Emerging from Winter... the summer contests beckon.
After a long winter, and glorious Rugby World Cup victory, the normality of band practice and contest season returns. A nice afternoon at Southwards Theatre for the Forces Concert was had on 24 September. Silver Chanter solos took some time in October, and the next band event is in Christchurch for the annual Victoria Square Day competition on 2 - 3 December.
NZPPB solo results from Hastings Highland Games
Andrae Piepi - 1st in Open Bass
Katie Johnson 3rd in aggregate B Grade side
Mighty tunes played (for no official result other than positive murmurings from the crowd): Ross McNabb, Malcolm Galloway playing Battle of Auldearn No 1, Craig Fraser, Simon Fraser playing Kinlochmoidart.
After contest drinks at the McNabb residence provided a further opportunity for contestants to reargue the case for better placings. All in all the Pipe Major concluded the night by playing two MSRs for the happy throng.
Planning underway for 2012 Tour
The Band Committee is planning the dates and arrangements for a UK Tour for 2012. Details soon...
Nationals Canceled - Christchurch Sadness
New Zealanders are united in the shock of seeing Christchurch so badly damaged by the earthquake in February. The RNZPBA decision to cancel the Timaru contest is spot on given the need for many Cantabrians to seek out of town accommodation. NZPPB joins with all bands in expressing support for the Christchurch bands and bandsmen affected by the disaster. We are saddened to hear the Cale' band hall has suffered badly. We are happy (relieved) to report no serious injuries amongst NZPPB Christchurch members. We hope that is the same for all players in the fraternity.
Wanganui - Wellington HB Centre Contest
A lovely day out in the sun - with the Band performing well in the Medley, and a little rougher in the MSR. Overall, though an enjoyable build up for the nationals with the judging panel placing the Band 1st in:
*Music in the St March.
*Medley
*Drumming
*Performance event. (Not normally judged but judges put ranking in on this occasion.)
*Andrae was 1st in DM competition.
Turakina Highland Games 2011
Drummers win, pipers toil under the Turakina skies. Always a good day out, and if you have never been to a Scottish highland games before, then this is a good one to visit to discover the fun family atmosphere of these traditional events. Held late January, details on the Turakina Games Society website.
Salute to the Services Concert - Southward's Theater
A near sell out Kapiti Coast crowd enjoyed the sounds of brass and pipes on Saturday 30 October. The Air Force Band organised concert and musical arrangements were blended in with our music, and some nice solo performances. The audience received the concert very positively, and the concert was a nice diversion from the more serious practice weekend music.
Remembrance Day 2010
After such a terrible period for police officers killed on duty in New Zealand, this year's service at RNZPC was particularly solemn. Piper( ret.Sgt) Andrew Sander performed the solo duties at the memorial wall while Commissioner Broad took the salute to the fallen.
AGM 2010
The Band AGM was held on Saturday 21 August at RNZPC under chairmanship of outgoing Band President: Assistant Commissioner Jon White. AC White's passion for the Band and Executive support was recognised with the award of Life Membership of the Band. PM Iain Robertson also presented Jon with a specially penned 6/8 walking tune, "Assistant Commissioner Jon White's Islay Walkabout". The tune will form part of the Band's 2011 contest repertoire, and recalls Jon's strong interest in the many sights of Islay. Other long service was also recognised with outgoing Treasurer Craig Fraser thanked for his contribution, and incoming Treasurer Judit Berta welcomed. The Commissioner's ongoing patronage of the Band was confirmed, and the Band is looking forward to another busy and productive year ahead.
Winter graduations, formal dinners and funerals
May through to September are the traditional quiet months for the Band, a time for new music and scores to be contemplated. However, Band pipers have been kept busy with a number of graduation parades, formal dinners at the RNZPC and some funerals. Ret. Deputy Commissioner Ted Trappitt's funeral was held at Kapiti in May, and Det. Forestall's funeral was at Old St Paul's in Wellington. Two retirement dinners for PNHQ senior managers, and three wing graduations and formal dinner, and a Commissioner's piper cameo at the Wellington Club round out a busy period of solo contributions.
