News

Inveraray will take with them a band of 42 Pipers, Drummers and other musicians onto the ReIgnited stage on the 10th March. Its promising to be a great night. 

We also have 3 amazing prizes for the concert raffle - a set of pipes, a set of Small Pipes from Shepherds and a Nickel sole, Mouthpiece, Bowl & Ferrule practice Chanter from McCallum with other amazing prizes for the drumming fan and non pipe band players, to be announced later. Fantastic prizes on offer on the night.

Bucksburn and Inveraray will also support  the Aberdeen-based charity  Friends of ANCHOR on the night of the concert. A charity which directly supports the ANCHOR Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where cancer patients from all over the North-east go for treatment. 

Band President, Gus McAskill said: “ We felt that after the “Fired Up” Concert, where the band supported the charity “Brian Help,” it would be a fantastic thing to keep doing. The Band decided, after Boghall and Bathgate Pipe Band, world champion drummer, Neil Cranston sadly passed away from a brain hemorrhage, the same year as “Fired Up”, that it would be a great tribute to Neil and his family to give something to an organisation bigger and more worthy than our own. The ReIgnited concert will support Friends of ANCHOR in the same way, advertising the charity and offering a bucket/donation collection to the audience and Band members to kindly give on the night.

The senior Band have added significant signings to their existing corps with the announcement of 10 new members signing during the last few months.

A major signing for the band was that of Mike Haggart. Mike’s appointment as Lead Drummer comes with a wealth of experience. Having started his drumming career at the tender age of 5 with the 47th Culter BB Pipe Band, Mike spent many a good year working his way through the Culter bands before joining the then Scotrail Vale of Athol Grade one Pipe Band. Only 16 years of age at this point Mike left and joined the City of St Andrews for a season before joining Grampian Police. He then joined Dysart and Dundonald ending his Grade one playing days back at the Vale of Athol for several years. The main theme to Mikes movements from band to band  was that of Paul Turner. Paul was and still is a huge support, influence and leader in Mikes drumming life. Mike was delighted to be offered the LD position Nicky Gibson. After spending a year with the drum corp., Nicky decided to hand the leadership over to Mike, leaving behind a strong corp. for Mike to work with.

Also joining the Band are:   

Nicki Vass - Tenor Drummer. Nicki has played Bass and Tenor drum since 2007 and is warming to the years ahead in Bucksburn.
Daniel and Sean Littlewood - Pipers with a wealth of talent from Lhanbryde. Daniel was the Pipe Major and Sean Pipe Sergeant at their former Band for several years and in that time strengthened the band to what it is today. 
Ross McKenzie – Piper. Ross, originally from Nairn was the PM of his local Band. He spent most of his piping playing in solo competitions and local bands before joining Boxy.
John Polson – Piper. John taught by Mike Reid in 2003 dedicated 9 years to his former band before joining. John is also a tutor within the 747th Culter BB company Pipe Band.
Callum Lamont – Piper. Having played all his career, to date, in the same band Callum decided to further his talent with Boxy. Callum is currently the PM of the 47th Culter BB company Pipe Band and will continue with this role whilst playing in the senior band.
Craig Cuthbertson – Piper. After many years with his former band, Craig joined Boxy during last season looking for a new challenge. Craig is now part of the Band and has already warmed to the challenge.
John McDonald – Piper. John is back “Home” after spending years playing for a top Grade one Band. He now has a wealth of talent to offer the Band and will be a great addition to the team.
Paul Ritchie – Piper. Paul has signed for Boxy after many a year playing for the cream of cream in Grade one. Taught in Aberdeen, Paul wanted to put something back and decided it was time to join his pals again. Not only is Paul a very talented piper, he is a great composer of piping music and has written some amazing tunes which he had the pleasure of playing at last year’s Fired Up concert. Paul will be a huge asset to the

Band President Gus McAskill said: “It’s a joy to have so many new faces and talent signing up. With the wealth of existing talent along with the talent these guys have to offer I know the band will go from strength to strength. They are a huge part of this organizations future, a future that is very bright. The Band has a great team of non playing and playing members who work hard together in making sure we are on the right road to rebuilding this organisation stronger, long may it continue” .

The annual North of Scotland Solo Piping & Drumming event was held in Elgin High School on Saturday 19th November 2011.

