The City of
Elizabeth Pipe Band has had a very successful year in 2014/2015and has
continued to build on the previous year’s successes on most fronts. We have
finished 2014/2015 with more members, more engagements and a well presented and
performing band.
The
attendance of a few members is a concern – a combination of injury, illness,
work and study commitments have kept a few members away from practices and
engagements. Pipers and drummers do not grow on trees – we need to retain all
our members to the best of our ability into the future.
Fundraising Success:
The Band has
conducted one fundraising event in addition to paid engagements over the past
year. This was a Bunning’s BBQ on 28 March 2015, with the best profit so far
from this activity.
Members – new and losses
We have
welcomed new members Jenni Goodwin, Kate Timmings and Rob McGregor in the past
12 months. Two members, namely Aaron Kogler and Matt Petroff are on leave from
the band during 2015.
The Band members
farewelled Kathy Park at the end of 2014. Kathy relocated to Newcastle, NSW.
Tuition:
Jim Smith
has continued to work tirelessly and conscientiously with his list of learner
pipers. His efforts are greatly appreciated by the management committee. Steve is also teaching our new learner tenor
drummer.
Luka should
soon turn out with the band and there are a number of new learners who have
started this year.
The
recruitment of Olav Goud in early 2014 for drumming tuition has already shown
results. Olav said right from that start that his aim was to make his position
obsolete. His attendance has reduced over recent months, but his input and
expectations are very evident in the corp’s performances.
Jonno McIntyre commenced duties as a Band Piping
Tutor on August 2014 and his guidance and input with the pipe corp is obvious
for all who listen.
Pipe Bands SA
I have
attended the meetings of Pipe Bands SA as a band representative this year and
took up the role on the executive of Vice Chair late in 2014.
The State
Branch continues to go through generational change with the recent retirements
of very long term office bearers: Lindsay Chuck; Christine Gordon; and Rosemary
Tully. The Treasurer position remains unfilled. Both the Secretary and VP-rules
and admin have been filled at the recent AGM.
A recent extra-ordinary meeting of the Council
and College discussed the low support for the Branch activities by many member
bands, the number of vacant office bearer positions and the need to build
stronger links between the Pipe Bands SA branch and member bands. A plan was
developed at the time, but has not been followed through with since. Colin
Melville was identified as a possible candidate to eventually fill the vacant
VP – Piping position.
Greg Gordon
has also announced his retirement as the President of Pipe Bands Australia, a
position he has held for 18 years, since the formation of the current national
organisation.
Willie Dowie
was a successful applicant for a Pipe Bands SA scholarship, which allowed him
to attend the Summer School in Sydney in January 2015.
The Band
participated in the 2 mini-band and solo competitions conducted by the branch
and all members involved performed with credit in all sections. Two members,
Monique Seymour and Shahnan completed their respective Preliminary Piping and
Drumming Certificates in July 2015.
All band
members are registered with Pipe Bands SA, to ensure all members are covered by
their insurance policy.
50th Anniversary Dinner:
2015 marked
50 years since the formation of the band in 1965. The dinner to celebrate the
milestone was an enjoyable affair. At the dinner, 6 past and present members were
made Life Members of the Band. They were: Angus Massie Snr; Angus Massie Jnr;
Jim Smith; Peter Whitehead; David Pound; and Willie Dowie. All six have given
terrific service to the band and have been instrumental in both the band
continuing to survive and flourish.
Thanks to Office Bearers and Tutor:
I would like
to express a sincere thank you to all office Bearers for their endeavours and
efforts over the past year. The band is
fortunate to have capable and conscientious band leaders. The Band and Pipe
Corp continues to be ably led by P/M Willie Dowie and ably assisted by P/S Andy
Thomson. The drum corp. has also been ably led by D/S Jeff Timmings. Their
personal time commitment to the band and efforts are greatly appreciated by
members.
Steve and
Monique put many hours of work into their respective roles behind the scene and
their efforts contribute to the sound administration of the band.
I have also
appreciated the efforts of tutors Olav Goud and Jonno Macintyre, who bring
their extensive knowledge, skills and experiences at the international level to
this group.
I would also
like to thank Jim Smith for teaching learner pipers. Jim willingly gives up his
time twice a week to teach our learners. I know the learners really appreciate
his abilities and patience. Also thanks to Steve for teaching the tenor drum to
2 learners during the past year.
The next Year:
We can now look
forward to a period of continued development of the band over the next 12
months. I look forward to hearing what our musical leaders have install for us
all in the next year. Certainly, the band is playing better and sounding better
than it did 12 months ago. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve in the
coming year.
Jeff Seymour
President
