fter a bit of a prize drought at major competitions, Deeside Caledonia recorded its best result in over 5 years at Cowal. An excellent performance saw the band win best band marching up the street and also be placed 5th in grade 3A.

Deeside's success at Cowal is reward to everyone’s continued hard work in achieving what we knew we were capable of. In actual fact the build up to Cowal started at the end of July, when the decision was made to make Cowal the main focus for the end of the season. Each core took itself apart to dissect what could be improved and changed and the result was quick and there for all to see. A special thanks must go to Jacob and Tyler for their input and giving the drummers their belief and confidence back to just go out and play.

With the day looking like a complete muggy washout, the band donned the capes and set off up the street. Despite the drones being a bit on the quiet side (!) the band, sounded excellent outside of the Italian restaurant, and indeed was good enough to net the band the prize of being ‘best band up the street’.

As the day progressed the weather changed from being really close, to being really close and wet! This variable weather was playing havoc with the pitch of the drones and the drums, but as usual the band decided to carry on regardless. With final tuning over it was time to go on and prove that the hard work was worth it. As it transpired it was, the performance itself was solid and felt easy to play with. Everyone agreed that it was the best run we had had outside of the practice hall all year. I personally was convinced we had done well when I saw Davie raise a little smile before the band marched off (even though he would later deny this on the bus! ;-) ).

The entire day felt really relaxed and enjoyable and this was reflected in the performance. The remainder of the day saw this mood carried on, as was evident with the usually militaristic halt command in mass bands being substituted for “BAND!!……………. stop”. There was a certain air of disbelief when the bands name was read out for the 1 st prize, indeed half the band didn’t hear it and Stephen even had to say “You did say Deeside Caledonia right?” to the official! When the grade 3A results were being read the entire band had already said that no matter what happened we were over the moon, so the mood went virtually euphoric as the bands name was again announced as the 5 th placed band.

All in all it has been a strange season with mixed emotions. However, this timely boost has put the band right back on a major high and everyone will be determined to prove that this is only the beginning…….

For a list of results click here

For photos click here