Somers and Shaw take on P-S duties at Al-Cal

At the band’s annual general meeting on October 14, the Grade 1 Alberta Caledonia Pipe Band of Calgary formalized the appointment of Sean Somers and Own Shaw as Pipe-Sergeants of the band, a position that they will share. Somers and Shaw replace long-time member Patrick Napper, who has retired from the band.

The band, with members spread throughout Alberta and other Canadian Prairie provinces, will have Somers work primarily with players based in the Calgary area, while Shaw will handle Edmonton. The cities are about 300 miles apart.

The band will still be based in Edmonton, Pipe-Major Jamie Gattinger continuing to lead the group.

“Pat has made a tremendous contribution to the band over the last five years” said Sean
Somers. “His dedication and keen musical mind have undoubtedly improved the band during his time with Al Cal. While we’ll miss Pat in the band, we wish him the very best in his retirement from the competitive band scene.”

Somers added that the band has plans for a concert and, possibly, a recording, as well as “new” travel plans for the upcoming season.

After getting through the Qualifier round at the 2007 World Pipe Band Championships, Alberta Caledonia finished fourteenth out of 14 bands in both the MSR and Medley events of the Final competition.

The band hinted that additional personnel changes may be made soon.

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