Review of 2007

2007 is the 10th year of the Emmanuel College University of Queensland Pipe Band and, as usual, has been very busy. We kicked the year off with Market Day during ‘O’ Week. This is usually the first band event of the year and our main recruitment day. All band members performed well and took turns manning the table. But special mention must go to Andrew Blackley who put a lot of time and effort into producing a fantastic brochure which explained all about the band and what we do.

The first parade of the year was the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Brisbane. The band put on a traffic stopping show for the crowds, especially during our impromptu second street march from the Botanic Gardens to the Irish Club with the Brisbane Irish Rugby Club. That was definitely an unforgettable event and we are looking forward to next year’s parade.

Following the St Patrick’s Day Parade, the band would then normally swing into full preparation for the Maclean Highland Gathering over the Easter weekend but unfortunately the band did not compete this year. However, a few members did make the trip down, and after some of us had car problems and were stuck on the Gap for a few hours, ended up having an enjoyable weekend. A special part of the weekend was getting to see Robert Watt, a world champion piper from Ireland, perform at the RSL. This was a rare opportunity and was, I’m sure, appreciated by all who attended. Next came the ANZAC Day Parade through the streets of Brisbane, where the band again looked and sounded great. We then headed to the Irish Club for some refreshments and to play again for the crowds.

The band was lucky enough to be asked to play in the International Tattoo Spectacular that was to be held in May. This was an exciting opportunity for the band and a lot of effort went into preparation for the Tattoo. There were fittings for jackets, late practices out at Ipswich and of course the new tunes to learn in a very short space of time. Unfortunately however, due to unforseen circumstances the Tattoo was cancelled just days out from the Brisbane show. This was disappointing for the band but we did gain a lot from the experience. It especially showed us what we were able to achieve under pressure.

The next event on the calendar was the annual Tartan Day celebrations at Southbank on the 1st of July. Tartan Day celebrates the lifting, in 1782, of the proscription against the wearing of Tartan and celebrations similar to that at Southbank happen around the world. Due to this event being held in the uni holidays we had a seriously depleted band but for those who were able to make it, it was an enjoyable day out.

As the university semester is now back in full swing, we are now working towards the Queensland competition season. This begins with the Queensland Pipe Band Championships to be held at Ipswich this year. The pipers have been learning some new medley tunes so we hope to debut these at Ipswich.

Despite the hectic schedules of many members of the band, everyone still manages to put in a lot of time and effort to make sure that things run smoothly, and our successful chocolate drive earlier this year is evidence of this. The College kindly provides us with dinner every Tuesday night and also puts on this special event for us each year. Band events are always eagerly anticipated by everyone. We would also like to thank the Emmanuel Foundation and in particular Mr Neil Watson who donated our 2 new Andante side drums. Finally, thanks must go to our valued Pipe Major Andrew for his effort and commitment towards the band, as well as his unwavering sense of humour, and to all band members for their dedication.

Before we finish up our presentation tonight, we would like to, on behalf of the band, congratulate Andrew and Louise on their marriage earlier this month.