Annsborough Pipe Band

Cullybackey Pipe Band hosted their 21st Annual Solo Piping and Drumming Championships. A Competition which as become increasingly popular amongst competitors and spectators alike.

Glen Cupples, Pipe Major of Ballycoan Pipe Band came away with the win in the Senior Piping with St Laurence O'Toole Kevin Rogers in 2nd Spot and Cullybackey was able to celebrate a home win for William Glenholmes in the Senior Drumming.

With the start of the outdoor season just weeks away an important calender change has been made by the Co Down section of the N.I Branch. Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances the Malahide Championships that was scheduled for 17th May has been cancelled. This would have provided a final shakedown for many bands that are making the trip to the Scottish Championships the following week.

In light of this, It has been decided by the Co Down section to change the date for Banbridge Indoor Competition to that of 17th May in place of Malahide and hold an outdoor competition at Banbridge High School. The playing requirements will also be changed in order to mirror the requirements for the 2008 Scottish Championships. It is expected that most bands will take advantage of this change and a full grade 1 attendance is expected.

Ballycoan Pipe Band will be kick starting their 2008 season with a concert in the Island Centre, Lisburn on the Saturday 29th March 2008 at 7.30PM. Be amongst the first people to see and hear Grade 1 Ballycoan Pipe Band under their new Pipe Major Glen Cupples ex FMM. It is a chance to listen to their new medleys, reorganized MSRs and see their revamped and up to date uniform including a brand new set of Andante percussion instruments. The whole look of the band has changed except for their traditional Royal Stewart Tartan. As well as the new look there are a lot of new faces in the band which will give the seasoned competition spectator plenty to talk about. Also featuring in the Concert will be Piping Legend Fred Morrison and the 2006 World Solo Drumming Champion Steven McWhirter amongst other guest artists.

Tickets are £10 and can be obtained by ringing the Box Office directly on 02892509292 or Raymond Campbell on 07768898883.

The Co Antrim Solo Piping and Drumming contest opened the curtains on another competitive season, as in recent years the Ballee High School, Ballymena was the venue. Pipers from Field Marshal Montgomery proved to be a dominate force in the senior piper by taking the first three places. Philip Tasker of St Laurence O'Toole snatched the honours in the Intermediate Piping.

The Intermediate Drumming seen a duel between Cullybackey men William Glenholmes and Jason Hoy, Glenholmes taking the win on this occasion. Annsborough had something to celebrate with up and coming soloist Eoin Rogers, getting third place in the Novice Drum Pad Competition.

Full Result Below

Piping

Senior Piping
1st	K Coyle
2nd	J Greenlees
3rd	A Carlisle
4th	G Cupples

Intermediate Piping
1st	P Tasker
2nd	M Redmond
3rd	R Black
4th	C McCallion

Junior Piping
1st	J Lamberton
2nd	D Boyce
3rd	E Conway
4th	A Murray

Drumming

Intermediate Drumming
1st	W Glenholmes
2nd	J Hoy

Junior Drumming
1st	G Patton
2nd	J Colville
3rd	B Hassin

Thanks to Anne Breet ( Nee MacKay ) for suppling these historic photographs of Annsborough Pipe Band . Anne's grandfather was the late Johnny MacKay, who took on the roll of drumming instructer and lead tip back in 1918 when Annsborough made the switch from a flute band to being a pipe band. Johnny would also be the Drum Major of the band on many occasions. If you have any old photos of Annsborough Pipe Band, please email us, we would be interested in hearing from you.

Johnny MacKay ( Left ) pictured with Jimmy Truesdale

Annsborough Pipe Band on Parade in Lurgan sometime during the 1940's '

SOLO TENOR DRUMMING AND
BASS SECTION SEMINAR
Royal Hotel, Cookstown,
Saturday 23rd February 2008 12pm - 4pm

&

CHARITIY PIPING AND DRUMMING NIGHT.
Royal Hotel, Cookstown,
Saturday 23rd February 2008 6pm - 10pm

lf you are looking to wash those winter blues away then 23rd February at the Royal Hotel, Cookstown will promise to do just that with an action packed day in store. it will begin with a Solo Tenor and Bass Section Seminar, Instructed by Stephen McQuillan from Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band, 6 times World Bass Section Champions and John Dunne from the St.Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band, double World Bass Section Champions.In the introduction you will learn how to optimize your Solo Tenor and Bass Drumming Performance .

Stephen will outline the key features for a competent solo performance and additionally, will present an overview of the function of the Bass Section within the modern day Pipe Band ensemble. This will be followed up with a full day seminar on Saturday 5th April. More details later.

John will present the function, roll and styles of a Competent Bass Drummer. This is a must for all Bass and Tenor Drummers in Northern Ireland. For more Details please contact Gary Smyth on 0781 4446179.

This will be followed in the evening by The Charity Piping and Drumming Night, an event which made a popular debut last year with proceeds once again being donated to the Fort Riding centre for disabled children.

This years line up will include the 2007 World Solo Drumming Champion Barry Wilson and also the 2006 Champion Steven McWhirter. Other drummers featuring are Eric Ward, Stephen Creighton, Gavin Noade, William Glenholmes, Dean Smyth and Cameron Ward. Unfortunately due to oversea commitments 16 times World Champion Jim Kilpatrick will not be able to attend.

For the piping fans there will also be a great line up with Stuart Liddell of Simon Fraser University making an appearance along with Alen Tully, Chris Armstrong, Andrew Carlisle and Alan McPherson.

Admission is £10 which is payable at the door. For Further details contact Gary Smyth 0781 4446179