Top Bands Make Late Leadership Changes

With only a few months before the start of the competition season in the northern hemisphere, two Grade 1 bands have reportedly undergone leadership changes.

The Royal Ulster Constabulary Pipe Band of Belfast has allegedly decided to try new leadership, with Tony Sloan no longer Pipe-Major of the band. Piper & Drummer Online could not confirm who has taken over as Pipe-Major.

The Prince Charles Pipe Band of San Francisco has also changed leaders. Colin Berta, the former Pipe-Sergeant, has reportedly taken over after Bruce Woodley decided to step down due to work constraints. Stuart Taylor, formerly of the now defunct Alameda Country Sheriff band, moves into the Pipe-Sergeant slot.

Prince Charles was recently officially upgraded to Grade 1 by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association in early February, to the apparent chagrin of some bands that remain in Grade 2, including the Queensland Highlanders of Australia, which won the Grade 2 event at the 2001 World Pipe Band Championships. Prince Charles finished fourth in that event.

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