Once again we had a strong entry from both our junior and senior bands, with 15 players taking home a total of 19 prizes! Particularly well done to Neil and Katie taking prizes on the their first attempt at solos! Prizewinners included:-

Piping

Neil Rennie
1st Under 13 Years March and 3rd Overall Under 13 Years.
Andrew Clark
1st Under 15 Years Slow Air, March and Overall.
3rd 17 Years & Under March, 2nd Strathspey and 2nd Overall.
1st 17 Years & Under Hornpipe & Jig.
1st 15 Years & Under Piobaireachd.
David Wright
2nd 18 Years & Over Strathspey.
3rd 18 Years & Over Hornpipe & Jig. (Pictured above right)

Drumming

Katie Brander
1st Sticks & Pads.
Ewan Dallas
3rd 14 Years & Under 4 part March
Lachlan Gibb
1st 17 Years & Under 6- 8 Part March.
1st 17 Years & Under MSR.
1st 17 Years & Under Hornpipe & Jig.
1st Overall 17 Years & Under. (Pictured middle right)
Scott Niven
2nd 18 Years & Over MSR.
1st 18 Years & Over Hornpipe & Jig.
2nd Overall 18 Years & Over.
Jenni Clark
1st 14 Years & Under 4 Part March Tenor.

Well done to all our prizewinners and to all those who took part on the day!

After having a well deserved break, after the 2011 season closed at the Cowal Championships in August, the Bands are back to work, practicing, new material for the 2012 season and their much anticipated, second Northeast Pipe band Concert, Reignited. During the break a hive of activity has taken place resulting in the organisation restructuring its teaching system with the arrival of ex members Raymond White and Fred Mckay. Along with existing member Rachel Ellis, Raymond and Fred have taken on piping teaching roles with David Brown Jnr joining to teach drumming. There will be 2 youth bands operating next season making the step to senior band that bit easier. The organisation has also moved "back home" to Bucksburn where the bands will practice within the new Bucksburn Academy.

Band President Gus McAskill said:  "This is a huge step forward for our youth setup. The experience and talent offered by Raymond, Fred, Rachel and David will add to our existing teaching talent, where we will also incorporate the RSPBA PDQB examination structure into our existing teaching methods. Pipe Major Neil Selbie and Lead Drummer Mike Haggart now have a team with some of the best teachers in the Northeast . "

Gus added: " The new structure will consist of a 4 tier system starting from teaching learners to senior band. Having 2 youth bands in our organisation will bring  huge benefits to all bands and members for years to come. Going back to Bucksburn will generate a great buzz within the community and having met Bucksburn Academy's head teacher, Kassim Mohamed, I know we have his and all at the school's support for recruiting players from their catchment areas".

Record numbers at the outdoor Lathallan Highland Games Solo Piping & Drumming event meant a strong competition for the 23 members of the band taking part.Warm sunny weather with only a bit of a sea breeze made it an enjoyable day out in the castle grounds. The final results included plenty Bucksburn names.

Snare Drum

Section 2 - 2 part march (13 & Under)
1. Ewan Dallas
2. Carrie Watson
3. Morven Drummond

Section 3 - 4 part march (16 & Under)
1. Conan Webster
2. Rachael Lowe
3. Ross Sibbald

Tenor Drum

Section 4 - Tenor Drum (16 & Under)
1. Jenni Clark
2. Mairi McKinnon

Bagpipes

Section 8 - Novice Bagpipes Any Tune (13 & Under)
3 = Neil Rennie & Matthew Gray

Section 10 - Bagpipes Slow Air & 4 Part March (16 & Under)
3. Michael Anderson

Well done to all our prizewinners at the 2011 City of Brechin Pipe Band Solo Piping & Drumming event.

In Piping, Andrew Clark took 2nd in the 15-18 years MSR, 1st in the 15-18 years Piobaireachd, and 2nd in the 18 years & under Jig. This also made him the overall Senior Piping Champion.

A large group of drummers also took part with the following results:

Conan Webster, 3rd Under 15 years Novice drumming
Rachael Lowe, 1st 15-18 years Novice drumming
Ewan Dallas, 4th Under 18 years Intermediate drumming
Lachlan Gibb, 2nd Under 18 years MSR
Allan Davidson, 4th Under 18 years MSR
Jenni Clark, 2nd 18 years & Under Tenor MSR and 4th Open Tenor

The joint forces of Bucksburn & District and Bucksburn & District Novice/Juvenile provided a rare ray of sunshine to the opening of the 43rd Walker Cup at the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club on Friday 9th September.

