| aughintober, northern ireland

First thing's first - the first ever European Tenor drumming solo's was held on Friday, and with both Vikki and Rachael competing in grade two, they didn't compete, Rachael taking second, and Vikki third! We're happy to say a large contingent from the band was out to support this event, and our girls and we're all looking forward to it next year!

SO Lisburn, the smell of popcorn in the air and another Ulster Championships for the boys and girls of Team APB. With Rob out, having to fix his van after Murdock dropping an Air-Con unit on it with a Chopper the pipe corps was shuffled accordingly, and we started. As tune up's go, nothing exciting happened....we tuned a few drones, fixed a few 'E's' and off we went to play...exciting stuff.

No the Ulster's is always fun because, the week before the worlds Grade 1 is out in force, including two international bands from the States, so i'm sure there was more than the usual suspects listened to!

NOW, it is in my experience that winning is good...GREAT even. When we got together at the start of last winter to discuss our impending promotion to Grade 2, it was decided to set some goals for the band over the coming year. It was at this point that the Drum Sergeant stood up and set his goal for the year - win a drumming prize...ANY drumming prize. And it was this goal which they achieved this weekend. 

With myself, Gail and Gary all standing, chatting about something else, as if out of the blue we heard AUGHINTOBER! for best drums, and closely followed by Best Bass! This brings up the total for best bass up to three for the season, and our first ever drumming prize in grade 2, a significant achievement, and one we're all VERY proud of! (go on the drummers!).

In other news, Willy won again with Uppercrossgar, who also secured the G4B NI. Champion of Champions title, with Clifford coming second with Ballybriest in the same grade. Ryan was also second in the Senior Drum Majors, a brilliant achievement!