If Not Now, Then When?

Performing at the Orillia Scottish Festival, July 2018

As we head into the last few days of Summer, it is hard to not look back at the summer and reflect.  Did we take enough time to spend time with friends and family and enjoy the little things, or were we still caught up in work, chores and running the kids back and forth from camp and soccer?  It's so easy to let time slip away and for us to forget to take a moment for ourselves.  With September knocking at our front door, this is when we feel a need for a fresh start.  Kids are going back to school, crisper mornings as we head out the door and Starbucks bringing back the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte.  So this, I ask you...the ones who have always watched a pipe band on parade and that voice in the back of your head whispering, "How cool would that be?".  Or maybe you've watched a local Highland Games and witnessed first hand the anticipation of a pipe band stepping onto the field for competition and battle over the day's trophy and thought, "What a team to be a part of!".  Maybe you played bagpipes or drums back when you were younger and they've sat in the closet for a few years.  For all of you, I say, if not now, then when?  Now is the opportunity to finally take time for yourself and listen to that voice in the back of your head and come see what we are all about.  Join us at our Open House, come meet our instructors and leaders see how we practice and learn how you can be a part of our organization.  We offer free, weekly bagpipe and drumming lessons.  And for those who are seasoned, we offer no membership fees and your uniform is supplied.  

If Not Now, Then When?

-Ang

#tbt Orillia Scottish Festival

It's been a busy summer thus far with members competing at solo events at the Georgetown Highland Games, Cobourg Highland Games and the Kincardine Scottish Festival, our BPD Awards Night and celebrating a very warm Canada Day in Aurora.  One of our summer performances that we are most looking forward to is the Orillia Scottish Festival this Saturday, July 21.  It has been six years since we have participated in the festival, so we are excited to finally be a part of the biggest event closest to home! Join us at Couchiching Beach Park and enjoy the day with performances from many other local pipe bands, country Scottish dancing and many other events.  For more information, please visit http://www.scottishfestival.ca.  We will not only be a part of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, but we will be performing at 3:30 in the Beer Tent (it's like they know us or something??)

Following Orillia, we will be performing at the Uxbridge Scottish Festival, July 28th and the Alliston Potato Festival Parade, August 10th.  

We hope everyone is enjoying their summer and that we see you soon!

Ang

#tbt to the Orillia Scottish Festival in 2012, parading under our former name, Kempenfelt Pipes & Drums

Marching to the field at the Kingston Scottish Festival, 2018

Group photo at our 2nd Annual BPD Awards

Aurora Canada Day Parade

First day of school?

As we approach our first band competition of the season, it is funny how it almost feels like the first day of the school year.  Think about it a bit. 

There’s almost butterflies in your stomach as you drive up to the grounds, looking around seeing if you recognize any of your non band peers.  Then you start catching up on any of the recent news that may not have popped up on social media, run into any previous teachers or mentors that you may have worked with.  Then, as the bands start tuning and getting ready, it’s that first step on the field that you realize, just like the first day of school, where you may stand for the rest of the season.  We all know there is a tight window to perhaps change your fate of the season, but it takes even more homework, extra hours and dedication to make it as an honour student. 

We hope whatever you face on your first band competition day, that at least, you enjoy it. 

See you on the field!

Marching up to the line, Kingston Scottish Festival, 2015