2012 UCRPB AGM

Annual General Meeting

 

 

The term Annual General Meeting does not usually create warm fuzzy feelings, often being associated with poorly attended meetings that are boring and don't do anything. 

 

 

 

When our Band held its AGM last Wednesday at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Riverside, it was well attended, fun, and accomplished a number of things.

1. We addressed the business of the Band
2. We communicated with Band members, parents, instructors, supporters
3. We elected new and returning Board members
4. We provided Band members with the opportunity to address items of importance to them in a public forum
5. We asked Band members for input on what highland games they want to attend in 2013
6. We reflected over last year's accomplishments and challenges and took a look at next year's opportunities
7. We reminded ourselves that our youth are one of our most precious assets
8. We committed ourselves to providing a warm and welcoming environment, free of harrasement, abuse and inappropriate actions on the part of all persons associated with the Band
9. We agreed one and all to "Own It!"

Before the meeting began, I met with the Band at the bar where we discussed many important issues.  We spoke, we listened, we thought deep thoughts.  We respected all points of view.
 

 

 

After a nice time socializing, it was time for the meeting to begin.  It was kind of funny how many sidebar conversations ended up happening just off the lobby...

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the hard work of the Band continued in the AGM.  We were treated to a mini-concert by Ensemble Director Ian Whitelaw, adjunct faculty at UC Riverside who directs the Band as it serves as an ensemble in the Music Department for those seeking a BA in Music with emphasis in the Great Highland Bagpipe.
 

By the time the AGM ended, we all felt good about ourselves, the Band, and where we are headed.  No dissension, no disagreement...one big Kumbaya!

The New Year is upon us.  The Old Year is fading fast.   Time flies.  I am reminded that I have 31 more paychecks before I retire and can do this full time...how lucky is that?

 

WUSPBA Annual General Meeting

 

I'm enjoying an opportunity to view democracy in action. 

The Western United States Pipe Band Association is currently working their way through a host of proposals designed to modify our Association Bylaws and Contest Rules.  Imagine being sequestered in a room with a bunch of Scottish & Irish people, arguing about rules...in Las Vegas of all places!

Some participants will walk away from this event unhappy, some pleased, but importantly, all will have had a chance to experience democracy in action.  Representatives come from across the western United States to speak on behalf of themselves as a soloist, judge, or Executive Committee member or on behalf of their constituents: a band or a competition organizing body.  Money is spent, time is taken.

A number of the proposals are controversial.  It is expected that fervently held beliefs would be associated with emotional outbursts, anger and division; so far this is not happening.  Attendees are treating each other with courtesy and respect.  There is a desire for honest interaction, making sure all are aware of the facts which are validated to the extent possible as being true and valid.  No rancor, no purposeful misleading, no name calling.

 

Wouldn't it be wonderful if our national and local elections held to these values?

Rafael To The Rescue!

Future Band member and good friend, Rafael Lopez has helped me to make the appearance of this blog more accurate.  Rafael, or 'Rafa' as he is referred to by his inner circle is also a (former) member of the Scottish Tartan Society.  Rafa pointed out that the use of the University of California, Riverside tartan, while appropriate, was not 100% accurate as it did not demonstrate the manner in which the sett repeats correctly.

Rafael came to the rescue!

Rafa sent me a picture file culled off of the official tartan registry records that better displays thread count, sett repetition, etc.  This blog now uses that representation thanks for Rafa's keen eye.

Rafael is a developing piper, having survived the beginner's class I teach at UCR.  By ancient tradition, beginners are asked to memorize and be able to play five tunes on the practice chanter, sans sheet music.  That accomplished, Rafa is now in the 2nd level class where he is transferring that learning to the bagpipe.  His goal now is to be able to play all eight of the Western United States Pipe Band Association massed bands tunes:

• Amazing Grace
• No Awa Tae Bide Awa
• Scotland the Brave
• The Green Hills of Tyrol
• When the Battle's O'er
• Highland Laddie
• Barren Rocks of Aden
• Bonnie Dundee

Please visit the UCR Pipe Band website to find out how you can learn to play the Great Highland Bagpipe or Scottish-style drum.

Bad News for UC Riverside, Good News for UC Merced

Kyle Hoffman

Kyle Hoffman, UC Riverside's Assistant Vice Chancellor Alumni & Constituent Relations, has been hired by UC Merced as their Vice Chancellor, Advancement effective 21MAY12.

Kyle Hoffman is an effective advocate for the UCR Pipe Band, our best friend on campus. 
Under his leadership as the Executive Director of the UCR Alumni Association, the UCRAA Board of Directors provided funding for the Band when it first started in the fall of 2000.  Kyle has also been instrumental in developing programming that includes the Band at key UCR events such as Commencement, Homecoming, Convocation and the Chancellor's Dinner.  His continuing support of the Band was most recently seen in the agreement Kyle hammered out between UCRPB and UCR's Risk Management group to allow UCR affiliate resources to be used to offset the cost of liability insurance that the Band would otherwise have to pay in order to perform on campus. 

