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Exploring and highlighting the positives is what the Made to Parade podcast is all about, while our primary focus has been marching bands, we have at times ventured of into other territory, and this week we are exploring the world of Highland Dancing here in Northern Ireland. It's fair to say that my knowledge in this area is very limited, so I am am absolutely delighted to have been able to connect with Georgina Kee from Sollus Highland Dancers. Georgina is a leading figure in Highland dancing here, having started at the age of 12, she had been instrumental in the growth of young people taking part and also has went on to perform at the highest levels, with a 5 year stint as part of the Highland Dancing team at the Edinburgh Tattoo! Georgina shares her story about how she got involved with dancing and surprising it starts with being a member of a pipe band! She explains how key relationships played a part in her development and the impact that continues to have today. I hope, like me, you will find this a fascinating conversation and a nice wee break from 'the bawns' We are getting close to the end of the season now with just a few episodes left to go. Remember this is the last season of the podcast, but its not the end of Made to Parade we have some big plans ahead of us. So for now, sit back, relax and enjoy the episode with Georgina. Keep Marching On!

This week's episode finds us in conversation with Pat Logan from the very well respected Saracen Flute Band. Scotland has a number of quality flute bands and the Sarry are definitely one of the stand outs in the Melody scene, another band that are as comfortable with the jigs as they are with the marches. The band are frequent visitors to Northern Ireland and have released a number of well received CD's over the years that are well worth checking out. i spoke with Pat about his own band journey as well as looking a little into the history of the Saracen, we ended up talking about a lot of other things as well, an absolute pleasure and a privilege to chat with him. Big thank you again to Stephen MacPherson from Drumchapel Protestant Boys for putting me in touch with Pat and also for the sponsorship of the remaining episodes of this our final season. A big thank you also goes to Patreon Patrons, who month after month have supported the work of the podcast, your contributions have been invaluable to the success of the podcast. Next episode we will have something a little different for you all to listen to, and then we will finish off with some great conversations with 2 more scottish bands and a local band as well. All in all, season 6 has been great so far, thank you to everyone who listens in faithfully every week, I really do appreciate all your support, and I can't wait to share with you the new set up from September. Until the next episode, look after yourselves and take it easy. Keep Marching On

Netherton Road FB are a band that I first came across when I went to Scotland for the first time with Pride of the Raven and I also bought the original tape that they released way back in the mid 80's. They are one of a quartet of bands that sport a very traditional style in regard to playing and also their style and appearance - they are no strangers to Belfast and walk here most 12th's with an East Belfast lodge. I had been trying to arrange a conversation with Phil for the podcast for quite some time, and things just got in the way, so I didn't want to miss the opportunity again, my only regret is that the laptop power drained quite quickly while we were recording so the episode is probably not as long as I would have expected it. We are going to try and organise a follow up conversation for this season as there is a lot more to talk about with Phil. Thanks to our new sponsors on the remaining episodes of the podcast, Drumchapel Red Hand Comrades Association, this sponsorship was organised by Stephen Macpherson, friend of the podcast and member of Drumchapel Protestant Boys. The next episode will feature Saracen Flute Band, so make sure you check that out when its released. Thank you to everyone who listens in week after week, I really appreciate your support. Til next time, look after yourselves and take it easy.

Thank you for joining us on another episode of the Made to Parade podcast, this week we talk to a Father and son duo from Hillhaven Flute Band, Davy and David Uprichard. One of the common themes that band members share about their band story is that the band is like a big family and another aspect is how many family members get involved with bands and keep the tradition alive. I had a great conversation with Davy and David, its amazing how quickly you can connect with people from the band scene even if you are meeting them for the first time. This really highlights the friendly community based nature of the scene in general. Please join us again on the next episode. You can check us out on our YouTube channel and get the podcast on all audio only platforms as well. Thanks to our Sponsors and Patrons, your support is greatly appreciated. www.madetoparade.com  

The latest episode of the Made to Parade podcast features flute and instrument maker extraordinaire, Peter Worrell.  Known to most in Northern Ireland for his range of Bb Marching Flutes, however has a very extensive music and instrument making history. Peter shares how he ended up getting involved with the marching band scene here and how that evolved into making flutes.  He talks about the process that goes into making a Bb flute and also about instrument care as well as some exciting developments coming in the future.  This is a must watch for anyone with a passing interest in flute making and wanting to know more about the instrument they play.  An absolutely fascinating conversation for me and thanks to Peter for taking the time out to speak with Made to Parade.  Next week see's us speaking with Davy Uprichard from Hillhaven FB.  Thanks as always to our Patreon patrons and our sponsors British Drum Co. Until the next episode, look after yourselves, take it easy and keep marching on.  www.madetoparade.com

