Drummers go for ‘visual wow’ factor
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The drum corps of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band is “good and ready” for Saturday’s World Pipe Band championships, with key practice sessions done, new drums tweaked and lead drummer Reid Maxwell planning “a hearty breakfast” to start the day.
“We’ve done all of the work,” says Maxwell, one of the world’s most decorated drummers. “This week is about getting comfortable. We know what we have to do.
“With the practice schedule, I think we’re peaking now. You want to peak the week of the Worlds, and keep it there.”
The tapping of drum pads – just as the tuning of pipes - continues daily around John Fortys Court residences in Stirling, as the band prepares to compete for a third straight win.
Drummers this year have new drums and sticks after a switch in supply companies last fall. Their new Andante drums arrived in March. They’re a vibrant blue, chosen, says Maxwell, for their projection, clarity and better design - and looks.
“We chose this colour after looking at eight different colour schemes because it went well with the new kilts - but also for their visual and audible ‘wow’ factor,” says Maxwell. “No other drum on the planet looks like these.”
Drummers spent time after Thursday’s practice changing the drum heads to ensure the drums on Saturday sound their best. “We normally change the heads a few days prior to the championships,” Maxwell explains. “But we didn’t want to make the change until after our concert at George Square just in case it rained. This will give us the crispness we are after.”
Maxwell, who grew up in Scotland, has played drums since he was a teen and lays claim to an arms length of solo and band championships. His ability to produce top-notch drum corps is held in high regard worldwide.
“I can’t ever remember not having drums,” he says, preparing for his 18th Grade 1 world championship with the SFU band – six were victories - and his 35th in the category.
The latest two SFU wins bring his overall win tally to 16 championships. “He’s an exceptional drummer, with a solid dedication to teaching the younger drummers,” notes Pipe Major Terry Lee. His son, Grant, is also a snare drummer in the band.
He’s also not a bad cook. Maxwell drove to Cardenden – where his mother still lives – to purchase a haggis from the local butcher for a special dinner Thursday. And Saturday’s breakfast will provide a healthy start. “It started with my grandpa when I was a kid, he used to send me off to the games after a hearty breakfast – so I figured, I might do the same.”