Lead Drummer Wanted

Currently, the band is doing what it can to get ready for the season, and a very limited competition season at that. Looking ahead, it's clear that we are in the place where we need some fresh leadership in the drum corps. Grade 2 is more competitive than ever before, and to remain in the grade we need to develop the drumming program from the bottom up.

Not to say that we haven't had success there. The drummers who have come through the Grade 4 band so far have done very well indeed, playing in the Grade 2 band, and being "recruited" now by other Grade 2 and 1 bands. And, the drummers we have had coming up from Grade 4 have kept afloat at the Grade 2 level these past two seasons. Now, however, we need someone to step forward.

We need that pipe-band-passionate, people-friendly, collaborative, builder to come to Regina. Are you here already? That would be cool. The band has a lot of offer. We have a "turn-key" operation in terms of equipment and facilities, and what we need now is the right drumming guru to take hold and help develop drumming from the ground up.

And make no mistake: there's as much challenge as opportunity. You'll be planting trees on a dry plain...it takes lots of buckets of water, patience and a bit of luck to grow it. But you'll be part of a team that's been doing it for a few years, and we'll start running. Check out the web site, and let us know if you're interested.

Fifteen Years, And Still a Great Event
Whether you were there during the day, and saw the many great community groups performing to a busy hall, or braved the -30°C to attend the Ceilidh at night, you'd have to think it was a pretty good day of entertainment. It's always a big event for the pipe band, because it breaks in new members and new music, and it has been one of our staple fundraisers for all those years.

As usual, we played some good stuff, played some less-than-good stuff, and had a lot of fun. Shona Le Mottee and Tim Readman were outstanding. People who stayed at home missed a great show in all respects. Shona is an amazing player, and Tim's backing and vocals were a highlight. I look forward to hearing them again.

Thanks to the band members and volunteers for their hard work before and at the event. People pitched in and made it happen, and a few played key roles. Catherine organized the Celtic Fair, Angela the food for the day, Sharon and Allan Schmidt did the bar and silent auction with help from their team, and a variety of people assisted with posters, tickets, auction, etc.

Thanks to the sponsors and and the people who came out, and to the various media outlets for their help promoting.

For me, the MWCF has always been about playing, raising some cash, and creating that "feeling" in the hall where people go home and say, "damn, that was fun." We haven't always succeeded at all three, but we've pretty much always nailed the last one. This year was no exception.