This interview was written in 2017 for the occasion of the European Pipe Band Championships
A piper who appeared on prime-time TV at the age of ten will lead the Forres and District Pipe Band into the European Pipe Band Championships this year for the second time.
Gordon Roy started learning the pipes at age seven, and three years later, he was one of five acts picked for the weekly hit talent-seeking show Opportunity Knocks supporting a Highland dance act, and although he didn’t win, he describes it as an incredible experience to be whisked off to a London TV studio at such a young age.
He went on to play in the Queens Own Highlanders and Elgin and District Pipe Band, and other than a six-year break following his father’s death, he has played continuously.
Today, with more than 40 years of piping behind him,he is PipeMajor with the Forres and District Pipe Band where he describes his position as an honour, and the band as‘a great bunch of people’, who are gearing up for the European Championships which take place on home turf.
Gordon says his band has been practising since November to getin tune for the contest and explained how thetunes they will play are picked.
“The RSPBA (Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association), issue a list of tunes for us to choose from. We go thoroughand pick four tunes we want to play and then we start practising,” he said.
“We’ve got a lot of commitments this year. We’ve got quite a full calendar, but the Europeans is my goal.
“I’ve got a lot of faith in theband, and when the time comes,I knowthey’ll pull out all the stops.”
Last year, the band were two points away from qualifying, but Gordon’s not despondent about that result.“
I was very encouraged by the performance that we gave. It wasn’t perfect and I’ll put my hand up to that. We made one or two little mistakes, but nerves play havoc on the day.”
Gordon is pleased by the support the band gets locally, and he says that smaller events are a great opportunity to practise their tunes without the pressure of competing.“
The people of Forres really embrace the pipe band. Wherever we play, a crowd gather around us. Performing atsmaller events give the members a chance to get a feel for playing in public.”He added that he is naturally nervous as the big day approaches, and that he has many decisions to make in order for the band to stand the best chance in the competition.“
I try and shroud my nerves so I don’t pass it on to the players. Last year I led them right up the line before they realised they were on and they didn’t have a chance to be nervous.”
The pipers and drummers practise hard for this event. Gordon said he takes every opportunity. In his day job as a lorry driver, he carries a chanter wherever he goes.“When I park up in the evening. I’ll spend 30 to 45 minutes on my chanter. I know the band are practising too.”
The ages of band members spans from 12 to 72. As the weeks go by, Gordon says the sound is getting better, their playing is becoming more steady. I’ve no complaints.
”His position in the band is similar to that of a conductor in an orchestra. His number one tip when the band forms a circle in the arena in Grant Park, is “Watch my feet and fingers.”
But he also has an inspirationalmessage for the players.
“Just relax and do your best. That’s all I ask.”