fort scratchley - 2015 australia day

FEBRUARY - 2015
FORT SCRATCHLEY - 2015 AUSTRALIA DAY
Whilst it was a “damp day” … it was a good turnout of members at the
Australia Day Parade at Fort Scratchley.
The Band was well ‘looked after’ - enjoying the hospitality during the day.
FEBRUARY - 2015 Page 2.
ROBER SMITH’S ‘SECRET WEAPON’
Well, maybe not a “weapon” … but something that has created quite a deal
of interest. The Bagpipe / Drum Stands.
The Mark II model is on trial …
It certainly makes for the interest of all Pipers and Drummers.
Well done Robert. We look forward to the final product.
COMPETITION WINNER BAGPIPE TUNE COMPETITION CENTENARY OF ANZAC 2015.
* * * * * See the Press Release issued by the AFPBA in the NEWS Section of the Website.
A copy of the winning tune is shown below.
FEBRUARY - 2015 Page 3.
THE 2015 ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO.
All the traditional ingredients will be present – massed pipes & drums, massed
bands, the Lone Piper along with a number of impressive overseas offerings – but
some will be contributing a new look to next year’s Royal Edinburgh Military
Tattoo (7-29 August 2015).
Among new features will be one of the most popular military college marching
bands in the United States, the 70-piece Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes, who
will travel to Scotland from Charleston in South Carolina for August’s 66th
Tattoo, while over 100 musicians and a cultural item from the East is also
expected to add an unexpected new dimension to proceedings, as the showpiece
military event celebrates ‘East Meets West’.
The cast for 2015 looks rather special with 5 major international contributors in
the mix.
For the sixth time in the Tattoo’s history, Switzerland is to provide participants
who will also play a part next summer. The Swiss contingent, Top Secret Drum
Corps, featuring 30 top percussionists from one of the world’s most sensational
marching rhythm groups, will display an unpredictable style and dynamism that
has drummed its way into the hearts of Tattoo spectators on four previous
occasions.
New features will also include an exciting appearance by the Royal Air Force,
which is set to observe the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in 2015. To
mark this important occasion, which continues to occupy a special place in the
hearts and minds of the British public, RAF Pipes and Drums, the
RAF Squadronaires together with the Queen’s Colour Squadron will present a
spirited display of piping, drumming, dance band classics and precision drill that
is expected to delight audiences throughout the 3-week Castle Esplanade
spectacular.
The 90-minute production will also feature the return of the Crossed Swords Pipe
Band from Berlin. German composer and co-writer of the popular bagpipe melody
‘Highland Cathedral’ – Berlin-based Michael Korb – a band stalwart, may well
perform at the event alongside the 25-strong group of pipers and drummers , as
the Tattoo’s first German pipe band, ‘The Crossed Swords’, take to Edinburgh’s
famous Castle Esplanade for a second time.
Excerpts Courtesy: Edinburgh Military Tattoo.co.uk
FEBRUARY - 2015 Page 4.
RON’S BLOG ‘THOUGHTS ON BAND RECRUITMENT’
I have given some thought on the subject of the ever need to regularly recruit members in
the art of both Piping and Drumming, and note that Management of the Band also has plans
along these lines.
I have been resourcing various areas in this regard and put forward here my thoughts to
those who might be interested.
We all need to be aware that a Band is continually undergoing change. This happens over
time. Therefore, it should be a requirement to study the movement in band personnel having
regard to Wastage and Recruitment.
Wastage comes in many ways. Retirement; Illness; Movement Away from the Area;
Personal Decisions .. to name just a few.
With Recruitment, you can be fortunate to gain the services of trained people from other
Bands or similar folk who have moved to our area. Then of course there are both young and
mature people, both male and female with the great desire to learn and be part of the band.
Unfortunately, the aforementioned does not 'keep pace' with the wastage over time, with
the result there is this requirement to RECRUIT.
With a view to seeking the young people in the community, Recruitment from Schools is
a great idea, but, in order to gain the best outcome, a well prepared plan should be in place
prior to making School Visits. In this regard, the following is thought to be desirable.
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Set a Programme - the venue, and a suitable place at that venue.
Be not only prepared to play ... but consider an instrument demonstration ... and
briefly outline what costs are to be met by the student.
Prepare a set list of tunes to be used at the demonstration ... some that you think
might interest the likely student.
Have with you, a supply of 'Recruitment' letters ... or a 'Recruitment Package' that you
might prepare in advance.
Consider a follow up or informal 'meet' with Parents'
Also consider carrying out a simple 'Aptitude Test' ... for those interested. This
could consist of say 3 sections viz. Pitch; Melody; and Rhythm.
Other areas for consideration could also come from the following ...
Website - Include a recurring recruitment item.
Social Media - Use this area also to seek recruitment.
Specially Designed Flyers - These can really help.
Press Release - All Media Outlets that will assist.
Free Recruitment Concerts - Select areas, after careful consideration. and;
Create a short Promotional Message or few word 'slogan' (For use on all
outward Correspondence)
Well folks - just my thoughts ... I wish you well in your pursuit in gaining
'New Recruits'
I would recommend further reading of the link shown below, to boost the various
sub headings for School Recruitment. Copy and paste to your URL for further
information.
http://faculty.washington.edu/sjmorris/305/fraedrich1.pdf
Ron Ferrier, OAM
Life Member / Past President and D/Sgt
CITY OF NEWCASTLE RSL PIPE BAND Inc.