Year Reports

SASRP Pipe Band 1998 Year Report

SASRP Pipe Band 1999 Year Report

SASRP Pipe Band 2000 Year Report

SASRP Pipe Band 2001 Year Report

SASRP Pipe Band 2002 Year Report

In spite of the fact that the Band’s year started with an early kick-off on January 30th at the Burn’s Supper; Full Band practices had to wait until March (usual start of the year activities) to get the year officially going due to the School’s availability. The higher-than-average number of shows in the first half of 1998 forecasted a complicated year; and the December statistics later proved this prediction correct with a total of 47 public performances and 26 official practices (a total of 73 official engagements). The 26 official practices do not include lessons with new pupils in piping, drumming or dancing; chanter or drum practices. This translates into a average of more that two engagements per week/weekend throughout the year. The following graph shows the number of shows and Band practices throughout 1995-1998 (not including lessons, chanter/pad practices, etc.).

Pupils

Alejandro Saroka and Brian Gibson (both pipers) started playing in the Band at the Caledonian Ball’s Grand March (July 4^th). 1999 promises to be another year of growth given that there is a number of new pupils for piping, drumming and dancing.

St. Andrew’s Scots School

September usually is one of the busiest months of the year, and 1998’s was no exception. An important highlight of that month was the launching of the Piping Club at St. Andrew’s Scots School. The launching coincided with the 160^th Anniversary of the School. Members of the Band made two piping and drumming demonstrations at the Anniversary Assemblies of Primary and Middle Schools. Leaflets were later handed out and interested pupils have started making touch. The actual lessons are scheduled to start early 1999. Although this project was conceived more than two years ago, it took us until this year to reach this stage of progress. The School is keen with the idea of having pipers within the school and the Band is certainly looking forward to this challenge.

Web page

The Pipe Band continued to prove that 1998 would be a turning point in its history by launching the web page. Thanks to Hernan Massau’s dedication and experience in this subject, the Band now has its web page at http://members.xoom.com/SARPPipeBand.  The page was purposely launched at the same time as the presentation at St. Andrew’s School as a way of offering the pupils an additional source of information regarding the Band and the Society. The page covers information such as how to contact the Band and the Society, the tunes played, the list of Band members, the log and schedule of activities, and a brief history of the Band. An additional page covering the technical details about pipes, drums, dancing, and uniforms in use is under construction.

One subject that kept the Band particularly busy during the last few years is the gathering sufficient funds for purchasing new uniforms. The project entails increasing the number of uniforms from the original 16 to 25, in response to the growing number of members in the Band. Although some parts were bought recently, in order to cover immediate needs, important attention was focused on the major uniform buying, scheduled for 1999. This is the first time since 1968/69 that the Band will be buying uniforms.

The year’s last practice ended with the P/M, L/D, and new members’ elections. Henry Bateson was re-elected as P/M. Michael Flight and Brian Barthe were named Pipe Sergeant and Pipe Corporal respectively; Tom Ennis was named Leading Drummer; and Gonzalo Suarez del Solar was named Band Secretary. Pamela Dickin was elected as Leading Dancer, and named Marisa Amoia and Maru Búsico as her Assistant Leading Dancers. Manuelita Pereyra (Dancer) and Charlie Young (Tenor/Bass drummer) were accepted as Members of the Pipe Band after complying more than the minimum 12 months of active service.

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SASRP Pipe Band 1999 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 2000 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 2001 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 2002 Year Report

Trip to Scotland

This year started earlier than ever with Henry Bateson, Michael Flight, and Maru Búsico's trip to Scotland in January. The main objectives of this trip were to establish business agreements with pipe band suppliers and to take piping and drumming lessons.

Starting with about a dozen of renowned providers, the list was screened down to one supplier for the uniforms: MacLeod Highland Supplies; and another one for the instruments and parts: The Band Room; both headquartered in Glasgow.

The piping and drumming lessons took place at the Piping Centre, one of the most prestigious pipe band academies in the world. The trip was especially successful in this aspect because the Band was able to access large amounts of know-how that is not usually found in print.

