"Keep Going, Keep Growing"

We are just a few weeks away from our first band competition of the season.  Most of our members have attended solo events the last couple of months, including the Toronto Indoors, Ottawa Branch Indoors and the Kiwanis Amateur Piping, Drumming and Band Competition in London.  We are proud of our solo competitors (whether they place or not) and we encourage all of our members to attend.  It allows for a third party to give constructive criticism, socialize with our pipe band peers and to get out any nerves one may have.  As mentioned in earlier posts, we announced that this year BPD is stepping back from the usual PPBSO circuit this summer.  We are treating 2018 as a full growing year, both as individuals and as a group.  We’ve had some really great progress having workshops with Ellen Mole, Neil Anderson, Dan and Jen Bist and will continue working with them throughout the summer.  We were happy to hear that the Trenton Scottish Festival have added a competition to their list of events this year, as for us, it will show us our true progress as a unit to finish off the season.  Thank you for taking this journey through 2018 with us - we are enthusiastic for what has already taken place this year and looking forward to the next few months.  See you out in the field.

Angela     

Conor, Rob, Kris and Jeff warming up for the Quartets at the Toronto Indoors

Drew and Brigitte happy about their placements at the Toronto Indoors

Kris showing off his trophy for Gr2 Amateur Piper of the Day at the Ottawa Branch Indoor Games.  Make sure to follow him on Instagram too!

#NewYearNewBPD

Hello followers!

It has been a busy few months with Santa Claus Parades, our members Christmas Party, the New Year's Levee at the Legion, our Robbie Burns Night and our first workshop of the season.

Typically, when a new year begins, resolutions are made.  Barrie Pipes & Drums resolution was made clear for 2018.  To bring it back and focus on the basics and rudiments of playing.  Sometimes that gets lost in the hustle and bustle of learning new competition and event sets.  With that mandate in mind, PM Kris had lined up a series of monthly workshops, to be led by various key players in the pipe band world.  With this new focus, we have decided to stand back from the usual PPBSO sanctioned competitions and focus more on local community events.  Our members are excited for this shift as it eliminates the pressures that align with the competing season.  This doesn't mean we will not be competing in future years.  For now, the priority is to grow as players, so we can come together better and stronger as a group.  

We had another successful Robbie Burns Night, January 28th at Liberty North.  We cannot thank our community enough for your continued support!!  We hosted about 200 guests with a great roast beef dinner, another amazing performance of the Toast to the Haggis by Lachlan McGurk, highland dancing by the students of our friend Meghan Miller and closing out the night, was a fantastic trio, The High Drive.  We hope everyone enjoyed themselves, and mark your calendars, for January 26th, 2019 as that will be our next Robbie Burns Dinner.  

I'm sure, like us, you are looking forward to the warmer months ahead.  Take a look at our events calendar, so you can plan ahead as it would be great to see you.  We have all of our 2018 events listed and we hope you can join us.  Don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Instagram!

Angela

Some of our members and their family enjoying our Christmas party.

Frank, Joanne, Renée and Ron enjoying some Moosemilk at the Levee.

During our performance at our Robbie Burns Night.

Group photo at Robbie Burns Night.  Photo by Don Kerr from Snap'd Barrie.

A New Season, Brings Change

Well, a lot has happened since our last blog post!  We had our Open House in September which had several people come out from the community interested in our organization.  From that, we have some new students that have started and continue to learn both bagpipes and drums.  Our parade band was busy with parades including the Elmvale Fall Fair Parade, Remembrance day and three community Santa Claus Parades. 

As well, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the resignation of Peter as Pipe Major. His difficult decision to step down will be respected as he takes this time to focus on his family and health. We are pleased to hear that Pete has decided to stay to assist with our teaching program.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Kris Bawden who was elected as our new Pipe Major. Kris joined our organization in 2016, after moving to the area from Kingston. We look forward to this change and working with Kris in a leadership role.

Please join me in thanking Pete for his leadership and service as well as congratulating Kris in his new position as Pipe Major.

We have an exciting winter season ahead of us, including our own Christmas Party for members as well, who could forget our Robbie Burns Night?!  Tickets are available through our online form at http://www.barriepipesanddrums.com/robbie-burns-dinner/

Thank you to everyone for your continued support - without the community, we wouldn't be able to do what we do!

Elmvale Fall Fair, 2017

Barrie Remembrance Day Service

Barrie Santa Claus Parade

Orillia Santa Claus Parade