Mid-section as usual for Fry-less Shotts
The absence of the world’s most famous tenor drummer will not adversely impact House of Edgar-Shotts & Dykehead, according to Leading-Drummer Jim Kilpatrick after Tyler Fry decided to take a one-season leave of absence from the Scottish Grade 1 band.
Fry, who has been a driving force behind the renewed importance of tenor drumming in pipe bands over the last 15 years, opted for a summer off from commuting to the UK from his Ontario home due to conflicts with at least two RSPBA major championships due to the weddings of friends.
“I’m just taking the summer away from Shotts,” Fry said. “Several of my best friends are getting married on the same day as some of the major championships this year. I wish I could do both, however, unfortunately it’s not possible this year.”
“It was agreed that the best thing for the short term, was for Tyler to take some time out so he can fulfill all his other commitments,” Kilpatrick commented. “Neil Bruce has been in charge of the mid-section for over four years. Neil writes all the bass and tenor scores, along with arranging all of the voicing, and I give him total control over everything in that area, and to be honest, he has done a brilliant job . . . The net impact is, we had eight tenors and now have seven.”
House of Edgar-Shotts & Dykehead is in a building year, with newly appointed Pipe-Major Ryan Canning in charge, following the mid-season departure of Gavin Walker. Canning, a veteran front-rank member of the Grade 1 Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, has brought in several new members to the pipe section. Kilpatrick has also welcomed new members, including snare drummer Graham Brown, who departed as Leading-Drummer of the Grade 1 Peel Regional Police Pipe Band last fall, and Gold Medalist piper Glenn Brown, who joins as Pip-Sergeant.
“The way I left it with Tyler was, we can discuss 2014 at the end of this season,” Kilpatrick concluded.
Oh no you don’t, you guys aren’t fooling anyone. [edited. Please refer to and follow guidelines/policy for comments. Thank you.]
Lawrie, thanks for your thoughts. However, perhaps its best not to make judgement on something you know nothing about. It is totally possible to leave a band on good terms. I for one can relate to that. All the best to Tyler and Jim, no doubt they will both continue to be at the forefront of pipe band drumming throughout the world.
I very much doubt that anyone has the want, intention or even the inclination to try to dupe the general public as to the temporary departure of Tyler Fry. Will the Shotts be the lesser for his absence? Probably, yes. Fry is a character and a great tenor drummer, but we may be treated to an equally good display without him. As the article says, 8 drummers become 7 for one year….they are not filling the 8th slot for the year. I actually respect the idea that if he could not give 100% TyFry would walk away for the year. As they say, “Go hard, or go home…†The masses can stand at the beer tent and pontificate, but I very much doubt that there is any greater depth to this than what has been said.
This is of no real consequence. Tyler is a tenor drummer, and was clearly just a rank and file player in that corps. All the work was done around him. How many stories on here are about Pipe Majors announcing the departure of a corps piper? Some perspective people. This makes news because it is simply a confected and orchestrated parting so that both parties are seen to part amicably and protect their brands. This way, no one jumped ship for another opportunity, and/or no-one sacked anyone. Perfect for both parties. That’s not cynical of me to say. It is actually good business sense. JamesLaughlin – you too are in this caper full-time and make a living via it, so your comments are also in this same PR mode, so let’s not get too cute and moralistic here. All I will say now is good luck at Inveraray & District, Tyler.
How many stories on here are about Pipe Majors announcing the departure of a corps piper? Some perspective people. This makes news because it is a confected and orchestrated parting so that both parties protect their brands. Perfect for both parties. That’s not cynical of me to say. It is actually good business sense. JamesLaughlin – you too are in this caper full-time and make a living from it, so I see your comments as being laden with PR ‘spin’ as well. Good luck at Inveraray & District, Tyler.
From a business angle, it makes sense to present amicability (and I’m sure it is). Anyone tied-up in business knows they have to present things a certain way to their market, even when parting ways. It ensures that the brand is protected. JamesLaughlin – you would agree with this, I’m sure. Good luck at Inveraray & District, Mr Fry.