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2011: FMM’s Historic Year Comes to a Close

Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band

It is with pride, pleasure, and celebration that the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band is able to reflect on 2011, as the band’s historic year comes to a close. 2011 will be remembered not only as one of the most successful years in the history of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, but also as one of the most successful seasons in any Grade 1 pipe band’s history, ever. For FMM, the major historical achievements of 2011 include an undefeated season across nine competitions, a seventh world title, a tenth RSPBA Champion of Champions award, and a second ‘Grand Slam’ victory, becoming the only band in history to achieve this twice. Other achievements of personal satisfaction to the band include winning both the MSR and the Medley at the Worlds with just 12 points (18 points clear of second place- the largest margin for any World Championship win in over a decade), winning Pipe Band of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, and celebrating 30 years at the helm for Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE.   

In a retrospective look at the year, FMM has featured in the pipes|drums 2011 New Year's Honours, being deemed 'Pipe Band of the Year' and the band’s Grand Slam success being named as the top pipes|drums news story of 2011. 

From pipes|drums: “Field Marshal Montgomery – what a year it was for the 2011 World Pipe Band Champions. In Pipe-Major Richard Parkes's thirtieth anniversary year as leader of the Belfast-based FMM, the band won a rare clean sweep of the five RSPBA major championships, and, in the opinion of many who were there, turned in performances at the World's that stand up as the best ever. Can a pipe band get better than what we heard from Field Marshal in 2011? Only time will tell, but FMM raised the standard to a stratospheric level, and received a large majority of the votes as Pipe Band of the Year with more than 80 per cent.”

As exciting as 2011 has been for the band, it will be back to reality for FMM and a winter of more hard work and discipline as the upcoming 2012 season brings a clean slate for everyone. Happy New Year from the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band - and thank you to all the dedicated band members, as well as family, friends, and supporters of the band who have contributed to this historic year.


Baby News for Aaron McCarten

Aaron McCarten and his family

Baby Toby McCarten2011 has been a good year for the family of FMM drummer Aaron McCarten as they welcomed the arrival of their third son, Toby Christopher McCarten, into the world on 13 December.

Aaron has been a member of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band for two seasons now, and in that time Aaron and his wife Suzanne and two sons Jake and Benjamin have well and truly become part of the FMM family. And that family has just grown - with baby Toby adding to the McCarten clan! Toby was due Christmas Eve but decided to make an early arrival, and came into the world at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast weighing 6lb 6oz. Aaron says, “I’m hopeful that all three boys will become drummers, but perhaps Toby will buck the trend and be a piper! This might give me a guaranteed piper for the solos, but Graham (Drummond) and Ashley (McMichael) are still needed in the meantime!”  In the interim, while Graham and Ashley wait several years to be relieved of their piping duties, we would like to wish the entire McCarten family huge congratulations on behalf of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band!


Christmas and Merchandise from FMMPB

Since the official launch of our new merchandise range in August of this year, the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band has proudly filled more than 100 orders in just four months. We’re extremely proud of the support the band has received from around the world, with merchandise orders coming in from as far afield as South Africa and Argentina, and of course being popular at home too. We’ve processed a large number of orders in the run-up to Christmas, and hope that our merchandise makes a lovely holiday gift for fans and supporters of the band! For anyone wanting to place a merchandise order for the holiday period, please be aware that the last date to do so to ensure your order arrives on time, is FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER, 2011. That’s only four days remaining to place your Christmas orders!  Thank you so everyone who has purchased merchandise in their support of the band.


FMM Confirms Pipes of Peace Concert in 2012

Pipes of Peace 2012

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band has confirmed their participation in the 2012 Pipes of Peace Concert, taking place on Thursday, 9 August 2012, at the SECC in Glasgow. The concert is being arranged for the second year running at the SECC by the folk group Celtic Spirit, and this year the organisers have invited FMM as well as Vancouver’s Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band, along with other artists to be arranged.  The event is sponsored by R.G. Hardie & Co. Ltd, who are of course the official sponsors of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band. Tickets go on sale at the end of January and cost £18.50. More information will become available in the coming months, so don’t forget to check back to FMM’s website as more information becomes available!


FMM Named Scottish Pipe Band of the Year at Trad Awards

Scots Trad Music Awards Winner 2011The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band was successful in its nomination at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, and scooped the title for Scottish Pipe Band of the Year at the famous traditional music event, held in Perth on 3 December. The award was given on the basis of popular vote, with traditional music fans from across the world voting for their favourite entries. The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band was delighted to be nominated for this year’s award, and even happier to be the winner! FMM piper Glenn Ross was there to receive the award on the band’s behalf.

In addition to the prize giving, the event itself consisted of an evening’s entertainment with some of the world’s top trad musicians, and the televised programme will air on BBC ALBA on Monday 5 December at 10pm, and will be repeated Friday 9 December at 9pm. For those outside of Scotland, you can watch the programme on Freeview 8, Virgin Media 188, Freesat 110, Sky 168, and of course www.bbcalba.co.uk.

On behalf of the entire Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, we would like to say thank you to all of the band’s friends and supporters who voted for us and helped us to gain the title!  We really appreciate the worldwide support!


