Sunday, November 20, 2011

Happy Oktenorfest!

James P. Troy was pleased to be a part of Mayor Drum Supply's Oktenorfest just a couple of weeks ago. Hosting a full schedule of pipe band snare drumming, tenor and bass drumming, Oktenorfest featured a handful of the Spirit of Scotland drummers including James P. Troy, John Fisher, Tim Djursing, Amanda Shirley and Craig "Hoss" Colquhoun.
A successful weekend and lots of drumming (and some piping) to be had! Photos below are courtesy of Jamie Stewart from Mayor Drum Supply.










Mayor Drum Supply is committed to developing the Scottish art through workshops such as these and also through sponsorship. We have companies like this to be thankful for. Running since 2006 I believe, each year features different instructors of the highest calibre. This workshop weekend is one not to be missed. Keep your eyes peeled for the 2012 event and register early!
-JLT

Monday, October 31, 2011

GVPPB at the Vancouver Island Pipers Club!

November 5th marks the start of the 2011/2012 Vancouver Island Pipers Club season. The Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band, under the direction of P/M James W. Troy and D/S Colin Magee will be the performers at the Club. The Club resumes this coming Saturday in the Sergeants' Mess at the Bay St. Armouries in Victoria, start time is 8pm.
Come one, come all! And support your local bagpiping community.



-JLT

Monday, September 26, 2011

GVPPB in Beijing

After an eight day trip to Beijing, the members of the Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band are now back home and trying to get back on Pacific Time. They received great TV coverage during the Beijing International Culture Tourism Festival's Parade, complete with an interview with Doug and Shelley Thorsteinson; husband and wife members of the Police band.



One of the up and coming members of the GVPPB speaks Mandarin and roughly translated the commentary. Basically, the introduction from the commentators just said the name of the band several times, that they were good and Canadian!
Coverage of the entire Beijing International Culture Tourism Festival Parade can be found here: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzA1NjcxMTI4.html. It's about an hour long; the Police Band performance is at 80:48.
Enjoy!

-JLT

Friday, September 23, 2011

Beijing and Bagpipes

The last rehearsal before their departure to Beijing...(wee Momma Troy is one of the banner carriers!)



The Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band actually arrived home to Victoria safe and sound yesterday. A visual account to follow....
-JLT

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Police Band off to the Beijing International Cultural Tourism Festival

The Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band (under the musical direction of P/M James W. Troy and D/S Colin Magee) is leaving for Beijing this morning to participate in the Beijing International Culture Tourism Festival. A spectacular gathering of international performers, this festival is hosted by the Beijing Municipal Government and National Tourism Administration.
The band performs a couple of times throughout seven days at various venues, including the Great Wall of China! Although there to play their pipes, they get a chance to do some sightseeing. Keep your eyes peeled here for pictures from the trip! They get back on the 22nd.


Photo courtesy of Victoria Times Colonist

Articles from the local Victoria newspapers:
Victoria Times Colonist
BC Local News

Safe travels!
-JLT

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

2011 World Pipe Band Championships - Qualifier

Some snaps from the World Pipe Band Championships, Qualifying round.


78th Fraser Highlanders


LA Scots


Peel Police


Triumph Street


Cullybackey


Vale of Atholl


Torpichen & District


Dysart & Dundonald


The eventual 2011 World Drum Corps Champs - The House of Edgar Shotts & Dykehead


Oran Mor


Manawatu Scottish

Congrats to LA Scots, Triumph St., Shotts, Oran Mor, Cullybackey and Manawatu who all got through to the Final!
-JLT