Ian McAllister has a long history of involvement with marching bands and here on the latest episode of the Made to Parade podcast, he shares some of that history with us. Ian tells us how he got his start with a band and the journey that ultimately led him to joining one of the most respected bands on the road today, Lisburn Young Defenders. Ian is also involved with Light of Foot, a group of band members who have come together to form a charitable organisation that seeks to support members of the marching band scene with regard to their mental health, Ian shares quite openly as to why this is so close to his heart and why he feels it is needed as part of the marching band scene today. Ian and I had this conversation a week or so before the Lisburn Young Defenders Melody Day concert, this took place on Saturday 26th March 2022 so this episode is nicely placed as a follow up from that event. Thank as always to all of our Sponsors, British Drum Co and of course our Patreon Patrons. Without you we couldn't keep the podcast going and all of the other work we are trying to do as well. Make sure you check us out on all audio podcast platforms and this episode will also go live on our YouTube channel. Keep Marching On.

Well we are back with our 60th episode and, the second episode of our brand new season 6. This week we feature Les McMaster, a member of the Parkinson Accordion Band, East Belfast.  Les has been a member of the band for over 30 years and has benefitted immensely from his tenure with the band. From wanting to join the Sharpshooters to ending up in the Parkinson and making lifelong friends and connections, his story is a familiar one, however it did take a twist in the face of tragedy.  Les' membership of the band has provided him with a way to cope with some of the hard things life has thrown his way and that is something that even money can't put a price on.  I hope you enjoy the conversation with Les and I look forward to sharing the next episode in the season with you very soon.  Until the next episode, look after yourselves and take it easy.  Thanks as always to our Sponsors British Drum Co and our Patreon Patrons, we really appreciate all your support.  

The brand new episode finds us in conversation with Paul Elliott from Drumderg Loyalists Keady FB. We are also joined by his son Sam in the episode as well. Drumderg Loyalists Keady, also known as the DLK are one of the most respected bands on the road today with a reputation for not only great playing, but for having one of the best colour party's on the road, their distinctive look and sound make them a must watch at every parade. Paul shares how he got involved with bands and the traditions he learned and how he is passing them on through his family. He also talks about how the band has developed over their nearly 100 years of existence, and the role that he has played in that. Paul brought his son Sam along for the recording of the episode and Sam shares why he loves being a member of the band and what he gets out of it. Talking to both Paul and Sam it is evident just how much of a positive influence the band has had on their whole family life and it was an absolute pleasure to have them both on to kick of this new season of Made to Parade. Make sure you join us next week when we will be joined by Les McMaster from Parkinson Accordion Band. You won't want to miss it. A big thank you as always to our sponsors British Drum Co, as well as all our supporters on Patreon, we also have some more sponsors joining the Made to Parade family and I will keep you updated on that as the season progresses. Make sure you check out our YouTube channel for video versions of the podcast and check out our website to subscribe to the audio only version of the podcast www.madetoparade.com 

This is the final episode of Season 5 and we are in conversation with Conor McBride about his band journey.  Conor is the lead tip with Crossgar Young Defenders and has been a member for 18 years now. Conor loves his band and still gets that sense of excitement before parades.  Our thanks to Conor and all of our guests this season for taking the time to share their stories with Made to Parade.  Thank you to all of our viewers and listeners for making this the most successful season yet. We look forward to having you around for season 6. If you would like to share your story then get in touch and we will get an episode lined up.  Thanks as always to British Drum Co for sponsoring the podcast this season, it's been great to have your support.  If you would like to support Made to Parade visit www.patreon.com/madetoparade and there are monthly packages you can sign up to.  See you all again very soon for season 6.

