Stone Mountain, GA, October 21, 2006 - The grade V band returned from their first appearance ever, at the Games in Stone Mountain, GA with a "middle-of-the-pack" grade.  Because the games are sanctioned by another Pipe Band Association, some things are done a bit differently in terms of how they are scored.   The band will not know exactly where they placed for another couple of weeks, but the band did NOT place in the top three slots.

We were in a field of sixteen bands and played last.   We could have been slightly overlooked because of that position, it could have been because we were small and mighty, .... who knows?   Doesn't matter! 

We represented well and had a great time in the process.  Those who couldn't or wouldn't, really missed a great adventure.

We should have more news later when it becomes available.

See the short story below.

A Stone Mountain Adventure experienced and submitted by Andrea Parker:

Spur-of-the-moment decisions are sometimes the best.  It was a fluke that I got to go to Stone Mountain earlier than Friday.  It was a good decision.  Not only because of good company and lots of fun but because we “eased” into a busy weekend by relaxing first.  Even the long haul to Atlanta didn’t seem so bad.

Veda, Kim and Mike insisted I go early to the Games with them instead of driving alone on Friday.  With my very cooperative boss, who came through at the last minute at about 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday night, AND experience in speed packing learned through years of travel, I joined the crazy trio on Wednesday morning. 

We literally laughed our way south, stopping many times for a reason I won’t mention (Ahem).  Stayed at Chattanooga on rainy Wednesday night and did some touristy things during the equally rainy Thursday – Ruby Falls (absolutely fabulous! - below 1000 feet of granite) and the Tennessee Aquarium.  On to Atlanta in the evening to collapse and regroup for the next day’s adventure at Stone Mountain (on top of 1,600 feet of granite!!)  Played all day at the Park, looked over the Games site and then spent the evening, eating, laughing and getting our “stylish” band wardrobe ready for the Games.  We were tired before we even got there.  So far, I had survived the smokers  J.

Bless Victor, who got himself up early and got us a tent at the Games.  What an experience – tons of spectators, tons of bands, people everywhere.  We were surrounded by beautiful fall trees and Georgia pines, while the sound of pipes and drums was everywhere.  The colors of the tartans matched the colors of the leaves.  We were nervous, excited and awed by it all.  Unlike most games which center on athletes and bands, this games was clan centered and the South does it up right.  No cut-offs and T-shirts for these folks.  Many, many men in full highland dress and their ladies in long tartan or tweed skirts and beautiful wool jackets and plaids with bold Celtic jewelry.  The crowds were large and appreciative, especially during Massed Bands, where even we were humbled at the sound of 660 pipers and drummers playing Amazing Grace.

The quality of play at these games was amazing.  Some of these drummers should have been in the Marine Band we saw at the Tattoo.  The rules were different and we had to cut Liberton Pipe Band in half but it was OK.  We weren’t first but we weren’t last either.

It was a learning experience and wetted our appetites for a return visit.  It was a thrill to play at one of the biggest games in the country and still be standing at the end.  I hope Georgia is ready for St. Andrew’s next year, ‘cause you can bet we’ll have Georgia on our minds this winter.

       
   
   
Site of the Games, Lookout Mt., Metropolis, IL, and Stone Mountain

First Pictures from Stone Mountain, GA trip.  We should have more shortly.  Click here for a short story about the trip by Andrea Parker.

St. Louis, MO Highland Games 2006 - Click on pictures to enlarge.

 
Society Bonfire, October 14, 2006