ith half the season behind us, and the world cup in full swing it is time for the band to eat the half time oranges and to take 5 minutes to reflect on how things have been progressing thus far. After confidence boosting victories in both the Quartettes and Mini Bands at the start of the year, things were looking fairly rosy for the season ahead. However, a mixture of bad weather, sheer bad luck and a below par performance or two have hampered the band from realizing its true potential for this season.

The Scottish championships was the 1st major outing of the year for the band, and with a new first Jig ( Duncan the Gauger replaced Hag at the Kiln after Mini Bands) the band had to wait to see how well it would all gel together. Unfortunately torrential rain hampered practice prior to competing, meaning that the band probably was not at its peak when it was time to play. Waterlogged tuning areas also contributed to the difficult conditions. Luckily the rain cleared up for the performance, but by this time Amy’s socks were beyond saving, taking half of Dumbartons mud home with her! :) While the performance was not bad, there were some mistakes, noticeably from the bass drummer who finished a whole beat too early, but compensated for this by accidentally swearing on the last beat a little louder than was intended. So the Scottish was over and done with, and while not a classic performance it was something to build on.

verdict: Bad weather and a couple of mistakes, but definatly a good platform.
To see the results from Dumbarton click here

Next in line was the local at Turriff. I think it’s fair to say this was not a classic Deeside performance by any members standards. While the weather was fine the band never really hit its stride all day. All three cores had some playing issues and this was reflected in the result. While the grade 2 performance was better than the grade 3 performance, neither were up to the standard that Deeside sets for itself at each competition. However, never one to be down for long, several members went out and painted the town red and we have not doubt that the band will pick itself up again for Aberdeen games, a venue which has been traditionally a bogey competition for Deeside.

verdict: An unusual off day for Deeside at Turriff.
To see the results from Turriff click here

At Aberdeen games, once again Deeside was hampered in tuning and practice by the typical Scottish weather. However, after the poor run of form in Turriff the band was determined to redeem itself at its 'home' local competition, and redeem itself it did. A much improved performance saw the band placed 2nd in grade 3 and 4th in grade 2, only behind three of the actual grade 2 bands, but crucially ahead of one. The day was also a day of joy for the pipe corporal who took the bass for massed bands. This lead to comments that he looked like a natural from otehr drummers. Stick with it Jobie, for with the right attitude and hard practicing, you might yet one day get promoted to the drum itself!

verdict: A return to form after Turriff and Dumbarton.
To see the results from Hazelhead click here

The pace of the season is really picking up now with Aberdeen Games and the British being the first back to back competitions of the year. With the British championships being the first major of the year to be MSR, again the band didn't know what to expect from the performance or the result. With the temperatures fluctuating wildly from minute to minute there were concerns over the sound of the drones and drums. However, these proved to be unfounded as the band sounded cracking for the whole build up. It was noted that the Ds on the chanters were a little flat, but other than this everything seemed to go well in the performance. To the point where rival bands in grade 3 actually commented on how well we played and sounded. There were very few (if any) mistakes in playing and the majority of the band agreed the tempos were ok throughout. With only ten bands competing on the day, the band felt optimistic that even if not placed it would be a good result. However, this did not come to pass, with the band coming in ninth out of ten in a somewhat surprisingly low final mark.

The day was boosted however, by the presence of Deeside's long term friends Kirkwall City, who played magnificently in grade 4A, netting themselves 7th. However, the band did with a gallon and a half of whiskey which should make the drive up the A9 all the more bearable!

verdict: A good performance overshadowed by an unexpectedly low result.
To see the results from Pitlochry click here

So that is it. We are at 1/2 way and there have been some highs and some lows, but Deeside always come back for more. With all the remaining competitions being MSR up until Cowal, the band can look forward to improving on what was already a good performance at Pitlochry and try and convince the audience and Judges of the same! The band is now on a 3 week break before heading to Greenock for the Europeans. Each member will be enjoying the break, but practicing hard. I however, am off to find that puppy that someone kicked in a former life in a bid to turn fortunes around! until next time.......