Troon BlackRock News
27/6/09 - Band Success in Banbridge
The band picked up their second Championship Prize of the season on the 27th of June, at the British Championships in Banbridge N.I.. On a warm but damp morning the band played number 7 out 11 and gave a fair performance, which everyone seemed to be pleased with. The day improved as it progressed and stayed warm and bright on the run up to the march past. The band was chosen to be a leader band for the march past and were the first band on the field after the centre duty Grade 1 Bands. The next hour was a tense affair waiting for the results of Grade 3B to be read out.
There could have been no complaints with the winners, Castlerock, who played very well. We took 4th place, winning the "Nan Wilson" trophy, donated by our branch in memory of our president, Jimmy Wilsons late wife, Nan.
This result puts the band in 2nd place place in the grade 3B champions table behind Castlerock. The bands next competetion is the European Championships on the 25th of July in Greenock, we are hoping to keep our run of good results going by lifting a prize again in grade 3B.
25/6/09 - Sucess at Triple Header of Branch Contest
The first 3 weekends in June have seen the band compete in their first three branch contests of the year at Girvan, Ardrossan and Ayr.
At the Carrick Lowland Gathering, Girvan we got off to the best possible start by winning the grade 3 contest and coming second in the grade 2 contest. Drum Major Sharon Smith also won the adult drum major contest.
On the 14th of June the band were at Ardrossan Highland Games on a Sunny Sunday. Again we were in the prize list taking second place in the grade 3 contest and 4th place in grade 2. Drum Major Sharon Smith picked up 4th place in the adult drum major competition.
On the 20th of June, it was Ayr's turn to host the bands at PIPES IN THE PARK, part of the Holy Fair at Rozzelle Park. Again we figured in the prize list, taking second place in grade 3 and 4th place in grade 2. Drum Major Sharon Smith moved up a few places to come 2nd in the Adult Drum Majors Competitiion.
The band are now looking forward to our trip to Banbridge for the British Championships on the 27/6/09, and hope to figure in the prize list in Grade 3B.
16/5/09 - T.B.R. IN THE PRIZE LIST AT THE FIRST MAJOR OF THE SEASON
The band's first outdoor contest of the season, the Scottish Championship, saw us taking forth place in the grade 3B contest. Playing in 2nd place on the day we set the standard for the rest to follow. The drummers held their own finishing in 3rd place, fantastic work guys. Our overall ensemble was judged to be 2nd best and added to the piping score was enough to give us 4th place - 2 places higher than last year!
The next competetive outing is Carrick Lowland Gathering, Girvan on the 7/6/09.
See you at Culzean Castle 2.30pm - 4.30pm on Sunday 24/5/09 when we play for the NTS.
10/5/09 - Gourock Games Cancelled
The band's first outdoor contest of the season became a casuality of the weather on Sunday, when Gourock Highland Games was cancelled because of a water logged park after days of heavy rain. This was a big blow to the band and many others, as this means we will go to the Scottish Championship without a run out of the MSR in competition.
25/4/09 - Mixed Fortunes at Mini Band Contest
In April the band travelled to Peebles to take part in the Lothian and Borders Branch Mini Band Contest. Two bands were entered in Grade 3 and one band in Grade 2. Both the grade 3 bands finished well down the field in 10th and 12th places, however the band which played in Grade 2 finished a very creditable 6th place in front of many bands which finished above us in grade 3!
The day was not lost though, one member of the band was to take some silverware home. Piper Andrew Bell took second place in the "Willie Ferguson Memorial" Solo Piping Event. Andrew was representing Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway Branch agianst pipers from other branches of the R.S.P.B.A. in this event.
28/03/09 - Band and Solo Success at Cumnock
It was smiles all round on Saturday the 28/3/09 after the band took part in the Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway Branch Indoor Contest and Solo's at Cumnock Academy. Young Piper George Campbell took 1st place in the Juvenile 2 (13-15 years) solo piping, while Andrew Bell took 1st Place and Mitchell Walker took 2nd place in the Juvenile 3 (16-18 years) solo piping. This success entitles Andrew and Mitchell to represent the Branch at the 'Willie Ferguson' Solo Contest at Pebbles on the 25/4/09. On the drumming side, Ross Wilson finished 4th and Terry Packard came 5th in the Adult Solo Drumming.
