Parent Information Sheet and FAQs

New to the Band? You may find the following information helpful…

Band Year

· Activities at the EBPB run from late September to August.

· The year is loosely divided into two parts:

o The first part is a period of study and practice (October to May)
o During this first period, there may be activities where the band performs (such as during parades).
o The second part is the competition season. Extending between late May to the September long weekend, there are 7 highland games competitions at locations throughout Alberta.

· These include: 1: Ogden (Calgary), 2: Red Deer, 3: Ellerslie (Edmonton), 4: Fort Edmonton (Highland Gathering), 5: Okotoks (Foothills Highland Games, 6: Calgary and 7: Canmore.

· Individual band members are highly encouraged to compete in solo contests at these competitions, to gain experience on their instrument as well as build up an individual aggregate total of points during the year.

· The EBPB competition also competes at these events. Some members have formed quartets and these have also competed.

· The season is overseen by the Alberta Society of Pipes and Drums. They control membership, tally results and manage band grading.

· Each player much be enrolled with ASPD to compete.

· ASPD membership can be purchased online at the website: www.aspd.ca

FAQ

Equipment and Uniforms

1. What do I need to purchase for my band member?

· Beginner pipers start out learning on a practice chanter. Roughly 18 inches in length, they sound like a kazoo and are about as loud as a recorder (that most kids play in grade 6). Chanters can be purchased at Scottish Imports (10630 124 St) and are roughly $115 each.
· Each piping student will have to purchase music books depending on their class (either Rhythm and Finger Work $40 or College of Piping $20). These can be purchased from the band or at Edmonton music stores.
· Beginner drummers require drumsticks and a drum pad (snare drummers). For snare drum, pads and sticks can be bought at Long and McQuade. Pads are Vic Firth and cost around $50. The sticks are KP2 Jim Kilpatrick brand and can also be found at Scottish Imports. They cost around $24. Tenor and Bass drummers don't require drum pads and use a different type of drum stick with a pom at the end. Please ask your instructor about tenor and bass drummer equipment needed.

2. EBPS provides most of the band uniform but where do I purchase the shirt and hose?

· EBPB has shirts and hose for purchase. Our uniform supply is kept in a locket at Scottish Imports. If you would like to purchase a shirt or hose, just contact the Band Quarter Master (Lisa Shaw at theshawclan@hotmail.com ) and she will make the arrangements.

Highland Games and Competitions

1. Can band members who are not part of the competition band go to highland games?

· Yes. In fact, it is highly encouraged that all band members attend and compete. Competing helps new members gain confidence performing in public and feedback from the adjudicator gives them a different perspective on their progress. Also, spending the day at the games makes new members feel more connected to the rest of the band.

2. What do I have to do to get my band member entered into competition?

· To compete at any event in Alberta, you need to be a member of the Alberta Society of Pipers and Drummers. You can register online at their website www.aspd.ca. Then you need to submit an entry form for each individual highland games that the member will compete at. Links to entry forms for the individual highland games can be found on the games website or on the ASPD website.

3. How do I know what events to enter my band member into?

· Solo competitions are arranged in the following categories or grades: Beginner; Grade 5; Grade 4; Grade 3; Grade 2; Grade 1 and Professional.
· If you have a beginner piper or drummer, register them in the Chanter and Drum Pad Categories respectively. Chanters can compete in the Slow Air and Quick March events. Drum Pads can compete in Quick March and 2/4 March category. Members other than beginners should check with their instructor to determine the appropriate grade (category) to register in for competition.

4. When will my band member compete?

· The highland games typically mail pre-registered competitors their competition number (which is to be pinned on their kilt for the competition) and a schedule of the times they are to compete. Typically, chanter and drum pad categories compete early in the day of the highland games.

5. How do I get to the competitions?

· The Band provides bus transportation for certain competitions (Ogden Legion and Calgary/Canmore). You can either ride with the band or make your own arrangements. Parents are more than welcome to ride the bus. (In fact if the member is less than 14 years of age, a parent or guardian is required to accompany them)
· For the other competitions (Red Deer, Ellerslie, Fort Edmonton and Okotoks), band members make their own transportation arrangements.
· For the Calgary/Canmore weekend, the band pays for two nights accommodation in a hotel (Friday night in Calgary and Saturday night in Canmore).

6. What do I need if I plan to spend the entire day at the highland games with the band?

· Highland games are held outside. Prepare to spend the day in the elements. To make yourself the most comfortable, remember that most highland games are held on fields (soccer fields, rugby fields, recreations fields, etc.). Even if it is not raining, morning dew on the grass can get your feet wet. Starting the day out in rubber or duck boots is not a bad idea! Dry feet make for happier band members.
· Bring some lawn chairs to sit on. The band has a tent but you will need someplace to park yourself.
· Bring sunscreens…don't use Banana Boat though as it turns the white shirts yellow…we learned that in California last year.
· If there is even the slightest possibility of rain, bring a rain coat/umbrella. It's no fun spending the day all wet.
· Bring a hat to both keep your head warm and the sun off of it…glengarries do not cover your ears or shade your face/nose.
· Bring gloves for the early morning starts. It is hard to practice your chanter/pipes/drum if your fingers are blue.
· The band provides water for members. Be sure to hydrate regularly throughout the day.

7. How will find out the results of the piping and drumming competitions?

· Piping and drumming results for the solo competitions are posted at the games.

8. What is "massed band" and can a non-competition band member participate?

· After all the grades in the band competition have competed, massed band is held…usually around 5pm. This signals the completion of the piping and drumming competitions. All players (including beginners) are welcome to march in the massed band. Typically the games organizers will select a number of tunes that will be played in the massed band. These tunes are usually the common tunes that all players learn. It is a great experience for new members!

Bingo Commitments

1. How many bingos do I have to work and if I have more than one member in the band, do I have to work double the bingos?

· Each family is required to work nine (9) bingos as their contribution to the non-profit EBPB Association. Families with more than one member still work only 9 bingos.

2. Where are the bingos held and what time do I have to be there?

· Bingos are held at Castledowns Bingo Hall 12222 137 Ave. You should be at the bingo hall for your shift by 5pm.

3. I've never worked a bingo before. How will I know what to do?

· The Bingo Hall advisors as well as our Band Bingo Chairperson all have prior experience (as well as some of the other parents you will be working with). Everyone is willing to help out and teach you want to do.

4. How do I sign up for my bingos?

· The Band's Bingo Coordinator keeps a sign up book listing the dates of all bingos and is often at practice so you can sign up when you bring your member to class. The Bingo Coordinator also sends out emails to the band mailing list identifying the dates of the bingos and the numbers of and names of people who have signed up for each bingo. 15 people are required to work each bingo.

5. If I bring extra people, do I get credit for the bingo they work?

· Yes! The more the merrier! Bring two friends along to work a bingo and get credit for three bingos towards your commitment of 9 bingos (for yourself and your two friends). The only qualifications are workers must be over the age of 18…oh, and they have to be ready to have fun with the rest of the workers and the bingo hall staff and clients!

6. What if I am unable to work all 9 bingos that are required?

· Bingo is a significant revenue generator for the band and allows the EPBP association to cover the expenses associated with instruction, travel, uniforms and equipment; all families are required to complete their bingo commitment. Families will be charged $100 for every un-worked bingo.