Toronto Police launch new feeder-band

2006 North American Champions Toronto Police Pipe Band have announced that it has re-started its feeder-band initiative with the addition of a “junior-level” unit to its organization.

The band will be led by Brian Urkosky, who has played in the Toronto Police organization for many years, also being the last Pipe-Major of the Toronto Police’s very successful feeder-band from 1998 to 2002 before it was dissolved when it was on the brink of moving to Grade 2.

The drum section will be directed by Doug Stronach, leading-drummer of the Grade 1 band, who will be a registered instructor for the junior-level band. Stronach will compete with both bands. Pipers & Pipe Band Society of Ontario rules allow for a qualified instructor from a higher-grade band to compete with another band.

The band invites interested members to contact Urkosky or Stronach.

In a statement, Stronach said, “The Toronto Police Pipe Band is excited about reestablishing its feeder system, and believes that this will ensure longevity at the Grade 1 level.”

The announcement comes at a time when the long-term viability of feeder-bands has been questioned after Simon Fraser University organization’s Robert Malcolm Memorial II Pipe Band (RMM2) was upgraded to Grade 1, only to have several members moved into the SFU band, RMM2 subsequently apply to move back to Grade 2, and then see its leadership team resign.

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