Saturday, October 20, 2012

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER Number 9 (August 2012)



Introduction: It has been a couple of months since the last President’s Newsletter. Members are reminded that the purpose of the Newsletter is to keep members advised on the administration and management of the Band. \

Committee Meetings
: The following matters were dealt with at the management committee meetings in June and July 2012:

  • A new Band Application form and new procedures have been developed that are compliant with the processes set out in the new constitution;
  • The band sponsorship document has been teased out and an implementation plan developed;
  • The Office of Business and Consumer affairs has accepted and registered our new constitution and Public Officer(Jim Smith);
  • The committee has discussed having 3-4 general meetings of Band members (one of which is the AGM) in a 12 month period. It is important to note, however, that members time and band practice time is precious and so only matters meaningful to the general membership should go to general meetings;
  • Preparations for the Tanunda Competition have begun. Hannah Mikajlo and Monique Seymour have been recruited to fill known vacancies in October;
  • The registration of the Band has been renewed with the APBA;
  • The Secretary is investigating fabric and makers for new pipe bag covers; and,
  • A fundraising overview has been developed based on the survey of members.
New Member: welcome to Craig Dawson, who has returned to the Band and who was endorsed as a new member during the June Committee meeting.

Band Social Evening: a sincere thank you goes out to Steve Moore for his dedicated work in preparing for and putting on the Social Night. Well done and thank you Steve!! The night was enjoyable. Thanks also go to those who assisted Steve in any way, including Kathy and Jason (who have I missed?). Thanks also to members who supported the night and assisted, played and donated raffle items.

The winter mini-band competitions: Three competitions, with different formats were conducted at Adelaide High School over the past 3 months. Some additional preparation and rehearsals were required due to the varied formats.

The competitions were valuable in pushing our preparation for the new competition MSR. We were underprepared for the July competition, but the effort was worthwhile in terms of Tanunda preparation.

Welcome Back Willie: members welcomed P/M Willie Dowie back to practice last week. During his 6 week absence overseas, the P/M role was filled by Andy Thomson. The members were appreciative of Andy’s efforts during this time, which included preparation for and performances at two of the mini-band competitions. Well done Andy!

Learner Piper drive:
efforts to recruit more learner pipers continue. Newspaper ads proved fruitless. Other avenues are currently being explored. Any members who know of potential recruits, including family members, should try to pursue them. There are now NO vacancies for learner drummers, as the drum corp. has sufficient learners for the available tuition resources.

New Drums: the new bass and tenor drums arrived in late June and have since been set-up and are now in use. The drums have a lovely tone and should assist the future sound of the Band.

Reminder
- Wearing Band Uniform at private engagements: Members are reminded that they require the approval of the Band Committee to wear any part of the Band uniform at private engagements. A letter requesting permission would be best and it needs to go to a committee meeting, so members need to get organised in advance. Any last minute requests could be considered by the committee at a band practice. Everyone’s co-operation on this matter is expected.

August Committee Meeting – postponed: The August Committee meeting was postponed to next week, to allow for the extra rehearsal time for the Social Night.

Uniform
: please advise Nic Brown of any issues related to your uniform. Every member should have a full uniform. We are planning to have 2 new kilts made for members in the near future. There must be something good going on with the health of our members, as members seem to be getting thinner and thinner!!

Engagements:
please check the diary on the CEPB website, as a number of engagements are coming up at the end of August, including: Gawler Show (over 2 days) and another Munno Para Caledonian Society night.

Jeff Seymour
President

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER Number 7 (May 2012)


The Annual General Meeting - 26 April 2012: It is great to have the AGM out of the way and to have Steve taking up the role of Band Secretary. The follow-up to the adoption of the new constitution has proceeded with the new Public Officer’s name and Constitution being submitted to the SA Office of Consumer and Business Affairs.

Tenor and Bass Drum Purchase: We continue to await the arrival of these new drums. We have been advised that they are ‘in the pipeline’! I am sure that all of the mid-section players will appreciate the benefits that the new drums will bring to the band’s sound. We will need some volunteers, however, to lead Lis around, when the new bass is strapped on!!!

Music and Tunes – priorities: Members are reminded about the priorities set by Willie and David in relation to the competition sets. Members currently not playing these sets are asked to learn them as quickly as possible. The priorities are:

    a.   The Musical Selection – Glendarual Highlanders selection (5 tunes).

    b.   The #2 March Selection – Leaving Liverpool Set (4 tunes)

    c.    Added to this list now is the new MSR.
           We will be required to play the MSR from now on, in  place of the
           selection of marches at competitions. The 3 tunes are:

                March – Captain Norman Orr Ewing
                Strathspey – O’er the Bows to Ballindalloch
                Reel – Miss Girdle

Wearing Band Uniform at private engagements: Members are reminded that they require the approval of the Band Committee to wear any part of the Band uniform at private engagements. A letter requesting permission would be best and it needs to go to a committee meeting, so members need to get organised in advance. Any last minute requests could be considered by the committee at a band practice. Everyone’s co-operation on this matter is expected.