Pipe Dreamers: FMM & SLOT in BBC Documentary!

Pipe Dreamers

BBCOver the years, the pipe band world has benefitted from increased BBC support, with the annual television feature of the World Pipe Band Championships, and Northern Ireland in particular has benefitted from a number of programmes covering local championships. However for the first time ever, producer Alex Johnston has achieved something completely different for the pipe band world and TV audiences alike: a two part special interest documentary following the in-depth story of two rival pipe majors and their rival bands, to really explore the psychology, dedication, and insider’s experience of what it takes to claim a World Championship title.

The premise of the documentary is this: “Richard Parkes has been pipe major of the Field Marshal Montgomery pipe band for thirty years. In that time, he has won the Grade One World Championships on six occasions. In 2010, he was runner up to his friend, Terry Tully, pipe major of the Saint Laurence O’Toole band from Dublin. In these two programmes we follow Terry and Richard from the start of the 2011 season as one tries to hold on to his title and the other strives to take it from him. With unrestricted access to the two pipe majors through planning, rehearsal and into the performance arena, this is an insider’s view into the world of competition pipe bands and just what it takes to be the champions of the world."

Pipe Dreamers will feature in two parts, aired on BBC Two Northern Ireland on Wednesday 30 November, and Wednesday 7th December, at 7.30pm.  (Viewers in Scotland/England/Wales can watch the programme on Sky Channel 992, or on BBC iPlayer which can be accessed from the BBC Northern Ireland webpage.  Viewers in the Republic of Ireland should check with their local network for BBC Northern Ireland.)

Whether you are a FMM fan, a SLOT fan, or just a lover of pipe bands in general, this programme aims to encapsulate and venerate our great tradition, and we hope you will spread the word and enjoy the programme.

You can view the programme now on the Pipe Dreamers BBC iPlayer.


FMM Nominated for Scottish Pipe Band of the Year Award

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band has been nominated for Scottish Pipe Band of the Year at the 2011 Trad Awards, taking place on 3rd December in Perth, Scotland. The Trad awards are well known in the traditional music scene and work on a voting basis - anyone in the world can nominate their favourite traditional music act, and anyone can then vote for their favourite contestant. This year the nominations include the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, the Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band, the 1st Battallion Scots Guards Pipes & Drums and George Watson’s College Pipes & Drums. Voting takes place between 31st October and 18th November.  Help the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band to win the Scottish Pipe Band of the Year, and vote here today!


End of Season Solo Results

It’s hard to believe that after such a busy summer for the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, band members have had made the time for their solo ventures as well. August, September and October have been packed with solo results for many of the band’s soloists, and the last major solo piping event of the year on 5 November has finished the season. The results are listed below:

Aaron McCarton

  • 8th overall at the World Drumming Solos, Glasgow, Scotland

Aaron McLean

  • 2nd in Junior 'A' Drumming at the All-Ireland Solos, Ireland

Alastair Dunn

  • 2nd in 'A' Grade MSR at Northern Meeting, Inverness, Scotland

Andrew Carlisle

  • 1st in William Gillies Memorial Challenge Cup, London, England

  • 1st in 'A' Grade Piobaireachd at Cowal, Scotland

  • 3rd in 'A' Grade Strathspey and Reel at Cowal, Scotland

  • 2nd in the Invitational Piobaireachd at Interceltique Festival du Lorient, France

  • 4th MacCrimmon (Scottish/Irish/Breton) Interceltique Festival du Lorient, France

  • 1st Open Piobaireachd at Ligonier Highland Games, Pennsylvania, USA

  • 1st Open MSR at Ligonier Highland Games, Pennsylvania, USA

  • 1st Open Hornpipe/Jig at Ligonier Highland Games, Pennsylvania, USA

  • 1st Invitational Piobaireachd at Loon Mountain, New Hampshire, USA

Ashley McMichael

  • 1st in MSR at the NI Piper of the Year, Ballymena, Northern Ireland

  • 2nd in Piobaireachd at the NI Piper of the Year, Ballymena, Northern Ireland

  • 3rd in the Hugh McMillan Trophy at London, England

  • 3rd in Piobaireachd at the All-Ireland Solos, Ireland

  • 1st in MSR at the NI Piper of the Year, Ballymena, Northern Ireland

Donald MacPhee

  • 1st in the 'A' Grade March at Cowal Games, Scotland

Emmett Conway

  • 5th in the 'C' Grade MSR at London, England

Gareth McLees

  • 1st in Intermediate Drumming at the All-Ireland Solos, Ireland

Gavin Noade

  • 11th overall at the World Drumming Solos, Glasgow, Scotland

Gordon McCready

  • 4th in the 'A' Grade Marsh at Cowal Games, Scotland

  • 2nd in the 'A' Grade Strathspey & Reel at Cowal Games, Scotland

  • 1st in the Open March at Killin Games, Scotland

  • 1st in the Open Strathspey & Reel at Killin Games, Scotland

Graham Drummond

  • 2nd in the 'B' Grade Strathspey & Reel at Cowal Games, Scotland

  • 4th in the 'B' Grade Piobaireachd at Cowal Games, Scotland

  • 4th in the 'B' Grade MSR at London, England

  • 4th in the 'B' Grade Piobaireachd at London, England

James Gore

  • 2nd in Intermediate Piping at the All-Ireland Solos, Ireland

  • 1st in the Piobaireachd at the NI Piper of the Year, Ballymena, Northern Ireland

