The Fermanagh Section of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (NI) were delighted to host a celebratory reception recently for all local young people who attended the Pipe Band College, Enniskillen Centre at the Westville Hotel

The college provides pipe band members across Northern Ireland with the opportunity to develop their playing ability and work towards the SQA examination process, if desired.

Across 20 weeks, trained tutors Daniel McCann (piping), Simon Thompson (piping) and Russell Tinney (drumming) guided 12 students through Foundation, Level 2 and Level 3 learning and examinations.

William Stinson, Chairperson of Fermanagh Section, expressed his appreciation to the tutors and extended warm congratulations on the achievements of the students at the event on Monday, June 12.

He said: “We were delighted to see the Pipe Band College NI choose Enniskillen once again as one of its main centres within Northern Ireland.

“Without the dedication and commitment of the tutors, pipe band members within Fermanagh and the surrounding areas would not have had the opportunity to develop their playing ability and work towards the recognised SQA qualifications.

“It was fantastic to see 12 students participate in learning and development since September, with many students achieving their Foundation, Level 2 and indeed, Level 3 awards,” he added.

Mark Faloon, Pipe Band College NI principal, also paid tribute to the local students, saying: “I would like to thank the students for their hard work and effort over the last two terms.

“I would also like to say a word of appreciation to the hard-working tutors who have made the Enniskillen centre so successful!

“All students from the Enniskillen centre all passed their SCQF theory exams and practicals with top marks, which is a real credit to all involved.

“I hope that the Enniskillen centre will flourish and grow for the pipe band community in the Fermanagh area,” he added. Examination success was as follows.

Foundation Level

Emily Brownlee (Piping), Fintan Cassidy (Piping), Kevin Cassidy (Piping), Jake Crawford (Piping), Lacey Crawford (Drumming), Taylor Crawford (Drumming), Chelsea Haveron (Piping), Niamh McIntyre (Piping), Rachel Lucy (Drumming), Jack Thompson (Piping), William Watterson (Piping).

Level 2

Lacey Crawford (Drumming), Taylor Crawford (Drumming).

Level 3

Emily Brownlee (Piping), Matthew Brownlee (Drumming), Jack Thompson (Piping), William Watterson (Piping)

The Pipe Band College NI welcomes players of all abilities and supports anyone within the pipe band community who wishes to improve their practical and theoretical skills in piping, snare and tenor drumming, with many centres also offering opportunities for Drum Majors.

For further information, including when the college will recommence classes later this year, see https://rspbani.org/.