New Uniforms & Instruments

The long awaited renewal of the band's uniforms started this year. The first kilt and doublet arrived in April, and the rest of the order will arrive early year 2000. In response to the growing number of members in the Band and to replacing some of the original uniforms (over 30 years old) this initial order will take the number of sets in use up to 25. Including various spare parts, the investment totals more than US$17,000.

It is important to note that these funds were entirely generated through the Pipe Band's efforts, thus allowing the development of the Band at virtually no cost for the St. Andrew's Society.  Until 1990, the Argentina’s hazardous economic conditions did not favour any savings. As from that same year, the Band’s fund was created with the renewal of equipment in mind. Additionally, the purpose of this account was to avoid diverting funds from the Society’s charity objectives when the time for investment arrived. The Band’s fund opened with a sponsorship agreement with Ballantine’s Whisky combined with a series of performances at the Expo-Gourmandise throughout 1990–1995. Although the money saved during that period was considerable, there were other priorities that delayed the renewal of the uniforms. During 1995–1998 the saving fund continued to grow but at a slower and rate.  As from 1999, the Band’s policy towards its income has changed dramatically. Today, for all corporate-related events, the Band has a table of suggested prices for different types of pipe band performances, mainly depending on the number of members required.  The sponsorship and the new policy translate into the fact that the Band has been and will be self-sufficient, therefore future investments and expenses can be faced with no fear.

Another project that was accomplished this year is the maximising of the number of privately-owned bagpipes in the Band. Until 1990 (Band’s 1^st tour to Scotland) the proportion of privately owned sets of pipes in use was at the most 30 to 40%. With the purchase orders being processed at present, the Band reached the desired target of 100% private pipes. This Band-financed stimulus strategy obviously increases the amount of bagpipes in the region, solving a recurrent problem since ever. Likewise, this also allows an important number of new pipers to join the Corps (at a low initial cost for the piper) given that all of the Band-administered sets are now available for the incoming pupils.

1999 Pipebanding

March 1999 was perhaps the busiest kick-off month in the Band's history. This was mainly due to HRH Prince Charles' visit to Argentina; and the launching of the 1999 Piping Club at St. Andrew's Scots School, in addition to the intense Saturday practices.

The year continued at a higher-than-usual rhythm with the inclusion of new events, among others, the celebration of the Anzac Day, and the Northlands School Family Day.

One of July's highlights was the Caledonian Ball. The Grand March with over 300 guests was preceded by the Society's Pipe Band with a record-breaking number of 18 pipers (plus drummers), thanks to the support of the Southern Cross Pipe Band, the Riverside Pipe Band (both from Uruguay), Ex-Acting Pipe Major George Reid and former Piper Martin Millan. Later in the evening the Band interrupted the country dancing, by giving the public a "magnificent display of pipe music, drilling, and highland dancing", as complimented by many.

Later in July, some pipers in the Band crossed over to Montevideo for the first Bagpipe Festival to take place ever in this region. The Festival was built around Bob Worrall's visit to that city, and included many piping and pipe band-related workshops. Bob Worrall is considered as one of the most prestigious pipers in the world. Not only a champion solo piper, his vast experience in Grade 1 pipe bands, and his experience as one of the most recurrent judges at the World Pipe Band Championship, make his workshops highly enriching. Needless to say, this experience largely contributed to the knowledge brought from the Piping Centre in January.

The band's activity during August, September and October was also above average when compared with the same months throughout 1995-1998. Luckily, this year’s Dragon’s Cup Regatta (former St. Andrew’s vs. St. George’s Bs.As – Colonia) and the Caledonian in Montevideo were both held on the same day in September, making things easier for our Band members. On October 31^st, the Band made a spectacular entrance to the Celtic niche at the Teatro del Globo’s Halloween concert with a standing ovation performance.

November’s highlight was the Millennium Rowing Regatta held in Tigre (Rio Lujan) on the 20th and 21st. Including teams from UK, Brazil, Uruguay, and many from Argentina, the event is said to have been the most successful rowing event ever to be held in the country. The Band was honoured to play during this event at the Tigre Boat Club, supporting both the TBC (which in tern has hosted the Society’s Burns’s Supper) and the tea & pub in aid of the ABCC.

