All, With competition season successfully begun at the Queen Mary games in Long Beach, and performances such as with the Piano Guys (Jan.) and the Chieftains (Feb.) the year is fully underway (where did Jan. and Feb. go?). We have upcoming parades (think St Patrick’s Day, Half Moon Bay and 4th of July), highland games to look forward to (think Woodland and Costa Mesa in the 1st six months) and events (Sky Lawn on Memorial Day). Each represents a performance, and each receives a fee, travel and/or award money. What did we raise and how do we spend the money raised last year? In 2019 we received $42,050 in revenues from competitions, performances, parades and donations: Competitions: $ 11,500 (27.3%) Parades & Performances: $23,500 (55.9%) Donations: $7,050 (16.8%) Last year we spent close to $30,000 on: Uniforms (kilts, vest, ties, sporrans, etc.) – the uniform deposit only covers part Instruction Workshops Drum score compositions Chanters – B-flat Reeds (chanter and drone) Drumming and piping supplies Pipe bag covers and drone cords Dinners at Games Competition entrance fees Travel reimbursement Storage lockers Tents Insurance Misc. So you ask: “What does all that have to do with me?” I’m in the band just to perform at competitions “or” I love performing with a pipe band at events and parades. Or maybe you like doing both. The point is: * We all enjoy performing as an ensemble in competitions, or performances or parades. * Parades and Performances raise twice the money that competitions do. * If we only did competitions, we could not meet our financial goals. * If we only did parades and events, we could not meet our financial goals either. * SVPB does not charge dues as do most bands. * We like the size of the organization and SVPB’s ability to invest in members’ musicianship, either pipes or drums, effectively raising the bar of all our music. * Most competitors want to go to the Worlds in 2021 or ’22. We need to be raising funds, and the more $$ raised, the less individual contributions will most likely be toward the trip. This means supporting competitions, but also event performances and parades. Gang - The idea is simple: everyone should contribute time performing at non-competition events, parades, golf tourneys, Christmas concert, etc. We easily get near 100% attendance at competitions, but not so much at performances. Please review and update your participation level for upcoming events on Teamsnap.com. Planning ahead helps everyone. This is your band. Its success is in your, my and our hands. Everyone contributing; everyone enjoying the many facets of being part of a successful pipe band. Regards, John John Boyden m:1-408-839-5025