Scott Niven - Deputy Leading Drummer

I started learning the Snare Drum under Roddy McDonald at Bucksburn & District Pipe Band in 1992. 3 years of graft later I started playing in the Novice/Juvenile band. In 1997 we won the Worlds, British and Cowal titles, also picking up the Champion of Champions title. At the bottom of the street at Cowal that night I was invited to join the Senior band by L/D David Brown Jnr. Over the following years I was also given extra tuition by David Brown Snr, who completely revised my rudimental skills and made me look much more in depth at how drum scores were written and how they should be played. I held the position of Deputy Lead Drummer from 2000 until 2006 as the band moved up to Grade One, and eventually back to Grade Two. During this time I took on more responsibility dealing with the Junior band and beginners. I wrote a book to teach both Snare and Tenor Drums, which are now under revision for the 3rd time. I joined the police band to work with Nicky Gibson in March 2007. I currently still teach the Bucksburn Junior Band set-up, working closely with P/M Ian Dallas to promote Piping and Drumming in the Aberdeen area. I have also been involved in teaching at a number of workshops including the very successful Gordon Gaitherin and Aberdeen International Youth Festival. I have been hugely influenced by a number of Pipers and Drummers, including Jim Kilpatrick MBE and Robert Mathieson of Shotts, the legendary Alex Duthart, Tyler Fry, Tom and Gordon Brown, Mick O’Neill and Neil Selbie. I play pretty much any type of drum especially Djembe, Drum Kit and Cajon. I host a website dedicated to Pipe Band drumming which can be found at www.scottniven.co.uk