The 2008 season began with the band’s first Grade One competition (mini-band) at the BCPA Annual Gathering on March 22, 2008.
Then, on June 7th, the Bellingham Highland Games returned to our favorite games venue, the Hovander Homestead Park. The air was damp, but the sun finally shone, and the band played their first outdoor BCPA-sponsored contest as a Grade One band.
On June 14th, the Sons of Scotland Highland Games broke its rainy streak...and the sun shone.
As the premier BCPA event in British Columbia, the BC Highland Games in Coquitlam is the place for bands to perform for the local crowds as well as see old friends. The star of the show was the HEAT! By 7pm, temperatures had cooled to 33 degrees celsius!
2008 BCPA Competitions
BCPA Annual Gathering
Pipe Major and Pipe Sergeant P/M David Hilder and P/S Shaunna Hilder prior to the BCPA Annual Gathering Grade 1 mini-band competition. 3/22/08 Photo courtesy of Ellen Bruce.
Still have to cut it down to 9 pipers for tonight... DTSPB pipers in the tuning room prior to the final cut before the mini-band competition. Visible L to R: Teresa Matich, Matt Dolan, JD Farrell, Krista Hunt, Robb Scott, P/S Shaunna Hilder, Myles Wilcott, Gordon MacRae. 3/22/08 Photo courtesy of Ellen Bruce.
Lots of sound for a small room Pipers L to R: Dave Thorpe, P/M David Hilder, Rob Abel, Alex Galloway, Teresa Matich, Matt Dolan, JD Farrell. 3/22/08 Photo courtesy of Ellen Bruce.
Still love that bass drum! Nichole Holdbak working her magic. 3/22/08 Photo courtesy of Ellen Bruce.
Pro solo winners Congrats to Mary Bruce and Annie Head, who won third and first place in the Pro Tenor Competition, respectively. 3/22/08 Photo courtesy of Ellen Bruce.
DTSPB Mini-Band in first Grade One competition Mini-band places third in Grade 1 competition at the BCPA Annual Gathering. Competing Members - Pipers L to R: Dave Thorpe, Rob Abel, Alex Galloway, Teresa Matich, Robb Scott, P/S Shaunna Hilder, Myles Wilcott, Gordon MacRae, P/M David Hilder. Drummers L to R: Nichole Holdbak (bass), Cam Reid, D/S Andre Tessier, Alex Munro, Annie Head, Mary Bruce. 3/22/08 Photo courtesy of Ellen Bruce.
Another view DTSPB Mini-Band in Grade One competition at BCPA Annual Gathering. 3/22/08 Photo courtesy of Sandy Nazarchuk.
Close-up Drummers D/S Andre Tessier and Alex Munro behind pipers Teresa Matich and Robb Scott. 3/22/08 Photo courtesy of Sandy Nazarchuk.
Nichole in action Nichold Holdbak keeping the beat. 3/22/08 Photo courtesy of Sandy Nazarchuk.
Focus Drummer Alex Munro with Piper Robb Scott 3/22/08 Photo courtesy of Sandy Nazarchuk.
Spotlight ...on Piper Myles Wilcott, with Gordon MacRae. 3/22/08 Photo courtesy of Sandy Nazarchuk.
Band supporters were taking pics from every angle From the sound of the cheers after the performance, there were DTSPB supporters in every row! 3/22/08 Photo courtesy of Sandy Nazarchuk.
A look at the judges sheets Andre Tessier takes a look at the judges sheets (3,3,3,2) What a great start! Also in photo: Nichole Holdbak and Graham Young. 3/22/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Bellingham Highland Games
Drums are out at the Bellingham Highland Games Back at the “practice bowl” at the Hovander Homestead Park. 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Back at the red barn The Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band practicing by the big red barn at Hovander Farm. 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
At the centre of it all Bass player Nichole Holdbak. 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Pep talk P/M David Hilder talking to the pipers during the first flash. 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Founder’s family Piper Rob Abel, nephew of one of the original Triumph Street Pipe Band founders. 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Flash in the “Food Court” DTSPB playing for the lunchtime crowd. 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Too big to fit in a photo With 18 members in the DTSPB drum corps. you’d have to invest in a wide angle lens to capture them all in a photo! 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Intrepid Drum Major Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band D/M John Nicol keeps a close eye on his band. 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Picture perfect venue It’s hard to get a bad shot on a day like this! 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
10 in a row Count ‘em...10 side drummers line up for the MSR competition. 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Marching to the line The Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band at the Bellingham Highland Games. 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Ellen Bruce.
In the MSR circle Focus on P/M David Hilder during the MSR competition. 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Ellen Bruce.
March off after MSR ”World’s Style” march off. 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
March off after Medley A full day’s competition is over. 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Great friends! ...are worth their weight in gold. D/M John Nicol, D/S Andre Tessier, P/M David Hilder. 6/7/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Sons of Scotland Highland Games
SOS...Early morning solos Side Drummer Chris Rodgers (with his piper Craig Mathews) talk with a games steward. 6/14/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
A great line Massed bands at noon. 6/14/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
SOS Opening Ceremonies Lynn Bullis is Chieftain of the Day in sunny Tsawwassen. 6/14/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
An “Ace” shot Tenors Annie Head, Mary Bruce, Lauren MacRitchie, Kylie Yonge, and Jess Lahti showing their new “ACEline” tenor sticks. 6/14/08 Photo courtesy of Ellen Bruce.
Flash in the sun The DTSPB in the circle prior to competition. 6/14/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
The DTSPB Drum Corps Marching down the SDSS track in Tsawwassen...heading to the line. 6/14/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Up to the line at the Sons of Scotland Highland Games. 6/14/08 Photo courtesy of Ellen Bruce.
Playing for “sheets” With no competitors in Grade One, the band plays for experience and the judges’ feedback. 6/14/08 Photo courtesy of Ellen Bruce.
BC Highland Games
Tent Prep Dwoco Triumph Street Pipe Band members get ready to compete. 6/28/08 Photo courtesy of Alanna MacRitchie.
Even Supporters are Surprised by the RecordHeat Pre-drummer/piper Daniel Tessier takes refuge from the heat after getting his head spritzed. 6/28/08 Photo courtesy of Alanna MacRitchie.
D/S Andre Tessier Under the intense summer heat. 6/28/08 Photo courtesy of Alanna MacRitchie.
BC Highland Games - Seeking Shade Melting in 35 degree plus heat...the band finds the only trees. 6/28/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Shade Flash A glorious afternoon to pipe in the SHADE! 6/28/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Working on the sound With grass...then track...then asphalt...P/M David Hilder must keep those pipes tuned. 6/28/08 Photo courtesy of Jacquie Munro.
Fifteen minute delay on the track before MSR