Fleming spies Bucksburn for L-D role

The Grade 2 Bucksburn & District from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has appointed Joe Fleming as its leading-drummer., taking over from Simon Lipp who left the band last December, and previous L-D Mike Haggart who has held down leadership of the Bucksburn corps until now.

A native of Lanarkshire, Fleming comes with experience at the Grade 1 level, playing with Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia and Inveraray & District. He expects to graduate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with a BA (Hons) in Scottish Music, and move to Aberdeen where hopes to introduce pipe band drumming lessons to schools in the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire areas.

“It has been some time since Bucksburn’s drum corps had seen success on the competition park and Joe and his energized corps will strive to bring this back to the band again,” said Bucksburn & District Pipe-Sergeant and Secretary Gus McAskill. “We have a young band with very talented players who are keen to do well and Joe’s appointment will enhance this greatly.

“The band wishes to express its gratitude to Mike Haggart for his efforts during his short time as Stand-in Lead Drummer. Mike will continue to help and support Joe in his new role.

The Bucksburn & District organization, which includes a juvenile teaching and competing bands operation in addition to the Grade 2 band, will celebrate its seventieth anniversary in 2017. The annual concert in Aberdeen put on by Bucksburn & District will feature the Grade 1 ScottishPower as the headliner on May 14th.