Fortunately, the Band's activity during July and November 1999 was quieter than the previous year averages. This is a positive situation given that most members of the Band are university students and those months are usually plagued with exams.

The final statistics prove that 1999 was another intensive year with a total of 48 public performances and 29 full Band practices (a total of 77 official engagements). Notice that the 29 full Band practices do not include lessons with new pupils in piping, drumming or dancing; chanter or pad practices. Comparing with 1998, the increase of the number of practices reflects the large amount of 'in situ' practices that took place prior to many events this year. These practices, traditionally reserved for major events, have proved to be more focused and ensure a higher performance quality of the Band. This year’s overall result is four engagement (practices + shows) above 1998’s. The following graph shows the number of shows and Band practices throughout 1995-1999 (not including lessons, chanter/pad practices, etc.).

St. Andrew's Scots School Piping Club

What appeared to be a challenge last year certainly proved to be one during 1999. Since early this year, Brian Barthe and Malcolm Gibson are successfully conducting the Piping Club with ten pupils. The following stage (hopefully to take place during next year) is to start with the drumming lessons. The master plan entails that the School will eventually have their own pipe band, with members playing in both the Society’s and the School’s pipe band.

These ten pipers are at present ending their first stage (piping rudiments from the Band’s Bagpipe Tutor book) and should be ready to start training on the pipes early next year. The first pipers to join the Band are expected to do so approximately mid year 2000.

Band Members

Gabriel and Fabian Martin (pipers), Tom Barthe, Alex Lough (tenor drummers), and Pia Fiordalisi (dancer) joined the ranks during this year.

Karl Barclay returned to the U.K a few days before the Caledonian Ball, after over three years of playing in the Band. Needless to say that his human and pipe band contributions were immense, specially in the sense that Karl is a former Argyll & Sutherland, and member of many pipe bands throughout the world, including the London Scottish Regiment.

Brian Gibson (piper) was accepted as a Full Member of the Pipe Band after successfully complying more than the minimum 12 months of active service.

Next year promises to be another year of growth given that there is a number of new pupils for piping (as well as those at the St. Andrew’s Piping Club), drumming and dancing.

Acknowledgements

We specially thank Susan Dalton for her unconditional trust, Cecilia Bert for keeping our accounting, Former Pipe Major Alfredo Micucci for his advice and inspiration, the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian City Church, St. Andrew’s Scots School and Northlands School for letting us practice at their premises, the ABCC for always inviting us to play at their events, the British Embassy for their constant support, and all of those that have helped and cheered the Band throughout 1999.

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SASRP Pipe Band 1998 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 2000 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 2001 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 2002 Year Report

Statistics

Year 2000 statistics are revealing the result of a new policy regarding the amount public events at which the pipe band takes part. 1998 and 1999 showed record numbers, nevertheless, these large amounts of events have not produced yields in accordance to the effort involved.  For this reason the pipe band has changed its strategy, now striving for higher quality performances instead of large numbers of displays.  This new policy has consequently allowed an increase in the number of practices throughout the year.  In spite of the new policy, the number of practices has being increasing, in fact, about 14% per year since 1998.

Final 2000 statistics show a total of 36 public performances and 33 full band practices (a total of 69 official engagements).  The 33 practices do not include lessons with pupils in piping, drumming or dancing; chanter or drum practices.  The following graph shows the number of shows and Band practices throughout 1995-2000 (not including lessons, chanter/pad practices, etc.).

Travelling

For a second consecutive year, members of our Band were present at the annual Bagpipe Festival held in Montevideo, Uruguay.  This time, the event included Bob Worrall (worldwide renowned piper, judge, and instructor), Tyler Fry (one of the highest authorities in pipe band drumming), and Caleigh Leighton (world champion highland dancer).  Once again, our pipe band gained access to large amounts of information and know-how regarding these highland arts.  We sincerely thank the Southern Cross Pipe Band (Montevideo) for their letting us take part in such an important event.  Shortly after the Bagpipe Festival, Maru Búsico was invited as a country dancing judge at the Kiddies' Caledonian Competition of the St. Andrew's Society of Montevideo.

