(Updated) Tyler Fry joins House of Edgar-Shotts & Dykehead

After nine years with the band, acclaimed tenor drummer Tyler Fry has resigned from the 78th Fraser Highlanders to join 2003 World Champions House of Edgar-Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia.

Fry joins Jim Kilpatrick’s drum section at Shotts, which already features five tenor drummers in its World Champion corps. Kilpatrick states that Fry, like Ontario drummers Graham and Blair Brown, will spend the competition season in Scotland with the band.

Fry, a resident of Kincardine, Ontario, has made a worldwide mark on the art of tenor drumming. Some contend that he almost single-handedly rescued the instrument from near-extinction by once again putting emphasis on the showmanship and flourishing of the art, while integrating sophisticated musical dynamics.

He has worked with the Pipers & Pipe Band Society of Ontario to develop solo tenor drumming events, and has worked to formalize judging of the contests.

As a teacher, Fry is in heavy demand. He has taught all over the world, including Uruguay, the Alaska and continental Europe. He is 22 years old. His “Fish-Fry” duet with 78th Frasers leading drummer John Fisher at several concerts in 2003 was seen as a highlight of that band’s “Seanchaidh” show.

“Being a part of the 78th was a dream come true for me as a fourteen year-old boy,” Fry said. “I will be forever grateful to the band for nine years of friendships and musical highlights. I wish the band every success into the future. I look forward to pursuing another dream, playing with Jim Kilpatrick and Shotts & Dykehead. I look forward to the new musical opportunities and challenges ahead.”

“This is one of the best things ever to happen to me and my drum corps,” Kilpatrick said. “The name Tyler Fry speaks for itself.”

Bill Livingstone, Pipe-Major of the 78th Fraser Highlanders, said, “Tyler has the opportunity to broaden his musical education and experience, and this is not likely to be available to him at any later time in his life. He took a completely professional approach to the decision, and the the 78th Frasers wish him the best in this venture.”

Craig Colquhoun left the 78th Fraser Highlanders in the fall of 2003. The band has not formally announced his replacement.

The 78th Fraser Highlanders are scheduled to perform a concert in Edmonton, Alberta, on April 10. Livingstone said that Fry would play with the band at the event.

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