The Last Band of 2006

Today was the last band practice for 2006, and if today was an indication, we don't have a band for 2007. Having said that, there have been a few lean winters in the 15 years we have been on the road, and many of them have ended in great summers of fun and performance. This one should be no different.

A very enthusiastic and dedicated group of people has been coming regularly all autumn, and many recently learned some new music and assisted with the successful Chrismas concert. Thanks to you all for your drive and commitment. We know that we have members at a distance who are commited to being there when the roads are clear again, and we'll be waiting.

When Christmas and Hogmany are over, I will be in touch with each of you—looking for your commitment, or your uniform and instruments. Think it over and decide what you'll be doing, because if you live fairly close at hand, "I'll see you in May" isn't going to cut it. You can't be in a Grade 2 band without commiting to the program, and we can't survive at this level without a stronger commitment, especially from those players in Regina and area.

I'm looking forward to playing the new music in 2007, and I want to do it with the best band as we can assemble. In the meantime, best wishes to all for a safe and happy holiday season.

A Word on Lead Drummers


In the course of the band's 14 or so years, we have had a few lead drummers. Part of the equation of change is that we have had the same miserable a-hole as PM all these years. Not always right, but usually thinks he is, and stubborn to boot. It drives a lot of things forward, some people out, and makes some hesitate to join. Mea culpa.

We've had some crackers as lead drummer. Paul Hamilton arrived from Ontario at precisely the right time in the band's history, and took on the task with enthusiasm and supprted all the band did. Ryan Sullivan took charge of the corps at a young age, and drove forward our musical ability as a band in many ways. Doug Pritchard's calm and organized approach built the numbers in the corps, and he was great to work with on all fronts. Tim Borton developed quickly in the corps, and his precise playing style and mega-enthusiasm for the genre made the band an exciting place. Brett Stinson took over the corps from Tim, and made some risky and large changes to refresh the corps, and succeeded. Then, there was Dave Roth.

Through most of these years—with a year or so break at one point—Dave Roth has played under all these LDs, and at one point played LD himself [1999]. Dave has never been a "jump to front" kind of guy. He was always about playing with a good corps, in a good band, and he has come back last-minute to rescue us on more than one occasion whe we were in tough and needed that strong flank player to make us competitive. Dave has always had strong ideas about bands and drumming, and what seems to drive him is his love for drumming, and his loyalty to this band.

So here we are, post-Scotland, and struggling to keep our heads above water, and it's very tough to constantly re-build, re-build, re-build, and stay enthused. And so I wanted to say this: wherever the road leads, and whatever the future brings, it has been such a privilege to play with Dave Roth, and now to be PM of the band that he helps to lead. Ditto to the rest of you: Paul, Ryan, Doug, Tim and Brett. It hasn't always been an easy or a smooth road, but if I never said it in so many words before: thanks for everything.

And if you're sitting on your hands when you could be playing in the band, get off your backside and get to it. The PM might be bad, but the LD more than makes up for it.