Submitted by Jason MacLeod
SIMONDS LIONS CALEDONIAN PIPE BAND
Simonds Lions Caledonia Pipe Band is an active and engaged band in the southern part of New Brunswick and is comprised of thirteen pipers, seven side drummers, and a bass drummer. In 2012, the band has made an effort, after 20 years, to again become part of the competitive circuit by entering in Grade Four as we have a number of experienced pipers and drummers in the band. With the decision to become more active, the band has been actively recruiting members and has had good response. We are currently recruiting three tenor drummers and we have just added a drum major from the cadet movement in our area.
During the spring and summer of 2012, the band became members of the ACPBA. We put together our competition tunes and developed our sound, working diligently to be able to field a band for the march medley competition at the New Brunswick Highland Games. For 2013, our plan is to enter the Moncton Highland Games as well as the New Brunswick Highland Games with both a march medley and a medley, with an increase in games attendance again in 2014.
The band has participated in numerous parades in our area, including those in St. Martins, St. George and St. Stephen. This year, as in 2011, we also performed a one hour, scripted concert in Grand-Bay Westfield, as part of the town's summer concert series. We are looking to expand our appearances at such events in surrounding cities and towns in the coming year.
In all, 2012 was a transition year for the band, with increased numbers and an emphasis on recruiting and teaching; we look forward to continuing to be the senior pipe band in this part of New Brunswick.
KENNEBECASIS VALLEY PIPES AND DRUMS
The Kennebecasis Valley Pipes and Drums recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, in August. Band membership has been steady around 20-22 members (including beginners) and KVPD is always welcoming to new pipers and drummers.
The bands inaugural year was a busy one with approximately 16 public performances over the course of the year, ranging from parades, to Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal presentations, to 9/11 memorial services. The band also held its first kilted golf fundraiser in September. The day was fun and successful.
Looking to the future, KVPD is hoping to increase membership, continue fundraising efforts to enable the purchase of kilts, and join the Atlantic Canada competition circuit in 2013.
RCMP CODIAC “J” DIVISION PIPES AND DRUMS
We had a fairly typical year, in most ways, playing in local parades and other performances mostly around the province.
The highlight of the summer was a trip to the FIMMQ 2012 military music festival in Quebec City that several of our members attended in combination with musicians from the RCMP bands in Halifax, Moncton, Montreal and Ottawa, as well as one from Vancouver. We were over 50 strong with a dance troupe and colour guard. We participated in a week of practices, performances and a grand parade at the end of the week that was reported to have over 200,000 viewers.
We also had members in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo and will have some in a combined RCMP band that will play the St. Paddy's Day parade in NYC in 2013.
So, a good season in all. We have updated some music for next year and are just beginning to work on that now.
8CH MONCTON DISTRICT PIPES & DRUMS
The band has enjoyed another very busy 2012 season. We have participated in over 35 events such as town parades, concerts, charity events as well as various Highland Games. The band participated in four games this year including, Moncton, Pugwash, NS, Eldon, PEI & Fredericton. Next year, we also look forward to attending the 150th Anniversary of the Antigonish Games as well as the games in Summerside, PEI.
This year, the band has undergone a couple of major changes. First, was a name change to "8CH Moncton District P&D". This is a better reflection of who we are & where we are from. The second major change was a complete overhaul of our uniform introducing a more modern look with long sleeve shirts & colored hose, as well as vests, keeping up with current trends. We will continue to tweak our dress with new ties, sporrans and bag covers, as funding allows.
The band is currently planning for our 2013 competition season as well as hosting some in-house workshops for piping and drumming. We have recently secured a new practice location since the military base is closing in early 2013. We are looking forward to settling in and preparing for our upcoming season. We currently have 20 members and are always looking for more. If you know of anyone in the area, please give them our contact information as we would like to connect with them.