Kyle Hoffman "gets it." 
He understands the value of tradition and use of symbols such as the pipe and drum at UC Riverside in developing and maintaining alumni and constituent relations.  Kyle's talents will be allowed to flourish in a developing environment at UC Merced, the UC system's tenth and newest campus.

On behalf of the University of California, Riverside Pipe Band, I wish Kyle Hoffman our very best wishes for success and happiness at his new home in Merced.



A Note about Avery...

Those who followed the link I provided for Avery Lynn Canahuati's blog http://averycan.blogspot.com or who catch up on news via Google or Yahoo already know that Avery died on Monday of this week.  She went into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing.  Her Dad tried CPR, rushed her to hospital...all to no avail. 

This was apparently not expected, but then the curve balls we are thrown in life typically don't come with advanced warning.

Play your pipe or drum and be thankful for the opportunity to do so...

A Second Post...

Nancy & I returned home tonight after enjoying Miso Salmon at the Monark Bistro and some wine at the Canyon Crest Winery.  Winery owners Kevin & Carolyn were preparing for a jazz festival in Temecula tomorrow...a busy night, but that is good as busy = sales, which means being able to survive in a wretched economy.  The winery was also featured on KNBC channel 4 (LA market); see the video on the home page of the Winery's website - a reason to celebrate.

Life is Good. 

So why a second post in one day; and why a post that is not exclusively about the Band?

Because when we got home, I went online to see what's happening in the world and read about Avery Lynn Canahuati.  In my introduction to Pipe Major's Notes, I said I would post when I have something to say.  Pay attention; I have something you need to hear about.

Avery is almost five months old.  Avery even has her own blog: http://averycan.blogspot.com/

Avery has a bucket list. 

Every once in a while I get down, thinking about the responsibility of growing a Band with all of the attendant responsibilities of leadership.  Things don't always go the way a P/M wants.  If the P/M is on her or his game, this is something the Band membership never realizes...Pipe Majors solve problems, we move on.

And then I get home from a lovely evening out with my beautiful wife and get a lesson about what really matters; like having a bucket list written by parents who will never be able to see their daughter write anything on her own.

Follow the links. 

Two great performances.

The Band gathered at the Grove Community Church in Riverside last night to perform for the Riverside County Sheriff Corrections Unit graduation.  It was a great honor to help make the night special for those young law enforcement professionals as they embark on their career. 

After the recessional, I took a moment to speak with Sergeant Flakes, our contact from Riverside County Sheriffs Department.  I briefly introduced a concept to him that Chris Jensen and I have been discussing; the use of Sheriff Department uniform shirts whenever we appear at these graduations.  Sgt. Flakes' face lit up and said he would take this idea straight to the Sheriff for approval.  Obviously there is a lot of discussion and work to be done to make this happen.  Chris Jensen has, with my approval, made a similar inquiry with Riverside Fire Department...it has also been very well received.  If implemented, we may have multiple uniform styles to employ as we partner with our community heroes.

Our second appearance last night was at the Cactus Cantina, a sponsor of the Band.  It has become traditional for us to appear at the Cantina immediately after playing at the Grove Community Church as the two locations are within relatively close proximity.  Family & friends are invited to join us for refreshments after we play.  To say that we are a 'show-stopper' at the Cantina would be a bit of an understatement.  Once again, a family trying to enjoy an evening out was the primary recipient of our musical offerings, having been surrounded by a pipe band.  I wonder what they will tell their friends at work and school today?

As we were able to get in some competitive unit rehearsal time between the processional and recessional at the Sheriff's graduation, Band members are invited to take Sunday afternoon off with my compliments!

Thanks to all for making these gigs a success.

Welcome to my collection of thoughts and observations posted online, traditionally referred to as a blog by cyber-heads.  I call it Pipe Major's Notes...notes to myself about the University of California, Riverside Pipe Band.  

Other things that matter to me will inevitably creep in: my wife (God bless her), my family & friends, my faith, cigars, craft beers, teaching folks to play the pipes, boutique wines, cooking - especially BBQ, single malts, my work and other experiences at UC Riverside...the list is as endless as my interests.  I will do my best to primarily reflect on the Band and try only to touch on other subjects as we experience them from the perspective of the Band.

As the P/M leading a Champion Band made up of multiple award-winning competitive units (grades 3 - 5), red hot soloists (grade 1 - 5), and a Board of Directors who provide governance for the Band, the ability to herd cats seems to the only thing I get to practice these days.  We have grown and are still growing in membership and community support.  Lots of cats.

Our programming includes paid performances and concerts,

competition at highland games (video of the 2011 Costa Mesa grade 4 QMM - 1st place),

supplying soloists and mini-bands for a variety of events,

 and hosting the Harry Moore Memorial solo piping and drumming competition each Spring.

The frequency of my posts will be dependent on having something to say and the time to say it.  I encourage all Band members to check in every once in a while to see if the P/M has addressed anything of interest to them.  Band supporters might also find this a way of keeping in touch with the Band; enjoying some insight to the inner workings of a pipe band.

This is just an introduction.  Let's see what else there is to chat about.

Enjoy!

Mike