St Andrew’s College in Ontario, Canada, are looking for a new Director of Piping & Drumming. The full time job begins in August next year.
The prospectus reads: Our Pipes & Drums program has been in existence since 1915. With the help of world-renowned piping and drumming teachers, aspiring pipers and drummers can begin their journey at St Andrew’s and graduate with a lifelong hobby of piping or drumming, with many students going on to perform in the world’s leading pipe bands or joining the school’s band.
The Director of Pipes & Drums will provide oversight and leadership to all piping and drumming programming. They will work collaboratively with students and staff in Middle and Upper School in a signature traditional program at the college.
The ideal candidate will have competition experience and/or success at high levels as a soloist on the bagpipes, experience leading pipe bands or sections, and particular expertise in the playing and teaching of piobaireachd. Experience or proficiency with instruments other than the bagpipes would be considered an asset.
To apply click here. Applications close on October 27.
New SFU P/Sgt
Earlier this month SFU Pipe Band members got together at the Port Moody Legion Branch 119 for a social evening and to recognise the transition of Jack Lee’s multi-decade tenure as Pipe Sergeant, writes Rob Rob MacNeil, President, SFU Pipe Band Society.
Pipe Major Alan Bevan also announced that Craig Sutherland would take Jack’s place as P/Sgt.
Craig, from Crieff in Perthshire, joined the band in early 2016 following many years playing in the Vale of Atholl Pipe Bands, rising to Pipe Sergeant of their Grade 1 band.
Since then, Craig has been a front rank player in SFUPB and has captured some of solo piping’s top awards: Argyllshire Gathering Gold Medal (2017), Northern Meeting Gold Medal (2024), Northern Meeting A Grade MSR (2023).
Craig met his wife Tori Killoran, also a SFU piper, through the band, and in November 2024 Craig moved to BC. They were married in Italy in May of this year.
Jack Lee became Pipe Sergeant of the City of Port Moody Legion 119 band in 1977. It later became the SFU band and 48 years later, Jack has passed the torch to Craig at the same Legion Branch.
Port Moody Legion Branch 119 holds a special place with the SFU. Since 1981 the band has returned every year to perform for the Legion’s Remembrance Day Ceremony.
Jack’s retiral was announced last month. He said then: ‘It has 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.’
Jack will continue as Director of the Robert Malcolm Memorial bands and as Treasurer of SFU.
Amateur Invitational
The 42nd Annual Nicol-Brown Amateur Invitational Piping Competition will take place October 11, 2025 at Saint Mark Presbyterian Church in Rockville, Maryland, USA. There are ten Grade 1 competitors from around North America.
British Columbia Pipers Association (BCPA) pipers Aiden Fowler and Colin Richdale earned their invitations by finishing first and second in the 2025 BCPA standings. They will be competing in 6/8 March, Piobaireachd, and MSR.
Company Takeover
Jack Lee has sent this: Lee & Sons have just acquired Highland Gear the largest producers of pipe bag covers out here. Highland Gear was founded by Greg Scott in Ontario, a pioneer in the design and production of custom-made covers.
Lee & Sons Products: Bagpipes, Pipe Bags, a wide range of piping accessories. Highland Gear Products: Bag covers, Drum covers, Highland wear. The addition of Highland Gear to the Lee & Sons family strengthens our commitment to quality, innovation, and customisation.
