good play", a quick nod, then the constructive criticism. He was always adjudicating, looking for the improvement to be made.

One of Allister's closest pupils in piping was long time band member Scott Foster. Scott left the band this year to pursue a run at the big leagues. I'm sure Allister was proud seeing Scott in the kilt of the Grade 1 Alberta Caledonia, and knowing he performed in the Grade 1 circle at the world's would have warmed Allister's heart.

This great man is gone now. Passed away at 56 years old. Too soon. His ever piping hands are still, and we will miss him. Tomorrow we say goodbye, and I shall add him to my very short list of people I put in my mind, and heart just before I walk to the final tuning circle. Hoping to do him proud.

Sean

Manitoba Highland Gathering, Clinics, and Karaoke?

Happy Monday to all my beaters and blowers. I hope we find each other well.

The season seems to be in full swing. I've been eagerly watching the results come in from all over the world. Right now I have my hard earned no money on Field Marshal for the World's again. Even on Youtube they sound like their putting on a clinic for the other grade 1 bands.

We spent the past week drumming. Which is equivalent to spending it in heaven in my book. Friend of the blog and proprietor of www.highlanding.net Graham Brown flew in on Monday and began a rigorous schedule of lessons and clinics.

Practice Tuesday went well. Graham got a feel for where the Grade 2 corp was and we worked some kinks out, then after his solo lesson Wednesday I hosted a pad practice at my construction site... I mean home. It was fun to see the whole corp around my dining room table, as well as Dave Chorney and family coming for a visit. I hope in the years to come my step son Jacob will remember having this awesome drum corp sitting around his table pounding their way to great things. He was already gung ho to show Mr. Brown his doubles.

Thursday Graham spent with a few soloists and then the grade 3 band. New band bass drummer David was working into the grade 3 music and he is well on his way to being a fantastic addition to the corp there.

Friday night Graham and I attended the "judges meeting" before MBHG. By meeting I clearly mean bbq at Wes'. With all good intentions we headed to Lead tenor drummer Megan Ross' 20th birthday party and I left shortly after hearing the words Korean Karaoke. A wise decision.

Saturday brought rain. The contest was moved to higher ground, but we still managed two very solid plays and I'm very pleased with all the work the corp has done this past week. So much improvement in so little time is amazing. I wanted to thank all the grade 2 cats that came out Sunday for our clinic with Jake Watson and Alan Walters. Father's day isn't the best time to be in a parking lot getting a sunburn but they were out in full force.

We continue our journey towards Maxville this week. Next stop the contest circle. Stay tuned as I'll be updating regularly for the next month and a half.

Cheers

Sean

The Kids Ain't Cheap

Spring has sprung, and gone, and then it rained, and now it's summer..... For most in the pipe band world this means contest time. For a prairie lead drummer this means contest time, and prep for next year time. Music to pick, write, and arrange, and more importantly... Budgets to put together. Did you know that to get a custom paint job (a la our beauty drums) it take approx. 6 months for delivery? HOLY EXPLETIVE BATMAN!!!!! In the pipe band world things change in a matter of weeks. One minute you have 6 drummers next it's 10.. or something...... So my job at this time of the year is to look at what I've got coming in to our 3 drum corps and then make a budget based on heads, repairs, and new drums. On another note, having an artist deal with a major manufacturer helps.... but there is still a cost to each drum and it ain't cheap. I'm blessed to be experiencing growth in the back end. If all goes to plan I'll be able to field 10-11 snares next year in grade 2, 4 in grade 3, and maybe 2 -3 in two Rivers. Problem... we don't have that many drums. So I'm bending my mind to find either a fundraiser, or a sponsorship that can help this drum corp stay in the black. If you have any ideas throw them my way. Second point of the day. Mr. Graham Brown Lead Drummer of Peel, and former World Champine yadda yadda holy crap he's good, is in town to work me and the gang into a competitive rabid wolf. I'm looking forward to a week where pipe band is at the forefront of my mind. Graham is giving lessons while he's in town and if you get this in time message me for details. It's worth every penny to get a chance to pick this amazing young drummers mind. I'll get back to you after the week is over and I wanna jump off a roof.... ;) Sean

Can Anyone Spell 180?

