The 2024 Virginia International Tattoo American Pipe Band Championship took place with an esteemed panel of judges, including Bob Worrall, Alex MacIntyre, Dave Hilder, Shaunna Hilder, Peter Kent, Eli Fugate, Duncan Millar, and Jim Sim.
Mr. Scott Jackson, the Producer and Director of the Virginia International Tattoo, opened the ceremony by presenting the Virginia International Tattoo Award for Meritorious Service to Piping, Drumming, and Pipe Bands. In his address, Jackson highlighted the importance of recognizing individuals who have devoted their lives to the art of piping and drumming.
“We are proud to honor someone each year who has contributed immensely to the piping and drumming world,” Jackson said. “Previous recipients include legends like Pipe Major Sandy Jones and Jimmy McIntosh MBE, who are sadly no longer with us.”
Jackson went on to pay tribute to one of the event’s longtime judges, Mr. Ken Eller from Ontario, Canada, who passed away this past year. “Ken Eller was a valued judge at the American Pipe Band Championships every year since its inception in 2016,” Jackson stated. “We would like to use this opportunity to honor Ken and his contributions to the piping community.”
Bob Worrall, a fellow judge and close friend of Eller, was invited to share a few words in tribute to Ken. Following Worrall’s heartfelt speech, the Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band from Ballyclare, Northern Ireland, performed “Ken Eller,” a march composed by Worrall in memory of the late judge.
To further commemorate Ken Eller and other influential figures in the piping and drumming community who passed away in the last year, including the late Bill Livingstone, a rendition of “Amazing Grace” was performed. Livingstone had competed in the very first American Pipe Band Championship with the Toronto Police Pipe Band in 2016.
The ceremony was a moving tribute to the dedicated individuals who have shaped the world of piping and drumming, ensuring their legacies continue to inspire future generations.
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