AGM Recap: One Band, One Direction, Moving Forward

On Monday, December 15th, Wake and District Pipe Band held its Annual General Meeting, with more than half of our membership participating either in person or online via webinar. Strong turnout speaks volumes. People showed up because this band matters to them.

AGM nights aren’t glamorous. They aren’t concerts or parades. They’re where honesty lives, where direction gets set, and where shared responsibility becomes real. This year’s meeting carried all of that weight — and plenty of optimism.

A Year of Service, Music, and Miles

The past year reflected steady commitment and meaningful work. More than one hundred rehearsal sessions anchored our progress. Eighteen public safety ceremonies placed us alongside agencies and families during moments carrying deep significance. Twelve St. Patrick’s Day performances brought music into streets, halls, and celebrations. Nine competitions pushed our musicianship. Five graduations, two parades, one concert, and one honors funeral reminded us why ceremonial music still matters.

Three Bourbon Batch releases added something uniquely Wake and District — blending tradition, community, and creativity.

This isn’t accidental output. This is presence.

Finances with Purpose and Transparency

Financially, the band recognized $38,828 in revenue during 2025, reflecting a decrease year over year. Even with tighter resources, investments stayed focused on supporting players and sound. Funds went toward drum gear, piping equipment, and travel tied to competition and representation.

Importantly, there will be no dues for 2026. Participation should never hinge on personal finances.

Some funding comes with strict guardrails. Corporate support requires every dollar to be tied to physical items rather than instruction or experiences. Uniform elements fall within permitted use, which explains several upcoming updates.

Growing Membership, Stronger Pipeline

Membership continues trending upward. Sixty-six rostered and kilted members now stand in the circle — a three percent increase from last year. New faces, new students, and returning energy keep the pipeline active. Some departures happened as well, which always deserves respect. Bands evolve. What matters most is momentum rooted in welcome, support, and purpose.

Monday Is Band Night

One of the clearest signals from the AGM: Monday night is Band Night.

Pipes and drums rehearse together. Everyone learns the music. Silos disappear. Shared standards rise. This “new old thing” returns us to a unified sound and shared accountability. Rehearsals continue at the Raleigh Police Training Center and MacLellan Bagpipes, providing stable spaces to build consistency.

Police Week and National Representation

Wake and District prepares for Police Week on Thursday, May 14th, 2026, in Washington, DC. Three tunes — including The Parting Glass — have already been shared across the organization. Drum scores are in development. Participation spans all grade levels, representing the band as a whole rather than a single competitive unit.

Extra rehearsals will be required. The mindset stays simple: don’t let perfection block progress.

Listening, Learning, Adjusting

Member survey feedback played a meaningful role in shaping next steps. Themes included how corrections land, how consistency feels, and how leadership communicates. Those conversations continue, openly and constructively. Strong bands listen. Healthy bands adjust.

Just as important, positive feedback reinforced what already works: shared mission, musical standards, leadership depth, and family culture.

Twenty Years — Marked with Intention

The 20th anniversary year begins in earnest. A custom challenge coin carries history, symbolism, and shared identity. Burns Night returns to Olde Raleigh Distillery in January with a Band Batch release. Later in the year, a party or ceilidh in October or November will bring families, friends, and supporters together. Anniversary swag will follow, giving members tangible reminders of two decades built through service and sound.

Looking Ahead

This AGM made one truth clear: Wake and District moves forward as one band, with shared expectations, shared work, and shared pride. Preparation matters. Fundamentals matter. Culture matters. Community matters.

Music still matters.

And when people show up — in rehearsal rooms, on parade routes, at ceremonies, and in meetings like this — purpose follows.

We’re grateful for every member who logged in, showed up, spoke up, and leaned in. The work continues. The music continues. The mission continues.

One band. One direction.