Glengarry and Ottawa Police combine Grade 2 bands; Hayes to lead

In the year that is the 50th anniversary of the Glengarry Pipe Band of Maxville, Ontario, most of the members of the Grade 2 band have joined the Grade 2 Ottawa Police Services Pipe Band  to build a stronger presence in the area.

Andrew Hayes, incumbent Ottawa Police pipe-major, will lead the larger band, with Glengarry Pipe-Major Colin Clansey still being involved. Glengarry Pipe-Sergeant Ed Bush will maintain his role. Rob MacLeod will continue as Leading-Drummer.

The Glengarry Grade 5 band will reportedly continue, as will the Maxville-area teaching program that has become an important tradition in the town. Ottawa is approximately a one-hour drive from Maxville.

“It has been a long time since the Ottawa area piping and drumming community was able to gather talent under one roof,” said Hayes. “We are really looking forward to the fall practice schedule and producing a very strong Grade 2 band in 2012.”

Hayes added that the members of the Grade 2 band will be “deeply involved” in teaching and supporting the Glengarry junior bands as well as the Ottawa Police Services Grade 5 band.  “We are striving to build on the already strong teaching program that has been established through the Glengarry system.  The Glengarry Grade 5 band enjoyed tremendous success around the games this summer, and we expect that it will be in a position to challenge the leaders in Grade 4 in 2012.”

He said that he expects a new Glengarry Grade 5 band to debut next year.

For videos of performances by both Grade 2 bands in 2011, be sure to check the pipes|drums YouTube Channel.