Drumming up success
IT was a momentous day on Saturday of last week for five young pipe band drummers from the north west, aged between eight and 16, as they put their skills to the test taking part in their first solo competition at the Cullybackey Drum Solos.
Under the tuition of the legendary Willie Wray these five youngsters, who only started drumming in October of last year, gained second and third places both in the novice section and advanced section and the fantastic five gained their achiever awards and trophies.
“Their success is attributable to the inimitable Mr Wray for his steadfast dedication and teaching ability in moving these youngsters forward, to their parents for their support and attendance at practice watching their performance and attending the competition on Saturday,” said band spokesman Bill Doherty.
William, who has drummed at World Championship level in all six grades including the famous McNeilstown Pipe Band, holds seven World titles, five European titles, six British ones, four Scottish titles, three Cowal games wins, and has a total of 25 All-Ireland and 29 Ulster titles, and intends to compete with this young drum corps in 2013, under the auspices of Raphoe Pipe Band.
“I am quite excited about the drumming ability of these lads,” said Mr Wray, who went on to claim the young drummers “could be as good as the famous ‘Tetley Tea Men’”, referring to the band of youngsters he taught in the early 1980s and who have remained unbeaten in the competition field in Grade 3 for five years.
He continued: “I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to another drumming legend, the late Bobby Rea, and the late Pipe Major Harry Lland, who were instrumental in teaching me the art of pipe band drumming.” William, who over the years has unselfishly given of his spare time to teaching those who are eager to learn, and who has remained dedicated to the art of drumming, was guest of honour at a special reception in the British Legion on Thursday night last week, where he was feted for his contribution to the art of pipe band drumming over the decades.
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Weather for Londonderry
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 13 C
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