Pipers

Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE, MSc

Alastair Dunn (Pipe Sergeant)
Megan Canning
Ryan Canning
Andrew Carlisle
Emmett Conway
Kris Coyle
Graham Drummond
Mark Faloon
Michael Fitzhenry
James Gore
Jonathan Greenlees
Stuart Irvine
Jonathan Lamberton
Ian Lyons
Donald MacPhee
Brian Martin
Conor McCallion
Gordon McCready
Alisdair McLaren
Ashley McMichael
David Middleton
John Reville
Glenn Ross
Mark Smyth
Jamie Walker
Kyle Warren
Matt Wilson

Drone Tuners/Sound Assistants

Frank Andrews
Scott Drummond
Lynsey McNicholl

Snare Drummers

Drum Sergeant Keith Orr

Cameron Finlay
Ian Gillespie
Earl Glasgow
Garry Killen
Aaron McCarten
Aaron McLean
Gareth McLees
Gavin Noade
Terry Smyth
Colin Wilson
Geoff Wilson

Bass Section

Jordan Bailie
Alison Gilmour
Glenn Higgins
Vicki Kane
Norman Macleod
Sarah McCullough
Sarah Moore
Chris Pollock

Drum Majors

Drum Major Gloria Aicken
Drum Major Samantha Gordon
Drum Major Alastair Patterson

Richard lives in Comber, County Down. He has been Pipe Major of the band for the last twenty nine years, making history by leading FMM to become the most successful pipe band ever to come from Northern Ireland. Richard is one of the most respected pipers and pipe band leaders in the world, gaining an MBE from Her Majesty The Queen in 2004 for recognition of his services to pipe band music in Northern Ireland. Although Richard has always put the band first, he also managed to win 7 All Ireland Senior Solo Championships, eight Northern Ireland Piper of the Year titles, nine Ulster Senior Championships, as well as winning the Strachan in London, the Jig in Inverness and a number of other prizes at major solo competitions. Richard holds a Masters degree in Polymer Engineering and works as a Engineering Manager in Bombardier Aerospace.

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Alastair comes from Newtonards, County Down. He first played with FMM in 1998 and took over as Pipe Sergeant in 2005. Alastair is a top solo prize winner, having won the Gold Medal for Piobaireachd in both Oban and Inverness. Alastair’s wife Margaret is also a top piper, and together they live in Glasgow with their young son Callum.  Alastair works as General Manager for R. G. Hardie & Co Ltd.

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Megan is originally from California. She joined FMM in 2006, after playing previously with the Strathclyde Police and Prince Charles Pipe Band of San Francisco. In addition to piping, Megan also helps the band behind the scenes including looking after the band’s website. Megan is married to fellow FMM piper Ryan Canning and lives in Glasgow where she works as UK Projects Manager for the charity RIPPLE Africa.

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Ryan hails from Londonderry and is one of the band’s long time members, having joined in 1997. He is a successful soloist, featuring in many 'A' Grade prize lists in Scotland. As a composer, Ryan has had a big impact on FMM’s musical selections over the years and has published his own book of music entitled The Full Monty. Ryan lives in Glasgow with his wife Megan and teaches at The National Piping Centre as well as running his own business, Canning Reedmakers.

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Andrew is from Ballygowan, County Down and has been a member of the band since 2003. Andrew has won the All Ireland Solo Championships at the senior level three times and is a regular face on the solo scene in Scotland. Andrew recently completed his PhD at the University of Ulster, and now holds the prestigious post of Director of Piping at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg, USA, from where he’ll travel to play with the band in the summer months.

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Emmett comes from Cookstown, County Tyrone, and joined the band last season. He previously played with the Ballinderry Bridge Pipe Band, where he won several championships in Grade 2 including the Worlds. Emmett works as an apprentice electrician, and a budding young solo player, having taken many prizes in the juvenile grades.

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Kris is from Ballyclare, County Antrim and has been a member of FMM since 2005. Kris previously played with the Monkstown Mossley Pipe Band, leading them as pipe major to win second place in the Juvenile Grade at the World Pipe Band Championships. Kris has featured in many solo prize lists in Ireland, and is engaged to fellow band member Sarah Moore.

