Doublings and throws

So the last couple of weeks we've been working on F Doubling.  Personally, I do all right (not good, mind you.  Just "all right") until I get to the E.  I seem to be having a mental block making the pattern jump past the F to the G and then high A.  Yesterday in class I thought I had it, but trying today it seems to have slipped back away from me.
Maybe part of the problem is my hands are cold.  Or dry.  Or cold and dry.  Whatever the reason is, I can't seem to get a good seal with my right fingers, which throws the whole sound off.

We did start on D throws yesterday as well.  I think I'm going to be able to pick those up a wee bit better.  Probably because they don't change depending on the entering note.

On the Uniform front, I finally got around to putting together a bit of a primer on Irish style band uniforms for Dave Sweeny.  I also suggested we might want to look at the Canadian Police doublet, as opposed to a variation of the Police Beat Blouse that Boston Pipes & Drums wears.  Personally, I think it looks sharp, and this is our opportunity to set our tone (pardon the pun) for the look of our band.

Finally, we've got our first big fundraiser coming up!  May 18th, 2011.  Several of the local pipe bands will be there, and I'm anxious to see what sort of turn-out we get...

Our first big fundraiser!

Paddy Coynes

Last night we had our first "social" gathering of the band.  Mike Solan put out the email and we descended on Paddy Coynes in South Lake Union.
I would estimate about 30-40 bandmembers and assorted spouses/significant others were there.  It was nice to get a chance to meet the pipers from the Monday rehearsal, as well as some of the drummers.  I sense a friendly rivalry brewing there...
Plus a few lads from the Seattle Fire Dept. Pipe Band stopped in to support us.

I talked with Carla quite a bit about where we are for fundraising, and got a chance to meet with Mike about the Uniform committee.  While there was the inevitable talk about business, a Guinness or two loosened the group up.

All in all it was good craic!