Have you ever said something, or did something, that made you look like an idiot? The answer is yes. If you answered no go ask a friend and see if they can recall a time you looked like an idiot, then come back and try again. Why do I feel stupid? I've put off blogging entirely since March. Not because I was busy, though I was, but because I was embarrassed. I refer you to the last blog. I was fresh off a trip back from Toronto, head held high, flying on a once in a lifetime experience. I didn't think there was anything that could stop me from getting to the top.... Fast forward about a month later, I'm married, renovating, and enjoying the challenge of two bands. Then I get tossed a curve ball at work and my time goes from manageable to nil and void. I've heard of this disease, I've had dear friends suffer from it, this plague on pipe bands.... life. I have the most supporting wife, a great home pipe band that supported my decision to try, but the job is a priority. Even today my schedule is making it difficult to manage getting to St. Andrew's let alone practicing Peel. So I had to throw in the towel. I thanked Graham, and John for giving me the opportunity, then walked away with my tail between my legs. The option of pursuing both bands was impossible with my given time. The decision was easy, it was practically made for me. Here's the logic. What's the priority? St. Andrew's has always been my top priority musically. This year is our finest effort as a drum corp, the numbers, the music, it's all there. Why would I risk all our years of hard work just for myself? So there it is, a 180 between last post and this one. Still positive, still excited, just focused. I guess I really am blue blooded.

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

Practice Makes the Perfect Poker Face

I seem to be in a music induced fog...

It has been 4 days since the first contest of the season and I have spent about 4-6 hours of each day with sticks in my hand trying to harness the energy of Graham Brown's music.

I'm at that point where, usually in July, my hands can do anything. So that's awesome. However, there is one little insignificant, yet all important factor I'm not considering....Unison....

I'm a lead drummer by trade these days. It's been 5 or so years since I've played unison at all.

*quick break for the pipers*

Unison (or chips) refers to the piano time or first repeat of a part. The lead drummer plays the music and the corp players jump in and out to create larger accent patterns and dynamics. A very musical approach and yet friggin hard to do.

*end break for pipers*

I am summoning every bit of knowledge I have from back in the day. Playing for Bob Cooper and Roland Reid was a real treat for my ability because these two men played like fire and ice.. completely different. Rolly had hands that could accomplish things that appeared to defy gravity, time, and space... Bob was methodical, musical, and always consistent. Learning to keep up with Bob's perfection, and Rolly's musical ability was an education I don't think you can get anywhere.


And now I must apply the knowledge..

The trick is, I don't have a lead drummer to follow. I'm sitting in my living room listening to Peel records trying to get Graham's style without seeing it.

This is where the modern fly-in player must be creative. Youtube to the rescue!!!

I've watched every video of Graham, and all his corp players, and just about everyone from Ontario to see if there is a distinct style I can copy. I've watched Jim Kilpatrick who is obviously a great influence in Graham's playing. Now I apply the knowledge.

I have exactly 8 days until the marathon begins. Here's my flight schedule if you're wondering.

Next Fridy: Pop the Trunk Live at Whiskey Dix
2am Saturday Morning: Pop the Trunk finishes gigging, drive to airport
5am Flight to Toronto: sleep/read music/drink coffee
8am Arrive in Toronto: Kill time until pick up
10am: Practice!!!!
I'm assuming based on the judges list that after practice we're going to the Toronto knockout contest..

Sunday repeat practice schedule, then fly home for 8 oclock.
Monday back to work....owww

As crazy as that all seems I couldn't be more excited.

I think Angie might be getting a bit jealous of my drum pad but I'll make it up to her.

The last thing I have to work on is my poker face... How to sit at this practice all day without a dumb grin on my face and giggling like a school girl. I know Jake well, and Graham pretty good, but what do I do when Graham Kirkwood introduces himself, or one of the Bells.. or John Cairns.... There's so much talent and history in this band I'm going to see that it's like I'm going to Disney Land.

Anyways I'll keep you posted on the poker face. So far, not so good.

Cheers

Sean