Over the weekend we took the opportunity to have band photo done – here’s a couple ….
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Over many years our end of year event has been a very enjoyable occasion and we’ve had good but declining attendance by supporters. The ‘rules’ are being updated so that the evening becomes a more formal event. Band members will be organised into groups and it will then be up to the group to organise practices and to do their own arrangement of the tunes(s). Remember:
* everyone takes part;
* no solo performances;
* items must include pipes (except for one drums only item) and be musical, but can include other instruments;
* there will be a pre-approved programme;
* there will be no additions to the programme on the night ie no walk ups;
* no tune is to be repeated ie played in more than one item;
* there can be only one drums only (drum salute?) item.
Tunes not on the list such as Amazing Grace, Flower of Scotland and Highland Cathedral are reserved for the band to play. This will make the event a better showcase of our talents and the variety of music we can play, and a more enjoyable end of year event.
In preparation for the 2016 Blossom Parade we have started practising our tunes at the tempo we’ll play on the day. There will be a dress rehearsal on Sunday 4 September at 2pm at the band rooms:
– it is a dress rehearsal so wear your uniforms – we’ll be checking that everyone is properly kitted out
– wear your uniform as we will be getting a band photo done
– even if you can’t be at the Blossom Parade please be at the dress rehearsal so you can be in the band photo!
Please see Don before then if there is anything you need sorted with your uniform.
The Band’s All Stars were involved in a holiday workshop in July and then all members performed at a Recital held on Sunday 24th at the Tamatea Community Church.
The workshops gave them a chance to work together as a group and to get some one-on-one tuition from our experienced tutors.
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The Recital featured all of them playing a number of items
Once again the band was out and about on Anzac Day. Pipers and drummers participated in the dawn services in Napier and Taradale and then the band lead the parade through Taradale to the clock tower where two pipers played the lament. Hugh, Richard and Geoff then went into Napier to be part of the morning service there while the rest of the band went down to Waipawa where we lead the service men and women to the clock tower on the main road. Then it was back to Taradale to play for the people enjoying the fellowship at the RSA.
The NZ Foundation Youth Pipe Band visited Taradale Primary School on Friday 15 April and presented their music to the children. The youngsters at the school were invited to ‘have a go’ and there was much enthusiasm for this as these photos show.