THE ROUND TABLE -- ARCHIVE, 2003
October 30, 2003
Since you
last heard from us, Pat Ryan joined his brother Jim in Scotland to compete
with Mesa Caledonia Pipe Band. Contests at Perth and North Berwick were a
fine tune-up for the World’s. Playing on Glasgow Green was an experience
he’ll never forget… And will hope to duplicate with the ACPB in 2005.
As we
enter the cold winter months, the band begins the off-season in preparation
for the 2004 contest season. With the goal of playing at the World
Championships in August of 2005, we’ll be working hard to ensure our
performance on Glasgow Green acquits us well. We’ll be taking the next two
summers to work on the contest set, so you’ll be sure to see us on the
competition field over the next couple of years. After taking the 2003
season off, the ACPB is sure to come back with renewed enthusiasm. Surely
the competition band’s pipe major won’t rest until the group is playing at
the level he expects (so – a bit of advice for band members – practice,
practice, practice!)
In
February, you may be lucky enough to hear the contest set at the Piper’s
Ball. Originally scheduled for November of 2003, the band has decided to
move it closer to the start of the St. Patrick’s Day season to ensure we’re
all in tip-top shape as we prepare to march down 5th Avenue…. The
Piper’s Ball is scheduled for February 28th. For more information
or to get tickets, be sure to contact Tom Etter.
Congratulations to Paul Pearo, Chris Bernard and Pat Ryan. Paul and Chris
are proud parents, once again. And Pat brought home his first child this
month. Best wishes.
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July 21, 2003
A hearty congratulations goes out to Brian McCutcheon on
his second place finish in the Caber Toss at this past weekend's Scottish
Games. Finishing second only to Donald Dinney, Cutch put forth performance
that would make us all proud. Coming in a distant fourth was our very own
Tom Patton, Jr. Valiant effort lad!
OK - that didn't really happen. But it's been so long since
the last Round Table, I thought I'd make it worth a read.... We've had quite
a few experiences since our last entry. Memorial Day Parade in Lindenhurst
wasn't nearly as hot as it usually is, considering it rained and the parade
got cancelled....so the band got a bit of a break this
year. And the Babylon and Deer Park graduations spared us the heat and rain
too - though the temp was a little high in the BHS gym (as Jack Rush can
attest)
The Fourth of July Parade was a grand old time, as usual. A
full complement of pipes and drums - though for some it seemed nothing would
go right that day. Tom-O lost his flapper valve, our bus driver lost her way
to a clear parking spot, and our Band Manager lost his patience several
times. The heat you were feeling in Southampton was from Cutch - not Mother
Nature. Though we did end the day with a quote that will forever live in
American Celtic lore:
"What ever happened to that sweet chubby guy with the
glasses who always drank too much and got himself in trouble." You know who
you are.
Pat Ryan will be joining his brother (and past Pipe Major)
Jim at the World Championships this year. Playing with
Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band from Arizona, we
wish both of them the best of luck!
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April 7, 2003
It’s been a long 6 months, so I’ll try to fill you in
where I can. We’ve added a few new pipers to the parade group. Welcome
aboard Colleen Patton, Charlie Patton, and Paul Pearo. Keep working hard
and progressing as you are – you’re a great asset to the band! These three
marched in their first parades during the St. Patrick’s Day season,
joining Chris Bernard as new members of the pipe corps. Congratulations!
As I’m sure you’ve noticed by now, the Web site has
undergone a bit of a redesign. Nothing major yet – just a change in color,
with some new pictures scattered about – but there will be more to come,
so check back frequently! If you like what you see (or even if you don’t),
let us hear about it by visiting our Guestbook.
This is the first full year for our new Band Manager,
Brian McCutcheon and new Pipe Major, Marty Rowe. These two leaders are
sure to pilot us to bigger and better things as we continue to grow. Hard
to believe it’s been 32 years since this group started, and we’ve had a
grand total of 7 Pipe Majors and 2 Band Managers over that time. I guess
consistency breeds success.
At the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, we had
our largest contingent of bagpipers, ever! With 20 pipers marching down
Fifth Avenue, it was an impressive site. We had the pleasure of an old
friend joining us on Bass, too, as Art Sainthill strapped on the ghillies
one more time.
We plan to head out once again this year on the Grade
IV contest circuit, so be sure to catch a glimpse of us over the summer.
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