Later in the year, members of our Band took part of the first Highland Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro.  This event was particularly remarkable given the contacts established on a sister-society basis and within the pipe band community. We would also like to thank the Scottish Link Pipe Band (Sao Paulo) for their hospitality.

Investments

During 2000 the new set of uniforms arrived (see 1999 Year Report), and have been in use since then.  As well as the uniforms, the Band continued investing in its equipment, totalling a sum of approximately  U$S 6000 throughout year 2000 (this amount does neither include local and foreign travelling nor other expenses).

It is important to note that bandmembers purchased privately as much as 80 % of the U$S 6000.  This means that this percent of equipment is in use for practices, shows and/or teaching; but was bought without incurring in neither the Band's nor the Society's funds.

Elections

In December, both Henry Bateson and Pamela Dickin completed the full amount of years of service as Pipe Major and Leading Dancer respectively.  Past and future generations of band members are (and will be) grateful of their invaluable legacy as Band Officers.

As a result of the elections, Michael Flight became Pipe Major, and Marisa Amoia the Executive Leading Dancer of the Pipe Band.  Additionally, Alex Lough (Tenor Drummer) and Pia Fiordalisi (Highland Dancer) were accepted as full members of the Band.

Civil Band

Ending this year, the Pipe Band opened a new chapter in it’s history with the conception of a Civil Pipe Band.  This project, a completely new concept for the River Plate district, will result in a new branch of the Pipe Band.  This civil band is very much like the military-style pipe band we have today, but it contrasts in certain aspects such as the musical predominance (instead of the visual impact).

This new concept widely expands the possibilities of our pipe band; allowing both a more adequate catering of the events we attend, and as a means of opening new niches.

Further acknowledgements

Last, but not least, we wish to express our gratitude to the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian City Church, St. Andrew’s Scots School and Northlands School for letting us practice at their premises, as well as the ABCC and the Australian Embassy, for always inviting us to play at their events, the British Embassy for their constant support, and all of those that have helped and cheered the Band throughout 2000.

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SASRP Pipe Band 1998 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 1999 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 2001 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 2002 Year Report

Statistics

The number of full band practices in 2001 coincides with the average practices for the previous six years, and a similar comparison places the number of public performances only 4 above the average.  With only this information, 2001 would seem to be an overall average year.  Nevertheless, if one were to summarise the year in a phrase, it would probably be “pushing the limits”.  This was the spirit that strived through sheer teamwork and great effort in all three corps of the Pipe Band.  The following graph only shows the full band practices, therefore does not show the over 30 chanter and pad practices held by the pipers and drummers, and the 15 extra practices of the dancers during 2001.

Travelling

2001 started early for the Band with the Highland Arts Festival in Albany, New York.  This event was hosted by the four-time world pipe band champion: Simon Fraser University Pipe Band (Vancouver, Canada).  The Albany HAF included a superb pipe band concert, and highly enriching workshops where the Band accessed much information which is hardly ever found in print. (Click here to see the complete story)

During late February, the Pipe Band was honoured with the visit of Lianne Bradshaw, a snare drummer from the City of Washington Pipe Band, former instructor in Cape Breton, and judge of the Pipers and Pipe Band Society of Ontario.  As well as meeting Lianne’s charming personality, our drummers received top quality drumming lessons and tips. (Click here to see our photo album)

For the May 25^th holiday (observing the Revolution of May 25^th, 1810), the Pipe Band played at the estancia “La Morocha”, Province of Santa Fe.  The event was mainly a celebration of the Gaucho culture, and the Band was invited to represent the Scottish legacy in Argentina. (Click here to see our photo album)

The city of Montevideo, Uruguay, was once again frequently mentioned during the year, starting with Maru Búsico´s country dancing judging at the Montevideo Junior Caledonian Ball on July 4^th.  That same day, pipers and drummers of the Southern Cross Pipe Band and the Riverside Pipe Band (both from Montevideo) crossed-over to join the SASRP Pipe Band at the Senior Caledonian Ball in Buenos Aires.  A commemorative Amazing Grace with pipers and drummers from both sides of the River Plate was played just before the Grand March.  Later in July, guest pipers and drummers of the SASRP Pipe Band joined the Southern Cross Pipe Band at their 3^rd Bagpipe Festival, including the SCPB´s concert and the workshops conducted by worldwide renowned piper and drummer Bob Worrall and Tyler Fry.