  • 3rd in the MSR at the NI Piper of the Year, Ballymena, Northern Ireland

  • Best Junior piper at the NI Piper of the Year, Ballymena, Northern Ireland

Jonathan Greenlees

  • 1st in the Strachan Memorial Trophy 'A' Grade MSR at London, England

Jordan Bailie

  • 6th in Juvenile Section 2, International Solo Tenor Championships, Glasgow, Scotland

Kris Coyle

  • 2nd in Senior Piping at the All-Ireland Solos

  • 1st in the Hornpipe & Jig at the NI Piper of the Year, Ballymena, Northern Ireland

  • 2nd in the MSR at the NI Piper of the Year, Ballymena, Northern Ireland

Michael Fitzhenry

  • 1st in the 'B' Grade March at the Argyllshire Gathering, Oban, Scotland

  • 4th in the 'B' Grade Strathspey & Reel the Argyllshire Gathering, Oban, Scotland

  • 4th in the Silver Medal the Argyllshire Gathering, Oban, Scotland

Ryan Canning

  • 6th in the 'A' Grade Strathspey & Reel at the Cowal Games, Scotland


FMM Get the Grand Slam!

2011 RSPBA Champion of Champions FMM

Lindsay McNicholl, Frank Andrews & Ruth Parkes carry the FMM silverware through Dunoon

The ecstatic FMM Grand Slam winners
Photographs courtesy of Charlie Conway

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band will go down in history as the first pipe band ever to win two Grand Slam victories after winning the Cowal Championship on Saturday 27 August. The band won the Cowal Championship with just 5 points, and a ten point margin between FMM and the next placed band. Up until Saturday, the elusive ‘Grand Slam’ (i.e. winning the Scottish, British, European, World, and Cowal Championships in a single year) had only ever been achieved three times in pipe band history: by Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia under Pipe Major J. K. McAllister in 1959, by Strathclyde Police under Pipe Major Ian McLellan BEM in 1985, and by Field Marshal Montgomery under Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE in 1993. The Grand Slam is without a doubt the most difficult achievement a pipe band can hope to attain, and it only seems to come around once in a competitive lifetime, with 26, 8, and 18 years going by between occurrences. For the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, securing the Grand Slam was a tremendous achievement in its own right, however being the only band to do it twice, puts FMM in the history books. Saturday’s Cowal Championship win marked the finish to the band’s undefeated 2011 season, and was the band’s 11th Cowal Championship title, 48th major championship win, 107th consecutive top 6 finish at a major championship, 10th RSPBA Champion of Champion’s title, and 2nd ever Grand Slam. The season is not only one of the most successful years ever in the history of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, it is one of the most successful seasons in any Grade 1 pipe band’s history, ever.

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band would like to thank all its members for their hard work, and especially its friends and fans for their moral support throughout the season. We would also like to give special congratulations to our new drum major, Samantha Gordon, on an excellent first season in the senior grade, concluded by winning her first major championship in the senior level at Cowal on Saturday.

The band will now take a well deserved break, and enjoy the quiet months to come as the 2011 Ulster, All-Ireland, Scottish, British, European, World, Cowal and RSPBA Champion of Champions!


FMM: World Champions!

FMM pipers 'on the trigger' at the Worlds

FMM playing their way to a seventh world title

The moment FMM were announced as World Pipe Band Champions

Celebrating as newly crowned World Pipe Band Champions
Photographs courtesy of
Nan Harrington

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band became World Champions on Saturday, winning the coveted World Pipe Band Championship title for the seventh time in history at Glasgow Green. Over 8,000 pipers and drummers took part in the competition, and over 40,000 people came to watch with thousands more around the planet following the premier Grade 1 competition live through the BBC’s online stream. For the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, the pressure was never greater after an undefeated season of wins in the build-up to the Worlds only adding to the expectation for the band to perform well on the most important day of the year. FMM fielded its biggest ever band at the Worlds, with 44 members working together to produce two performances worthy of a world title. The hard work and focus of the last year paid off, and the band finished not only as champions, but as winners of both the March, Strathspey & Reel and the Medley event, winning the title with just 12 points, 18 points clear of the next placed band. The margin is the strongest win for any World Champion band in over a decade. Across the two events, the band gained six out of eight first place marks, including winning the Best Drumming prize in the Medley event.

The band is extremely proud of both of Saturday’s performances, and in addition to being a remarkable achievement for everyone involved in FMMPB, the win is also a special one for Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE, who gained his seventh world title in his 30th anniversary year as Pipe Major. 

On behalf of the entire Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, we would like to thank all our friends, supporters and competitors who have taken the time to e-mail us, leave messages of congratulations on the band’s official Facebook page, and share in the band’s celebrations. To finish the season, the band has just one more competition at the Cowal Championship in Dunoon on Saturday 27 August.