Alongisde the Bon Accord Brass Band, the band performed a number of sets on the first fairway as the teams paraded before the crowds and officially opened proceedings with then ational anthems and flag ceremony.

The USGA website described events as such:

"Even the gloomy weather added to the occasion as the Bucksburn & District Pipe Band marched in full flow back along the first fairway to appear before the large crowds some 50 yards from the clubhouse. The buzz from the helicopters travelling to the North Sea rigs even seemed to fit the music – acting as a reminder that we are in Europe’s oil capital for the weekend. "

Good luck to the Britain and Ireland team!

Bucksburn & District Novice/Juvenile Pipe Band rounded off the North of Scotland season in fine style, winning the Grade 4B and Novice/Juvenile grades at the Mintlaw contest. This result means the band finishes the year as North of Scotland Champions of Champions for Grade 4B!

The drummers won the best drum corps prize for the Novice/Juvenile grade and were runners up to season champions Elgin & District in Grade 4B.

Well done to all our young players for their dedication, attitude and hard work this season. Both bands complete their outdoor contest year at Cowal Gathering on Saturday 27th August.

Bucksburn & District Novice/Juvenile Pipe Band have answered a last minute plea to perform at the opening ceremony of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival. Organisers got in touch at the last minute after they were let down by an alternative group and the Junior Band was happy to take part.

Bucksburn has a long association with AIYF, having led the opening parade and ceremony for many years now. Aberdeen International Youth Festival (AIYF) is one of the leading youth arts events in the world.Growing in stature and size every year, the Festival offers a platform for home grown Scottish talent and the rising stars of the International arts scene to deliver top class shows to audiences.

Showcasing the future stars of the global music, dance and theatre scenes, AIYF brings more than 10 days of top class performances from around Scotland and the rest of the world. Celebrating its 39th successful year, the Festival continues its commitment to nurturing and developing artistic and creative talent by providing world class venues for young people to perform to welcoming audiences.

The Junior Band is also taking parade in the Tartan Day celebrations on Saturday 30th July, while the Senior Band is in Belfast for the European Pipe Band Championships.

Two retired members of Bucksburn & District Pipe Band have dug deep to support their band with charitable donations.

The first coming from Chris Leaper. Chris was a tenor drummer back in the late 80’s, early 90’s. Chris wanted to give something back into the band saying that his time in the Boxy band was very special and some of his greatest moments were when he played in the band. Chris asked that his donation was spent wisely on the drumming side of things.

The second donation was greatly received from Fred McKay. Fred was a piper in the band back in P/M Davie Duncan’s time. Fred was taught by Davie and spent many a great year in the Red McPherson Kilt before retiring to concentrate on his business. Fred kindly donated to the organisation saying that he was going to contribute something to help with our coming concert.

The band is amazed by the generosity of these two gents and cannot thank them both enough!

Our home contest held at Aberdeen's Hazelhead Park saw both bands make the prize list.

The Grade Two band placed 3rd in both the Grade 2 MSR contest and the Grade 1 Medley contest. The band drew good comments on the crit sheets for both runs and showed good progress in the run up to the British Championships at Annan.

The Novice/Juvenile band received the trophies for Best Novice band and drum corps, and a superb 2nd place overall in Grade 4B!

The bands' next appearance will be at the British Championships in Annan on Saturday 25th June.

The Novice/Juvenile band travelled south to compete at Strathmore Highland Games in the fantastic setting at Glamis Castle.

Fielding a new Bass Drummer for the first time the band was placed 4th in Grade 4 and 2nd in drumming - well done to William!

Sunday 5th June 2011 saw the first local outdoor contest of the year, with cloudy skies and a cold wind making life less than great for the bands again.

The Novice/Juvenile band had a successful day, winning the Best Novice/Juvenile Band prize, and also taking the overall Grade 4B prize and the confined North of Scotland Championships trophy. The Band are pictured right with their trophies.

The Grade Two band performed it's new March, Strathspey & Reel set for the first time playing Mrs John McColl, Maggie Cameron and The Arnish Light, placing 3rd in Grade Two, and 3rd again Grade 1 with the Medley set.

Thanks to Grant Noble for the photos, click on them to download a full size image.

