Young pipers and drummers launch exciting CD
The Charleston and Nairn Pipes and Drums have launched their new CD with a rousing performance at Charleston Academy. Marching on to the stage playing Rock You, the musicians set the tone for the evening which entertained the audience with performances of traditional tracks and modern anthems backed by guitars and synthesisers. Also taking to the stage to celebrate the launch were Charleston Academy’s 2009 talent show winners DroneZone who also perform on the CD.
“Off the Rails” features a wide array of tracks, three of which all feature trains. The band is an extension to The Highland Council’s Instrumental tuition service and was founded in 2002 by Piping Major Louise Hay. The band rehearses at Charleston Academy on a weekly basis and features pupils from Charleston and Nairn academies.
Louise said: “This is our second CD and it marks the end of an era for some of our band members who will be finishing school this term and moving on. It captures the wide array and variety of music the kids play, from Daft Punk and Rock You to traditional marches. This mix of styles and techniques give the youngsters the chance to experiment with traditional as well as expanding the boundaries to involve the very modern music they listen to today. The CD highlights that the pipes are a very versatile instrument. As well as referring to the tracks about trains, the title of the CD also reflects the idea of coming away from the traditional pipe band ensemble and giving the pipes wide appeal to both young performers and young audiences.”
The band pipers have all been tutored by Louise with assistance from Brian Yates via the council’s instrumental tuition service and the drummers are tutored by Jake Urquhart. To date the band have carried out various public performances including supporting Fred MacAulay at the opening of his tour, the opening of Eastgate Shopping Centre, Caley Thistle’s red and blue ball and a successful tour of Belgium. The band also performs regularly at community gala days and school events.
Head teacher of Charleston Academy Calum MacSween said: “The CD is impressive. The production quality, design and the variety of the tracks make it a CD that will be enjoyed by a wide age group. Great credit goes to the parent committee whose constant support of the band is an important factor in tits success, and to the tutors, especially Louise, who is such a pivitol figure. She tutors, composes tunes, plays and organises meticulously. Without her efforts the pipe band would not exists. But, most of all the CD is a tribute to the commitment, dedication and talent of the young people. They deserve all the praise that will surely come their way as more and more people get to hear of it.”
Throughout the month of June the band will be performing outside Inverness Castle on Tuesday evenings and on Saturday 19 June they will be joined by DroneZone to perform at the Charleston Summer Fete.
CDs can be purchased by contacting Charleston Academy or by contacting Louise on 07510 241114. Money from the proceeds will be used towards fund raising efforts to kit out new members and replace reeds and drum skims.