In Concert!

The principal motor behind this year's efforts was the fact that the SASRP Pipe Band produced the first stage show to be held in Argentina mostly dedicated to Scottish pipe band music, Highland and National Scottish dancing.  This concert was hosted by Northlands School, and the special guests included the Northlands School of Music's Parents Group, Pablo Lombardo playing his congas along with the band’s more contemporary tunes, and M/C Martin Gibson with his explanations of everything that happened on the stage and beyond. This venture was also supported by The Buenos Aires Herald and sponsored by Terminal Zarate, and Vossloh-Schwabe Latinoamericana. The two evenings (October 20^th and November 24^th) added an audience of 530 persons. (Click here to see the summary and the photos)

Senior Pipers

This year also set a landmark with the launching of a new branch of the Pipe Band, formed by Senior Members.  This branch is formed by former members of the SASRP Pipe Band, and the Band is honoured to have them playing at certain occasions with the present members.  The founding Senior Members of the SASRP Pipe Band are pipers George Reid, Martin Millan, and Fernando Oliva.  The first event at which they played at was the Senior Caledonian´s Grand March, together with the guest pipers from Montevideo, adding to a total of 17 pipers.

Website

After much refurbishing, the Pipe Band’s website was re-launched in April 2001.  Although the Band has had a website since September 1998, the first site encountered many technical adversities and became outdated.  The new website registered over 500 all-time unique visitors and 1900 hits by December (an average of about 5 hits per day).

New Logo

During June 2001, the Pipe Band launched a campaign to renew its logo’s design.   Band members presented a total of 28 different proposals, and after a screening and feedback process that lasted about 3 weeks, the final proposal was chosen.  The digital and retouched version was completed almost a month after the final screening, and the new logo was officially launched on August 31st, during a St. Andrew's Society Committee meeting.  The logo has already been used on letterheads, mugs, t-shirts, bumper stickers, and other applications. (Click here for the complete story)

Members

For personal reasons, Marisa Amoia resigned as Leading Dancer of the Band, and as a result of the consequent elections, Maru Búsico took Marisa’s place .  Later in the year, Pamela Dickin was named Honorary Leading Dancer of the SASRP Pipe Band, in gratitude for the many years of active service as both Highland Dancer and as Leading Dancer.  Ending 2001, Nicolas Gibson (snare drummer) and Paul Braithwaite (piper) were formally accepted as full members of the Band. (Click here for more information about the members)

Acknowledgments

The Pipe Band wishes to thank the St. Andrew’s Scots School for letting us use their premises for our weekly practices, Northlands School for hosting our concert (and many rehearsals); as well as Terminal Zarate and Vossloh-Schwabe Latinoamericana for having sponsored the concert; and Pablo Lombardo, Martin Gibson, the Northland’s School of Music, Northlands´ staff and Y11 girls, and many Band-friends for their much valued contribution at the concert.  We additionally thank the Presbyterian Church, the ABCC, the British, Australian and New Zealand Embassies, and the Buenos Aires Herald for their constant support; and last, but not least, we greatly thank all who cheered the Band throughout 2001.