In the afternoon it was the turn of the band to take home some silverware after winning both the grade 3 and grade 2 open and confined contests. This was the first competitive outing for the band with their new Sporrans, Glengarry's and Cap Badges.
24/01/09 - Year of Homecoming Parade
The 24th of January saw the band take part in their first engagement of 2009, The Year of Homecoming Parade through Ayr. They joined Ayr Pipe Band, Irvine and District Pipe Band and Isle of Cumbrae RBLS Pipe Band in one of the first events in Ayrshire, to mark the 250th Anniversary of the birth Robert Burns.
Crowds lined the streets as the parade made its way through the High Street in Ayr, a fitting tribute to the Bard.
A New Year - 2009
The band commitee would like to take the opportunity to thank the supporters and members for their dilligent hard work and commitment to the ongoing success of the band in 2008.
Here is hoping we have a successful new year with our updated uniform and drums. A warm welcome is extended to our new members and we look forward to having them in the team.
Wintertainment Sunday
23/11/08
For the first time the band took part in Troon's Wintertainment Parade on Sunday the 23rd of November. On a cold damp day, the band put on a good display as they played through the streets of Troon as part of the parade. The band also played a concert of their material in one of the local church halls, which was well attended by members of the public. To top the day day off the band won the prize for the best entrant in the parade - on our first appearance.
Rememberance Sunday
09/11/08
The band were once again honoured to be asked to lead the Ex-Servicemen on their parade to the war memorial in Wellington Square, Ayr on Rememberance Sunday. On a bright but breezy Sunday the band led the Ex-Servicemen from their club to the war memorial and back to their club for a well earned bowl of soup and a pie.
Band Ceilidh
26/09/08
On Friday the 26th of September the band held a ceilidh in the concert hall in Troon. Music on the night was provided by the "Tattie Howkers" a well known band on the ceilidh circuit.
Troon Blackrock also played a short set at the beginning of the night to start things off, which gave our newest and youngests members their first public performance. Tenor drummers Victoria Campbell and Emma Fullerton and snare drummer Greig Fullerton being the members in question.
Presentions were made on the night to Piper of the Year - Mitchell Walker and Drummer of the Year - Dave Parr. Everybody had a rare old time and the bar was busy, as usual, with eager customers quenching their thirst.
Lottery Funding Success
19/09/08
The band recently learned that they had been successful in their application for lottery funding. They have been awarded £5,000 which will be used to update drumming equipment and replace tired and worn out items of uniform, such as jackets, sporrans & glengarries. Some of these items were purchased second hand when the band was formed in 1994, so there is no shame in them.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
Fiona and Robert
Fiona and Robert
On the birth of their son. We wish the wee fellow a long and happy life! Looking forward to when he starts playing - we will have a kilt ready!
Two Prizes won at Peebles
14/09/08
The band travelled to Peebles to take part in the last contest of the season and came away on a high after winning two prizes. They took 4th place in the grade 3 contest and went one better in grade 2, by taking 3rd place.
This took the bands tally of prizes won this season to thirteen. Not a bad first season in grade 3.
Band in the Prizes at Cowal Games
30/08/08
Cowal Games, Dunoon and the last major of the season. This was to prove a happy hunting ground for the band. For the third year in a row the band left the field with a prize, this year it was 6th place in the grade 3B contest. This was the third trophy won out of the 5 Major Championships enter in the band's first season back in grade 3.
Joy at Cumnock Games
24/08/08
The band bounced back from their disappointment at the Worlds, by taking 2nd place in the Grade 3 contest at the Cumnock Games. This win was probably the bands best performance of the season so far. They were back playing their Medley selection at this contest and were placed 2nd in piping and 1st in drumming, which gave them second overall. Well Done the Drum Corp in taking first place!
THE WORLDS
16/08/08
The middle of August saw the band at Glasgow Green to take part in the World Championships. Having been drawn to play last out of 25 bands in the afternoon, the members had plenty of time to take in some of the performances of the other grades before coming together to prepare for the big one. The band attracted a sizeable crowd while tuning up for their performance which raised there spirits on the run up to the line.
