Ten drummers were selected to represent George Heriot’s School at the World Solo Drumming Championship 2019, which was held at Glasgow Caledonian University on Saturday 19 October. This international event offers various levels of Snare and Tenor Drumming Competitions for children as well as adults. The Heriot’s pupils who competed were Dylan Gillespie (S1), Jonathan Madill (S1), Ailsa Brodie (S2), Sarah Happs (S3), David Fairley (S4), Varun Ravikumar (S4), Tristan Jacquel (S5), Georgia Paul (S5), Akshansh Tiwari (S5) and Rachel Fairley (S6).
Two Heriot’s pupils placed in the World Championship rankings. Rachel tied on points for first place in an extremely high standard competition and was finally awarded second place, on adjudicator’s preference, for the third time in four years at this event. Ailsa took an impressive 5th place in her age group, in what was her first competition at world class level. Sarah finished in 7th place and only narrowly missed out on a prize in her age group and Akshansh also placed 7th in the final of section two, narrowly missing our on a prize. Dylan and Jonathan both competed at this event for the first time and they did so with great confidence, missing out on qualification for the final of their age group. Most importantly, excellent improvements were made in the run up to the event and everyone who took part did themselves and the school proud.
5th Ailsa Brodie (S2)
2nd Rachel Fairley (S6)
We must also offer a huge thanks to Brodie Watson-Massey (S6), Akshat Tiwari (S6), Bruce Gardner (S5), Christopher Happs (S5) and Angus Adams (S3) for so willingly giving up their free time over the October Break and for providing excellent piping accompaniment during rehearsals and on the day of the competition. It really was a fantastic day with superb performances from all who took part.
