Pipe Sergeant Jack Lee, in an email to band members, announced that he is retiring from the Simon Fraser University competition pipe band.
Said Jack: ‘It was been a terrific 50 year run but I have decided to retire from the competition band. I think the band is in a very strong position to move ahead and I anticipate more amazing moments in the future. I will be cheering you on and helping in various ways…’
By Rob MacNeil, SFU Band President
Jack will continue as Director of the Robert Malcolm Memorial Pipe Bands and as Treasurer of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band organisation.
‘Jack’s impact and his contributions to the band and to the BC pipe band scene cannot be overstated,’ Pipe Major Alan Bevan said. ‘He has been a huge inspiration and mentor to me. Playing alongside and working with Jack over the past 30 years has been a huge highlight of my career, but we know this is not ‘goodbye’, and that he will continue to play a big role in the organisation he has dedicated almost his entire life to.’
Lead Drummer Reid Maxwell reflected, ‘Jack, it has been an honour and a pleasure playing in the band with you for over 30 years. We have done some amazing things in this great band of ours. It will be a little different looking to my left at the top of the circle and not seeing you there. If there is one thing that does disappoint me in your departure, it is that I am now the oldest member of the band! That aside, I wish you nothing but the best in your future piping endeavours whatever they may be.’
And with his announcement, the close of an illustrious career in pipe band music leadership:
– 1995, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2008, and 2009 Grade 1 World Pipe Band Champions
– 1982 and 2002 North American Pipe Band Champions
– 2001 Australian Pipe Band Champions
– Concerts at Carnegie Hall (1998), Sydney Opera House (2001), Lincoln Center (2012), Massey Hall (2003), Waterfront Concert Hall (Belfast 2003), Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (2005, 2009, 2015) and other great concert halls across Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand
Music Director and Leader, Robert Malcolm Memorial Pipe Band
– 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005 Juvenile World Pipe Band Champions
Pipe Major, Canadian Pacific Airlines Pipe Band
– 1975 Grade 2 Canadian Open Pipe Band Champions
– 1976 Grade 2 Cowal and European Pipe Band Champions
Congratulations Jack on a half century of exceptional and exemplary pipe band music leadership!
