In drumming this is the equivalent of the World Cup

In drumming this is the equivalent of the World Cup

17 August 2016

A DRUMANESS drummer is on another roll after scooping a world title at the weekend.

Music teacher Brendan Megoran led the drum corps of the pipes and drums of the PSNI to lift the grade two drumming prize at the biggest event in the piping calendar — the annual World Pipe Band Championships.

This musical spectacle sees over 230 pipe bands from across the world come together in Glasgow every August.

Field Marshal Montgomery remained at the top of the pipe band world as they claimed an 11th grade one world title on Saturday.

The pipes and drums of the PSNI just missed out on the overall award for Grade 2 level, denied a grand slam season when Johnstone just pipped them to the grade two title.

However, Brendan said he was delighted with their efforts and the drum corps title.

“We were over the moon,” he said. “If you are into piping it is the equivalent of the World Cup final.

“They come from America, Australia, New Zealand, France, Sweden, even Pakistan.

“We have 45 playing, 27 of which are pipers. Former players also come back to help the team behind the scenes.”

Encouraged by his family Brendan started playing drums at the age of seven and began his career with the Frank Rainey Memorial Pipe Band. He was also a member of the RUC pipe band between 1998 and 2001 during which time they won a series of titles including that of World Champions. Brendan then took over the lead drumming role in Ballycoan before his current role as drum sergeant with the PSNI band. Although not a member of the police, he became involved for the musical reasons.

Brendan has been drumming for 35 years in all and is still excited by each win and the fun that is had along the way.

“Socially it is unbelievable,” he said. “I know people worldwide. I have just made that many friends. 

“Former members are still part of the community. They are coming over still, best of friends, encouraging you.

“The band scene can be quite competitive and quite cut throat but they are mostly very good people. I think it is a good thing for young people to get involved in.”

The sound when they all come together at events such as the World Pipe Band Championships is “spectacular” but Brendan now insists he and his band wear ear plugs. 

He explained that an audiologist testing his hearing “put her hands over her face” in dismay when he told her exactly how much time he spent with pipes and drums.

“I had to get special ear plugs,” he said. “It is about health and safety.”

Taking his current band forward, Brendan said they would be aiming again for Grade one level in future competitions.

Aside from performing, Brendan has taught some of the top solo players in Ireland as well as drummers who compete with the world’s top pipe bands. As part of his busy teaching career, along with colleagues including Mark Carmichael, Andy McGregor and Sean Maloney, Brendan tutors in schools across Northern Ireland. He added that he had had particular satisfaction in working with children with special needs.

“This year the Ulster Scots Agency funded us to go into Special Needs schools,” he said. “Some people say they are a waste of money but they don’t always get the credit they deserve.

“When you see wee kids who could not move their arms above their heads starting to bang drum sticks or blow into a pipe chanter, and also to see how their teachers work with them, that was just fantastic.”