
The Concept
PROJECT RATIONALE - TASSIE SPIRIT PIPE BAND
When this new project was being established and discussed, one of the areas noted was that Tasmania needed to improve within the pipe band scene was competition. It was agreed that this would be a keen goal to work towards, it has many benefits that spread internally and externally for a band and its players.
The hope is that this band would create a higher offering than what is currently
available to allow players to explore areas of playing that might not be available naturally in Tasmania for some years to come. If a Grade 3 band is successful, this offers competitive players in Tasmania the chance to play in both Grade 4 and Grade 3.
Challenging as it may be, competitions over the years have proven that pipers and drummers get better with specific goals identified and working with a purpose for development.
Competitions, especially pipe band competitions, also provide a shared
goal and individual accountability to standards and excellence that can often be
challenging in a social band environment.
The idea is that this newly formed competition band will help to challenge and nurture the devoted players and they can bring new experiences and skills back to their home
bands to further nurture and help them develop their home bands.
PROPOSED SOLUTION – THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A ‘COMBINED’
COMPETITION PIPE BAND
The establishment of a new competition band for the state of Tasmania would give a
pathway to all players in the state, an opportunity to compete in a new way. It will allow players to play in a higher-grade band for competitions on the mainland
while supporting their individual band programmes in grade 4B and at the community
events.