The Grade 1 Vale of Atholl Pipe Band have appointed Northern Ireland’s Adrian Hoy as their new leading drummer. Adrian’s appointment is a huge boost for the Perthshire band and was announced as they prepared to play at the last competition of the year at their local Pitlochry Highland Games.
Earlier this week the band announced the departure of Lee Lawson as leading tip: ‘Lee took a sabbatical from the band mid-season for personal reasons and unfortunately will not be able to continue with the Grade 1 band as we set our sights on preparing for the 2017 season. We would like to thank Lee for her contribution and the band will shortly provide a further statement to clarify arrangements for the leadership of the drum corps as we move forward.’
The band’s Fiona MacKay issued this statement last night:
‘The Vale of Atholl Grade 1 Pipe Band is pleased to announce the appointment of their new Leading Drummer, Adrian Hoy. A native of Cullybackey village, Adrian joined Cullybackey Pipe Band when he was nine years old and became leading drummer when he was 22. He had a short break from the band when he moved to Scotland in 1990 and played with Scottish Power before moving back to Northern Ireland in 1993.
In 1995 Adrian, having again taken up the position of leading drummer with Cullybackey, embarked on a teaching programme for young drummers which has produced many prize winners over the years. Whilst at Cullybackey, Adrian led his drum corps to many victories over the years, including World titles whilst in Grade Two. On promotion the band were successful in qualifying for six Worlds finals in seven years.
‘All of his former corps from Cullybackey have regrouped to get behind this exciting new venture. The snare line features many of today’s top soloists and include Adrian’s son Jason Hoy, William Glenholmes, Chris Kerr, Marcus Wenlock, Matthew Wenlock, Ryan Martin and Nathan McLeister.
‘Adrian stated, ‘Everyone is really pleased to be back as a corps again and looking forward to the exciting challenges ahead. There has always been a close relationship with the two bands and this was a natural fit for us. I have always admired ‘The Vale’ for their musical innovation and am confident that the band will be in a stronger position as we enter the 2017 season.’
‘Pipe Major Adrian Cramb has welcomed this opportunity to work with Adrian and his talented drum corps, having been impressed with their obvious professionalism and work ethic whilst playing alongside them at the Avenches Tattoo in the past and hearing them compete over the years.
‘PM Cramb stated, ‘The long-term commitment Adrian has given to playing with the Vale will provide stability in the drum corps after a few years of continual change. The band will also benefit from Adrian’s undoubted success and skill in teaching new drummers, which will complement the existing commitment the Vale already has to bringing in and developing young players. Our sights are firmly set on forging a strong musical relationship and with that, a successful band at championship level.’
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