Social activities: Dates for 2 social events have been set. They are:

a. The CEPB Social Evening at the Elizabeth RSL – Saturday 4 August at the Elizabeth RSL.

b. The Band Christmas Party on Sunday 16 December 2012

Committee Meeting - The following matters were dealt with at the management committee meeting on Thursday 10th May 2012:

1. Band Sponsorship Proposal: Following the adoption of the Band Sponsorship proposal at the AGM, I will be preparing an action plan for implementation at the June Committee meeting. The action plan will consider a staged implementation of the sponsorship proposal and identify prospective sponsors.

2. Old Band Uniform: We have purchased large tubs to store the old uniform in. It is all for sale. Any members who want to purchase items should see me about that. They will be stored at Willies for the time being, so a visit to his home would be required for any fitting to take place.

3. Band Registration: The APBA registration is now due and it was resolved to pay it. The cost is around $450pa.

4. Nomination of New Members: with the adoption of the new constitution, the process for nominating members is slightly different. Nominations are now required in writing, and the nomination is considered by the Band Committee. I am sure that subsequent to that, new members will be welcomed in the band circle at a band practice. Steve is currently developing a new nomination form.


Jeff Seymour

President

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER Number 6 (February 2012)


Uniform: Over the Christmas break, Nic Brown pursued the purchase of new plain Glengarries and brooches. A range of suppliers were contacted and the total purchase cost of these items was significantly less than initially expected. Thanks to Nic for her efforts and perseverance. David Pound and myself also investigated the remodelling of the leather sporrans. Discussions with 2 leatherworkers narrowed the range of options we had, as most would have proved too expensive. The leatherworker produced a sample which was photographed and circulated amongst the Management Committee for endorsement. The strap and buckle option was fairly inexpensive and was endorsed by most Band Management Committee members.

Mount Barker: The Band performed well at the Mt Barker Contest last Sunday 19 February. Members worked well toward the preparation and aspects of the results were encouraging. Members were well presented and punctual throughout the day. Thank you and well done to everyone for your efforts.

Olive Oil drive: The second round of the Auburn Olive Oil drive is being conducted during February and March. The arrangements are the same as the August drive.

The following matters were dealt with at the management committee meeting on Thursday night 23/2/2012:

Draft Constitution: Since the last special general meeting on the new constitution, the matter of band uniform and equipment was raised in relation to the constitution (there is a section on this in the current constitution). The committee approved the draft to go to the members at the special general meeting. The draft addition will be moved at a special general meeting that has been called for Thursday 1 March 2012 @ 9pm. The addition has been emailed to all Members.

Band Sponsorship Proposal: A Band Sponsorship proposal has been prepared. It has a multi level structure (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum sponsors). It is proposed to present this document at the April AGM for endorsement by members. It will be distributed with the other AGM business about 1 month before the AGM for member consideration.

Tenor and Bass Drum Purchase: The committee resolved last night to purchase 2 tenor drums and a bass drum. The City of Playford Grant will cover about half of the cost of their purchase. The new drums will improve the overall ensemble effect of our musical performance and provide opportunities to challenge our tenor players with opportunities for new and different scores.

Music and Tunes – priorities: Members are reminded about the priorities set by Willie and David in relation to the competition sets. Members currently not playing these sets are asked to learn them as quickly as possible. The priorities are:

        The Musical Selection – Glendarual Highlanders selection (5 tunes).

        The #2 March Selection – Leaving Liverpool Set (4 tunes).

      The learning of these tunes will become the focus of Band practice over the coming months. We will still endeavour to learn the 2/4 and 6/8 marches as well, but after these 2 settings!


Jeff Seymour

President

Sunday, May 6, 2012

A bit of history and a big thank you to Ray Jones

For those of you that don't know Ray Jones used to be the bass drummer before I came along. Even after retiring from the band due to ill health Ray's never been far away though - often a familiar face at both our practices and engagements.

I've had a quick look back through the photo archives for the band and I've found evidence of Ray being in the band as early as 1976 where he used to play the tenor and as late as 2007 on the bass (see the pictures below).

On behalf of the band I'd just like to offer Ray our thanks for his recent donation of $100 to the band.

Thanks very much Ray, and remember you're always welcome to come along and have a hit with us (I'll even hold the drum for you).

Liz




Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Mt Barker Highlad Gathering

MT BARKER CALEDONIAN SCTY.

