Johnstone deploys L-D search after departure of Davie

The Grade 2 Johnstone Pipe Band of Renfrew, Scotland, has embarked on a search for a new lead-drummer after the resignation of Bobby Davie from the post. Keith Bowes, pipe-major of the band, described Davie’s departure as “amicable,” citing reasons due to “work and other personal commitments.”

Other drummers have reportedly left the band along with Davie, although how many and whom are not clear. Davie had been with Johnstone since 2006 when the band held Grade 4a status.

Bowes also said that Alan Craig will no longer be the drumming instructor of Johnstone’s Juvenile band, also citing work and personal commitments. Craig, who is the L-D of the Grade 2 Lomond & Clyde Pipe Band, had been teaching the Johnstone Juvenile band for the last three years.

“Johnstone [is] now looking for a new Leading-Drummer to take over the remaining corps and to oversee the development of the band’s juvenile drum corps,” Bowes said. “The band has a strong youth policy which has seen the progression of pipers and drummers from their juvenile band into the Grade 2 band. I would like to express sincere thanks to both Bobby and Alan, and wish them all the best in their current and future ventures.”

Bowes said that the band is hoping that other drummers will stay, but that status will not be known until the band reconvenes on September 29th. He added that those intetrested in the L-D position can contact him directly by e-mail.

The Johnstone Pipe Band was founded in 1942.