Come and join our all-ages Ceilidh on November 8th at the Halpern Centre, Simon Fraser University Burnaby Campus 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, hosted by the SFU Scottish and Celtic Society and your own BC Pipers Association. Doors will open at 6:30pm. There will be a $5 entrance fee to the Ceilidh.
The main feature of the Ceilidh will be a piping and drumming contest event, with a twist. The format is open to all ages, grades, and players of all instruments.
Competitors may compete as soloists or in groups of up to 5 players. Performance groups may include any combination of pipers and drummers. There are no specific music requirements except to keep performances under 10 minutes in length. Highland dress is not mandatory.
Prize monies will be awarded to the most entertaining performances. No entry fee is required for the contest.
Pizza and bar service will be available for purchase.
Online registration and ticket sales:
Those interested in performing are encouraged to register in advance. Reserve your place today by registering online at http://bcp3a.cloverpad.org/event-1781425. Advance tickets are available for purchase at the same link.
Judging:
We are encouraging spectators who are pipers or drummers to be a part of the judging panel. We will be using up to 10 judges. Those of you who are interested in participating as a judge, please register upon your arrival at our welcome desk or in advance at http://bcp3a.cloverpad.org/event-1781425 . Judging positions will not be restricted to BCPA accredited adjudicators.
Annual Instructors Conference
The BCPA Annual Instructors Conference has now been rescheduled for Saturday November 29, 2014 from 9:00 – 11:30 am.
We are pleased to announce that Iain Simpson and Mick O’Neill, head piping and drumming instructors of the George Watsons’ College juvenile pipe bands, will be the featured presenters in the International Instructors segment of the Conference.
We are also pleased to announce that Jack Lee and Reid Maxwell will be the featured presenters in the Regional Instructors segment of the Conference.
The Conference will also include presentations by professional middle school teachers, who are also pipers, on effective instructional techniques utilized in the classroom that are transferable to the teaching of piping and drumming.
The Conference will be conducted online via webinar and Internet two-way audio. To register, please complete the form by 11:59 pm November 22.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BCPA2014AIC
Mini-Gatherings
The November Mini Gatherings will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2014 starting at 11:00 am at the SFU Burnaby Campus in the West Mall Centre (directly north of the Gyms). Paid parking is available in the parkade directly west of the West Mall Centre.
http://www.sfu.ca/fs/files/Campus_Profile/Campus_Maps/sfu_campus_map_2013_14x8_handout_color.pdf
This year there will be a new addition to the format of the Mini Gatherings. For the higher grades (Grades 1 and 2 for Piping and Side Drumming, and Grade 1 for Tenor Drumming), one event in each grade will be conducted in a Master Class format where the adjudicator will provide a short verbal assessment for the competitor directly after their performance. Results will still be announced and critique sheets provided as normal. These are great opportunities for the competitors, their instructors & parents, and other adjudicators to gain important insights. Attendance by all parties is encouraged.
Grand Aggregate Awards Ceremony
The 2014 Grand Aggregate Awards Ceremony will take place before the start of the November 1 Mini-Gathering at 10:30 am in the West Mall Centre 3rd Floor Lounge Area. Please attend and support the award recipients.
Annual General Meeting
The 2014 Annual General Meeting of the British Columbia Pipers Association will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014, starting at 2:00 pm, at Simon Fraser University Burnaby Campus, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6 in Lecture Hall K9500 (in the south-east corner of the Academic Quadrangle).
The agenda will be as described in the BCPA Bylaws followed by an Open Discussion segment.
Fall BCPA Bursary Application Deadline
We are encouraging any pipers or drummers to consider applying for a BCPA bursary. Details for the requirements and application form can be found at https://archive.bcpipers.org/services/grants-bursaries/ .
The deadline to apply for Fall BCPA Bursaries is Nov ember 15, 2014. Applications should be sent to secretary@archive.bcpipers.org .
Members Satisfaction Survey and Draw for Dues Rebate
Everyone who renews their BCPA membership for 2014/15 and fills out the BCPA Me mber Satisfaction Survey for the 2013/14 Season before Saturday November 15, 2014 will be eligible for three random draws of a rebate of your 2014/15 membership fee (to a maximum of $65).
New BCPA memberships and renewals can be done online at http://bcp3a.cloverpad.org/
The BCPA Members Satisfaction Survey for the 2013/14 Season is located at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BCPA2014SATSURVEY
Seeking your Talents and Skills
For many decades, the BCPA has advanced piping and drumming through the tremendous volunteer efforts of its members.
If you have particular talents and skills that you could contribute, please let us know by completing the Talents and Skills section during the renewal of your BCPA membership or when completing a new membership.
You can add this information at anytime by logging into the BCPA Membership and Events Management System at http://bcp3a.cloverpad.org/ and clicking View Profile, Edit Profile.