Watch the band’s World Championship winning performances on the BBC iPlayer here:
 
 

Watch the winning announcement and ensuing celebrations here:
 


FMM Win Ulsters in Perfect World’s Build-up

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band won its 21st Ulster Championship on Saturday 8 August, in Banbridge, County Down. The contest was the band’s seventh straight win of the 2011 season, completing the perfect build-up to the World Pipe Band Championships next weekend. In addition to remaining undefeated as a band, another two firsts in piping bring this year’s total to 18/18 first place marks in piping in 2011, a remarkable feat. The Ulster Championship was originally scheduled to be a two event contest in Grade 1, however heavy rain led to the Medley being cancelled with only a March, Strathspey & Reel contest taking place. The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band tuned up for just fifteen minutes before competing, and played Highland Wedding, Blair Drummond and Pretty Marion to gain four straight firsts. The weather cleared up in time for the march-past, where a special mention was given to the band on its 21st win in the 60th anniversary year of the Ulster Championship.

The band will now focus all of its efforts on the World Pipe Band Championships taking place this weekend in Glasgow on Saturday 13 August. The band will arrive in Glasgow mid-week, and will hold two public practices on Thursday and Friday before the big day. Practices are held in Kelvingrove Park just off Kelvin Way as shown on our map below, and run from 2.30 to 4.00. All visitors are welcome. In the event of rain, the band may be practicing elsewhere, but all efforts will be made to practice outside if possible.

FMM practice location in Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow

Piping Live!Members of the band will also be featured in this year’s Piping Live! festival, which runs from Monday 8 August to Saturday 14 August. Kyle Warren kicks off the week on Monday, performing in George Square at the Bar Marquee at 4.15, free entry, and at Piping on the Clyde at the Renfrew Ferry at 7.00pm, free entry. Alastair Dunn will be performing a Lunchtime Recital at 12.15 at the National Piping Centre, tickets at £6. On Tuesday, Kyle will be featured again, this time at the Street Café at the National Piping Centre at 12.00pm, free entry. Graham Drummond will be competing in the second heat of Piping Idol, held in the Street Café at the National Piping Centre at 3.00pm, free entry. On Wednesday, the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band will be presenting a mini-band at the College of Piping at 1.00pm, free entry. At the same time on the other side of town, Aaron McLean will be competing in the independently run Innovation Drumming for Drinks at 1pm in Todds Bar at Strathclyde University, entry at £10. Jonathan Lamberton will be competing in the third heat of Pipe Idol, held in the Street Café at the National Piping Centre at 3.00pm, free entry. On Thursday, Emmett Conway will be competing in the fourth heat of Pipe Idol, also held in the Street Café at the National Piping Centre at 3.00pm, free entry. To book tickets or learn more about Piping Live!, visit the Piping Live! official website.

BBCFor those of you who can’t make it across to the World Pipe Band Championships, you will be able to watch the competition live as it happens on the BBC’s website. Don’t forget to follow the band here.


FMM Take a Moment to Thank Premier

Premier drumsWith little over a week to go until the World Pipe Band Championships, the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band has taken a minute to thank Premier, the generous sponsors of the band’s percussion instruments. The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band has been using Premier HTS and Professional Series pipe band drums for a few years now, and has benefited in drumming and ensemble results from the clarity, volume, and projection of the Premier brand instruments. We’re proud and thankful for our sponsorship, and would like to invite all our fans to take the time to meet the Premier team at the World Pipe Band Championships next week, or to see what Premier is all about by visiting their website. If you’re a Facebook user, please visit Premier’s official Facebook page and become a fan. You can also find the link from FMM’s Facebook page.


FMM’s Facebook Fans Reach 4000

FacebookThe Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band now has over 4000 followers on Facebook! The band’s official social media presence was launched in May of last year, and has quickly become one of the most popular pipe band pages in the world of Facebook. Over 4000 people now “like” the FMM Facebook page, and friends and followers of the band regularly read and participate in posts. Although the band’s official website is always the top location for FMM news, the band has been able to use Facebook to interact with its fans, post competition results within minutes of the announcement and keep people up to date with general band happenings with almost weekly posts during the summer competition season. Become a FMM fan on Facebook today and see what all the fuss is about!


FMM Continue Undefeated at European Championships

European Pipe Band Champions Field Marshal Montgomery leaving the field at Stormont, Belfast

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band won the European Pipe Band Championships on Saturday, 30 July, on home ground in Belfast. The major win continues the band’s undefeated run of 2011 competition success, and is the sixth competition and third major championship in a row which the band has won this year. In addition to remaining undefeated as a band, FMM’s pipe corps also continued undefeated with another two firsts from the judges in piping to make a perfect 16/16 first places in piping in 2011! The contest marked the band’s 46th major championship win, and its 10th European Championship title.

This year’s European Championships was a huge success, with sunshine, large crowds, and 100 pipe bands enjoying the beautiful setting at Stormont in Northern Ireland’s capital. In addition to the thousands of local spectators, thousands of people around the world tuned in to watch the live streaming of the contest, which received an unprecedented number of views which overwhelmed the server! For those who attended in person, the all-day sunshine continued unabated into the afternoon for the Grade 1 competition, and the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band’s last place draw meant that the band performed for a huge crowd to finish the day. The band once again drew its new medley, which received a huge applause and healthy affirmation from the judges to gain two firsts in piping, a first in ensemble, and a third in drumming. The band’s win, with just 6 points, was 6 points clear of the runners-up with 12 points.

Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE   The band celebrates it's third championship win of 2011   The band celebrates it's third championship win of 2011
         
Drum Sergeant Keith Orr   Billy Maxwell and Donald MacPhee   The band celebrates it's third championship win of 2011
         
The band celebrates it's third championship win of 2011   FMM tenor drummer Alison Gilmour   Billy Maxwell with Pipe Sergeant Alastair Dunn
         

Photographs courtesy of Doug Elliot

The band has one last competition before the all-important World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, and will compete next weekend at the Ulster Championships in Banbridge, County Down.


 


June/July Solo Success for FMM Pipers

While the band has been busy practicing and competing, members of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band have also been at work on the solo piping circuit on the few free weekends without a band engagement. Here is how a few of the band’s members have fared during the months of June and July:

Alastair Dunn

  • 3rd in 'A' March at Inveraray

Andrew Carlisle

  • 1st in Piobaireachd at South Uist

  • 1st in March at South Uist

  • 1st in Strathspey & Reel at South Uist

  • 1st in Piobaireachd at North Uist

  • 1st in March at North Uist

  • 2nd in Strathspey & Reel at North Uist

  • 1st in Piobaireachd at Highlands and Islands Young Piper of the Year

  • 1st in March at Highlands and Islands Young Piper of the Year

  • 1st in Strathspey & Reel, Highlands and Islands Young Piper of the Year

  • 1st in Hornpipe & Jig at Highlands and Islands Young Piper of the Year

Donald MacPhee

  • 6th in 'A' March at Inveraray

  • 4th in 'A' Strathspey & Reel at Inveraray

  • 1st in 'A' Strathspey & Reel at Rosneath

  • 4th in March at Balloch

Emmett Conway

  • 6th in 'C' Strathspey & Reel at Inveraray

Gordon McCready

  • 2nd in 'A' Strathspey & Reel at Rosneath

  • 2nd in March at Strathmore

  • 1st in Strathspey & Reel at Strathmore

Graham Drummond

  • 5th in 'B' March at Inveraray

  • 2nd in 'B' Strathspey & Reel at Rosneath

James Gore

  • 4th in Hornpipe & Jig at Highlands and Islands Young Piper of the Year

  • 1st in Strathspey & Reel at North Uist

  • 2nd in Jig at North Uist

Jonathan Greenlees

  • 5th in Piobaireachd at Strathmore

  • 3rd in Strathspey & Reel at Strathmore

Ryan Canning

  • 4th in 'A' Strathspey & Reel at Rosneath


FMM Launch Band Merchandise Range

FMM Merchandise

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band is pleased to announce the launch of a new range of band merchandise, just in time for the World Pipe Band Championships! The range offers a huge selection of band products, with over 20 items for sale on our website. Merchandise includes everything from clothing, hats, and band ties, to CDs, DVDs and music books. In addition to a variety of clothing offered in standard men’s sizes, the range now includes clothing sized especially for women, and special items for children. Long term fans of the band will also be pleased to see a few special items for sale - including the 'Vintage Polo' as a flashback to FMM in the early ‘90s- and copies of the band’s RE:CHARGED CD and DVD signed by Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE. Your purchase helps the band to continue its activity and is a fantastic way to support the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band.  Clothing items are made to order, and all FMM official merchandise can be bought securely through our online shopping cart. We hope you enjoy shopping with FMM!


Richard’s 30 Years Featured on pipes|drums

pipes|drumsThe 30th anniversary of Richard Parkes as Pipe Major of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band has made news on the popular internet magazine, pipes|drums. The article includes a short write-up and a video interview with Richard, who details some of his personal highlights over the past 30 years. As for the future, fans of the band will be happy to hear Richard promise, “I’m going to continue to do it as long as I’m capable of doing it.”  Visit pipes|drums to read the full story.
 


FMM Celebrates 30 Years with Richard Parkes!

A young Richard Parkes leading FMM2011 marks an emotional year in the history of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band - the 30th anniversary of Richard Parkes as Pipe Major.

It was in mid-July 1981 that Richard – aged just 21 - took over as leader of FMM and embarked on what has become one of the greatest journeys in the history of the modern pipe band era. Back in 1981, FMM were a fledging local band from Northern Ireland having just been promoted a few years earlier to Grade 2 after winning the Grade 3 World Championship in 1976. Prior to Richard becoming Pipe Major, FMM were holding their own in Grade 2 and had started to gain a degree of local notoriety following a couple of prizes at the major championships in Scotland. But breaking through to compete with the Grade 1 champions of the day – Strathclyde Police, Shotts & Dykehead, Boghall & Bathgate and Dysart & Dundonald – was a dream rather than a reality. All this was to change. With just a few practices under his belt, Richard led FMM as Pipe Major for the first time at the Ulster Championships in early August 1981 – the band placed 4th. Just two weeks later, FMM secured 2nd place in Grade 2 at the World Championships- the band’s best prize ever. From that day forward, the future of FMM would be forever changed.

Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE

Under Richard’s leadership, FMM has won an amazing 45 major championships - including 6 World Championship titles. The band has also amassed 9 Champion of Champions awards and 19 All Ireland titles. And since breaking through into the Grade 1 prizes in 1990, the band has secured a staggering 104 consecutive prize winning performances. While competition success has never been far away, the journey has been about so much more. There have been highs – such as the band’s two sell-out concerts at the Glasgow Royal Concert hall in 2002 and 2007 – and lows – such as Richard's serious illness in 2004.

Richard receiving his MBE from Her Majesty The Queen Richard & band with the coveted RSPBA Jubilee Trophy

Over the last 30 years Richard’s willingness to help others and to offer advice has become renowned the world over. He is respected as one of the great Pipe Majors. His leadership of the band and his commitment to excellence has attracted players from across the world. Though if you speak to Richard he will always say how “humbled he is that such young talented people make an effort to come and play in his band.”  However ask any member of FMM – past or present - what the secret is to the band’s success, or why they put in the hours of practice and preparation year-in-year-out, there is only ever one answer - Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE.

On behalf of everyone associated with FMM, we thank you Richard for your 30 years of service and we look forward to continuing on this journey with you for a good few years yet.


FMM Are All-Ireland Champions

Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band at the All-Ireland Championships held in Lisburn, County Down
Photograph courtesy of Charlie Conway

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band won its 19th All-Ireland Championship title on Saturday 2 July in Lisburn, County Down. The contest was the fifth win for the band this year, continuing a strong run of success which has marked the first half of the 2011 season. The band also gained another unanimous verdict in piping, with firsts from all four piping judges, making it a perfect 14 out of 14 firsts in piping this year to date.

FMM's prize haul from the All-Ireland Championships
Photograph courtesy of John Kelly

The All-Irelands take same format as the Worlds, and the band drew it’s number two March, Strathspey & Reel yet again this year, and performed its new medley for the third time. In the end, the band won the MSR and just lost out on the Medley on an ensemble preference only, to secure the overall title.


Video courtesy RSPBANI. To view other videos from the 2011 All-Ireland Championships in Lisburn please visit the RSPBANI website at www.rspbani.org.


FMM are British Champions

Field Marshal Montgomery defending their British title at Annan
Photograph courtesy of Daniel Sherret

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band retained their title as British Champions for the third year running at Annan, Scotland, on Saturday 25 June. The contest was the second major championship win and the fourth straight win in a row for the band this year. The win is the band’s 45th major championship title over the last twenty years, and its 8th British win.

FMM pipe corps at Annan   FMM piper Stuart Irvine   FMM leading drummer Keith Orr at Annan
Photographs courtesy of Erin Gilmour

The competition was well attended, and it is understood that the RSPBA and Dumfries & Galloway Council worked extremely hard to make sure the spacious venue was competition ready for Saturday after heavy rains the week preceding. Luckily the 126 bands which competed were blessed with much better weather after the difficult conditions at the Scottish Championships a month before. For the Grade 1 bands competing in the later half of the contest including FMM, the afternoon was dominated with cool temperatures and very light rain which meant that moisture and cold would still be a factor for setting up pipes. FMM’s draw was third last, and the band was pleased to draw its new Medley for 2011, getting the chance to air the new set at a major championship for the first time, and only the second time publicly this year. The band put in a great performance to a responsive crowd, and was delighted to be called out as British Champions when the results were given.  In addition to continuing the season with another win for the band, the two first place marks from the judges in piping add to the streak of 10 out of 10 first place finishes in piping this year from all the contests to date, including the County Down Championships which hosted both an MSR and a Medley event. The band finished the day by playing off the park, as is tradition.

The band’s next competition is the All-Ireland Championships held this coming weekend in Lisburn, County Down. However the band will be taking a short two week break from reporting band news while our Web designer is unavailable, so for up to date results and videos from the next competition, don’t forget to check the websites of the RSPBA Northern Ireland Branch, pipes|drums, or follow us on our very own Facebook page.


FMM Win at Newcastle

Richard Parkes MBE leads FMM pipers through a team talk

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band won their third contest of the season at the County Down Championships in Newcastle on Saturday, 18 June. The Grade 1 contest format required the bands to play twice, both a March, Strathspey & Reel as well as a Medley in a double format akin to the World Championships. With each band playing twice, the weather would play a critical role after the torrential rain at the Scottish Championships a few weeks before. Luckily the weather was kind to the bands, and the slightly overcast and cool but temperate conditions allowed all the bands to spend more time tuning up than at Dumbarton, providing the crowds with a good contest to listen to. 

FMM piper Donald MacPhee   FMM snare drummers at Newcastle   Bass drummer Chris Pollock

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band drew its new March, Strathspey & Reel set, Balmoral Highlanders, John Roy Stewart & Charlie’s Welcome, playing the new set for the third time this year. The band was also able to air its brand new Medley for the first time to an appreciative crowd, a great day out before next weekend’s British Championships which is also a Medley event. With two good performances, the band was pleased to win the overall award when the prizes were called, winning the March, Strathspey & Reel event and narrowly losing out on the Medley on an ensemble preference only, to take the overall title. It was also a good day for the band's new Drum Major, Samantha Gordon, who won the Senior Grade for the first time on Saturday.

