Band News

December 7, 2011

This year marked another successful contest season for our solo competitors. The performances of both John Daggett and Tom Ryan were both recognized by the EUSPBA by granting each piper an upgrade to grade one and grade two, respectively. Other Claddagh Mhor soloists included John Henkel, entering the contest circuit at Drum Major; his son, Cameron Henkel, entering this year as a Grade 4 Jr. Snare Drummer; and Sherm Perry competing in Grade 4 Sr. Snare Drumming.

• John Daggett, Grade II Piping -- 155 points in 22 competitions
  • EUSPBA - 9th Place Overall (119 competitors)
  • Northeast Branch - 7th Place Overall
  • Seven First Place Finishes
    • Rhode Island Scottish Games - 2/4 March
    • Rhode Island Scottish Games - 6/8 March
    • St. Andrews Society, Goshen - Strathspey / Reel
    • St. Andrews Society, Goshen - 6/8 March
    • Maine Highland Games - Piobaireachd
    • Maine Highland Games - Hornpipe / Jig
    • Maine Highland Games - 6/8 March
       
• Tom Ryan, Grade III Piping -- 160 points in 22 competitions
  • EUSPBA - 13th Place Overall (289 competitors)
  • Northeast Branch - 4th Place Overall
  • First Place at Maine Highland Games - Piobaireachd
  • First Place at Maine Highland Games - 2/4 March

• John Henkel, Amatuer Drum Major -- 1 point in 2 competitions
  • EUSPBA - 10th Place Overall (40 competitors)
  • Northeast Branch - 5th Place Overall
  • First Place at Colonial Highland Games
     
• Cameron Henkel Grade IV Jr. Snare -- 3 points in 2 competitions
  • EUSPBA - 24th Place Overall (76 competitors)
  • Northeast Branch - 10th Place Overall
  • First Place at Maine Highland Games - March
     
• Sherm Perry, Grade IV Sr. Snare -- 3 points in 2 competitions
  • EUSPBA - 12th Place Overall (72 competitors)
  • Northeast Branch - 3rd Place Overall
  • First Place at Maine Highland Games - QMM
  • First Place at Maine Highland Games - March

March 29, 2011

After a solid year in Grade IV Sr. piping, Pipe Major Tom Ryan entered his first contest of 2011 as a Grade III soloist at the Back Bay Solos on Saturday, March 26th. He didn't disappoint. Tom took 3rd in the 2/4 march with Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban, 3rd in the Strathspey/Reel with Maggie Cameron/Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree, and 4th in his Piobreachd, playing Lady Doyle's Salute. Congratulations Tom!

December 8, 2010

Congratulations to Tom Ryan on his upgrade from Grave IV Sr. bagpiping to Grade III Piping based on his solo performances from 2010! For information on all upgrades from the EUSPBA, please click here.

October 18, 2010
A very successful 2010 competition season has come to an end (for us at least). Here are the season standings for our individual competitors:

• Tom Ryan, Sr. Grade IV Piping -- 146 points in 22 competitions
  • EUSPBA - 5th Place Overall (707 competitors)
  • Northeast Branch - 2nd Place Overall
     
• Donald Oakes, Grade III Snare Drumming -- 4 points in 3 competitions
  • EUSPBA - 9th Place Overall (45 competitors)
  • Northeast Branch - 4th Place Overall
     
• Jodi Ryan, Tenor Amateur II -- 11 points in 5 competitions
  • EUSPBA - 4th Place Overall (42 competitors)
  • Northeast Branch - FIRST Place Overall

• Tom took home first place in seven competitions this year, and placed top three in 13.
• Donald competed in three contests this year, winning them all!
• Jodi placed first at the Oran Mor indoor games and finished in the top three 4 times.

Congratulations to all of our individual competitors! These are great results and will surely springboard us into a successful 2011 campaign as a full band!

May 7. 2010
Thank you to Jenny Pray at Southpaw Sign Studio. Southpaw made a great banner for the band which will be in front of the band at parades and hang from our home base at each contest! Jenny’s courtesy and professionalism is what doing business should be all about. Visit her at www.southpawsignstudio.com.

April 8, 2010
Beginning on April 19th, practice will be held on Monday's at the Irish Heritage Center. Click here for directions and more information.

March 8, 2010
The band played its inaugural event on Sunday, March 7 before the Portland Red Claws Developmental League basketball game in front of a packed Portland Expo. The Red Claws hosted a Celtic night and the band played the Portland Firefighters color guard onto the floor prior to the National Anthem. After the anthem, the county flags of Ireland and the firefighters paraded off to the sounds of the band. Great job to everyone!

February 22, 2010
Bagpiper Paul Halvorson and drum student John Hardy participated in the American Lung Association’s annual Fight For Air fundraising campaign in Boston. The two Portland Firefighters were part of the team that raised more than $10,000 this year. They climbed 82 flights of stairs – 41 floors – in their full, 50+ pounds of firefighting gear. Congratulations to Paul and John who climbed the 789 stairs in 9:59 and 8:38, respectively. Great job, guys! Congratulations!

January 13, 2010
The kilts have arrived and the County Cavan tartan looks great!

January 10, 2010
Grade IV bagpiper Tom Ryan earned 2nd place in his first competition of the season hosted by Oran Mor Pipe band in Albany, NY. Tenor Drummer, Jodi Ryan is off to another great start this competition season. She earned first place since being upgraded in the contest hosted by Oran Mor;

December 13, 2009
After a summer of hard work in 2009, tenor drummer, Jodi Ryan was upgraded from Novice to Amateur II for the 2010 solo competition season. Congratulations, Jodi!