Congratulations to Inveraray & District Pipe Band who have been nominated in Pipe band of the Year sponsored by Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2019. Vote here! Vote now!
We asked Gus Sicard of Inveraray & District Pipe Band the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Formed by Pipe Major Stuart Liddell in 2005, the band started in the Novice Juvenile Grade and made rapid progress – from Novice to Juvenile to Grade 2, winning the World Championships in each grade – 2007 (Novice), 2008 (Juvenile) and 2009 (Grade 2). They were promoted to the top level – Grade 1 in 2010 and managed to get into the prize list (top 6 bands) that year, finishing 5th at Cowal. From 2011 till 2013 they were very consistent, finishing in the prize list on most occasions. The highlight of 2013 however was their pre-Worlds “Ascension” concert in the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow which sold out in record time. A double CD was made of the concert, which is still on sale on the band’s website, www.idpb.co.uk. In 2014 the band won their first major contest at the top grade winning the European Championships less than 10 years after they were formed. This was followed up with more major successes in 2015 and 2016. The 2017 season was their best yet with the band winning 4 out of the 5 major championships, culminating in them reaching the pinnacle by becoming World Champions in Glasgow in August 2017. Since then the band has continued its winning ways and has never been out of the prize list as well as performing in concerts and other events.
Inveraray & District won the World Pipe Band Championships again in August 2019.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
To promote piping and drumming in Argyle when we started… and all over the World today!
Any particular career highlights?
World Pipe Band Champions
2007 – Novice Juvenile
2008 – Juvenile
2009 – Grade 2
2017 – Grade 1
2019 – Grade 1
Sold out “Ascension” concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
What are your plans for the future?
Work hard to stay at the top!
We are currently working on a new show for the “Pre-Worlds” concert on the 12th of August 2020, seven years after “Ascension”. We will be accompanied by a great line-up of musicians for the night, including Ali Hutton, Aaron Jones, Angus Lyon, James Lindsay, James Mackintosh, and Archie McAllister.
Read more about Inveraray & District Pipe Band
https://idpb.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inveraraypb/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InverarayPB
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inveraraypb/
If you wish to attend the final ceremony, tickets are are priced £25 (+ Booking Fee), and Concessions are available. To book please call Aberdeen Music Hall Box Office on 01224 641122, or visit: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/all-shows/the-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards/2734. Bands performing on Saturday 7th December include Skerryvore, Session A9, Benedict Morris (BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award Winner 2019), Heisk, Aberdeenshire Youth Band, Sian, Robyn Stapleton, Mairi Campbell and the Pendulum Band, Susan MacFadyen Scottish Dance Band and more to be announced. There will also be a late night ceilidh after the Awards till 1am.
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians please consider supporting our Patreon campaign. We have 3 tiers starting at $1 a month and everything helps support us in our work. Read more at www.patreon.com/handsupfortrad
