Reid departs; Currams in as City of Regina L-D
The Grade 2 City of Regina Pipe Band of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada has accepted the resignation of Leading-Drummer Roland Reid and appointed Willie Currams to the post. A resident of Winnipeg – some 570 kilomeres from Regina – Reid had commuted as L-D for two years, and apparently will stay with leave the band.
Currams joined City of Regina in 2012 after moving to the city from Ireland where he played with St. Colmcille’s Pipe Band of Tullamore.
Pipe-Major Iain MacDonald said that the band was fortunate to have several options to take over the drum section, but that having a leader who lived in the city was a deciding factor.
“Rolly took on the L-D role for the 2012 season, steadily developed the players and the corps, and contributed immensely to the development of the band as a whole,” MacDonald said. “I can ¹t say enough positive about Roland and his contribution to the band. He was the right leader at the right time for us, and we’re sad to see him go, but we understand the commitment he’s had to make from that distance, and are extremely appreciative of his contributions and friendship. We are pleased that Willie Currams will be the L-D going forward.”
“I have really enjoyed my time with the band,” Reid said,”but feel this is the right time for the band to appoint a local leading-drummer.”
Since 2005 the band has relied on outside help to develop the drum corps, but since Reid joined has been able to attract experienced players and developed the skills of younger members.
City of Regina has competed in Grade 2 since it was formed in 1992.
I enjoyed my time with City of Regina PB and very much appreciate the support of Iain and all of the band members while I was the lead drummer. I felt though that the drum corps had grown in strength and numbers over the past two years to the point where it would now be possible for a local lead drummer to continue to move things forward. It was a challenge for everyone to continue to improve with having me come in for big band weekends whenever possible. I congratulate Willie on his decision to take on the role of lead drummer and sincerely wish all the best to the band.
Enjoyed competing and listening to your corps Rolly, congratulations on being such a big part of rebuilding a great band. All the best to yourself, and all the best to Willie and the band going forward.
Congrats willie on your new roll as L/D , a role I know your going to give 200%, as usual , delighted for you pal.
Congrats on your excellent work with the corps, Rolly. Nice to see the reins being handed over on good terms, and to a top-notch guy like Willie. Looking forward to hearing the band in 2014!