Thursday, May 14, 2009

Big shake up with the Salt Lake Scots Pipe Band

I broke my vow of not being a complainer at band practice this week.

We had a bit of a shake up when four drummers in the Grade III band quit. They all joined a band in California called the LA Scots Pipe Band. BJ Gunn - the drum sergeant and Teagan's instructor - had been playing with the LA band since this last fall and about a month ago (see my "Nerve Racking Experience" post) Mindy and I were told by Andrew Morrill that BJ would be leaving the SL Scots. Sure enough he did and he took three other drummers with him.

That devastated the Grade III drumline and so they had to choose to cancel their competition season or play with the Grade IV. Guess what they chose? Yup, they're going to be playing with us; or perhaps - and more likely - we'll be playing with them. Many are not very happy with what happened and there are hard feelings in the Grade III band. Should be interesting.

With seventeen pipers and a still very small drum line, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the competitive atmosphere increase at practice and the fun factor decline. After all, there will be no shortage of pipers if the PM decides he would rather win than have everyone participate. That would be a tragedy.

Anyway, I voiced my concern at practice, but alas, it will probably make little difference. Anyway, stay tuned because the drama is bound to continue.

2 comments:

Rose said...

I think you're right: it WILL get more competitive. I refuse to not have fun, however. There's little point in showing up if it's not fun.

anonymous said...

Always have fun. If that is not the case then there's really no point. Don't let anyone tell you different, that's part of the enjoyment and you cannot make joyful music without enjoyment. One last thing that everyone implicitly knows, don't just play notes on the page; play music that resonates to the absolute core of being. That is the never ending pursuit that keeps us playing the old bags. It's the best return on investment and it's easy to lose sight of that. Good luck in your efforts.