New drum majors class gets underway in Banbridge
Pipe Bands by Mervyn McConnell
THE first session of the new drum majors training class
commenced in the new bowling pavilion in Banbridge on Saturday 8
November.
The session commenced with a discussion time with instructors and officials.
Over 20 drum majors attended, some of whom are just starting the training. The new entrants were given some instruction in marching and all were eager to learn from the instructors.
And some of the best instructors in the world were available on the day. They included three former senior world champions - Alan McBride, Jeffrey McCready and Roger Young, as well as Brian Wilson and Jill Gourley former world junior winner.
Secretary of the Co. Down section of the RSPBA Mervyn Herron welcomed all to the training and he also welcomed the Chairman of Banbridge Council Cassie McDermott who spoke to the drum majors and wished them all well.
Section President Wilfred McFadden also spoke and congratulated
all who had turned out for the first session.
The class will continue every Saturday up till December 13th when
there will be a Christmas get together for all the instructors and
their pupils.
So anyone interested in becoming a champion drum major of the future then the Bowling Club Pavilion, Linenhall Street, Banbridge is the place to go.
Further details of the classes can be made through contacting secretary Mervyn Herron telephone 40-624849.
Don't forget the St Andrews Night Gala concert in the Ulster Hall on 29 November when the Field Marshal Montgomery and Scottish Power Pipe band will be on stage along with the Edinburgh Tattoo Highland dancers.
The evening will be opened by world Grade3A champion pipe band Killadeas from Enniskillen. Contact Mervyn Herron for details of tickets, which only cost £5. Telephone 40-624849.
Ian Duncan, former Pipe Major of the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band, has become the new Pipe Major of the Drambuie-Kirkliston Pipe band.
He was presented with the Pipe Major's banner by the band's previous and founding Pipe Major Martin G. Wilson- at the annual Armistice Parade in Kirkliston Village Edinburgh on 9 November. Drambuie-Kirkliston has enjoyed good success as a Grade 2 band over these last years, winning several prizes in major championships.
The Vale of Atholl, under the leadership of Ian Duncan, won many prizes and finished as high as second at the World Championships.
Don't forget to place your orders for the 2004 Pipe band Calendar. This calendar contains all the dates for every competition and other interesting events.
There are also great photographs of winning bands people. Contact Mervyn Herron 40-624849.
The last meeting of the Northern Ireland Branch of the RSPBA for this year will be held on Saturday 29 November in the Bridge Community Centre Lisburn at 2 pm.
There is a full agenda and representatives are urged to attend.
The dates for next year's major pipe band championships are as follows: -
Scottish Championships 22nd May in Dumbarton;
British Championships 12th June in Turriff; European Championships 31st July Lisburn;
World Championship 14th August in Glasgow;
The Cowal Championships 28th August in Dunoon.
Ulster Star
21/11/2003
