GLEN INNES PIPE BAND

 

NEWSLETTER UPDATE  16th February 2008

1)             Following discussion last Thursday night it was decided to trial changing band practice (and learners) night from Thursday to Friday night (same time and place) beginning on Friday 29th February. It has since transpired, due to changed circumstances, that THURSDAY will continue to be practice night so please disregard the foregoing statement!

2)             Forgot to mention in the newsletter that we have committed to play at the Hospital Easter Fair on Saturday 15th March, at the usual early time (because when we agreed to perform we thought it might clash again with the Armidale Autumn Festival)

3)              Armidale Autumn Festival parade is on Saturday 29th March (the weekend after Easter). Waiting on confirmation of numbers before we actually commit to it.

        Russell

 

NEWSLETTER

10th February 2008

 

Here we go again for another busy year!

 

Thanks to everyone who turned out at Guyra for the L & P Festival, and also everyone who managed the long march at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.  We avoided going for a few years believing it would be too hot, but got lucky this year!  Thanks especially to Coop for driving the bus – we really do appreciate it.

 

Thanks to everyone for turning out at Danny’s wedding. I’m sure he and Jessica appreciated it. Hope the wet weather last week didn’t spoil their honeymoon at Port Macquarie!

 

Congratulations to Cath (and everyone else involved) for getting us off our butts and doing something about recruitment. The Workshop day worked brilliantly, even if it didn’t follow the planned timetable. Hey, you all ought to be used to that scenario with me around! We also owe a debt of thanks to the Examiner, 2CBD, 2NZ, ABC radio and Profile for helping us advertise, and following up after the day.

 

As a result of that day, and some excellent tapping-on-shoulders elsewhere by band members, welcome to our new learners, many of whom were able to attend last Thursday’s practice.   It was good to see Michael and Judy resuming their chanter lessons, and we introduced Jennifer, Laurie, Anne, Byron and Judith to the mysteries of the practice chanter. (David had a lesson earlier with Eric).  We look forward to seeing Sally return when her hand has healed enough to manage a chanter.  I will keep nagging Ross to join us now that he has made the fatal error of expressing interest!

 

In the drumming arena, a very big welcome to Stuart, who in the past played snare drum in the Lismore pipe band.  I must apologise for not knowing who else turned up to learn drums- I have a feeling that Susan was there – in future I will do better,  as we will start keeping an attendance roll beginning with our next practice.   All being well, we should see John and Penny begin their tuition with the sticks next practice.

 

We now need to look carefully at our practice and teaching programme to find the dates and times which are most mutually suitable for both learners and tutors.   With Renee and Natalie away in Armidale pursuing their studies, and David having SES commitments on Thursday nights, and Cath and Eric living at some distance, we need to be a bit creative.  Some possibilities already floated include Friday evenings ( even though that infringes on the weekend, would moving band practice to Fridays work?) and almost definitely some day sessions on weekends, probably Sunday afternoons.    One-to-one sessions at other times for tutors and learners should also be considered.

 

We have also canvassed the idea of having some practices at Deepwater, if that would help recruitment in that area (aimed mainly at getting Rowie back in the band).

 

OK – so we need to get the think-tank going full steam and before too long get organised for at least the first half of the year.

 

Coming engagements:

            Sat. 8th March – Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Festival .  We are booked in.  First Parade and massed bands at 11 am Qld time , then lunch at the RSL, then the main parade and massed bands.

 

            Sat 22nd March – Maclean HIghland Gathering.  We have decided not to “compete” this year, but many of us are still going to Iluka or thereabouts for Easter, so perhaps we will participate in the street parade and play at the Markets.   David and Christine  issued an informal invitation for us to join Inverell for the street parade if we don’t have enough. 

 

            Sat 29th March – Armidale Autumn Festival parade. We haven’t yet received an invitation, but I would expect one to arrive soon, unless there has been a major change to the festival.

 

            Fri 25th April – Anzac Day.  100% turn-out if possible please  By then perhaps some of our learners could march with us?

 

            Fri 2nd-Sun 4th May- Australian Celtic Festival (Not quite as busy as last year – at this stage we don’t have to play on the Thursday)

 

            June (some time)  - Annual General Meeting

 

Beyond that, who knows?  

See you all at practice

 

Russell