The band finished the day by participating in the parade down the main street along Newcastle’s picturesque waterfront.

The band’s next competition is this weekend at the British Championships in Annan, Scotland.


Pipers' Persuasion Interview with Richard Parkes

Richard Parkes MBE on Pipers' PersuasionField Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band’s own Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE is the latest piping personality to be featured on the popular website, Piper’s Persuasion.

The Piper’s Persuasion website is a non-profit project run by Allan Hamilton, which features video interviews with some of the most important figures in the piping and drumming world.

Richard is the 29th interview to be featured on the site, and his feature is split into eleven different videos of varying lengths, covering Richard’s own background and piping influences, to his views on musical selection, solo and band competition, instrument set-up, and more. Click here to watch Richard's interview on the Pipers' Persuasion website.


Venue Change for Local County Down Championships

The venue has changed for the County Down Championships, schedule for Saturday 18 June. The RSPBA (Northern Ireland Branch) has informed bands that the venue on the 18th, originally scheduled for Banbridge, will now take place in Newcastle at Donard Park. The Ulster Championship scheduled for Newcastle later in the summer will be held in Banbridge rather than Newcastle, as originally scheduled.  For more information, please visit the RSPBANI website.
 


R. G. Hardie & Co Ltd Launch New Website

R. G. Hardie & Co LtdR. G. Hardie & Co Ltd, esteemed sponsors of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, has just launched their new website at www.rghardie.com.

R. G. Hardie & Co Ltd have supported FMM since 2006, and have helped transform the look of the band through the creation of an exclusive band tartan named Drumalig, and the introduction of the Piper Range uniform which encompasses everything from jackets and waistcoats right down to the shoes the band wears. Many pipers in the band also play Peter Henderson bagpipes.

The new website has many features, including a free bagpipe buyer’s guide, new product photos of their range of bagpipes and chanters, a new featured artist section commencing with Finlay MacDonald, and links to the company’s social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube along with up to date news.

We hope you’ll visit www.rghardie.com and support the company, which supports us!


May Brings Good Results for FMM Soloists

Just one week after the Scottish Championships, members of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band competed in the first outdoor solo contests of the year on the Scottish solo circuit. Continuing the pattern of cold and wet weather (although hardly as wet as the weekend before in Dumbarton), soloists competed at Bathgate Highland Games on Saturday 28 May, and the Blair Atholl Highland Games on Sunday 29 May.
Gordon McCready had a perfect run in Bathgate winning the Open Piobaireachd, March, Strathspey & Reel, and Jonathan Greenlees finished third in the Strathspey & Reel. Gordon was also the man of the hour at Blair Atholl, winning the Open MSR, Hornpipe & Jig, and finishing third in the 'A' Piobaireachd to win the overall title. Jonathan Greenlees also made the prizes finishing fifth in the 'A' Piobaireachd, and sixth in the Hornpipe & Jig. Graham Drummond finished sixth in the Open MSR, and James Gore was third in the 'C' Piobaireachd.

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band is also pleased to announce that its new drum major,
Samantha Gordon, competed in her first contest since joining the band, last weekend in Enniskillen. The competition was also her first contest in the senior grade after winning the 2010 World Pipe Band Championships at the Juvenile level. Samantha finished third overall.

The band’s next public engagement is at the County Down Championships in Banbridge on 18 June, and FMM’s many soloists will continue their solo season simultaneously throughout the month of June.


FMM are Scottish Champions

Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band takes a soaking at the Scottish Pipe Band Championships in Dumbarton

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band retained their title as Scottish Champions on Saturday 21 May, in Dumbarton, Scotland. The band won the title for the third year running, and for the 11th time in its history. The first major championship of the year was well attended with 134 bands competing despite the terrible weather conditions. The weather was a major factor for all bands on the day, as the rain poured down so consistently that there wasn’t even a few minutes break where bands might come out from under cover, making it a difficult decision for pipe majors to choose between trying to tune up, and trying to keep dry.

Newcomers Kyle Warren, Glenn Ross and James GoreThe Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band kept the playing to a bare minimum before going on the field, essentially competing with an 'out of the box' sound just like many of the bands in the Grade 1. The band drew its new March, Strathspey & Reel set, Balmoral Highlanders, John Roy Stewart and Charlie’s Welcome which was the first time to air the new set in competition. The performance was a winning one, gaining two firsts in piping, a first in ensemble, and a fourth in drumming to secure the overall title with 7 points. Due to the weather conditions, the RSPBA chose to cancel the march-past, and Chief Executive Ian Embelton read the results aloud on a loud speaker while bandsmen and women congregated under umbrellas near the judge’s tent. In the end it was a satisfactory day for FMMPB despite the wet, and a great start to the 2011 season. The band’s next competition is in Banbridge, County Down, on 18 June.


FMM Win at Dungannon

Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band's first competition appearance of 2011 at Dungannon

Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE and FMM pipersThe Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band started its domestic season with a win in Dungannon, County Tyrone, on Saturday 7 May, 2011. The contest marked the first outdoor competition of the year in Northern Ireland and in Grade 1 consisted of a March, Strathspey & Reel event.

