Dundee, Perth, Angus (cont'd) that was the initial focus and then there was the Dundee

 which needed to be supported. I have also done some judging at the local Branch Competitions and in March 

 of understanding the standards of the younger players today.

I have also been working closely with all local bands and organisations in Dundee and the surrounding area, which 

 Caledonian, Fintry and Carnoustie Pipe Bands, to name but a few who also have pupils at the various schools in which I teach.

At Christmas we combined the schools together

 month entered the Scottish Schools Championships in

 to get as many pupils together to perform in public in

 has passed very quickly.

I stated earlier that I enjoyed the weekend courses 

explore in the future with the view to Dundee, Perth and Angus holding such events. I am sure that even after a full career in the Military there are many future challenges and piping opportunities to explore. As band playing has been a major part of my piping experience, this is something which holds a great attraction for me and once  to continue, as I have been doing some medley arranging and tune writing with a few bands in the local area. I have been very fortunate to turn a hobby into a full profession and I very much look forward to developing and encouraging the future generation of pipers within the Branch area as much as possible.'  such as Derek in its area, teaching and passing on his knowledge and experience, and as can be seen by his story, he has turned full circle from student to teacher as if on a naturally designed course. Derek, as stated, grew up with the Mackenzie Caledonian Pipe Band and as such we felt this to be a suitable place to start with our band bio.

 of the First World War to accommodate the need of the

 After many successful years competing in Grade 2, it was felt that amalgamating with another band would strengthen piping and drumming

 joined forces with the Caledonian Pipe Band resulting in the birth of MacKenzie Caledonian.

 vision of Pipe Major J.K. Grimmond, the MacKenzie Caledonian Juvenile Band was

 major title in their grade, and became World Champions and Champion of Champions in Novice Juvenile as recently

and dedication of the tutors and members of both the Senior and Juvenile Bands.

 in Grade 2 but unfortunately at the end of the 2003 season was downgraded to

band began in earnest and by 2006 the Grade 3A band were 4th in the Champion of Champions table after placing at three Major Championships - not quite enough for

 band winning 4th place at the Worlds and 2nd place at Cowal. Still not enough to see the band gain the elusive promotion back

 success they had desired so much. A 4th

 at the British, Europeans, the Worlds and Cowal Championships, made it four major championship wins in a row to secure the Champions of Champions title and promotion back into Grade 2.

30 APRIL 2014 Pipe Band Magazine