The Bandsman of the Year Award for 2015 is not
given to an individual, but to all of you that have given the
power of our music to the community outside of the band schedule.
Whether it’s at a school Remembrance assembly, a town Memorial
Day Service, a remote cairn, a fireman’s funeral, a block
party, a charity curling bonspiel, a school graduation, etc.,
etc., you are providing a very special service that very few can
do. Sometimes we may groan when asked to play Amazing Grace, but
we have to remember it moves, it soothes, it comforts, and it
will be associated with that occasion for a long time. We should
always execute it to the best of our ability and give it the respect
it deserves. You are a credit to your art. You appear at functions
on time, well-dressed, and you have enough experience to know
to play within your ability. You’re keeping our Scottish
heritage vibrant and in the public eye. I am proud to see you
wanting to do these functions and doing them well…trust
me, I hear the compliments. So, thank you and congratulations.
You each have to wear the dirk on 1 parade next year!!
Wanda Goundrey
Pipe Major