Well, we gave it our best shot but came up a little short of our objective! A large field of nine Gr. 5 bands competed the weekend of April 16-17 at Loch Norman Highland Games in Huntersville, NC & the competition was tough; some excellent bands competed. Bands competed from as far away as Texas. Though our band was the smallest we believed that we had a great performance and though we didn’t think we won we thought at least we placed. The panel of four judges thought otherwise. Though we don’t have the final placing we think we came in 8^th. Congratulations to our good friends Wake & District Public Safety Pipes & Drums for another 1^st place finish.

On the solo competition front we fared better. Piper Robbie Rogers finished 3^rd and 4^th in Gr. 4 piping out of a large number of pipers (more than 15) so congratulations Robbie. Robbie also got some very good feedback from the judge. Our bass drummer, Gary Derbridge, placed 2^nd in a field of six bass drummers so congratulations to him as well! This is his 2^nd year competing & we know he is looking forward to one day bringing home the gold.

The weather at Loch Norman was excellent. At times very sunny, sometimes cloudy, with a great breeze that was very nice, and a temperature of about 75. Can’t really complain except for the long walk to the band parking area.