The band scene in England is nowhere near the size it is in Northern Ireland or Scotland, but it is no less loyal and band members are as dedicated as any band member elsewhere in the scene.  Mark has been part of bands for almost all of his life, the influence of his grandfather and family who brought the tradition with them when they moved from Scotland to England for work.  You will hear a very familiar yet unique story and also how keeping a band on the road differs across the UK and how the bonds of friendship and brotherhood have kept the tradition alive and well no matter what the circumstances.  This is the last full episode of the season but its not completely over yet, we do have one more bonus episode before we take a break to organise and record season 6.  Thank you to everyone who has listened in to the podcast over the season, your support has been amazing. Thanks to British Drum Co for their continued support and our Patreon patrons who help out every month. www.patreon.com/madetoparade  The podcast is also available on all audio only platforms as well.  www.madetoparade.com

We are back for episode 9 of season five and this week's episode finds us in conversation with an iconic Belfast band, the Whiterock Flute Band.  We talk with Thomas McAllister, a member with over 20 years service to the band about how he got involved, and what keeps him involved. We also talk about how the band have kept their traditional style and what that means to the band, and we also delve into some of the characters from the band.  Thomas talks passionately about the impact the band has had on him and his family and what his hopes for the future are. Another great story giving some insight into what makes band members tick.  A big thank you to Thomas for taking the time out to share his story and also to Roy for helping out with the camera's again. Thanks to our patrons who sponsor the podcast every month, we really appreciate your support. If you would like to help us then please visit www.patreon.com/madetoparade and check out a sponsorship package that works for you.  Thanks to British Drum Co. for their continued support of the podcast.  Catch you all on the next episode, look after yourselves and take it easy.

This week the podcast focusses on the "envisioning the future conference" that Made to Parade had the privilege of being a panel member at, sharing about getting our stories out there.  The core aim of the conference was to reflect on positive and progressive community development modules from across the province, with the hope of developing solutions and help establish a process of strategic action for the Pro-Union Community.  Bands and our rich culture featured heavily in discussions and we need to be a position to share the positives of the Union and have plans to ensure its continued existence.  I am joined by conference organisers, James Kee, Derek Moore and Brian Docherty to reflect on the reason for the conference and to get their thoughts on how it went and what the plans for the future are as a result of it.  Thanks as always to our patrons for their support, please visit patron.com/madetoparade if you would like to support us financially.  Thanks to British Drum Co for their continued support.  Thanks to all the new subscribers and regular listeners we appreciate each and every one of you.  www.madetoparade.com  

This episode finds us in conversation with the Rev William Orr and David Moorehead from Flute Band Church.  William is a minister who was a member of a flute band and uses the idea of Flute Band Church to engage with the marching band community.  Both William and David have a long history and connection with bands and they talk about how they got involved initially. William then shares with us about his call to ministry and where the idea of Flute Band Church came from and what he hopes it will achieve.  This was a great conversation and in the lovely setting of St Marks Church in Portadown.  Thanks to Roy McPeak from Pictures on Parade for his help yet again with the filming of this episode.  Thanks as always to our Patrons and to our sponsors British Drum Co, See you all on the next episode.

Rathcoole Protestant Boys are one of the best small blood and thunder bands on the road today, with a stunning repertoire of tunes and a playing style all of their own, and on the road you will know its them coming towards you before you even see them. We speak to one of their original members who has been there from the band was formed in 2009 and has been instrumental in the ongoing development of the band, The band have released what I consider to be one of the best blood and thunder CD's, called In Flanders Fields. Inspired by a trip to the battlefields of WW1 the band poured their heart and soul into creating a collection of tunes that are a fitting tribute to the men and women who gave their lives during that war. Join us as we go on a journey with Colin through his band history and the highs and lows of being in a brand new band and keeping the vision alive for 12 years. Thanks as always to our Patrons and British Drum Co our sponsors, thank you for believing in the work of Made to Parade. To all our listeners and watchers thank you for your support. This episode is available on all audio only podcast platforms and our YouTube channel as well as our website. www.madetoparade.com

This bonus episode focusses on what is happening to musicians in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power there. Musicians are being hunted and killed just purely for the fact that they are musicians.  To me this is a complete tragedy and as a musician myself, I have no idea how I would respond in this situation.  We are joined by Katherine Schofield from Kings College London to find out more about what is happening to musicians in Afghanistan and what we can do to help.  Thanks to Darren Ferguson from beyond skin for putting me in touch with Katherine and for raising awareness of this issue - you can find out ways you can help from beyond Skin's web page  https://www.beyondskin.net/campaign-to-protect-afghan-musicians  Next week we will feature Rathcoole Protestant Boys on the podcast, an episode I have really been looking forward to make sure you check us out on madetoparade.com and all the usual audio podcast platforms.

