Jumping for Joy

The Hamilton Spectator
(Aug 17, 2005)

A group of local drummers is marching to a world champion beat today.

The Hamilton Police Pipe Band drummers won a world title and a silver trophy at the annual World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, on the weekend.

Although the band finished ninth in Grade 3B competition, the 12 drummers -- eight side drummers, three tenors and one bass -- were judged the best among almost 30 bands from around the world that competed in that grade.

"It's pretty amazing," said head drummer/instructor John Gaudet.

"I've been doing this for 31 years and to win this, it's cool. This is primarily a kid's band."

Gaudet, a computer analyst who works in Toronto, said the band only started playing at the Grade 3 level this year and to finish ninth to many more experienced groups was a major source of pride.

"It was very international," said Gaudet, who is also an auxiliary police officer. "We ran into bands from Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Tokyo.

"The band worked very hard for this. Anyone who lives near the air force club (in Dundas) can attest to that.

"We practised three times a week as soon as the warm weather arrived."

The bank is partially sponsored by Hamilton police, and band members are mostly teenagers.

Among the drummers are two 14-year-olds, three 15-year-olds, three 16-year-olds and two 17-year-olds -- most of whom had been playing for about five years -- plus Gaudet and Ian Madeiros, who are side drummers.

"The theory behind it is that it takes eight years to become a top-flight side drummer," said Gaudet.

The musicians and parents raised about $50,000 through a series of concerts to get the 32 band members to the competition.

The band also won a highland games competition in North Berwick, near Edinburgh, and finished second behind a 2005 world champion band at the Perth Highland Games during their two-week sojourn.

They received a cash prize of about $800 for their North Berwick victory.

For many of the band members, it was a first taste of high-level competition , especially on an international front.

Gaudet said the trip to Scotland was highly memorable for the band and an experience they will long remember.

"It's beautiful and we met so many friendly people."

Gaudet also credited Ian Madeiros, an instructor, and the help of pipe major Peter Aumonier, and band leader, piper Don Forgan, a Hamilton policeman, for the band's strong showing at the world event.

The band is not finished with playing at the world contest. They plan to upgrade next year and enter the Grade 2 level for the 2007 contest.

"The object of the band is to reach the top level (Grade 1)," Gaudet said.

"It will take a few years, but we're certainly aiming for it."

The band will be part of the Cactus Festival parade tomorrow evening in Dundas.