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History

Competition

After the band moved from its "Colonial Experiment", it moved into the competition arena.The band hired piper Marty Ferrick to teach the piping corps and help lead it into unchartered territory.

Under Marty's instruction the Watch entered band competition for the first time in 1994. The band enjoyed a successful first year in the EUSPBA's Grade 5, winning 4 out of the six contests it entered.. Because of this success the band was moved up to Grade 4.

In 1996, the band took 3rd place overall in the EUSPBA in Grade 4. Also Marty became more than the band's instructor, Pipe Major Jeff Clarke stepped aside to let Marty assume the Pipe Major's position.

Marty's tenure with the band lasted until just before the 2000 season when his son Ian Ferrick assumed the PM position. Between the two instructor/PMs the band developed a strong pipe corps and a solid sounding band overall.

In March 2001 Ian Ferrick unfortunately left the band to persue a career in Massachussetts leaving the band without a Pipe Major or instructor. At that time Rich Hall of Delmar and District assumed the instructor position with the band. 2001 was a lean year for the band with only 6 pipers and 2 snares. Musically however, the band was being turned in the right direction.

At the start of the 2002 season Rich Hall formerly took over the Pipe Major position with the band. With him new members came aboard and the band grew to 10 pipers and 4 snares. With Rich at the helm the band finished 7th out 56 bands showing steady improvement as the season progressed.

The band's growth continued in 2003 as the band added Eric Knudsen to its roster who assumed the lead tip duties from Michael Price. Eric, a Grade 1 drummer, was formerly the lead tip of Ulster Scottish. The band had its most successful season in Grade 4 finishing 2nd overall (out of 52 bands) and winning 3 out of 7 contests. The band finished its 2003 season with a 2nd place finish at the Northeastern United States Championships at the Capitol District Games near Albany, NY.

Presently, the band is busily preparing for the 2005 competition season with Jeff Clarke back as Pipe Major (Rich Hall still instructing) and his son Shaun Clarke taking over the Drum Sergeant spot as Eric Knudsen has returned to Ulster Scottish to lead their drum corps. In 2004 the band welcomed new pipers Patty Downey, Steve Linsky and Mike McGarrity and a new drummer, Jesse Mell.

Presently the band is a regular competitor in Grade 4 and is looking forward to its next season.

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Success in 2004

The Watch continued to build on its string of successful seasons finishing again within the top 5 of the EUSPBA's Grade 4. The band's overall success can be attributed to its hardwork and preparation week in and week out. Look for the band once again out in the field in 2005.

Lessons

If you are interested in learning the pipes or drums. Please click here.

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