2 CMBG Pipes and Drums make history

Submitted photo.

Sept. 8 marked the completion of a very busy summer for the 2 CMBG Pipes and Drums (P&D).

Having received Sergeant Alan Buchanan as the new incoming Pipe Major, the P&D have begun competing for the first time in over 15 years.  This meant a changing of gears from standard “Parade Tunes” and drill to enhancing our musicality and coming up with a new repertoire. 

The band also used the opportunity to showcase some of its individual members in single competition.  Corporal (Cpl) Walter Gammeter (2 CER), Cpl Jonathan Mulholland (RCD), Bombardier (Bdr) Derek Haines (2 RCHA), Master Corporal Mike Walsh (CG Ret’d) and Sergeant (Sgt) Greg Bullivant (450 THS) all competed individually during the summer with great success. 

Submitted photo.

With July being such a busy schedule due to Brigade obligations, adding these new competitions was no easy task.

This year’s schedule saw members of the P&D compete in Cambridge, Cobourg, Smiths Falls, Maxville, Fergus, Almonte and Trenton.  The band also appeared in Maxville in the Tattoo on the opening night of the North American Pipe Band Championships.  2 CMBG was the toast of the tattoo wearing full ceremonial dress despite the 36 degree heat. Both Cpl Gammeter and Sgt Bullivant managed 4th in North America in snare and bass drumming while Mr. Walsh managed 7th in piping in a field of over 40 competitors.

Submitted photo.

In the final competition event of the season, the 2 CMBG P&D travelled to the Trenton Scottish/Irish Festival to compete as a band for the first time in over 15 years.  During the cool and windy morning, Cpl Mulholland and Mr. Walsh both took to the field and competed in Piping coming home with some hardware finishing 2nd in each of their disciplines.  Then when the wind died down and the sun came up, the entire band took to the field.  The band marched on, playing a very strong march selection that set tone for the rest of the field.  At the end of the day, the band finished strong with a second place trophy, a vision for next season and some fantastic experience. 

 Much thanks must be expressed to outgoing Pipe Major, Warrant Officer Sean Alderman for his assistance prior to competition, Sgt Buchanan for his patience and instruction and for the lead drummer, Cpl Gammeter, for his efforts this season.