HIGHLAND GATHERING SUNDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2012

Miniature Band Contest

Grade 4 (Musical Selection)

10.45 Pipes & Drums Royal Cal. Scty. Red

10.55 City of Onkaparinga Pipe Band

11.05 Pipes & Drums Royal Cal. Scty. Blue

11.15 City of Elizabeth Pipe Band

11.25 Pipes & Drums Royal Cal. Scty. Black

12.00 Massed Bands & Official Opening

Tunes: March On – Scotland the Brave

March Off – Green Hills/The Battle is O’er

Full Band Contest

Marches – MSR (March Off)

1.30 Gr. 4 SA Youth Pipe Band

1.40 Gr. 4 City of Elizabeth Pipe Band

1.50 Gr. 4 Pipes & Drums Royal Caledonian Scty

2.00 Gr 4 Mt Barker Caledonian Scty Pipes & Drums

Musical Selection/Dress Inspection

2.15 Gr 4 SA Youth Pipe Band

Full Band Contest

Marches-MSR (March Off)

2.30 Gr 2 City of Adelaide Pipe Band

Musical Selection/Dress Inspection

2.45 Gr 4 City of Elizabeth Pipe Band

3.00 Gr 4 Pipes & Drums Royal Caledonian Scty

3.15 Gr. 4 Mt Barker Caledonian Scty Pipes & Drums

3.30 Gr. 2 City of Adelaide Pipe Band

4.00 Massed Band & Official Presentation

Tunes: March On - Highland Laddie/Barren Rocks of Aden

March Off- Will ye no come back again

Were no awa tae bide awa

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

President’s Newsletter No 5 - 01 February 2012

  1. Auburn Olive Oil Fundraiser

The second of the Olive Oil Fundraising drives will be conducted during February and March 2012. Order forms will be distributed on Thursday 2 February and will be due back in the first week of March, with the distribution of oil happening the following week.

The arrangements are the same as the August drive. Members are reminded that the last drive raided almost $500 for the Band and it is hoped to at least match that figure this time.

  1. Music and Tunes – priorities

Members are reminded about the priorities set by Willie and David in relation to the competition sets. Members currently not playing these sets are asked to learn them as quickly as possible.

The priorities are:

  1. The Musical Selection – Glendarual Highlanders selection (5 tunes).
  2. The #2 March Selection – Leaving Liverpool Set (4 tunes)
  3. The #3 March Selection – Captain Norman Orr Ewing/ Major MacLellan
  1. 2012 Competitions and Tunes

The 2012 Competition Season dates have been distributed by the SA Branch of the APBA. Each has a variety of settings to be played in the various elements.

  • Mt Barker (19 February) Element 1 - Marches – #1 March Set -“Green Hills-Bonnie Galloway Set” ; Element 2 -Musical Selection - Glendarual Highlanders selection (5 tunes)
  • Mini Band /Solo (20 May 2012) Element 1 – Street March Tunes (3 min): Band #1 will play the Leaving Liverpool Set and #2 Band will play the Bonnie Galloway Set. Element 2 is the Musical Selection - Glendarual Highlanders selection (5 tunes).
  • Mini Band and Solos (24 June 2012) Element 1 – selection of marches/different time signatures (3 tunes min)- “Green Hills ¾, Bonnie Galloway 4/4, Marie’s Wedding 2/4”. Element 2 – Musical Selection - Glendarual Highlanders selection (5 tunes).
  • Mini band and Solos (29 July 2012) Element 1- 2 x ¾ Marches – “Green Hills/ When the Battle’s O’er” and Element 2 – March/ Strathspey/Reel – Captain Norman Orr Ewing/ Over the Bows to Ballindalloch / The Linen Cap
  • Tanunda (Date TBA) – March Selection – TBA and Musical Selection - Glendarual Highlanders selection (5 tunes).
  1. Uniform – new items

Members will soon be issued with new Glengarries, new Glengarry brooches and the remodelled Sporrans. These will be issued as ‘blunt for sharp’ – ie you must return your old Glengarry before being issued with the new one. While the more tattered glengarries will be discarded, some of the returned items will form a back up supply. There will also be new leather belts for the hair sporrans that do not have them.

More modifications may be made to the leather sporran later if we can locate a suitable brooch that can be mounted on the sporran flap.

  1. Dates – meeting and other things

Please add the following to your diary/calendar:

Thursday 2 February Band Management Committee – POSTPONED – Mt Barker rehearsal

Sunday 19 February Mt Barker Contest

Thursday 23 February 9pm Band Management Committee Meeting

Thursday 1 March 9pm – Special General Meeting – Constitution draft – re

uniform and equipment to add.

Also request AGM business/written nominations(close 22/3/2012)

Thursday 22 March Final date for Band management committee position nominations and

AGM business/agenda items (1 month before AGM)

Thursday 5 April 9 pm Band Management Committee Meeting

(Easter 6-9 April)

Wednesday 25 April Anzac Day

Thursday 26 April 8.30pm CEPB Annual General Meeting

Thursday 3 May 9 pm Band Management Committee Meeting

Sunday 20 May Mini Band contest

Thursday 7 June 9 pm Band Management Committee Meeting

Sunday 24 June Mini Band Contest (Willie and David P absent)

Thursday 5 July 9 pm Band Management Committee Meeting

Sunday 29 July Mini Band Contest (Willie back 27 July)


Jeff Seymour

President