4 members of the Northeast Arkansas Caledonian Pipes and Drums gathered together in Walnut Ridge at the home of our ever humble Pipe Sgt Danny Vaughn early on the morning of March 27.  From there it was an 8 hour, mostly Yoda & Wookie free drive to Oklahoma City for the annual 'Oklahoma Piping Debate"

Once safely at the Best Western, we braved the 37 degree wind and rain on a cross parking lot trek to the Applebees for dinner.  I'm glad to say, no members of the party were lost in the attempt or return trip.  Following the meal, and some email checking back in the room, it was conversation and sleep, ready for an early morning of.. well, honestly.. waiting around til time to play.

This competition marked several "firsts".  Derek's first sanctioned competition, Danny's first competition in Grade III, the band's first competition other than solo's, having the 4 of us play the competition set as a quartet, and the results added to that:

• The first time our members took Piper of the Day in 2 Categories (Derek - Gr 4 Jr, David - Gr 4 Sr)
• Robert's best finish's ever, (4th in the slow air, 5th in the 2/4 march)

In the end, out of 17 tunes played in solo competition, we brought back 14 medals, and not a single placing lower than 5th (and yes there were more than 5 competitors in some of the events). 

Below is a bit of the bling & swag we merry 4 brought back.  Lets see if we can increase the haul at the Arkansas Scottish Festival on the 18th!