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Graham is from Bathgate, Scotland and his first season with FMM was 2010. However, Graham has long since been a fan, as his uncle Scott Drummond has been a member of the band since 1998.  Graham previously played with the Boghall & Bathgate Pipe Band and is making good headway on the solo scene, having previously taken several prizes in the Juvenile grades. Graham is a student at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow.

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Mark is from Portadown, County Armagh and is a household name in the pipe band scene in Northern Ireland. Over the past three decades, Mark has been the successful pipe major of many bands, and involved in teaching pipers from across the country. Mark originally joined FMM in 1998 and with a few years off in the middle, rejoined the band again in 2007. He works for a forklift truck company.

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Michael is originally from Calgary, Canada. He moved to Scotland in 2004 just to play with FMM and has been playing with the band ever since. Mike was previously a member of Alberta Caledonia Pipe Band and Clan MacBain Pipe Band. He is a frequent solo competitor and now lives in Glasgow where he works as a graphic designer.

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James joined FMM in 2011. Originally from Bradford, England, James moved to Northern Ireland where he is pursuing a BA Honours degree in Modern History at Queen's University Belfast. James previously played with the Ballycoan Pipe Band and has featured in solo prize lists in Scotland and Ireland, including winning the Northern Ireland Piper of the Year in 2010. In addition to pipes, James also plays whistle and holds a Grade 8 certificate for Bass Guitar.

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Jonathan is from Lisburn, County Antrim, making him the most local player in FMM! He is also one of the band’s longest serving pipers, having been a member since 1995. Jonathan is well known on the solo circuit, having won the Dunvegan Medal, and locally the All Ireland and Ulster Championships at the senior level. Jonathan is married to Lindsey Ellis, Project Manager for the RSPBA Northern Ireland Branch and he is a finalist in accountancy.

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Stuart is from Bangor, County Down. He has been a member of FMM since 2008 and he previously played with the Ballycoan Pipe Band, the Cleland Memorial and Dr Wright Memorial Pipe Band. In the lower grades, he gained two World titles with Dr Wright Memorial, and one with Ballycoan. Stuart is currently working in the hotel industry in Bangor.

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Jonathan is from Belfast. He joined FMM in 2009, having previously played with the Ballycoan Pipe Band. Jonathan is a budding soloist, having won the All-Ireland Championships at the junior level and Ulster Championships at the intermediate level. Jonathan is studying Engineering at Belfast Metropolitan College.

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IIan is originally from Banbridge, County Down, but now lives in Melbourne, Australia, His first season with FM was 2009 and he travels from Oz in the summer just to play with the band. Ian is currently a full-time piper with the Victoria Police Pipe Band. He has previously played with the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band, and before that the Pipes & Drums of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and Banbridge Pipe Band. Ian is currently Pipe Major of the Moorabbin City Pipe Band in Melbourne.  

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Donald is originally from Detroit, USA. He joined the band in 2006, having previously played with the ScottishPower Pipe Band. Donald is one of the top solo players in the world today, having won the Gold Medal for Piobaireachd in Inverness along with a long list prizes at the highest level. Donald is a successful bagpipe reedmaker and lives in Alexandria, Scotland, with his wife Christine.

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Brian is from Ballynahinch, County Down. He is the longest serving piper in FMM other than Richard Parkes himself, having joined 22 years ago in 1988, at the age of just 13. Brian served as the band’s Pipe Sergeant for several years and he is yet another winner of the All Ireland Solo Championships at the senior level. Brian works as a banker and he and wife Laura have a young son, Jack.

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Conor is from Cookstown, County Tyrone. He joined FMM in 2009, and he previously played with the Ballinderry Bridge Pipe Band, where we won the World Championships in Grade 2 along with several other major titles. Conor has had early solo success, having won several prizes at the juvenile level both in Ireland and in Scotland, and was named Young Player of the Year 2005. Conor is studying Building Surveying at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown.

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Gordon is from Renfrew, Scotland. He has been a member of FMM since 2005 and was a piper with the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band previous to that. Gordon is a frequent prize winner in the 'A' Grades in Scotland and his big wins include the Silver Medal at Oban, and the 'A' Grade March at Oban. Gordon’s wife Eileen is also a piper and plays with the Johnstone Pipe Band in Grade 2. 

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Alisdair hails from Perth, Australia. His first season with FMM was 2009, having been a member of the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band and Pipe Major of the Western Australia Police Pipe Band before that. Alisdair is the Director of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland and is based at The National Piping Centre in Glasgow. He is engaged to fellow piper Lynsey McNicholl.

