"The best bands don’t operate on autopilot. They stay present, intentional, and aware."Those words from our Pipe Major, Adrian Melvin, perfectly capture the energy of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Amid the crowds, the chaos, the late nights, and early mornings — we stayed in the moment. We showed up for one another. And that’s what makes Wake & District who we are.
One of the hardest things we have to deal with in life is showing up when we don’t want to. It’s easy to rally when conditions are perfect. But it’s in the moments we’re tired, sore, or struggling that our true character as a band shines through. Whether it was your first parade or your 50th, everyone in our ranks put on the uniform, tuned up, and marched on. That commitment — to yourself, your bandmates, and our shared tradition — is what makes this band special.
Last weekend wasn’t about our Founders, our Grade 4 players, or our top-tier competitors. It was about all of us.
We wore the same uniform. We played the same tunes. We stood shoulder to shoulder, crossing finish lines and parade routes, keeping traditions alive. Whether it was a main stage performance, a pub gig, or just a quick set in front of smiling faces — we did it together.
There’s something unforgettable about stepping off in your first parade with a pipe band — the butterflies, the focus, the sheer joy of getting through that first set without stumbling. One proud Band Mom sent us a video clip of her son, tucked in the second rank, eyes forward and playing like a seasoned pro. Moments like that are why we do this — passing our love for the music and the culture to the next generation.
For all those parades we dread, those less-than-perfect tuning moments, the sore feet, the aching backs — somehow, we keep marching on.
Because when the last drone fades, and the last note settles, what remains is the camaraderie, the shared journey, and the memory of a band that showed up — for the music, for the crowd, and for each other.
The fog has lifted, and St. Patrick’s Day 2025 is officially in the books. We are beyond thankful to everyone who came out — in the circle, behind the scenes, and on the sidelines — supporting this band and the culture we’re proud to represent.
We were well-received everywhere we went, leaving behind a sound, a sight, and a story that will linger long after the last pint was poured. This is tradition. This is what it means to belong to something bigger than yourself. And we are fortunate — so very fortunate — to have each other.
To echo Adrian’s words, “Let’s keep refining and furthering the tradition.” And we will. Because this band — our band — is marching on.
By the right… Quick, march!
(Photos and videos from St. Patrick’s Day 2025 can be found here)
コメント