The Long Road Back
It occurred to me the other day that it has been a long time since this pipe band competed. Our last contest was August 2006: Perth Highland Games. A lot has happened since then, not the least of which has been a very major change in the band personnel.A quick poll at band yesterday revealed that of the 11 pipers and 5-6 drummers who were at practice, only 4 people had been with the band at Perth that day. That's huge.

We have a large number of band members who have not competed in Grade 2 before, some who haven't competed in years, and many who are competing with this band for the first time. That makes the upcoming weekend and the Brandon Highland Festival a kind of noteworthy day. We aren't expecting great things: only playing medley this weekend, and that is still "in development," but it was really great to be playing without scores/tunes on the floor for the first time yesterday.

Most encouraging to me was that we had and maintained a solid sound for the entire band practice. It could still be blown better and more consistently, but it is a major improvement over the sound of the band even a month ago.

It's been a long road from Perth to here. Thanks to all you band members who have made the commitment to get the band on the field again. Pipers have mad a strong commitment to two practices a week, and drummers who have worked hard to develop the corps with the LD at a distance. I'm looking forward to the weekend, and will be happy to see us on the field once again.

An Open Window
Today at band, it seemed as though the window opened slightly onto the spring and summer. It was a great day today, warm and sunny—one of those days where you almost [or actually] begrudge going into the dark Legion. But go we did, and it was an excellent practice. Worked on harmonies and medley bits, and played the medley a total of 6-7 times start to finish with the drummers.

Not only did the window open weather-wise, but what I'm getting at is that the medley had real promise today. You can hear the pieces coming together, and the sound getting stronger. Oh....there's still lots to do, no doubt, but there's real promise of some great music about to happen. Nice work.