At Costa Mesa, in May, we faced off against the newly reformed Prince Charles Pipe Band, from San Francisco. They were ready for competition and on the first day edged us out in the MSR event. The next day we came back strong and took 1st Place in the Medley event. Outside of the placements, both bands were ecstatic to have had the opportunity to actually compete together and enjoy each other's company over the weekend.

The Band had a busy June serving as guest band for both the Utah Scottish Games and the San Diego Highland Games. For the Utah games, the band traveled to Lehi, UT, and performed in the evening tattoo, performed in opening ceremonies, drum major duties, and closing ceremonies. It was a great chance to take the band on the road and we were as appreciative of the hospitality and opportunity as the games and spectators were of our performances. For the San Diego Games, the band performed in opening and closing ceremonies each day, provided duty service for drum major competition, and performed an exhibition medley on Sunday afternoon. It was a fantastic opportunity to take the band out in SoCal for a few performances and we enjoyed it very much.

The season closed as it has the past few years with competition at the Caledonian Club of San Francisco Highland Games in Pleasanton. Another landmark for the games, for WUSPBA and for our band - we competed in a 5 band field in Grade 2!! On Saturday the medley event prize went to City of Chicago Pipe Band, with Prince Charles second, JJCMPB in third, Chilliwack & District fourth and the 1st Btn Scots Guards in fifth. JJCMPB's Drum Corps took 1st Place in the medley!! On Sunday the MSR event prize went to Prince Charles, with City of Chicago second, JJCMPB third, Chilliwack & District fourth and 1st Btn Scots Guards fifth. Much to our joy JJCMPB received a 1st Place in Ensemble, which is the true mark of a quality band to receive in an MSR competition.

Sadly the Pleasanton Games was the final event for Drum Sergeant Andrew Hoinacki. He has been with the Band since late 2005, however following some changes in his personal and work life Andrew will be returning to his native Chicago in October. Andrew has brought a new bold style to the Band both musically and within the uniform, and has lead the drum corps to recognition as one of the strongest corps in the Association.

Taking Andrew's place as Drum Sergeant will be Aaron Stewart. Aaron has been an integral member of the Band from the very early years and has been a key member of the snare line under both Dave Boyd initially and more recently Andrew Hoinacki. Aaron is an accomplished drummer and the Band looks forward to opening this new chapter in the drum corps tradition of excellence.