We are still decompressing from our first trip to Canada where we participated at the Glengarry Highland Games and the Montreal Highland Games and Festival; the pitter-patter of the pipes and drums were ringing everywhere we turned.
At the Glengarry Highland Games we went on 2nd in a heat of 12 bands (which could be considered a bad thing). In retrospect, it was a good thing because it allowed us the opportunity to go out and listen to the other bands in Grade 3; all of whom are playing at the top of the line. No critiques. Just open ears.
It was fabulous seeing so many bands from across North America coming together; as we looked around, we saw no enemies – just good, old-fashioned rivalry. Soloists and bands are working harder. At each grade level bands and players are getting better and better — playing with so much more expression and musicality and the pipes and drums sounding bigger and brighter.
Massive congratulations to winners of the day - especially our competition in Grade 3. Listening to you play reinforces our persistence to work harder.
Grade 3
1st Guelph Pipe Band 2nd Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew 3rd College of Piping 4th 8 Wing 5th Ottawa Highlanders 6th Robert Malcolm Memorial
To all the bands — lose the expectation everything in life should be easy. It rarely is. In fact, there are no shortcuts to any place worth going. Enjoy the challenge of your achievements. See the value in your efforts and be patient with yourself. And realize patience is not about waiting; it’s the ability to keep a good attitude while working hard on your dreams. It’s knowing deep down the work is well worth it in the end. (Marc and Angel Hack Life)