Contact:
Jack Lee, in Stirling, 011-44-0798-213-3152 (cell)
Marianne Meadahl, PAMR, in Stirling, 011-44-0751-246-3673; Marianne_Meadahl@sfu.ca

The Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, along with its two junior bands, opened up a Canadian day of piping at Glasgow’s George Square on Wednesday as part of the city’s week-long Piping Live celebration.

The venue, packed with spectators anxious to see the six-time world champion Grade 1 band, also got a glimpse of the younger Robert Malcolm Memorial (RMM) Gr. 3 and 4 bands, which drew keen applause from the crowd.

It was a first ever appearance in Glasgow for the young Gr. 4s. “Look at him, he’s adorable,” chimed Sarah McDonald, a visitor in town for Saturday’s World Pipe Band championships, eyeing nine-year-old Cameron Ickert. “He’s got some great teachers.”

The band used the event for the Scottish launch of its latest CD, Live in New York City and played some selections, along with Saturday’s competition pieces, for the enthusiastic crowd.

“This is a great opportunity for us to come and support piping and at the same time, have a good practice in front of a large crowd,” says Pipe Major Terry Lee.

The Gr. 1 band performed first followed by the RMM bands, which played individually and then together, closing out the SFU concert with Amazing Grace.

Max Middleton, a 13-year-old RMM Gr. 4 piper from New Zealand, was excited to perform. “I can’t wait to play,” he said following a warm-up and surrounded by clicking cameras.

Lead drummer Reid Maxwell says the band enjoys participating in the event, featuring bands from all over the world in town to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships on Saturday (Aug. 11). The day of competition culminates the city’s annual week of piping and drumming festivities.

SFU placed second at the Worlds in 2011 and is looking for its seventh championship. RMM 3, which competes in the 3A category this year, finished fourth when it last competed (in the novice-juvenile category) in 2009. The Grade 4s have never before competed.

BBC will stream live its coverage of the Worlds: http://at.sfu.ca/AJStGa

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