The day was marked with cold and wet weather which affected many bands throughout the day however intermittent downpours were broken up by clearer skies and patches of sunlight for the Grade 1 event.

The band drew its number one March, Strathspey & Reel, Highland Wedding, Blair Drummond & Pretty Marion and put in a solid run to start the season.

Despite the challenging weather conditions, the band's performance secured a first place overall win, with two firsts in piping, a first in ensemble, and a second in drumming.

Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band drum corps


Video courtesy RSPBANI. To view other videos from the 2011 County Tyrone Championships in Dungannon please visit the RSPBANI website at www.rspbani.org.

Although an informal solo event, some members of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band took part in the evening entertainment arranged by the Aughintober Pipe Band for after the contest, and represented their band and various countries at the International Piping in the Park event held in the Beer Tent in Dungannon. Gordon McCready won the overall event, with Donald MacPhee gaining recognition as the most entertaining piper of the night!

The band will compete in its next competition at the Scottish Championships in Dumbarton, Scotland, on Saturday 21 May.


FMM Soloists at International Piping in the Park

Members of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band are due to represent their band, and their countries, at 'International Piping in the Park,' a special solo competition taking place after the band competition in Dungannon on 14 May this coming Saturday.

The contest is a fundraiser for the Aughintober Pipe Band, and draws on the unique international piping influence which has made its way into some of Ireland’s top bands these days, with one piper each from the USA, England, Scotland, Canada, Northern Ireland, and Ireland who are members of either the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band or the St Laurence O Toole Pipe Band. Representing FMM are Donald MacPhee (USA), James Gore (England), Gordon McCready (Scotland), and Jonathan Greenlees (Northern Ireland.)

The event format gives each player 20 minutes, in which they must perform a March, Strathspey and Reel, and thereafter the stage is theirs to play whatever they choose and secure a crowd vote. The contest will take place in the Beer Tent at Dungannan Park, and it will begin at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £7.50 per person, and for bands wishing to buy many tickets at once, a discount of five tickets for £35 or ten tickets for £65 is available. Tickets can be purchased from any Aughintober band member, or by email or phone via Gail Graham at press@rspbani.org or +44 (0)7738 787043. Come along and support your favourite country, band, or the most entertaining act!
 


2011 Spring News for FMM

2011 has been a busy spring with lots to report from the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band.

Every spring the pipe band world sees personnel changes, and this year the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band has welcomed the addition of 11 new members to its ranks, including 4 pipers, 4 snare drummers, 2 tenor drummers, and a new drum major. The new players have been working hard over the winter alongside the existing members to prepare for the start of the season, and player profiles have now been published in the band’s roster section.

Other Web updates for the spring include the 2011 competition schedule, an updated band history section including a meticulous historical timeline, and a new results page with a comprehensive results table detailing every major prize the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band has won since it entered Grade 1. The new history and results pages aim to give insight into the band’s storied history, and to catalogue the band’s success and development for the interest of fans, competitors and general pipe band enthusiasts.

On the solo front, FMM members have continued their individual solo successes into 2011. In Northern Ireland, FMM piper Ashley McMichael continued his competitive success from 2010, winning the Ulster Solo Championship at the senior level to back up his All-Ireland title from September. Ashley secured the Ulster title by winning both the March, Strathspey & Reel event, and the Hornpipe & Jig. Kris Coyle finished second in both events, with Emmett Conway third in both events. Conor McCallion won the Intermediate grade, and finished third in the Piobaireachd. On the drumming front, Gareth McLees won the Intermediate Drumming and Aaron McLean finished second in the Junior. FMM members also competed at the Cullybackey Solo event, and Ashley McMichael again finished on top winning the senior piping with Emmett Conway in second place, Jonathan Lamberton was third in the Intermediate grade and Aaron McLean won the Junior drumming event. In Scotland, band members competed at the Duncan Johnstone March, and Graham Drummond finished fifth in the 'B' Grade MSR, and Emmett Conway finished fourth in the 'C' Grade MSR and second in the 'B/C' Jig contest. At the SPA contest on 9 April, Gordon McCready was second in the Piobaireachd and second in the Strathspey & Reel. At the Kingdom Thistle competition on 16 April, Matt Wilson finished 5th in the MSR, and Aaron McLean finished 5th in the Open MSR and Hornpipe & Jig in the drumming.

On a personal front, two long serving members have had happy baby news. FMM piper David Middleton and his wife Valerie welcomed the birth of baby Ralph Middleton on 17 December, 2010. David announced the news that they were expecting at the end of last season, and the band looks forward to meeting baby Ralph. FMM drummer Earl Glasgow and his wife Ann also shared happy baby news, and Matthew Glasgow was born on 6 April. Earl has been a member of FMM for a remarkable 18 years, and as the band’s Chairman, is responsible for most of the organisation of the band behind the scenes. The band would like to give a special thank you to Earl for his continued commitment to FMM behind the scenes, even with his new role as father. Congratulations to both David and Earl, and their families.

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band will be making its first public appearance of 2011 at the County Tyrone Championships in Dungannon on Saturday 14 May.

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