| Subject: Re: Practice... and stuff... |
Author:
Frank Riggio
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Date Posted: 10:45:36 09/13/02 Fri
In reply to:
Pat
's message, "Practice... and stuff..." on 22:15:55 09/11/02 Wed
I will also be at the Nassau Feis, so if Tom-o needs or wants any assistance, just look for the NCPD Band and I'll do what I can, no problem.
As far as students and a "NEW CLASS" goes, I am happy to advise you that both current groups of aspiring pipers are progresing very nicely. In the early group (6:30 to 7:15PM) John is capitalizing on his convalescence from Knee surgery and practicing some of his other uninjured parts off. Great work John!! Peggy and Katie are not too far behind and working hard also. They are all polishing their "note recognition and timing skills" and playing some very easy (melody only) tunes. We anticipate starting work on "Doublings" this comming Wednesday as part of the beginning of the second block of instruction.
The Middle group (7:15 to 8:30PM) is also very much on track. They are prefecting their playing of their first six tunes on the practice chanter and they all have their bagpipes. Liam is fighting hard with his "new buddy" (I think he may have gotten a Medium bag by mistake and I ordered another small bag to replace that one)Keep fighting Liam, help is on the way. They are all currently working on "Steady Blowing" as their first critical lesson with their bagpipes. Charlie seems to be the most steady so far, but he had his pipes at least two weeks ahead of the rest (except Paul). They should ONLY be working on "Steady Blowing", so if anybody hears or see them sneaking in some "unauthorized" practice on tunes, please let me know!!?? We will start working on tunes as soon as they all get stronger on "Steady Blowing". EVERYBODY can use a little work on this. Paul is the group hero because he is still plugging along at full speed and he currently has at least one broken rib completed (ask him to tell you how he got it). We also started working on Rowan Tree on the practice chanter this Wednesday. Colleen reads music very well and with her "Second Place" medal for chanter competition, I guess that makes her pretty close to the fastest learner in the group. They are all doing great, I hope they can keep it up in spite of school, sports, fun, etc. They are now into their third (and final) block of instruction.
So even though you guys didn't get a great deal done at practice (I was watching you), we did and we will continue to do so. Watch out "Big Band", these guys are hungry. They COULD be on the street for St. Patrick's Day (and looking for uniforms!!).
As far as a "New Class" start date, with the Holidays looming in the not very distant future, January would not seem too far after all. However, I could start at almost any time now. Maybe at the business meeting next week, the Band Committee and I can come up with a "Start Date". I need to get some things in order for a "New" group (chanters, music, etc.) and we should try to get at least ten students to make up the group.
In the interim, I have been extending the time I'm spending with the other groups as much as possible. It will be VERY important when we start the "New Class" that ALL THE STUDENTS ARRIVE ON TIME FOR THEIR LESSONS. I will not have the time to go back over the material that has been covered during the time that they were late and it will not be fair to the rest of the group that managed to get there on time.
Too bad we had to pull out of the Nassau Feis, I know very well how "things" can change unexpectidly in an individuals personnal life and cause changes to committments already made. We all have to try our best to make sure that these "things" are really important enough to justify changing plans and impacting on the rest of the groups work to prepare for engagements. Band Meetings are the place to openly discuess any misgivings, disappointments and gripes on Band issues (management, music, leadership, "chain-of-commands", etc.) and hopefully resolve them in a positive manner for the betterment of the Band. No one ever accused me of being shy on issues I feel strongly about. Committment is one of them.
I look forward to next years competitions and if you still want me to play with the band, I would consider it a privielege (Sorry Bill, but I would have to borrow your kilt again).
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