Fredericton temporarily loses pipe-major to accident

The Grade 2 Fredericton Society of St. Andrew Pipe Band has suffered the loss of its Pipe-Major, Derick Wilson, due to a work injury that broke the E finger of his right hand in three places just before the July 9 Halifax games.

While Wilson recovers, the band is being led by Chris Gallant, who served as Pipe-Major during the band’s successful performances on both days at the Halifax contest. Gallant will reportedly take the band at the Antigonish Highland Games in Nova Scotia on July 16.

“Derick is still at all of the band practices and games setting up the band, and helping with the direction,” says Gallant. “The only change is that I lead the band on the field for the competitions, but Derick is still there with all his input.”

Gallant adds that Wilson’s prognosis is good and that he may even be able to play by the New Brunswick Highland Games in the band’s home of Fredericton, New Brunswick, on July 23, and/or be ready for the North American Pipe Band Championships at Maxville, Ontario, July 29 and 30.

Fredericton Society of St. Andrew in 2003 was fourth in Grade 2 at the North American Championships, winning the MSR section of the competition.

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