Fife Constabulary searches for bass-drummer weeks before Jan. 15th Glasgow concert

Taking the stage of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is daunting enough for any group, but it will additionally tough for the Grade 1 Fife Constabulary Pipe Band on January 15th when it performs as part of the annual Celtic Connections festival. With three weeks to go before the show, the band has lost its bass drummer, Craig Guyer, due to work commitments.

Fife Constabulary has commenced an active search for a new big-drummer to replace Guyer, who had been with the band for several years. He was a member of Grade 1 bands Clan Gregor and House of Edgar-Shotts & Dykehead before joining Fife Constabulary.

“With this unfortunate departure arises an opportunity for someone to join one of the top Grade 1 bands in Scotland,” said Mick O’Neill, Fife Constabulary leading-drummer. O’Neill and Pipe-Major James Murray expressed their thanks to Guyer “for his dedication and service to the band and wish him all the best for the future.”

But it’s full steam ahead for the Celtic Connections concert, which the band will share with the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland.

Fife Constabulary will preview some of the band’s new repertoire for the 2011 competition season, along with a blend of both traditional and contemporary music. The band also will be joined by the S.A.S Ceilidh Band, offering several “ceilidh classics,” along with a variety of solo performances.

“It is both an honour and pleasure to be invited to play at the world renowned Celtic Connections festival,” Murray said. The band added that the concert will be one that “no Celtic music enthusiast should miss.”

O’Neill said that another member of the band’s bass section will take the bass drum at the concert, and that those who wish to be considered for the bass drum position with Fife Constabulary should contact him directly by e-mail.