Grade 2 Antwerp makes L-D change
The Grade 2 Antwerp & District Pipe Band of Belgium has replaced Leading-Drummer Jan De Beuckelaer with Carel Ooms, the first change in the position in 20 years.
Ooms has been with Antwerp for several years, and came to the band after being leading-drummer for the Grade 2 City of Amsterdam.
Both drummers are well known in the region as prolific teachers and talented musicians.
Antwerp Pipe-Major Peter Hyndrikx gave no specific reason for the change, and said in a statement, “The whole band would like to thank Jan for his commitment to the band for more than 20 years. Jan has been a vital part of the band’s success. We are very happy that Jan will stay as a valued member of the drum corps to share his experience and knowledge with the younger drummers.”
Antwerp & District has competed successfully over the years in Scotland, and is one of the best pipe bands to emerge from continental Europe.
“We’re really happy that Carel Ooms [is taking] over,” Hyndrikx continued. “Carel’s influence has already made a big impact on the band in the short period he worked with the drum corps, and the musical chemistry between myself and Carel is really exciting.”
Watt the fXxx. As I already put on their FB-page on which my comment was deleted within 10 Hours. No offence to the new LD as he is A great Guy. But to put Jan aside is terrible. He has been with the band longer than the age off the Pm, He had great succes whit his drumcorps and he is still a great drummer from who I learned lot. He did everything for the band : he was the band… And then Some young Guys think they now how to lead a band put HIM aside…. No words for it. Jan, I wish you all the best.