2010 State Championships at Tanunda

Well the 2010 State Pipe Band Championships have come and gone. The day turned out well reaching about 15C and being sunny for the most part. Everyone I spoke to enjoyed the day and the contest ran very smoothly.

The band came in 2nd this year out of 5 bands competing. Overall a performance that we should be happy with as the band is clearly improving and getting many comments to that effect. The pipe corps came 1st on the day. Well done everyone!

It was good to have the Horsham Pipe Band competing this year.

I have attached the master sheet and a few photographs that Liz took. See the main website for more.

- Peter W

Adrian and Sandy's Reception

Recently a group of us "gate crashed" Adrian's wedding reception.

We waited until Adrian and Willie were playing Amazing Grace the second time through and marched in playing the tune. It was a TOTAL surprise! Attached is a thank you note and photo from Adrian and Sandy.

-Peter W

Tolkien - The Hornpipe

Bill Gall sent the the following today:

Peter,

This tune comes from the pen of Tommy Jackson, last Pipe major of the Irish Ranger's and first Pipe Major of the Royal Irish Regiment. Tom is now retired from the military but continues to compose many nice wee tunes that is playable by all grades.

"The Tolkien" was inspired by 'Lord of the Rings' I believe.His friend and mentor was Pipe Major of the Army School of Piping, Pipe Major Robert Pinkman of the King's Own Scottish Borderers,who composed the well played reel "Itchy Fingers"He also has a catchyHornpipe/March called, 'Peel Avenue', which I'll dig out for you.

Bill Gall (Jock) Tea Gardens NSW

- Peter W

August Mini Bands

Well done to everyone who participated in the Mini Bands and Solos on Sunday. Unfortunately with Liz not being able to make it the rest of us forgot to take photos, so text only.

Although we came third on the day, the contest was very tight with only one point separating first and last in piping, Scotch winning overall with their stronger drum corps. I thought we played well on the day and it was certainly a huge improvement from last year. We received very good comments from the judges both on our sheets and afterwards.

We had a strong contingent of solo performers with Willie, Andy, Jason, Terrance and myself competing in the piping and Claire competing in the drumming. Congratulations to Andy for his third place in the elem. piping (I hope you get your certificate this time!) and to Claire for her win in the sub inter drumming.

- update, I have a video from Claire's iPhone, it's only got a pinhead mic so the sound is not quite true but it's interesting.

- Peter W

Band Visitor - Mick Ryan

It was great to have a visitor at both our practices this week in the form of Mick Ryan, PSgt of the Ringwood band in Victoria. Mick and his wife were holidaying in the Barossa Valley and doing their best to support the local tourist industry. Mick now knows how to play Bonnie Galloway! All the best to the Ringwood band.

If this face looks familiar, have a look at these two videos ....

- Peter W

Kitty Litter in a Tray

It's a pity that a $300.00 odd pipe bag
suffers in the long term.I used a canmore for over
twelve years and it gave up as I was playing the Wedding march.
I paid over $300.00 for my zip bag and didn't put the kitty litter
system in. Minus 4 below, maybe.

Where I live it gets cold and I've had no problems with moisture, $300
is hard on the pocket unless you've got good sponor's. Once bitten , Twice shy.

Bill fae Tea Gardens, NSW

Band Social Evening

Just a quick note regarding the social evening held at the Elizabeth RSL on Saturday, 17 July. I think everyone who attended seemed to be enjoying themselves, which was the whole idea - just a relaxing evening for band members, and an opportunity for family and friends to see the band play a few tunes. We have a few new members who played with the band in a public setting for the first time, so it was a fairly low key introduction without too many nervous moments. Although it wasn't intended as a fund raising event, the coin toss and raffles raised a few hundred dollars, which will certainly be put to good use. I'd like to thank Kathy for printing and selling the tickets, and working with Steve to sort out the raffle prizes. Steve also did a great job as compere on the night, assisted by Nicola. Kathy and Lesley also did an excellent job of setting up the hall during the afternoon, and selling raffle tickets during the evening. Jason also 'conned' a few dollars with his cash prize raffle. So, thanks to those people for your help. I look forward to the next social evening.

David Pound

Welcome to Jeff Seymour

Welcome to Jeff Seymour.

Jeff has been coming to the band for a while now and was voted in as a member last night. Congratulations Jeff!

Jeff is a piper and brings with him a wealth of experience having played in 7 bands over his 35+ years piping experience. Jeff is the retiring PM of the Mildura Pipe band and previously of the Broken Hill pipe band. Jeff is a retired School Teacher and Principal and is now living in Auburn.

- Peter W

A leaking bag

Andy's pipes were getting hard the other night, I wonder why .......

The sharp end of the metal reinforcing wire on his Ross canister hoses had scraped a hole in the lining of his bag! Mad scramble by the rest of the pipe corps to check theirs promptly ensued.

- Peter W

Welcome to Jeff Timmings

Welcome to Jeff Timmings. Jeff was voted in as a member last night after coming to practices for the last three months. Jeff is a side drummer and has had previous pipe band experience in the Australian Army.

Welcome to the Band Jeff!

Drum Sgt David Pound welcoming Jeff to the Band.

-Peter W