FSSAPB “PERCEPTION” CONCERT REVIEW Saturday, June 24, 2006
by Katie M. Buckland

The Fredericton Society of St. Andrews Grade Two Pipe Band recently performed their “Perception” concert at the Fredericton Playhouse. Under the direction of Pipe Major Derick Wilson and Lead Tip Matt Carter, they provided an evening of great music, dance and song. Other performers in the concert were John Ferguson, Fredericton Junior band, The Lintuthine Choir, Stanford School of Irish Dance and the Barb MacLeod School of Highland Dance. John Ferguson was emcee and shared lots of entertaining stories.

The concert opened with Gord Perry’s playing of “Hector the Hero” setting the tone for a good evening of piping. The band played a wide variety of music, ranging from traditional to modern style tunes, including their new medley beginning with Winnipeg Forger with some clever harmonies in the 4th part. They also played their MSR set Links of Fourth, Susan MacLeod, and Brown Haired Maid. The relaxed tempos throughout complimented the set. A highlight for many was the Jr Band playing their March Medley ending in Mairi’s Wedding and the curtain falling at the end only to open quickly with the Senior Band playing Mairi’s Wedding.

The second half started out with another strong performance from the Fredericton Society Drum Corps in one of their dynamic drum salutes. The pipes corps then joined in with a selection of jigs to get everyone's foot tapping. The Highland and Irish dancers and the Lintuhtine Choir were presented throughout the evening and certainly added to the entertainment. The whole idea of the concert was to change people’s perception of Pipe Bands as being only Marching bands with only a small repertoire of old favorites. This concert catered to the audience involving them in some singing and John Ferguson gave a brief history about pipe band competition and what categories bands are judged on. This was helpful for some of the audience as I am sure not everyone has been to a pipe band competition.

The concert ended with a set of 6/8 marches, Ben Gullian and Jimmy Anderson and a well played version of Steam Train.

Having heard the Fredericton Society of St Andrew Pipe Band for a number of years, in my opinion, the sound they delivered at the concert was one of the best I have heard. From beginning until end, their sound was strong and robust with well tuned pipes, balanced chanters and as usual a strong snare and mid section.

If “Perception” was a sneak preview of the bands performances to come, this should be another great year for the Fredericton Society of St Andrew Pipe Band.