New band joins the Northern Ireland branch of RSPBA
Pipe Bands by Mervyn McConnell
A successful afternoon's workshop was held last Saturday in the St. James Parish Hall, Moy, on piping, drumming and marching and deportment.
It was organised by the William Kerr Memorial Pipe Band and top solo piper Robert Watt and champion Drum Major Alastair Patterson gave the instruction during the afternoon and later gave a number of recitals.
The William Kerr Memorial Pipe Band are the latest recruits to the Northern Ireland Branch of the RSPBA and the band is led by Pipe Major Alan Shilliday and Leading Tip Louise Johnston, daughter of John Johnston who is the band's drumming instructor.
They compete in Grade 4B and at present have 10 pipers and five side drummers, two tenors and a bass. They practice every Monday and Tuesday evening at Drummond beside Moy Co. Tyrone, with a class especially for learners.
In preparation for next season they have purchased a new set of Premier drums and McCallum Pipe Chanters.
Anyone interested in going along to the band can contact secretary Brian McLean, 39 Culkeeran Road, Dungannon telephone 87-784361 for further information.
This year's Ulster Piping Quartets, due to be held in Ballynahinch High School on Saturday 20 March, have been cancelled. This was the only remaining quartets to take place in the Northern Ireland's calendar of events, and has been running for over 30 years. It was reluctantly cancelled by the Executive due to the lack of entries.
All trophies, which are usually returned at the Quartets, can now be handed in at the Indoor Full Bands Competition held to be held on 24 April in Banbridge High School.
Belvoir Parish Drum Majors will be holding their annual Display and Presentation of Certificates in their Church Hall on Friday 5 March at 8pm. The evening will feature Cleland Memorial Pipe Band, Ballygowan Brian Boru Pipe Band as well as solo piping and highland dancing.
Guest of Honour will be the reigning world senior drum major champion John Noble and the presentation of certificates will be by Lady Faulkner of Downpatrick. Admission is free and everyone is invited.
The Belvoir Parish Drum Majors will also be presenting a workshop and seminar for drum majors in Belvoir Parish Church Hall on Saturday 6 March from 1 to 4 pm.
Instruction will be given by 12 times world senior drum major John Noble, and all drum majors are invited. Admission is free.
Upper Crossgare Pipe Band will be holding their Open Night on Monday 8 March commencing at 8pm in Upper Crossgare Orange Hall.
This is always a popular occasion when all the neighbours and supporters, members and former members pack the hall. Everyone is invited and will be made very welcome.
On Saturday 10 April, Upper Crossgare will be promoting its veterans' drumming night in the Abbey Lodge Hotel near Downpatrick when the special guest will be 14 times world solo drumming champion, Jim Kilpatrick from the House of Edgar Shotts & Dykehead Pipe band.
Also on the same date Jim will be conducting a workshop for juvenile drummers and beginners from 5 to 7pm also in the Abbey Lodge Hotel. Anyone planning to attend should contact band secretary Mrs Ann Mack at 9756 1454 or Wilby Hanna at 9753 2448 or 9753 2959.
The Seven Towers Pipe Band are presenting A Night of Music on Saturday 3 April at 8pm in St.Patrick's Church Hall Broughshane. The evening will feature special guests the Low Country Boys, who appeared on BBC TV's tribute to Rabbie Burns, Kellie Hanna and Edith and Mark as well as the host band.
Tickets cost £5 and can be obtained from any band member or by telephoning 25-645574 or 07947449312.
Ulster Star
05/03/2004