Nationals - What a great day out
Two thumbs up for the contest organising committee in Masterton, a well run contest, and they even had sway with the big fella to provide a near perfect day for pipe band playing. Great to perform to a full grandstand spectators as well. So, all in all, a great day out. First-off congrats to AnD for a all round win, we know you must have played well, because from what we hear round the traps all the top bands put in good performances, making the judging thirsty work no doubt. But, a clean sweep it was, and that's not easy to achieve.
The lads were happy with what we put on the boards from a musical perspective, and the dog wowed the crowd as always in the display. A well earned dust-cutter was enjoyed by all at the conclusion of the day.
The NZ season then draws to a close with an interesting mix of silverware in the cabinet at RNZPC, a little form each contest foray along the way. Now the season of musical fun commences over the winter months, and the mystery of the orient beckons...
Good centre contest results bodes well
The day started well with NZPPB taking the Street March event, then putting in some good performances on the boards. The Medley was the better of the musical events, with strong piping results. The MSR was a better run for the drummers, but overall a much better contest for the Band, and a great dry-run for the nationals...
Preparations for provincials
Final practice sessions are underway at the RNZPC (no doubt the latest wing of police recruits could pick up a set of pipes and just about play the MSR by now). The Wellington Centre contest at Masterton is set to go, and one of the most successful police dogs in the Wellington District has been assigned to accompany the band in the street march (successful in policing terms means good at catching crooks and holding onto them). Remember, don't pat the pooch unless invited by the handler...
Band swelters and wilters under the Turakina sun
First run for 2010 was completed on a hot dry Turakina day. No dodging the facts, it was an average day at the office for the lads and the lasses. Some better results in the solos with the Pipey winning the open strath n' reel. Jahnee and Amanda placed top in the tenor drumming, amongst others. Still, as a Wellington based band, the novelty factor of seeing the sun for an entire day made the trip North worthwhile on its own.
2010
A new year and some new music has arrived. The Band regathers for its first practice weekend at RNZPC on 16 Feb (in the gloom of a howl'n southerly wind and buckets o' rain). Hopefully the weather will settle in time for the serious contest work ahead...
Police Drummers win at Palmy Nth Square Day
Dodging the weather became a key part of day for all the bands. Overall 4th with the drummers taking the overall prize. A fun after-contest BBQ afterwards, and a fine end to 2009.
Police Band Wins Christchurch Victoria Square Day
It's been a few years since the Band traveled to the South Island for the first contest of the NZ season, and the outing proved successful. The Band pitched up 2nd to Canty Cale in the MSR with a mix of 2nd and 1st placing from the judiciary, but made a strong sweep of 1st places in the Medley, leaving the over-all winning a close win to NZPPB. Drumming swinging Cale's way on MSR preference. The following day the Band ventured to contest in Oamaru. All in all an enjoyable visit to the beautiful south.
Farewell Mr Chu
Adding to the colour of a multi-cultural evening, Piper Supt. McCardle ushered in Mr Ke Feng Chu and family to the main hall at RNZPC for his farewell dinner. Mr Chu has been an inspirational cultural leader for NZ Police, and takes up a new government role next month.
Band AGM 2009
The Annual General Meeting was held at the Matai Room at RNZPC on Saturday 21 November after the main practice. Pipe Major Iain Robertson and Drum Sergeant Raymond Malcolm were returned to office unopposed (and loud applause). In fact all the band officers remained the same with the exception of Dale Stephens moving to the playing ranks, and Andrae Peipi taking on the Drum Major's role. Lance Rairi joins the committee and remains Banc Custodian. The forward development plan remained constant, and managing the Band within budget a key feature. Assistant Commissioner Jon White presided and his report recalled a busy and productive year for the Band. A short dram of whisky sealed the deals at the end of general business.
Ceilidh 2009 at RNZPC
It was a modest but successful affair at the ol' RNZPC bar on Sat 7 Nov. Friends and family of the Band gathered for a night of dancing and social fun. The Band showcased a range of musical talents many never knew existed, former highland dancers were pressed back into service, the crowd rediscovered long lost dance moves (perhaps better left lost in some cases), and all declared the night a success. The haggis was warm, reek'n and rich, and some of the showcased piping was top drawer.