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Ashley is from Antrim. He has been a member of FMM since 2005, and previously played with the Ballydonghy and Ravara pipe bands. Ashley is a successful solo player on the home front and is a regular finisher in the prize lists, including winning the Northern Ireland Piper of the Year, and the Ulster and All-Ireland Solo Championship at the Senior level. Ashley is one of FMM’s front rank pipers.

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David is from Londonderry. He has been a member of FMM since 2002, having played previously with the McNeillstown Pipe Band. He is a former winner of the Northern Ireland Pipe of the Year competition and also is a player of the lowland pipes. David works as a secondary school chemistry teacher and commutes to band practice from his home in County Donegal.

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John lives in Leixlip, County Kildare. He has been a member of the band since 2003, having played previously with the St Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band for many years. John is a previous winner of the Northern Ireland Piper of the Year contest. He recently completed his MBA from Dublin City University and works as Operations Manager for Irish Rail. John has is a busy father with three young children.

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Glenn joined FMM in 2011. He is one of the band’s Scottish players, travelling from his home in Kingsmuir, Forfar. Glenn previously played with the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band for five years, and before that with the Drambuie Kirkliston Pipe Band in Grade 2 where he won every major championship including the Grade 2 World title in 2005. Glenn lifted several solo prizes at the juvenile level, including winning the Juvenile March Strathspey & Reel at the Northern Meeting. He is currently serving his last year as an apprentice joiner.

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Mark is from Dromara, County Down. He is the third longest serving piper in the band, having joined 19 years ago in 1991. As a result he is one of the few members to win all 6 World titles with FMM. His daughter Courtney has now taken up the torch and is a piper in the Upper Crossgare Pipe Band, which Mark played with previous to FMM. Mark is the Director of a construction company.

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Jamie joined FMM in 2011, having played previously with Ballycoan, Bleary & District, and Cleland Memorial pipe bands. Jamie is from Portavogie in County Down and is a regular face on the solo scene in Northern Ireland, having won several solo contests as an Under 18 competitor, and the Ulster Championship in the Junior grade. Jamie works for the civil service and when he’s not working and piping he is a great Manchester United enthusiast.

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Kyle is from Helensburgh, Scotland and joined FMM in 2011. He was previously Pipe Sergeant of Lomond & Clyde Pipe Band, Pipe Major of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland and recently a member of the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. In 2009, he competed with Bagad Cap Caval winning the Breton Championships at the Lorient Festival. Kyle graduated with a first class honours degree from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 2010 and recently released a book of his own compositions entitled ‘Tunez’.

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Matt is from Edinburgh, Scotland. This is Matt’s 8th year in the band, having joined in 2003 after leaving the George Watson’s College Pipe Band, where he acted as Pipe Major in the novice juvenile grade.  Matt spent five years living in Northern Ireland while studying and is now back in Edinburgh where he teaches piping at Dollar Academy.

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Keith lives in Londonderry and has been leading drummer of FMM since 2003. He has been a successful leading drummer for decades, previously leading the McNeilstown Pipe Band and the Graham Memorial Pipe Band, winning the March, Strathspey & Reel section at the World Pipe Band Championships amongst other titles. As a soloist, Keith is a senior All Ireland Solo Drumming Champion, a World Solo Drumming Championships finalist, and as leading drummer of FMM he has led the band to win a colossal 20 major championships including three World Championships titles, in just 8 short years. Keith has been central to FMM’s success over the last decade and is one half of the partnership that is the band’s leadership.

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Cameron is from Dundonald, County Down, and joined FMM in 2011. Cameron’s previous bands include the Dr Wright Memorial and Ballycoan Pipe Bands, the later of which he made his Grade 1 debut with at the young age of 12! Cameron was taught by Brendan Megoran, Gavin Noade, Freddie Noade, and his father. As a soloist, he has won prizes at the Juvenile level, including being named Under 14 and Under 16 All-Ireland champion.

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Ian Gillespie is from Londonderry and has been a member of FMM since 2005. Ian previously played with the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, winning the drumming at the World Championships in 2000. He has been tutored by Andy Scullion, Gary Corkin and Keith Orr. 

