There were three finalists for Bandsman of the
Year before work on the concert music began. After the show, the
winner was obvious…..Charlene Redekopp! Charlene had faith
in the Irish Sea and orchestrated it into a spellbinding segment
of the evening. And there was no tolerance for missing practice!
I wanted to do Here I Am Lord, but without Charlene’s ability
to transpose the organ score to piano and adjust the key to accommodate
Liz, it wouldn’t have been nearly as polished. It was a
treat and pleasure to be part of! Charlene is a great band administrator.
She gives us all the info we need for events – all you need
to do is show the courtesy of a reply!! And if I’m slow
getting details to her, she has a very diplomatic way of telling
me to get with it! On the practice floor, Charlene can sniff out
weakness or sense uncertainty and she’ll bring it up to
be fixed (i.e. where the cut-off for Bells of Dunblane should
be….it was addressed, practiced and it was clean at the
concert – all good). Charlene is thoughtful and patient
bringing Mr Swan to Thursday practice – he truly appreciates
the kindness! Thank you, Charlene for your contributions and congratulations
on being a repeat winner of Bandsman of the Year!!
Wanda Goundrey
Pipe Major