Band Family Set Sights on Canada

Band Family Set Sights on Canada

“A family that plays together, stays together,” an old adage which has proven true for a Nelson family of musicians and Celtic Pipe Band of Stoke members.

Up and coming 12-year-old piper Ben Grundy has been awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious “Piping Hot Summer Drummer” in Canada in July, but when his mother Mary McKeowen, a piper herself, heard the news she decided it was an opportunity too good to pass up and she would accompany her son.

However, not wanting to be left behind, Ben’s two sisters, 15-year-old Emily and 11-year-old Janae, who play Tenor Drums in the Celtic band, decided they wanted a piece of the Canadian action and have also put their hands up to go as well. Janae, who is also a highland dancer, will spend a week in dancing workshops while in Canada too.

The event is the largest of its kind in the world and draws pipers and drummers from across the globe to learn from top international tutors, including the Celtic Pipe Band’s Musical Director Callum Gilchrist who will be tutoring again this year.

Celtic Pipe Band Secretary Helen Gilchrist says earlier this year Ben returned from an extremely successful Hastings Highland Games where he and four other Celtic Band members each won, and were also highly placed in a variety of solo piping events.

Helen says while Ben’s scholarship covers all costs associated with the Canadian event’s workshops, it doesn’t pay for travel or accommodation.

ENDS

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