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Earl is from Magherfelt, County Londonderry. He has been a member of FMM since 1994 and has played under Gordon, Andy and Keith as leading drummers. Earl is one of the main men behind the scenes of FMM, working as band Chairman to help with the organisation and management of the band. Earl is a senior partner with a company in the technology industry.

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Garry is originally from Dunoon, Scotland, and joined FMM in 2011.  Garry began his drumming career with the Dunoon Grammar School where he was leading drummer, and over the years has played with Babcock Renfrew/Black Bottle where he won the Scottish and European Championships, David Urquhart Travel Pipe Band as leading drummer, and most recently the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band.  Garry is a member of the Chartered Institute of Building & Surveying, and is a partner in a Project Management consultancy in Glasgow.

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Aaron is from Newtonards, County Down. He joined FMM in 2010, having been the leading drummer of the Ravara Pipe Band from 1997 to 2009 where he led the band to win several championships in Grade 2, including the Worlds. Aaron is a well known soloist, having won the Ulster and All Ireland Championships at Junior and Intermediate level, and the All Ireland Championships at Senior level. Abroad, Aaron has been a finalist at the World Solo Drumming Championships in 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

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Aaron is from Ballymoney, County Antrim and he now lives in Belfast. He joined FMM in 2008, having previously played with the Finvoy Pipe Band and the Cullybackey Pipe Band. Aaron has previously won the World Pipe Band Championships in both Grade 3A and Grade 2, and has been a frequent prize winner at solo drumming contests in both Northern Ireland and Scotland at the Junior and Juvenile levels.

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Gareth is from Belfast. He has been a drummer since 2008, having played previously with the Glassdrummond Pipe Band, and the North Belfast Pipe Band. Gareth is another successful soloist, having been named Juvenile Ulster Champion three times, twice crowned All Ireland Juvenile Champion, and winning the Juvenile World Solo Drumming Championships in 2006.

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Gavin is from Ballynahinch, County Down and has been a drummer in FMM since 2003. A successful soloist, Gavin is a past winner of the World Solo Drumming Championships in the under 18 category and thereafter has been in the final of the World Solo Drumming Championships at the adult level in 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009.  Gavin is a graduate and works in the banking sector.

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Terry is from Drumsnade and now lives in Carryduff, County Antrim.  Terry joined FMM in 2010, and before that he spent his whole pipe band career with the Frank Rainey Memorial Pipe Band, where he spent many years as the band’s leading drummer. Terry is a tutor at the Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming School and also plays kit drum and guitar. He holds a BA in Business Studies and works as a Business Systems Analyst for an IT company in Belfast.

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Colin is from Kilmarnock, Scotland, and joined FMM in 2011 having played with the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band for the past four years. In his drumming career, he has also played with Babcock Renfrew/Black Bottle, Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia and Scottish Power pipe bands. Colin was taught by Hugh Smillie, also a previous member of Shotts & Dykehead, and has won three World Drumming Solo titles at the juvenile level. Colin works as an HGV driver for a local company in Ayrshire.

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Geoff is from Ballymena, County Antrim and has been a member of FMM since 2003. Geoff has played for Keith Orr for over 25 years, playing for him with the McNeilstown Pipe Band and the Graham Memorial before joining FMM. Geoff has a Masters degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and is now an Engineering Director.

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Jordan is from Newtonards, County Down. Jordan is the band’s youngest member, and has been playing with the band since 2009.  Jordan previously played with the Dr Wright Memorial Pipe Band and is a student of the Northern Ireland School of Piping & Drumming. 

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Alison is from Paisley, Scotland. She joined FMM in 2010, having previously played tenor drum with Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary Pipe Band. Few may know that Alison is also a piper, having played with the Paisley Pipe Band where she won every major championship including the Worlds in Novice Juvenile, and playing with the City of Glasgow Pipes and Drums in Grade 3A. Alison recently completed a doctorate at the University of Glasgow, and is working as a researcher.

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Glenn is from Ballyclare, County Antrim and currently lives in Belfast. He joined FMM in 2009, having previously played with the Major Sinclair Memorial, Ballydonaghy Caledonia, Monkstown Mossely, West Midlands Police and Seven Towers Pipe Band, where the band won the British, Scottish, Ulster and European Championships in Grade 2.

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Vicky joined FMM in 2011. From Magherafelt, County Londonderry, she previously played with the Quinn Memorial Pipe and the Ballycoan Pipe Band. Vicky is a dental nurse in the Gentle Touch Dental Studio in Magherafelt, and teaches tenor drumming for various bands when she’s not working, practicing and competing.

