Kern County Scottish Games
Feb. 6th, 2005 02:44 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cormacI get an email from Herald Yule, one of the bigwigs of the Kern County Scottish Society (and my ex-girlfriend's father). He informs me that last week the entertainment committee for the Scottish Games in April was approached by the drum major of the Tehachapi Pipe Band to be the Games Drum Major. They agreed.
And now, the back-story. A few Games ago, I was appointed Games Drum Major. For the past two Aprils, I served in that capacity, and I feel I did a pretty decent job. Shortly after the last Games, I was asked if I would continue to do the Games. I expressed my sincere interest in continuing, and thought that would be the end of it. Indeed, it seemed like a done deal as late as this December, when members of the committee were talking to me as if I were going to be front and center, leading the pipe bands in April. This January, I went to a Wintermist (Bakersfield-area local SCA group) council meeting and told them that I was going to be Games Drum Major, and the complaints about last year's parade of bands, clans, etc. that they had would be fixed in time for the next Games.
Then I get this email, which was the first news I had received of any contrary information. Not only that, but it's also second-hand information, as Herald is not on the entertainment committee, but felt that I needed to be told. Hal, if you're reading this, I appreciate it.
But from the entertainment committee, not a word. No phone call, no letter, no email. Nothing.
So, without any warning, I'm made a fool in front of the Scottish Society and a liar to the people in Wintermist. What's more, I have to be the better man and accept this without incident.
***UPDATE***
Apparently Hal has been turning people against each other, and manipulating various members of the Games committees to do his bidding. It was his insistance to get someone else that caused me to not be the drum major. He had "worries" that I would be too overweight to fit into my uniform, and that I would not cut my hair. So I take back my original statement of appreciation. FUCK YOU, HAL!
And now, the back-story. A few Games ago, I was appointed Games Drum Major. For the past two Aprils, I served in that capacity, and I feel I did a pretty decent job. Shortly after the last Games, I was asked if I would continue to do the Games. I expressed my sincere interest in continuing, and thought that would be the end of it. Indeed, it seemed like a done deal as late as this December, when members of the committee were talking to me as if I were going to be front and center, leading the pipe bands in April. This January, I went to a Wintermist (Bakersfield-area local SCA group) council meeting and told them that I was going to be Games Drum Major, and the complaints about last year's parade of bands, clans, etc. that they had would be fixed in time for the next Games.
Then I get this email, which was the first news I had received of any contrary information. Not only that, but it's also second-hand information, as Herald is not on the entertainment committee, but felt that I needed to be told. Hal, if you're reading this, I appreciate it.
But from the entertainment committee, not a word. No phone call, no letter, no email. Nothing.
So, without any warning, I'm made a fool in front of the Scottish Society and a liar to the people in Wintermist. What's more, I have to be the better man and accept this without incident.
***UPDATE***
Apparently Hal has been turning people against each other, and manipulating various members of the Games committees to do his bidding. It was his insistance to get someone else that caused me to not be the drum major. He had "worries" that I would be too overweight to fit into my uniform, and that I would not cut my hair. So I take back my original statement of appreciation. FUCK YOU, HAL!
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no subject
Date: 2005-02-07 02:43 pm (UTC)You are no liar. You were merely operating on information that could be changed out of your control. All you can do is tell your SCA compadres that the committee had other ideas. Go to the games or don't, as your desire takes you, but if you go you must be gracious as can be and don't gloat too much while anybody's looking about how you did it so much better. [grin]
no subject
Date: 2005-02-07 02:55 pm (UTC)Yes, there's even more back-story: Before I was made Games Drum Major, another man had had the position since the first Games (about 5 years on the job). After a while, politics got in the way, and he was asked to step down. He didn't give a response either way, so they assumed he was going to step down graciously and had me come in. During the opening ceremonies, however, as I was setting up, he showed up in full uniform and proceeded to lead the bands. I was pulled aside and asked (read begged) not to raise a fuss, and that all would be sorted by closing ceremonies. After the opening ceremonies were finished, he was pulled aside and talked to.
Come closing ceremony time, I figure all had been cleared up, and started massing the bands. He shows up again, mace in hand, glengarry cocked jauntily to one side, and stands in front of the bands, making ready to lead closing ceremonies. I have a wee talk with him, and we came to the mutual agreement that we would both lead the bands. It finally took outcry from a strong majority of pipers and drummers for him to leave after closing ceremonies, never to lead another band.
I DON'T want to be that guy.
more fun for you
Date: 2005-02-07 04:01 pm (UTC)Re: more fun for you
Date: 2005-02-07 07:24 pm (UTC)I'm not entirely sure I want to go now. Sleep is much better than having to deal with the Scottish Society and their bullshit. Though hanging out with the local SCA folk might be nice.
Re: more fun for you
Date: 2005-02-10 12:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-02-07 08:33 pm (UTC)-Daniel
Well, with all respects
Date: 2005-02-08 09:29 am (UTC)