Jonathan claims world juvenile drumming crown
Pipe Bands by Mervyn McConnell
JONATHAN Irvine from Hollymount Pipe Band is the new 2003 world solo juvenile drumming champion.
Playing at the recent world solo championships in Bathgate Academy, Jonathan swept aside all opposition to take the well-deserved world title.
Jim Kilpatrick, the Leading Tip of the House of Edgar Shotts & Dykehead Pipe band, is once again the world senior drumming champion, winning the supreme title for an amazing fourteenth time.
Jim's triumph finishes off a very successful season, having led his drum corps to victory in the 2003 world pipe band championships in August.
Other Ulster successes were Gareth McLees (second in juvenile section one) and Stephen Payter, sixth in the same section.
Jonathan Hoy was third and his brother Jason fifth in section two, with William Glenholmes third, and Gregory Patton sixth in juvenile section three.
The entire championships were sponsored by Sam Hodgen of Andante Percussion from Rathfriland.
Gilnahirk Pipe Band held their 84th Annual General Meeting on Monday 13 October in Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church Hall. It was a well-attended and lively meeting with a good representation of junior members and pupils from the piping and drumming classes.
Both of the classes are progressing well with enthusiastic pupils and instructors.
Of course the band has room for more learners as well as experienced players.
There were most encouraging reports from last year's Christmas dinner and the summer BBQ. Both of these events proved so popular they will be repeated again next year. Anyone wishing to attend this year's Christmas Dinner can contact Stephen Jackson, Sam Simpson or John Crozier 91547 9060.
The band contested all last season, carried out civil and charitable duties and made appearances at Dundonald's 'Moat Festival', Somme Hospital and Musgrave Park Hospital as well as other events.
The election of officers produced little or no change from last year with Robert Greer re-elected as Pipe Major.
The secretary Sam Simpson intends organising a trip to the 2004 World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow in August as well as a visit to the Edinburgh Tattoo.
His telephone number- if anyone wishes to go - is 9044 8018.
The officers and members of Gilnahirk Pipe Band thank all who supported them so loyalty last year and wishes all other Pipe Bands every success in the 2004 season.
The Howard Memorial Pipe Band from Dungannon are holding a celebration concert for St.Andrew's Day on Wednesday 12th November at 7.45pm in Killyman Parish Hall.
The concert will feature champion piper Robert Watt, Emma Culbert world champion accordion player, the Bright Lights Scottish dancers David Sloan (singer) as well as the host band itself. Compere is the Rev Alistair Warke. Tickets cost £6 and can be paid at the door.
The RSPBA County Down section and the Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming School are commencing their new class of instruction for Drum Majors on Saturday 8 November from 10.30am to 12.30pm in Banbridge Bowling Pavilion. Linenhall Street, Banbridge.
The class will be taken by qualified instructors and drum majors who wish to have a refresher course in drum major's work will also be welcome.
The Belvoir Drum Majors will be continuing their classes in
Belvoir Parish Church Hall on Saturday 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th
November from 2 to 4 pm under class instructor Alicia Dickson.
The classes will continue every Saturday in January and February with their Annual Display and Presentation of Certificates to be held on Friday 5 March 2004 at 8pm.
Ulster Star
07/11/2003
