With season started, LA Scots change lead-drummers; Baughman out, Kvidahl in
“I am completely horrified that I was replaced mid-season,” Baughman said. “If I seem hurt, I am. This should not happen to anyone in a leadership position mid-season. Those in charge of pipe bands or any organization with an off-season do way too much work during this time to get things rolling. I truly feel I did my best to offer advice to further the band’s success, write music, recruit drummers and pipers, produce students in the area, and to prepare those who were willing to prepare.”
Baughman contended that a major factor in the disagreement between him and the band’s other leaders came down to the band’s mid-section. He said that his strategy of building the section with home-grown, local talent was at odds with bringing in outside experts to develop “a sustainable mid-section.”
One of the band’s tenor-drummers, Los Angeles-based Mike Jett, also departed after the Las Vegas contest. Over the winter the band brought in Andrew Elliott of Ontario, a former member of the Grade 1 Peel Regional Police Pipe Band, to overhaul its mid-section.
Baughman had been the LA Scots’ Lead-Drummer since 2006, when he replaced Andy Brubaker. Baughman is a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music and has a PhD in Music from the University of Southern California.
The LA Scots plan to return to compete at the World Championships this year, also taking in competitions in Northern Ireland. The band finished 14th in the 15-band Grade 1 Qualifier competition at the 2009 World’s.
Seems there is a lot more to this than what has been stated. This is the first time, from what I know, where a leader has publicly stated (article wise) that he is clearly not happy with what happned. Good for him stating his discontent and good job to P&D for reporting both sides. Good luck Richard, your services are clearly under-appreciated. Keep on doing your thing….
Sad situation. Richard is a highly talented, highly passionate guy. All the best to him, and Glen.
This happened in my band many years ago. There is always resentment from the local band members that are always attending practice when people are flown in just to jump in and play. It’s especially frustrating when they are flown in and haven’t bothered to learn the music.
Glen is an excellent talent on both the pipes and the drum, along with clever tune composing skills as well. This should prove very interesting, his energy level is 320% which you need if you’re going to participate in a world class competition and want to be a contender. Pity the heavy morning rain at the Worlds last year had a direct effect on the band’s placing, sometimes you can’t fight the conditions you are forced to play in. Lets all hope the dark clouds clear and the sun shines for everyone involved! 🙂
Interesting side note: since returning to the Worlds as a grade one unit in 2007, Richards Drum Corps. have placed no lower than 9th in the qualifier, including a 1st in the qualifier in his first year as the lead tip at the Worlds. Probably doesn’t mean much, but hopefully this works out great for both parties. Richard! We can always use drummers in Florida.
Ahh… Kvidahl – they have harnessed the power of the ginger. Gingers represent!
I doubt there will ever be a guy that is more dedicated to the LA Scots than GleNN (two N’s everybody) Kvidahl. He really does seem to care about the band and I hope he’s treated properly. Here’s to good music! Go Hoosiers.