After what the band thought was a good run, which was enforced by comments from impartial observers, they were disappointed to find out that they finished in 17th place in grade 3B.
Dundonald Mud Bath
09/08/08
Torential rain on the Saturday Morning turned the park into a mud bath at the Dundonald Games. The grade 4 bands endured the worst of the ground conditions before the ground was treated with sawdust to help dry it out. By the time the grade 3 contest got started the sun came out, this would help the bands to give good preformances. Again, the band left the field at Dundonald with a prize, 3rd in the grade 3 contest playing the MSR.
Almost Three Out of Three at Lisburn
26/07/08
The Band travelled over the water to Lisburn, Northern Ireland at the end of July to take part in the European Championships and almost made it three out of three at the majors this season, just missing out on a place in the top six, finishing 7th in the grade 3B contest. This was probably the bands best performance of their MSR so far this season, which placed them second out of the six scottish bands that made the trip to Lisburn.
Band takes Part in the Sea Queen Parade
19/07/08
On a blustery Glasgow Fair Saturday in July the band led the Sea Queen Parade around the streets of Saltcoats. It has been a few years since the band played at this event, but the crowds were just as enthusiastic as ever, even if the weather wasn't as warm.
Band Takes Prize at Second Major
28/06/08
The band travelled to Birmingham to take part in the British Championships. This was not a wasted journey with the band taking 5th place in the grade 3B contest. On a warm summers day the band members where delighted with their success, in this their first year back in grade 3.
Poor Form at Ayr
21/06/08
Two rather poor performances at Pipes in the Park saw the band lucky to scrape home with a 4th place in the grade 3 contest and 5th in grade 2. This contest was a last run out with the MSR before the British Championships in Birmingham, how will the band fare at the second major championship?
Double Joy at Ardrossan
08/06/08
It was a day of double joy for the band in the Sunshine at Ardrossan. Resplendant in their new waistcoats, the band was determined to put the disappointment of Girvan behind them. This they did with a blistering performance in the Grade 3 contest which gave the band 2nd place on the day, behind Clydebank. The drummers again taking 2nd place. Another fine run in grade 2 saw the band taking 4th place and their second prize of the day.
Mixed Fortunes at Girvan
1/06/08
On a day of mixed weather conditions it was a case of mixed fortunes for the band at the Carrick Lowland Gathering in Girvan. In the Grade 3 contest the band were well off the pace finishing in 6th place after a poor perfomance compared with their performance at the Scottish Championships. It was a reversal of fortunes however in the Grade 2 contest in the rain. The band came storming back to take 2nd place behind Mauchline, with the drummers taking 2nd place again. Well Done the Drum Corp.
Band takes Prize at the First Major of the Season
24/05/08
On the 24th of May at a sunny Levengrove Park in Dumbarton the band took 6th place in grade 3B at the 2008 Scottish Championship. After what the members considered to be a good run, it was a long wait for the March past and prize giving, having played just after 10 in the morning. However, the band were not to be disappointed and started the 2008 majors the way, they finished the 2007 majors by taking a prize.
Band in the Prize List at Campbeltown Contest
17/05/08
On the 17th of May at the Mull of Kintyre Pipe Band Championships in Campbeltown the band took their first prizes of the 2008 season. They finished 4th in the grade 3 contest and 4th in the grade 2 contest. This was the bands first prize since being promoted to grade 3.
Band Well Off the Pace at First Contest of the Season
12/05/08
On the 11th of May at a sunny Gourock the Band took to the competition field for the first time in 2008 in its new grade having been promoted to grade 3 after last seasons excellent results. However, it was not to be a prize winning day for the band, a combination of 1st contest nerves and performance that was at the fast end of the playing spectrum saw them finish 10th in the grade 3 contest and 7th in the grade 2 contest.
Pipers Play For Town Twinning Event
28/04/08
On the evening of the 26th of April, 4 pipers from the band played for the French and Scottish guests at a Civic Reception, hosted by the South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Town Twinning Agreement between Troon and Villeneuve-Sur-Lot.
Piper Gavin Smith also played for the guests at a Ceilidh held for the French guests.
