SPBA achieves rare 100% AGM attendance

April 18th was the annual general meeting of the Saskatchewan Pipe Band Association, and 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of a pipe band association in Saskatchewan. The “Prairie Pipe Band Association” was formed in Moose Jaw in 1969, and this year bands celebrated with full attendance by Saskatchewan bands at the meeting.

 

The original bylaws of the PPBA and the notice can be seen at the SPBA archives page.

 

All Saskatchewan member pipe bands were represented at the meeting either in person, or via teleconference. This marked the first time in many years that the SPBA achieved 100 per cent participation, and it was one of the goals of the current executive. As well as the delegates at the meeting in Regina, we had participation from sites in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Estevan and Yorkton. The SPBA’s three Montana members bands did not participate.

 

Apart from the usual business of an AGM, delegates reported on activities in their bands and communities, and also discussed ways to develop new players, and events for them to play at. One of the challenges of the association is that few of the 15 member-bands are regular competing bands, and it can be difficult to find common ground.

 

The SPBA supports its Saskatchewan member bands with small grants. It also supports the two Highland games events with grants, and it organizes the Sound Advice summer school that takes place July 12-17 this year.

 

The SPBA plans to recognize 40 people this year for their efforts over the 40 years of the association, and members bands will be organizing events in their own communities to celebrate the anniversary.