© 2011 The Pipes and Drums of Erepa Grotto         

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Erepa Grotto Pipes and Drums

 

August 2011

July has come to an end and what an exciting month it's been for the Pipes and Drums: The National Convention, New Members joining, and Old Member Retiring!

Starting off the month with the National Convention in Dearborn, MI, our hats go off to George Abraham for keeping us organized and keeping the beer cold.  The weekend went great!  The band sounded excellent all weekend regardless of whether we were piping for the Grand Monarch, melting in the 100+ degree heat, or being reprimanded by hotel security for being too loud.  The trip ended with

the Red Tassel party, with these year having a Biker Theme!  Although we're not all the motorcycle type, the band came through in fine fashion, sporting all the leather and denim we could for the party.

July also marked the debut event for two new drummers.  Mike Flaherty and Mike Close were both premiered at the Cherry Festival in North East, PA.  It was a hot one, but they made it through it.  And after all, the first one's the toughest right?  The band as a whole was in fine fashion as well, winning the award for Best Band in the parade.

 

We also had a Beach practice planned, but it seems the extreme heat kept most the guys at home.  Kudos to Larry Dunton for cooking up all the food anyway.  Maybe we'll try again next month after it cools off a bit.

 

August doesn't seem to have as much in store as July did, but after a relentless parade schedule in May, June, and July, the guys could use the break.

 

 

Finally July marked the end of an era.  Andy Pierce, the band’s oldest member retired from the band at the age of 85.  Andy continues to come to practice to offer his support to the band and to his son Roger, who is a Tenor Drummer.

We thank Andy for his lifetime of service and encourage our new members to try to be an emulation of him.