Grampian Police Pipe Band Pipe Major Drew Sinclair labelled this seasons results as the best for several years.  But he warned there is more to come from the Band.

The Band was placed at three of the four major competitions entered, including a rewarding 5th at the prestige World Pipe Band Championships and a satisfying 3rd at Cowal, the final competition of the season. 

The Band also won the coveted North of Scotland Champions of Champions for the both grades 2 and 1, the second successive year the Band have won the titles.

The fact the 2009 season ended so well just makes Pipe Major Sinclair more determined for the forthcoming season.  He said, “I remember last year we looked towards 2009 and we felt we could get the pipe corps established in the top 3/4 at the Majors, get the drum corps safely into the top 10 with perhaps the potential for the odd top 6.

“We felt the ensemble would perhaps take a while longer with a fledgling bass section but the Band committed to bringing in outside knowledge to try and progress things and the players really responded.”

He added, “The Band goal was to get into the prize list at the Majors and we set out knowing that the Worlds would be the most difficult.

“But we achieved all we set out to achieve and a good deal more on top of that.”

Looking forward Pipe Major Sinclair said, “The sound and playing we displayed at Cowal is exactly where we need to be and that standard needs to be our basic performance level for next season.”

He added, “If we achieve that level at the start of the season and build from there we will enjoy even greater success than this year.”

Drew admitted the Band was still recruiting experienced players, particularly in the drum corps.  He stated, “There has been activity in terms of approaching new players to come on board for next season.  It would appear that everyone involved this year is committing to next season which gives us a very strong platform to build on.” 

“As it stands we have four pipers to add to the pipe corps who finished last season and I want a minimum of 18 - 20 for each contest we turn out at next season.”

He added, “In an ideal world I would like to add a further 3 more players before the start of the season.”

Drew was also delighted to confirm a new tenor drummer and two new side drummers will be joining the Band while another side drummer, who missed all last season, is hoping to get back competiting. 

Drew said, “That will add real depth to our drum corps and I know Nicky Gibson has other players he will be speaking to in the near future so we are still hopeful of further signings.”  

The new players will be introduced at the start of October.

Drew confirmed over the winter period he intends to further improve the selections, playing and sound and will continue to work with Pipe Sergeant Colin Walker, Nicky and others to build on the overall ensemble. 

A clearly proud Pipe Major said, “I would like to thank everyone who has supported us, particularly the Balmoral Group and those who assist behind the scene for their efforts over the past 12 months.” 

“Most of all, I’d like to thank the players and their families who have put in so much effort and commitment to get us to where we are.” 

“As we put the 2009 season firmly behind us we can take much confidence and pleasure from our progress from this time last year.” 

He added, “The work starts now on ensuring we eclipse this season's success and make 2010 a truly memorable year for the band.”

ENDS