Young pipers and drummers celebrate solo success

All the young musicians’ hard work, under the expert tuition of Pipe Major John Fittis and Leading Drummer Matthew Shaw, has paid off. The Ballyclare band is now able to boast three Ulster Champions and many other medal and merit award winners.

At the Cullybackey Solos, Jamie Kerr won a silver medal and Ashleigh Kane took bronze in the Unaccompanied Snare Drum category, while Ben Jenkins picked up a bronze medal in the Novice Drum Pad competition.

At the Ulster Solos, Brady Annett came out on top as he was crowned Ulster Juvenile Piping 12 & Under Champion.

Jamie Kerr took the Unaccompanied Snare Ulster Champion title, while Ashleigh Kane came third in the same category.

Sarah Kerr was crowned Grade 4B Tenor Ulster Champion, and Ben Jenkins picked up a Merit Award in the Novice Drum Pad competition.

Addressing the successful pipers and drummers, Pipe Major John Fittis said: “It’s not easy to stand on your own and solo. Hats off to you guys, you do Ballyclare and the band a great service, getting the names out there. What a great piece if silverware for Brady Annett to bring to the band, our first solo piping trophy.”

The Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band practices in the Torrens Hall, Doagh from 7pm until 10pm every Tuesday, and 7pm until 9pm on Wednesdays.

For more information check out the band’s Facebook page.