Band Rosters, RI Identification, and Regrade Petitions due March 31

The Band Roster form is now available, under the "BANDS" menu.

As in previous seasons, band managers may access the roster management by logging in with the provided userid for their band. Those needing logging assistance should contact the web master. The roster is pre-populated with the most recent submission from 2019, with the exception of drumming RIs. All band managers are required to log in to verify accuracy, and submit the latest updates.

You'll recall that there were some Rules changes made at the 2019 AGM regarding differentiating Registered Instructors (RI) for Snare and Tenor, rather than just "Drumming RI", and also catering for a distinction of drumming disciplines for Dual Musicians.

The separate Registered Instructor form has now been deprecated, and is now incorporated directly into the Band Roster form.

There is also an update to the View Band Rosters form showing the instruments and date of changes to the roster.

Note that ALL band rosters and RI designations are due March 31. Band that do not provide an initial roster by that date (newly registering bands excepted) may be subject to a $100 late fee.

Note that March 31 is also the deadline for previously registered Bands and Soloists to request a regrade.

Roster forms for 2020 coming soon

Yes indeed, a few of you are chomping at the bit, waiting to submit your 2020 band rosters, and we admire your enthusiasm!!

You'll recall that there were some Rules changes made at the last AGM regarding differentiating Registered Instructors for Snare and Tenor, rather than just "Drumming RI", and also catering for a distinction of drumming disciplines for Dual Musicians.

It will take the Volunteer Code Monkeys at the MWPBA (Steve and Stuart) a wee while longer to implement those changes, so we beg your indulgence until the updated forms are posted. Should be by mid-February.

Bear in mind that ALL initial rosters and RI registrations must be submitted by March 31.

2020 Chicago Scots Scottish Festival and Highland Games

The entry for the 2020 Chicago Scots Scottish Festival and Highland Games is open at:

http://mwpba.org/index.php/contests-sp-1556838821/regular-season-contests/master-band-contest-entry-form-2020

and lodging has been negotiated with the Westin Hotel & Resorts for the event. Reservations can be made here. Room rates are from $89.00 USD to $118 USD plus the extra charges. The Chicago Highland Games are June 19-20; all of the soloists (except Group Tenor & Drum Major) compete on Friday the 19th. Band competitions are on Saturday, June 20th. Grade 2 and Grade 3 bands will play their March/Strathspey/Reel in a circle formation, and then play their Medley in a concert formation later in the day. Grade 4 bands will also play their Medley selection. Grade 5 bands play their Quick March Medley. Group Tenor & Drum Major solos take place after the band competitions with the duty band.

2020 Kansas City Terry McHugh Piping Solos Results

The 2020 Kansas City Regional Piping Solos have been completed, and the results Grade 4 and Novice are posted. Higher piping grades and all drumming results are available at the Winter Storm website.

Individuals that are eligible to play in the Terry McHugh Memorial Solo Piping Contest, taking place on May 2, 2020 in Park Ridge, IL, will be contacted by our president, Jim Sim in the coming weeks.

Terry McHugh Memorial Regional Solos Update (2020)

In conjunction with the Terry McHugh Memorial Solo Piping Contest, the MWPBA is pleased to announce the creation of the Robert Irvine Piping Scholarship. The top three finishers at the May 2, 2020 Chicago Finals in Grade 4 Jr. and Grade 3 events will receive online instruction from some of the top pipers in the world.

Pipers must be an MWPBA registered soloist and under the age of 18 as of January 1, 2020 to be eligible for the scholarship.

First place will receive 4 lessons, Second place will receive 3 lessons and Third place will receive 2 lessons. Among the instructors agreeing to participate in this program are Callum Beaumont, Bruce Gandy, Jack Lee, Ken Eller, Willie McCallum and Bob Worrall.

Registration is now open for the Kansas City (January 16), Alma (March 28), St. Paul (March 28) and Milwaukee (April 4) Regional Qualifying events.

We hope to see a large entry for the Regionals and are looking forward to presenting the Scholarships on May 2^nd.

Band & Solo Registration & Regional Solo Entry Forms Available

The MWPBA 2020 Band & Solo Registration, as well as the Regional Solo Entry forms are now available. Please follow the links on the side or top of the screen.

Band Registration is Under "Bands"; Individual Registration is under "Soloists", and the Regionals are under "Contests" on the top menu.

The deadline for the Kansas City Regional contest isn't until January 9.

Update:

Terry McHugh Regional Solo queries are available now, as well as the 2019 MWPBA Champions Supreme lists are updated. Congratulations again to all of the Champions!

MWPBA AGM 2019, Minutes now available

Thank you to all who attended the MWPBA AGM 2019 on November 2, 2019. This was certainly the best attended AGM for many years, with upwards of 60 people in attendance (about 25 online via our FaceBook live video), representing at least 20 member bands. There was spirited and lively discussion on many topics.

There were some rule change proposals, election of officers, a review of 2019, contest dates for 2020, the awarding of the 2019 Champion Supreme awards, and a couple of big announcements.

The 2019 AGM Minutes are now available.

For full details, please read the Minutes, but some highlights include:

rule change: distinction now for categories of drummers, such that a player may be a snare, tenor, or bass in distinct bands (in different grades)
rule change: allowance for a Tenor RI (as long as at least one additional tenor is also playing)
change of Secretary-Treasurer. Stuart Barr resigned, and Steve Stuart was elected as Secretary-Treasurer
change of Registrar-Solos: Tom Jewell resigned, and Dan Tesch was elected as Registrar-Solos
Keith MacDonald was elected to the Advisory Committee
Tulsa contest will now be the Grade 5 American Championships, a Champion Supreme Games, with substantial prize money
Announcement of the rest of the MWPBA Games calendar

Meeting material: Agenda, 2018 AGM Minutes, Band Registrar's Report, Solo Registrar's Report, Chief Steward's Report, Music Board Report.

MWPBA members wishing to see a copy of the Financial Report should email the Secretary-Treasurer.