Update 3: Brown, nine others in drum corps, out at Peel Police
Published: August 20, 2012
Leading-Drummer Graham Brown has been summarily sacked by Pipe-Major John Cairns, possibly leaving the Grade 1 Peel Regional Police Pipe Band without a drum section.
According to sources, Brown was asked to resign from the band on the morning of August 20th, little more than a week after the band made the Grade 1 Final at the World Pipe Band Championships, with its drum section placing second in the Qualifier round against 17 other bands.
Peel went on to place eighth and thirteenth in drumming in the MSR and Medley events, respectively, in the 14-band Final.
"I can confirm that Graham Brown is no longer with the Peel Regional Police Pipe Band,” Cairns said. “We thank him for his time with the band as lead-drummer and we wish him well with his future endeavors. As to where we go from here, the nucleus of the drum corps is still intact and we are compiling a list of candidates for the position of lead-tip. I will not comment on Graham's departure from the band other than to say that a difference in leadership philosophies contributed heavily to this difficult decision being made."
Brown was not immediately available for comment, but later responded.
"Needless to say, I'm extremely disappointed in John Cairns's decision to remove me as leading-drummer,” Brown commented. “When I brought John to Peel Police I envisioned us working as a team that could try and win a World Championship. Over the past five years I've sacrificed everything, including relationships and work opportunities, to stay at the helm of Peel Police and continue toward our goal of being a world-class band. I'd like to thank all the drummers who dedicated parts of their lives to playing with me at Peel. This was a fantastic drum corps because of them. I'd especially like to thank the snare drummers, tenor drummers and bass drummer(s) who have stepped down at Peel in support of me. This means so much to me, and really shows true friendship."
According to reports, nine drummers have left the band in support of Brown. Four have apparently said they they will either stay or see what the future brings. Graham Kirkwood, probably the most accomplished musician in the snare line and the current leading-drummer in the Hamilton Police organiziation, reportedly has not left the band.
In June the band travelled to Ohio and subsequently endured the resignation of bass drummer Kyle Gorman, who was replaced by Andrew Elliott. Gorman's departure reportedly follwed an ultimatum by Cairns.
Stay tuned to pipes|drums for more on this story as it develops.
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