Bucksburn & District Pipe Band held a sell out fund raising ceilidh at Westhill's superb Ashdale Hall. With foot stomping dancing to Hoolichan Ceilidh Band, the dance floor was packed from start to finish with a crowd ranging from 8 months to 80 years.

As always, the Bucksburn & District Pipe Band put on a short show during the evening, with the Novice Juvenile band opening the night with a selection of marches. The group included more than 10 new players making their debut to add to the already strong line up - well done to those nervous faces on the march in!

The Senior Band gave it's new competition medley another run out in it's 4th show within a week as the first major championship of the year draws near, as well as playing some classic march sets.

Our thanks to all those who helped make the evening a success - Linda for all the organising, our volunteer bar staff, everyone who donated to the raffle, and of course all those in attendance for making it such a great atmosphere on the night - we hope to see you all back next year!

Click on the photos to download a full size image.

Source: Evening Express, Aberdeen Journals, Friday 6th May 2011
Review by: Pauline Alexander

When do 100 fiddlers sound like one? When the Aberdeen Strathspey & Reel Society and Banchory Strathspey & Reel Society combine for their annual Fiddlers' Spectacular.

They certainly know how to lift spirits and fire the blood, as did superb young accordionist Craig Paton. The former Aberdeen City Music School pupil, who is also All Scotland Accordion Champion, is undoubtedly a star in the making.

The Junior Fiddlers took to the stage for some sensitive and exquisite playing before compere and Scottish tenor Jamie MacDougall joined fellow members of Caledon.

Cranking up the second half, Bucksburn & District Pipe Band were rapturously received for their outstanding sense of camaraderie, musical discipline and timing and the group are surely a great advert for every youngster out there considering a career in pipes and drums.

Guest stand-up Fred MacAulay may have been a somewhat unusual choice for a Fiddlers' Spectacular, but it worked and the radio star soon had the audience hanging on his every word.

Elvis McPresley, alias the gyrating Caledon, were a massive hit - as was the all-to-soon finale of Highland Cathedral.

The Novice Juvenile band had a winning day out at the first Mini Band contest to be held by the RSPBA Dundee, Perth and angus Branch in nearly 10 years. The event, held at Forfar Academy, attracted over 20 entries in Grade 4 alone, as well as Grades 3, 2 and 1 being represented.

The Novice band placed 1st in the Novice Juvenile category, with positive comments from adjudicators Jim Semple and Alistair Aitken.

The Senior band also had an entry in the trio section, gaining 2nd place in the open competition.

Well done to all!

Young members of Bucksburn & District Pipe Band had a successful day at the Kingdom Thistle Solo Piping & Drumming contest, held on Saturday 16th April at Lochgelly High School.

Lead Drummer of our Novice / Juvenile band Ewan Dallas won the Under 13 Drumming contest, beating a field of 21 drummers from across the country. He played the 2 parted march "Sweet Maid of Glendaruel". Well done!

Andrew Clark placed 4th in the 16 & Under Piping contest. Also competing were Conan Webster, Lachlan Gibb and David Wright.

The Bucksburn & District Pipe Band Awards were presented at the traditional Smoker Night held after the Mini Bands on Saturday 19th March 2011. The annual event is a chance for band members old and new to get together and share memories of the band over the years.

One of the features of the night if the presentation of the band trophies, and this year the band also presented honorary membership to 2 of it's longest standing members.

The Jim McDonald Trophy is annually awarded to a member of the junior band who has shown outstanding dedication, bandsmanship and been a credit to the band. This year's winner was Ewan Dallas, the trophy presented by Band Manager bob Niven.

The Joker Watt Trophy similarly goes to a member of the senior band who has gone out of their way to work for the band, and this year goes to Gus McAskill for his tireless work in organising the band's first major concert - Fired Up, the trophy was presented by V-P Gordon Duncan.

Honorary Membership was awarded to two drummers who between them have racked up over 40 years of dedicated service to the band. Their certificates were presented to them by long serving bass drummer during their time in the band, Graham Gauld.

Keith Mann was another who was influenced by the band from an early age, from lessons with David Duncan and David Brown at the Aberdeen B.B. before going on to spend 24 years as part of Bucksburn & District Pipe Band, serving on tenor, bass, as president, and filling a pretty decent trophy cabinet.

Mike Brown was the first snare drummer taught within the band to make it all the way into the senior band, and stayed there for nearly 20 years serving as Deputy Lead Drummer, Vice President and winning many major championships.