On November 30, 2013 the Ottawa Branch held its regular knockout event, as well as a professional side drumming contest. The event featured a strong turnout from the local community, and a boisterous gathering that kept the bar staff busy right up until last call. Hugh Cameron and Brian Williamson judged the drumming and piping events respectively.
Iain Bell in action in the Open Drumming contest
Brendan Kelly competing in the Open Drumming Contest
Seven competitors took part in the professional drumming MSR contest, with both local entries and others from as far away as Trenton. It is hoped that this event will become an annual fixture on the Ottawa piping and drumming calendar alongside the Glengarry Cup (professional piping), the knockout series and the Branch Indoor Games.
L-R: Brendan Kelly, Iain Bell, Chris Bell and Branch President Chris Dodson
1. Chris Bell ($300 prize) 2. Iain Bell ($200 prize) 3. Brendan Kelly ($100 prize) 4. Joe Kiah 5. Iain Cleaton 6. Devin Roberts
The Branch amateur knockout series continued with three events. In the “A” division piping, Tom Brown of the RCAF Pipes and Drums won the Allan Quinn Memorial Quaich for the second straight year, playing Brigadier General Ronald Cheape of Tiroran, The Caledonian Society of London and John Morrison of Assynt House.
L-R: Keith Theobold, Thomas Brown, Andrew Sandison and Branch President Chris Dodson
1. Tom Brown 2. Keith Theobald 3. Andrew Sandison 4. John Steele 5. Ross Davison 6. Rachelle MacDonald
The “A” division drumming MSR was a two-horse race, with Devin Roberts edging fellow Ottawa Police drummer Eric Wilson.
1. Devin Roberts 2. Eric Wilson
The “B” division drumming featured three competitors playing 6/8 marches, with Kiernan Alexander of the Rob Roy Pipe Band coming out on top.
L-R: Branch Secretary James van de Ven, Kiernan Alexander, Matthew Houlzet and Branch President Chris Dodson
1. Kiernan Alexander 2. James Johnson 3. Matthew Houlzet
Two raffle draws were held. The first, featured two movie passes to the Ottawa screening of Pipes and Sticks on Route 66, donated by the filmmaker John MacDonald. The second draw was won by Becky Macdonell and featured prizes donated by Pipes|Drums, British Isles Shoppe Kingston, John McDonald – Pipes & Sticks on Route 66, Glengarry Pipe Band and Tyler Fry of TyFry.
Hugh Cameron leads a seminar
Andrew Elliott kept them in the air
Drumming workshops were held during the day, with Hugh Cameron leading side drumming sessions and Andrew Elliott running the bass and tenor sessions. Thanks to Hugh and Andrew for braving the early winter snowstorm and helping the Branch offer this learning opportunity for the local drumming community!