On the horizon...
Updated: Jan 26, 2021
On Monday, January 4, 2021 the members of Wake and District gathered virtually as we held our annual general meeting looking back at 2020 while planning "as if" for 2021 and beyond. Almost 70 members were in attendance, A summary of the band board's presentation can be seen below.
Elections were held for open positions including Band Manager, Assistant Band Manager and Treasurer. These positions were unopposed, and the band is happy to announce Joe Brady will continue to serve as band manager, Lindsey Kosydar as assistant band manager, John Schodtler as treasurer, Caren Smith as secretary and Jean Farrell as member at large.
A 2020 retrospect was reviewed from the perspective of Dalton Marshall. (give it a read here). Show up, stand here, know the music, wear the right socks. In a year where this is not possible, it has shown through that the choice of being committed, of being a band, is a frame of mind, unaltered by any outside force.
Some 2020 highlights included:
An amazing ramp up towards St. Patrick's Day and the competition season
Strong representation from our pipers at the Cary Indoor solo competition
The honors funeral for Trooper Nolan Sanders of the NCSHP
Providing a Gift of Grace at funerals
Learning to use Zoom
The loss of Anita Armstrong
The beginning of the Ancient Order of Hibernian, An Gorta Mór Memorial Pipe Band
Michael Iannuzzi, Andrew Kerr, and Kenny Hiner chairing the SoBra of the EUSPBA
Practices in the Park and finding kittens
Drive by mini-bands to spread some cheer to family and friends
The wedding of Jake and Chelsea Egen
The honors funeral for Deputy Chief Jason Dean of the Clayton Fire Department
Virtual mini-band contest
Virtual solo contests and upgrades for a few members
Finally receiving our British Drum Company Axial drums
The Little Drummer Boy going viral
Our members of the year were announced in December and included:
Piper of the year, in memory of John Ruman
Drummer of the year, in memory of Raymond Busse
Band member of the year, ZOOM -- for keep us together through the chaos