St. Lawrence O‘Toole Pipe Band, that is. Founded in 1910, SLOT was the first Irish Pipe Band to visit England AND America. From their exciting and often politically active beginnings in a tumultuous time in Irish history the band grew through the 50′s, winning the All Ireland Senior Championships in 1958. After these heady days, the band membership began a downward slide until the late 60′s when there were only 4 active members left in the band, who decided they’d invest effort and give the band “one last chance”. Those members brought their sons and friends, and began teaching and working hard to succeed again. They captured interest and attention, and the band began competing after having been downgraded to Grade 3 during their decline, they were upgraded to Grade 2 in 1974 after winning the “All Ireland”. In 1985, the band won Champion of Champions for Grade 2 in the Ireland Pipe Band Association. After winning prizes at all contests in 1987, taking 1st in 13 of 15 contests and 2nd at the Worlds two years in a row, they were upgraded to Grade 1 in 1989. They continue to perform and place in the top 6 spots in most major Championships to this day. This year, SLOT placed 4th twice, 5th once, 6th twice and 7th once in the 6 major events (The World Championships is counted twice; once for Medley and once for MSR).
SLOT at the Ulster Championships this year:
NWJPB has great admiration for this “Top 6″ Grade 1 pipe band from Dublin, Ireland and Band Director Kevin Auld and Drum director Steve Roy are currently making plans to catch them at “The Balmoral Classic” in Pittsburgh, November 10th, 2007. Prices for airfare are relatively low right now, so book early and catch an amazing pipe band in Pittsburgh this year.
Pipe Major Terry Tully is a superb musician, composer, and Pipe Major. You’d be surprised how many tunes bands all over the world play that he has composed. Along with the 78th Fraser Highlanders, SLOT and its leadership have brought Irish jigs, reels and hornpipes into the “standard repertoire” for Scottish Pipe Bands in competitions and performances around the world.
See more information at the Slot website and at www.balmoralclassic.org. Note that you can contact George@bagpiping.org to reserve tickets for a special reception after the concert to meet the band members! $20.00 for Saturday, or attend both Friday and Saturday receptions for $35.00. While you’re there, see the USA Invitational Junior Solo Piping Championships from 9-5 Saturday for free.
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