Willie Ferguson Contest
21/04/08
George Campbell, a young piper in the band, represented the Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway Branch at the Willie Ferguson Solo contest. Held as part of the Lothian and Borders Branch Indoor and Solo Contest in Peebles, on the 19th of April. George aquitted himself very well with some confident playing which earned him fourth place overall and another solo prize to add to his collection.
Asda Fund Raiser
07/02/08
The band raised a staggering £460 by playing inside Asda at Heathfield, Ayr. A huge thanks to all those who played, those who made donations and to Asda for letting us play.
Troon BlackRock Has Been Promoted
19/11/2007
The band has been officially notified of their promotion to grade 3B for the 2008 season. This is the culmination of 2 seasons of hard work and commitment which has seen the band promoted from grade 4B to 4A to 3B in successive years and finishing in 2nd place in the grade 4A Champion of Champions table in 2007.
The band members are now looking forward to the challenge of competing in their new grade in 2008.
A Trip to France and Solo Piping Success
30/10/2007
At the begining of October two pipers from the band, Gavin Smith and Greg Philp, travelled to France to take part in a visit to Troon's twin town of Villneuve-sur-lot. While there, they took part in many official functions and played at many engagements. They also played with some French pipers and passed on some playing and maintenance tips to them.
On the 20th of October five young pipers from the band took part in the 'Festival of Juvenile Solo Piping' in Saltcoats, promoted by the Caledonian Piping Club. Three of them were successful in their efforts with Victoria Campbell taking 1st place in the 12 years and under chanter contest, Mitchell Walker won a medal in the 15 years and under strathspey and reel contest and George Campbell won a medal in the 15 years and under junior pibroch contest. A very well done to the three of them.
Band Ceilidh A Great Success
05/10/07
The band held a fund raising Ceilidh in the Troon Town Hall on the 28th of September. This event was a great success with over 200 tickets sold and a good night was had by all. The music was provided by the band and "Loudon Ceilidh Band".
Several presentations were made on the night, with Andrew Bell being presented with a shield for Piper of the year and Terry Packard winning the shield for Drummer of the year. Pipe Major Iain Cox was given a surprise presentation from the band members for his loyal support & commitment over the years.
Andrew gave an impromptu solo performance and was joined by Shaun Fallows on the snare drum, who was in turn joined by leading Drummer Janet Campbell playing on the same drum.
Also on display that night were 22 trophies that the band and their Drum Majors have won over this season. This consisted of 16 won by the band and 6 won by the Drum majors.
The band would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who donated raffle prizes, helped with the organisation, turned up on the night and helped make it a resounding success. THANK YOU ALL
Band takes 1st place at Pipes in the Park
05/09/07
On Saturday 1st of September the band took part in the very first Pipes in the Park contest as part of the Holy Fair in Rozelle Park, Ayr. In the Grade 4 event the band took 1st place ahead of East Kilbride and Kirkcudbright & District with a 1st place in piping. In the Grade 3 event the band finished in 4th place to give them two trophies to take home on the day.
Drum Major Sharon Smith took 1st place in the Drum Majors event, she also collected the Branch Champion of Champions trophy for Drum Majors.
The band finished in joint 2nd place with Kirkcudbright in the Branch Band Champion of Champions event and were 2nd in the Branch Drum Corp Champion of Champions event.
The band's final contest of the season will be this coming Sunday, 9th of September, at Peebles Highland Games.
Band takes 5th place at Cowal Gathering
27/08/07
The band secured 5th place in grade 4A at the Cowal Championships in Dunoon on the 25th of August. After finishing in 1st place in the qualifying round in the morning they produced a very good performance in the final in the afternoon. This performance gave the band 20 points which tied them with another 2 bands. The only way to separate the 3 bands was on their ensemble mark and as the band were placed 6th in ensemble they were placed in 5th position.
The band also finished in 2nd place in the Champion of Champions table in Grade 4A, with the drum corp finishing in 4th place in the drumming Champion of Champions table and are hopeful of being upgraded to Grade 3B for next season.
Band wins 2 prizes at Cumnock Games
22/08/07
The band was back in the prize list on Sunday the 19th of August at the Cumnock Games after their dissapointment at the worlds, taking 2nd place in the Grade 4 contest and 4th place in the Grade 3 contest. Drum Major Sharon Smith also took 2nd place in the Adult Drum Major contest.