Tradition plays a large part in the band scene and it's important to keep traditions alive - one band keeping a traditional approach to band music alive is Drumchapel Protestant Boys.  We caught up with founder member Stevie MacPherson to find out about his band story and what led to the formation of the Drumchapel Protestant Boys Flute Band. This episode kicks off with probably one of the best joining a band stories I have ever heard! I hope you have been enjoying the podcast as we are now on YouTube and all audio podcast platforms. Please continue to support Made to Parade by following us on the podcast app on your phone and by liking, subscribing and hitting the notification bell on YouTube. Thanks as always to our loyal Patrons, and of course our sponsors British Drum Company. Look forward to catching you all on the next episode.

This weeks episode finds us in conversation with Eddie McGonnell, County Grand Master for Glasgow. We have had a lot of requests over the previous 4 seasons to feature the Orange Order and get their perspective on parades and what motivates them to be part of the Orange Institution.  Eddie has a long history with the Order and takes pride in the work they do for their local communities and the sense of belonging and discipline it has brought to his life. Eddie talks about how he got involved, what keeps him involved and some of the most memorable moments he has had over the years.  On Made to Parade we always say "understanding is better than knowledge" and this episode hopefully goes a long way to humanise members of the Orange Order and show the person who wears the collarette and not the stereotype the media likes to portray.  Thank you to everyone who has been tuning in since we made the switch to video podcasts, the support has definitely increased and we appreciate the time you spend watching and listening to Made to Parade.  As always thanks to our Patrons who contribute to the channel each month and our sponsors British Drum Co for their continued support.  Audio versions of the podcast are available on our website www.madetoparade.com as well as all podcast platforms.

The second episode of season 5 finds us in conversation with Roy McPeak from Pictures on Parade and Neill Glass from On The March videos. Roy and Neill spend a lot of time travelling the country capturing bands on parade and sharing them via various social media platforms.  Roy and Neill talk about how they got into doing this and what motivates them to keep putting in the miles year in, year out. They also talk about some of their favourite parades and some of their stand out moments. So many of us have enjoyed their live feeds and video over the years from parade we might never have got to see.  I hope you enjoy this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Made to Parade Podcast.  If you would like to support Made to Parade check out our Patreon site www.patreon.com/madetoparade  Thank you to our sponsors British Drum Co and thank to you everyone who tunes in week after week.

We are finally back for season 5 and we are live with not just audio podcasts, we now have video podcasts available on our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMRIGsNdzfyGZrY-bBS08qA so please make sure you check that out, subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss out on our latest content. We are delighted to be back with our first full episode featuring Pride of the Maine - a great band with a unique style that has influenced many bands over the years. We spoke with their band master Jason Kernohan about his band journey as a young boy through to today. We touch on the band changing their style as well as their famous recording "Blue Devils". We cover a lot of ground regarding bands and touch on the issue of mental health and the help that Light of Foot provide for the band community. I couldn't think of a better conversation to open up season 5 and I really hope you enjoy it. Thank you to everyone who listened in to the season preview with Pride of the Myle - fantastic support for that episode with over 500 listens in less than a week. Congratulations again to our competition prize winner Scott, who won a British Drum Co practice pad. As always thanks to our sponsors British Drum Co. Next week we chat with Roy McPeake and Neill Glass about their work recording and streaming band parades, make sure you check that out. Thank you to our Patrons on Patreon we really appreciate your support - if you would like to help us out each month www.patreon.com/madetoparade and you can donate directly to our work. See you all on the next episode.

Season 5 of Made to Parade is very close to launching, so we thought it would be a good idea to provide you with a preview episode and also take the time to catch up with a band we featured in season 2. Season 5 see's Made to Parade podcast being available via audio and video - which is one of the reasons why we are taking a little longer to get the episodes out. Already signed up for season 5 are: Pride of the Maine, Craigavon Protestant Boys, Rathcoole Protestant Boys, Somme Memorial, Camlachie Loyal Star, Larkhall Purple Heroes and Mourne Young Defenders. I am really looking forward to sharing these episodes with everyone. Pride of the Myle - a band that shaped the band scene over 30 years ago with their unique style and arrangements - have made a come back after being absent from the scene for quite some time, we heard about their comeback in Season 2 and then that was put on hold as a result of the pandemic. However a week ago that all changed and the Myle played at a gig in the 20 club in Glasgow last week. We caught up with Alan McHendrie from the band to find out all about it. Check out Made to Parade on all podcast platforms. As always a massive thank you to British Drum Co for their sponsorship and all our loyal patrons on Patreon - we are only able to keep doing this because of your support. Season 5 Episode 1 will launch very soon!