Posted by Todd Schiele in Competitions

NWJPB Grade 4 took first place of seven pipe bands at the Tacoma Highland Games on Saturday June 23rd.  NWJPB Grade 5 played for comments and were well received by the crowd and the judges.  Video has been uploaded to the NWJPB Myspace page.

The hard work of all the youth musicians in the band is paying off, the level of musicianship is growing, the band roster is growing to nearly 40, and the band looks forward to the World Pipe Band Championships in 2008 more and more with each passing competition.

The NWJPB Quartet also took first place.  Led by Band Director Kevin Auld, with Matt M, PM - age 17, Aaron S, age 12, and Alexander S, age 11.  Solo results will be posted soon on the NWJPB results page.  TWO solo competitors won “most promising piper” and a $100.00 scholarship from the Charles McNeil Memorial Piping Scholarship Fund; Matt A. in Grade 5 and Aaron S. in Grade 4.  This fund is maintained by Margaret Nelson, the daughter of our founder Charlie McNeil.  To support the scholarship program, contact The Charles McNeill Memorial Piping Scholarship Fund, 720 S Proctor St Tacoma, WA 98405

Thanks to all of the volunteers and the judges who travelled some distance to participate, NWJPB members had a great day at the games, the first time we’ve been able to attend since 2004 due to timing conflicts with the BC Highland Games (Tacoma is the 4th weekend in June, BC is the last weekend in June).  Jeff Brewer was there judging; along with his wife Robbie and other important instructors & volunteers they lead the Sir James McDonald Pipe Band based in Portland, OR and stage a yearly “Highland Muscal Arts” camp for pipers and drummers which many NWJPB members attend in July.  This talented juvenile pipe band was promoted from Grade 4 to Grade 3 last year, and regularly travels to Glasgow for the World Pipe Band Championships. 

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