How to build a pipe band

I feel pretty passionate about this topic.  I've been involved in a number of pipe bands and I've guided a few out of troubled waters.  Without question the most successful organization I had a hand in was Braemar Pipe Band out of St. Catharines.

At the height of its success, Braemar boasted about 100 members, three competing bands, and won two North American Championships.  And this was all accomplished in about four years!

What made Braemar special?  The short answer is that "the people" made Braemar special.  The long answer is...much longer. The Vision Braemar's mission was threefold.... 1)  Locally based - The base of pipers and drummers within the Niagara Region had diminished over the years.  Our top competing bands (Clan MacFarlane and later Niagara Regional Police) had both become dependent on talented individuals driving hours to attend practices and events.  We felt that in order to become sustainable, we needed to tap into the local market and grow our own talent. 2)  Multi-dimensional - We wanted to create a place for everyone.  We did not want to exclude those who were either below or above a particular level.  The organization would embrace beginners and accomplished players alike.  It would also embrace those of varying levels of proficiency.  We hoped to retain the talent

that we developed and ultimately have bands in every grade.

3)  Fully integrated - Although we had bands competing in different grades, there were tunes that were common throughout the organization and we played as a "big band" as often as possible.  This help to create an atmosphere that allowed everyone to focus on "the greater good".

I think the bottom line on "vision" is that it has to be realistic.  If you're building a band in Montana and your goal is to challenge FMM for the World Title in three years, well you might have to rethink the vision.  On the other hand, if your goal is to create a sustainable organization that is happy and healthy you probably have a better chance of attaining that goal.   After the vision is was a matter of execution which was done pretty well for a considerable period of time.  Yes, we had differences of opinion from time-to-time and we had egos that needed massaging occasionally however throughout it all the band grew in size and proficiency.

The Constitution... The majority rarely gets it right!  This is fact!  One of the factors that helped Braemar grow quickly was that decisions were made by an appointed Board of Directors.  The Board was comprised of people who were experienced in pipe band matters and who understood and embraced the vision.  Ultimately I think a constitution is good however it can be a rocky road.  The bottom line is that people always vote with their feet.  If they like what they see, they come in droves.  If they don't like what they see, they leave without hesitation, with or without a constitution.

Execution... Say what you mean and mean what you say!  It's really that simple.  We had a vision.  We watched the steps we were taking.  If we thought that weren't taking us toward our vision, we got back on track!  The acid test?  The "greater good" of the band!  If the answer was "no" we simply didn't do it!

Communication... In any organization good communication is critical.  It's pretty hard to misconstrue something if it's put in writing and if EVERYBODY gets the same message.

Nay-Sayers... There will be those who are critical and will say that it can't be done.  There will be those who stand on the sidelines and lob bricks at every opportunity.  Distance yourself from these people and their poison.

Ego... No one is above the greater good of the band.  Not the PM.  Not the President.  Not the most talented player.  No one.  Do not tolerate those with inflated egos.  Release them to infect some other organization.

The overall environment... should be one where people feel welcome and appreciated regardless of their ability or circumstances.  Also, the environment should be one of continuous improvement.

Be resolute... Whatever you do, don't waver from the vision.  If your vision and plans are well-thought-out then only the most dramatic of circumstances should cause you to revisit them.  Remember, it's easy to criticize something and easy to break something.  It's a whole lot harder to build something or to improve something.  Don't tolerate back-biting.  Trust your judgement and accept the counsel of those closest to you.  If they're true friends and backers, they'll let you know when you screw up.   If there are desenters in the group, hear them out.  Then either get them onside or get rid of them.  They are malignant.

Have fun and celebrate... This is supposed to be fun, isn't it?  Sure, it's a lot of work however when things come together don't forget to take time to celebrate and to congratulate your band mates.  This is hard work.  In many instances it's the toughest thing you'll do in this lifetime.

The fragility of bands... Pipe bands are fragile at the best of times.  As I said earlier people vote with their feet.  Players move when they aren't happy.  This is a hobby, but it's a very serious hobby where we all dedicate a lot of time and money.  It's much easier to keep a band healthy than to have to rebuild a band.  It's also much easier to walk away rather than to fix something that's not right.  Look to those leaders with the greatest amount of experience and the best minds.  Look for the qualities that you admire most and then support that person. Thank you and good luck with your organization.  Remember, people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Ringo

Notes on Leaders 1)  They realize that it's not about them!  They leave their ego's home. 2)  They don't need to take credit.  They praise others! 3)  They develop people at all levels, always. 4)  They listen to others and treat them with respect. 5)  They don't argue...they reason. 6)   They seek opportunities to congratulate rather than to criticize. 7)  They hold true to their word. 8)  They build at every opportunity. 9)  They see the big picture. 10)  They are fair to everyone. I'm sure that we could expand and embellish this list without much effort.  Suffice to say that many Pipe Majors lead on the real or percieved merits of their piping abilities alone.  Sadly, this is not a complete package.