Record entry for Cullybackey ‘Solos’

The annual event, now in its 26th year, drew a large number of competitors from bands in Ulster, Ireland and Scotland.

Cullybackey Pipe Band started the Solo competition 26 years ago and are thrilled with its recurring success; something the band expects to continue for the foreseeable future.

Long-standing committee member and former player, James Stewart founded the solo competition and is still keenly involved.

This year, the Solos recorded over 120 entries, all of whom were judged by some of the RSPBA’s most respected and experienced adjudicators.

The Solo competition provides players with an opportunity to represent their bands in an individual or accompanied format; it is very popular amongst band members as it showcases individual talent and musical ability. Players use this to build confidence and character, which not only enhances their own personal performance but their standing within their respective bands.

Cullybackey Pipe Band players had a very successful competition, scooping 16 top three positions across both piping and drumming disciplines - five of them claiming top honours.

Among the winners were: William Glenholmes, Senior drumming; Jonathon Hoy, Junior Drumming; Marcus Wenlock, Under 18 Drumming; Matthew Wenlock, under 16 Drumming & Sarah Gillespie, Grade 4 Tenor drumming.

Cullybackey players will be performing in concert at Ballymena Arts festival where the band will premiere their newly commissioned suite, entitled “Dalriada”.

This innovative musical piece will be framed by spoken word and supported with visuals, and will take the listener on a journey through key historical events in the history of the Kingdom of Dal Riata (or Dalriada).

The band will present a balanced programme of traditional sets, competition pieces and solo performances - including the new material for the 2013 season - in celebration of the coalescence of Scottish & Irish Culture.

Cullybackey Pipe Band is one of today’s forefront bands on the worldwide scene, as well as being one the most influential and successful Northern Irish pipe bands of all time. Led by Pipe Major Robert Cupples & Drum Sergeant Adrian Hoy, the band has won various championship titles, including consecutive Champion of Champions in both 2011 & 2012.

Tickets for the concert are available from the Braid Arts Centre, priced £12.50

CULLYBACKEY 2013 SOLO RESULTS:

Practice Chanter:

1st Lisa Gamble Altnaveigh

2nd Jonah Mitchell Cleland Memorial

3rd Jack Hamill McDonald Memorial

Pipe Chanter:

1st Issac Lowry McNeillstown

2nd Kathryn Speers Cullybackey

3rd Elise Mitchell Cleland Memorial

Juvenile Under 13 Piping:

1st Ryan Cupples-Menendez Cleland Memorial

2nd Timothy Wharton Joseph Ford Memorial

3rd Allie Hamilton Cleland Memorial

Juvenile Under 16 Piping:

1st Jason McCallister Gransha

2nd John McElmurry Matt Boyd Memorial

3rd Alastair Donaghy Gortaclare

Juvenile Under 18 Piping:

1st Dion Boyle Syeria

2nd Tineke Westerhuis McNeillstown

3rd Scott Finlay Cullybackey

Junior Piping:

1st Glen Ross Field Marshall Montgomery

2nd James Frazer Moneygore

3rd Colin McClean Cullybackey

Intermediate Piping:

1st Ross Hume Field Marshall Montgomery

2nd Graham Sterling Cullybackey

3rd Alan Glenholmes Cullybackey

Senior Piping:

1st Emmett Conway Field Marshall Montgomery

2rd Kris Coyle Field Marshall Montgomery

3rd Glenn Cupples Cullybackey

Tenor Drumming Grades 1 & 2:

1st Jordan Bailie Field Marshall Montgomery

2nd Craig Rogers Ravara

3rd Rachel McLeister Cullybackey

Tenor Drumming Grade 3:

1st Danielle Hamilton Tullylagan

2nd Emma Frazzer Moneygore

3rd Shannon McAteer Colmcille

Tenor Drumming Grade 4a:

1st Sarah Gillespie Cullybackey

2nd Chloe Scroggie Battlehill

3rd Jodie Young Cullybackey

Novice Drum Pad: 1st Ross McCullough Ballyboley 2nd Nathan Truesdale Upper Crossgar

3rd Alistair Gardiner Kilrea

Advanced Drum Pad: 1st Callum Patterson Ballyboley

Novice Drumming: 1st Adam Stratton Kilrea

2nd Daniel Lynn Broughshane & District

3rd Ryan Taylor Broughshane & District

Juvenile Under 13 Drumming:

1st Eoin Rodgers Gransha

2nd Aaron Hamill McDonald Memorial

3rd Aaron Dumwoody Matt Boyd Memorial

Juvenile Under 16 Drumming:

1st Matthew Wenlock Cullybackey

2nd Ryan Martin Cullybackey

3rd Nathan McLeister Cullybackey

Juvenile Under 18 Drumming:

1st Marcus Wenlock Cullybackey

2nd Gareth Rea Cullybackey

Junior Drumming: 1st Jonathon Hoy Cullybackey

Open Drumming:

1st William Glenholmes Cullybackey

2nd Jason Hoy Cullybackey

3rd Aaron McClean Field Marshall Montgomery.