top of page
Search

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.

artwork credit Bond Brothers Beer Company // bondbrothersbeer.com
artwork credit Bond Brothers Beer Company // bondbrothersbeer.com

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

  • Online swag shop

  • 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