Baxter reaches top of Rocky Mountain

The Grade 3 Rocky Mountain Pipe Band of Calgary has appointed Ian Baxter (pictured right) as its new Pipe-Major. Baxter replaces Ross Barker, who retired from the role.

Baxter, originally from Port Alberni, British Columbia, has played with the band since 2004. Under the direction of Barker, the Rocky Mountain Pipe Band won the Alberta Grade 3 Championship Supreme in 2006 and in 2007 tied for the title with the Edmonton & District Pipe Band, which won the Grade 3 event at the 2007 North American Championships at Maxville, Ontario, in August.

Ann Gray, president of the Rocky Mountain Society and a snare drummer with the band, indicated that Rocky Mountain, which was started in 1997, plans to travel to compete at Maxville in 2008, as well as at west coast competitions. It has competed in Grade 3 since 2003.

“The Rocky Mountain Pipe Band wishes to thank Ross for his years of commitment to the role of Pipe-Major,” Gray said. “The band hopes that he’ll continue to enjoy being a player with the group for a long time to come, and wishes him success in his solo piping career, on which he intends to focus over the next few years.”

She went on to say that the Rocky Mountain Pipe Band welcomes inquiries from any pipers and drummers interested in joining the group, and they are invited to contact the band by e-mail.

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