Piping and drumming solos at Cullybackey
THE Cullybackey Pipe Band will hold their 21st annual piping and drumming solos this Saturday April 12 in Cullybackey High School.
Competitors are requested to book in for 10am with the first event starting at 10.30am.
Cullybackey Pipe Band were the first initiators of the Young Achievers Awards, which have been adopted by both the Ulster and All Ireland solos committees.
The Belvoir Drum Majors held their 22nd Annual Display of Presentation and Certificates on Friday March 28.
The evening was a great success and both Chairman Roy Dobson and secretary Ronnie Davidson were delighted with the performances of the drum majors, the Highland Dancers and 'The Hounds of Ulster'.
Special guests included Lord O'Neill, Sir Reg Empey, Father Des Loughern, Lord and Lady Laird, Mr and Mrs Fred Walker and Mr and Mrs Jackie Dorran. During the interval a ballet was organised with proceeds going to MENCAP. Three of the class's Drum Majors were also performing at another function to help raise money for this worthy cause.
A total of 15 certificates were presented to drum majors, which was a credit to the class instructor Miss Kathleen Smyth.
The outdoor contest to be held in place of the Malahide contest on Saturday May 17 will take place at Banbridge High School and there will be a drum majors event as well.
Full facilities will also be in place with first class canteen service and it is hoped that all hands and supporters would support the competition.
Successful
The indoor competition originally to be held in Banbridge on May 3 will now not take place.
Grade 1 Ballycoan Pipe Band had a very busy and successful day last Saturday March 29, which included workshops and seminars in the afternoon, followed by a sell out concert in the evening.
The band, under their new Pipe Major Glen Guppies, and making their first appearance in their new charcoal jackets waistcoats and socks and their Royal Stewart tartan kilts, gave a very entertaining performance to an appreciative audience.
Guests included Stephen McWhirter, former world solo drumming champion, and the Hounds of Ulster, who were the first 'flute' band to be invited to play at the Co. Clare Fleadh.
The East Antrim Traditional Music School and Ben Greaves and the Ellis School of Highland Dancing also provided highly entertaining music.
And lastly special guest Fred Morrison, a man who needs no introduction to Celtic music enthusiasts around the world, and who is truly a living legend and genius with a set of pipes.
All trophies won at the five major championships must be returned one month prior to the contest date. (Any band submitting a trophy after the date due will be fined £50)
All returned trophies have to be examined and refurbished or repaired accordingly. This requires a period of at least four weeks.
The trophies can be returned as follows: The Scottish (Dumbarton) return by April 24. The British (Birmingham) return by May 28. The European (Lisburn) return by June 26. Worlds (Glasgow) return by June 16. Cowal (Dunoon) return by July 30.
Trophies can be returned by any of the following methods: - A) sent to RSPBA Headquarters. B) Handed in at the Trophy Point/Registration Tent. (Only applicable from the first major championship)
Ulster Star
11/04/2008