This weekend sees the band travelling to Dunoon to take part in the Cowal Gathering.
Band fails to make Grade 4A Finals at World Championships
16/08/07
It was a very dissapointed band that left Glasgow Green on Saturday after failing to qualify for the Grade 4A final at the World Championships. On a very wet morning the band gave their all with what a great many people thought was their best performance of the season. The judges thought otherwise though and the band finished in sixth place in their qualifying heat.
On the 18th of August the band will be back on the road again travelling to Cumnock to compete. Watch this space for more news.
A ceilidh has been arranged by the band in the Walker Halls in Troon on Friday the 28th of September - tickets priced £8.50 are available from band members. The Loudon Ceilidh Band will be providing the music and there will also be a performance by the pipe band. A bar and buffet will also be available.
Dundonald Games
05/08/07
The band finished in 2nd place in the grade 4 contest at Dundondald. A big CONGRATULATIONS to the drum corp on finishing first on the day in grade 4.
The band then went on to finish 5th in grade 3 playing their medley set for the first time this season.
Click here to see a clip of the band playing at the Dundonald Games.
Band takes second place at European Pipe Band Championships
30/07/07
On the 28th July the band travelled to Inverness to take part in the European Pipe Band Championships. On a damp and showery day, the band finished first in the Qualifying section in grade 4A in the morning. They then went on to take second place in the finals in the afternoon. This result puts the band in joint first place in the champion of champions table, with Cullenfad from Northern Ireland (the contest winners).
A special thank you to Zoe who came with us and allowed Terry to play despite it being their first wedding anniversary.
Riding of the Marches
17/07/07
The band travelled to Annan on the 7th of July to take part in the Riding of the Marches Contest. On a day of sunshine and showers the band finished in fourth place in grade four, with the drum corp coming second overall. The bands Drum Major, Sharon Smith, finished second in the Adult Drum Major Contest.
Cut the Carbon March
17/07/07
On the 15th July the band welcomed a group of marchers from Christian Aid as they arrived at Troon Marina on the first leg of the "Cut the Carbon March".
This is a march from Belfast to London over 80 days to raise awareness of climate change. The band marched from Troon Marina to St Meddan's Parish Church leading the marchers, local MP's, MSP's and supporters.
Band takes 3rd place at British Championships
25/06/07
The band recorded their best result of the season at the British Championships in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, by finishing third in the grade 4A final. The band had to play in the qualifing heat in the morning, finishing in second place which put them in the afternoon final.
The Drum corp also recorded a great result by finishing in second place.
This puts the band in joint first place in the champion of champions table and the drum corp in joint third place. It is extremely tight at the top and it is all to play for.
Troon BlackRock featured on news story
08/06/07
Click here to view the clip from The Scottish Pipe Band Championships: Saturday 19th May, 2007.
Band picks up prize at 1st Major of the season
24/05/07
Battling against the elements on a wet and windy day at Levengrove Park, Dumbarton, the band picked up a prize at the first major championship of the season - the Scottish Championship. The band took 5th place in the grade 4A final, winning the "Rassay Shield".
The band's run of good form continues, with the next contest being the Branch Championships at the Carrick Lowland Gathering in Girvan.
Prize winning form continues
13/05/07
The band's form continues with a third place in the grade 4 contest at Campbeltown and a fifth place in grade 3 on the 5th May. This was followed by a second place in the grade 4 contest at Gourock on the 13th May.
The band's drum major, Sharon Smith, has also been in action recently taking fourth place at Dunbar on the 12th May and going one better at Gourock taking 3rd place.
Troon BlackRock gets first place
08/04/07
The band got off to a good start to the season with a first place in grade 4 at the Annan Indoor contest on the 31st March 2007. The band also finished a credible 5th in the grade 3 contest. These results were enough to ensure that the Band gained first place in the confined grade 4 contest and second place in the confined grade 3 contest.
George Campbell managed a first in the Juvenile two (13–15 yrs) solo piping event and Gavin Smith finished 4th in the Juvenile three (15–18 yrs) solo piping event.
Troon BlackRock launches website
14/03/07
Troon BlackRock Pipe Band launched their first website today. This will now give the band the opportunity to reach a much larger audience.