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SASRP Pipe Band 1998 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 1999 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 2000 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 2002 Year Report

New targets

The last twelwe months have been particularly difficult for Argentina, having witnessed a revolt that was the closest the country has been to a civil war in the last three decades, the devastating devaluation of the Argentine Peso, added to an intense economic recession and a considerable inflationary jump.  The Pipe Band approached this crisis by doing introspective work, focused mainly on the number of members of the Band.  Early in the year, the long-term "Pupils Priority Campaign" was launched with the purpose of both alerting the awareness towards growth of the number of members, and to intensify the inflow of members for the years to come.  Although most of the results of this campaign will be seen as from 2003, the number of pupils raised to the record number of 12 prospective pipers, 2 drummers and 11 highland dancers.  One of these pipers (Luke Liechty) and two of these dancers (Karolina Lough, and Mercedes Nobre Leite) have already performed at Band's displays during 2002.  A year after the revolt that triggered the economic crisis mentioned above, we can say that this period's activities and income have logically been somewhat quieter than previous years’.  The following chart shows the number of practices and public performances at which the Band has played at, in comparrison to the past 7 years.

Feeder Band

Focusing on the inflow of the above mentioned pupils, the Band's repertoire and events were classified into four groups according to their complexity.  This classification allows the pupils to play at different events according to their musical growth, without sacrificing the overall performance of the Pipe Band.  This method is a simplified model of the feeder band systems, used in the best pipe bands in the world.

Band-Committee Aggreement

2002's spirit was also to put an end to lethargic disputes between the Committee and the Pipe Band, caused mainly by the indefinition of key responsibilities and task issues.  These ever-underestimated details have caused many long-term troubles, and much waste of time and energy has been spent in solving them.  Towards the end of this year, President George Reid and Pipe Major Michael Flight concluded a draft agreement covering over twenty points identified as detonators of past disputes.  This agreement shall be formalised in the near future.

1st Ammendment of the Internal Code

Publications

Again with the Pupils Priority in mind, the Pipe Band’s “Highland Bagpipe Tutor” was completely re-written.  The 1997 edition had become somewhat clumbersome for present Band’s repertoire and style of teaching. The 2002 edition, about double in size as its predecessor, has higher piping targets and in turn offers a more gradual learning progress.  On another front, the pipe music scores of all the Band’s repertoire (since the 1980s) are being compiled into a standard format for present and future reference.

Updated website

The Pipe Band’s website, inaugurated in 1988 and refurbished in 2001, was again totally redesigned throughout 2002 given that the amount of published information had become excesive for the site’s original set up.  The site’s structure is today more straightforward (and complete) than before.  Among the new applications, the site today includes specific contact information for piping, drumming and dancing lessons; as well as for requesting the Pipe Band for playing at an event.  A site map was also included for ease of navigation.  The hit count at present is close to 4700 hits, of which about 2800 correspond to the past 12 months alone.  This last number represents almost 1.5 times the hits accumulated throughout 1988-2001. For more information, please visit our home page.

On another front, the Pipe Band redesigned the Society’s website in such a way as to include the Band’s website by using web frames.  This is the first stage of the unifying both websites into one.  The new Society’s website is now being managed by Alan Reid. For more information, please visit www.geocities.com/sasrp_ar.

Elections

During October, the annual voting for prospective members resulted in the acceptance of Agustina Tirantte as a Full Member of the Pipe Band.  The confirming vote for the Senior Members was postponed until December, when George Reid, and Martin Millan became the first pipers to be formally accepted as Senior Members. Both of these votings occur only after achieving a minimum of 12 months of satisfactory performance at public events.

In December, the Band also carried out the Pipe Major and Leading Dancer elections.  Maru Busico was re-elected as the Leading Dancer of the Band, while there was no clear result for the Pipe Major office (established as a minimum of 50%+1 of the votes required). Having being one of the voted candidates, outgoing Pipe Major Michael Flight resigned to being reelected due to personal plans. The voting process resulted in Henry Bateson as the Pipe Major for Dec/2002 – Dec/2004 period.

Please see our Who's who page for more information.

Acknowledgments

The Pipe Band wishes to thank the St. Andrew’s Scots School, Northlands School, and the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church for hosting our practices as well as the Royal British Legion, British Hospital, ABCC and British Embassy for their constant support.  We also greatly thank all who cheered the Band throughout 2002.

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SASRP Pipe Band 1998 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 1999 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 2000 Year Report
SASRP Pipe Band 2001 Year Report