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Norman is from St Andrews and now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.  He joined FMM in 2006, having been a long serving member of the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band where he was a previous winner of the Best Bass Section award at the World Pipe Band Championships.  Norman also played with the Scottish Gas, David Urquhart Travel, and 1st St Andrews Boys' Brigade Pipe Band. He is a respected tenor drumming instructor, teaching bands and workshops around the world.

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Sarah is from Banbridge, County Down and has been a member of FMM since 2006. Sarah previously played with the Banbridge Pipe Band. She is a keen athlete and coaches dance, netball and Leprechaun Rugby, and recently completed her training to become a Physical Education teacher.

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Sarah joined FMM in 2011, having previously played with Ravara, North Belfast and Monkstown Mossley pipe bands. With Ravara she won several major championships, including the 2010 World Pipe Band Championship at the Grade 2 level. When she’s not tenor drumming, Sarah studies History at Queen's University, Belfast.  Anyone local to Ballyclare, County Antrim, might also recognise Sarah as the 2010 Ballyclare May Fair Queen, but unfortunately for any admirers, she is already engaged to fellow band member Kris Coyle!

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Chris is from Randalstown, County Antrim. Chris joined as a tenor drummer in 2006,and later took over as bass drummer in 2007. His previous bands include Monkstown Mossley, McNeillstown and West Midlands Police Pipe Band. Chris is a Youth Community Worker.

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Gloria (nee Patterson) is formerly from Castlederg and now resides in Belfast, and has been a drum major for FMM since 1998. Gloria has been a Drum Major since the age of 13 and has previously been a member of the Eden and Quinn Memorial Pipe Bands, and has won several local championships and the Juvenile World Title in 1993.  Gloria is currently a Drum Major Adjudicator for the RSPBA, and also holds the position of Secretary within the band. Gloria works in the finance department with Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

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Samantha is from Banbridge, Co. Down, and joined FMM in 2011.  Her previous bands include Moneygore, Banbridge, Bleary & District, and Geoghegan Memorial Pipe Band.  At the junior and juvenile levels, Samantha has won the Ulster, All-Ireland, British, and European Championships, and in 2010 became Juvenile World Champion.  She has also won the Champion of Champions awards at the Juvenile level both in Northern Ireland and in Scotland.  Samantha is a student and has a keen interest in playing netball and hockey, and supporting Ulster Rugby and Manchester United.

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Alastair is formerly from Castlederg, and has been a member of FMM since 1998.  Formally a member of the Quinn Memorial, Eden, and Gortaclare Pipe Bands, Alastair is one of the most successful drum majors of recent years, having won the adult World Championships in 1998, 2002, and 2006, as well as the Scottish, British, European, and Champion of Champions titles on several occasions. Alastair is currently not competing, but is operating as a Drum Major Adjudicator for the RSPBA, and is Past Vice Chairman of the RSPBA NI Branch. Alastair works as a Commercial Manager (Quantity Suveyor) within the construction industry, having spent three years working in Dubai.

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Frank comes from Ballymena, County Antrim and has acted as the band’s drone tuner since 2002. Frank is a well known face on the Northern Ireland pipe band scene, having been Pipe Major of the McNeillstown Pipe Band for 30 years, 20 of which were spent in Grade 1. Frank is appreciated in the band not just for his good ear and apt ability at tuning drones, but for being one of a select few who can act as a calming influence on Richard when the pressure is on!

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Scott comes from Bathgate, Scotland. A well known name to many, Scott won the Silver Medal for Piobaireachd and the 'A' March in Inverness. He was one of FMM’s front rank pipers from 1998 to 2007, having won every major championship including four World titles during that period. Scott has a reputation in the band for always producing a superb bagpipe, not to mention a good laugh and the band is lucky to have him helping with tuning drones.

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Lynsey comes from Comber, Co. Down, and played with FMM from 2004 to 2009, winning every major championship during this time including the Worlds. Lynsey recently joined the Cullen Pipe Band, but she still helps FMM behind the scenes by tuning drones at the overseas Glasgow practices. Lynsey is a graduate of St. Andrews University and is engaged to FMM band member Alisdair McLaren, and now lives in Glasgow where she is working as a Corporate Banker.

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