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John-Paul (JP) was born and raised in Powell River, BC. He began his drumming career at the age of 15 through the army cadet program. Drumming became a part of his life, "coerced" by fellow members of the 2947 British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaughts Own) Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, to attend the basic pipe band training program at Vernon Army Cadet Summer Training Centre Upon his return from summer camp, JP went on to join the Powell River Clansman Pipe Band, under the direction of D/S Phil MacMillan. He was a member of the band from 1991 to 1996, during which John-Paul took over as Drum Sergeant for a one-year period before leaving Powell River to attend post-secondary studies in Vancouver. JP's first solo competition took place at the 1st annual Comox Valley Highland Games in 1996, playing at the grade 3 level. |
In 1994-1995, JP took off to Vancouver to attend college. Over the year, he instructed the drummers of the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders RCACC Pipe Band. In addition, he attempted to join the Vancouver Police Pipe Band, however school and playing ability hampered hampered the plan to become an active playing member of the band. JP returned to Powell River in 1995 and played one more year with the Clansman under the direction of D/S Alec Young. In 1996, JP returned to the lower mainland and joined the Grade 3 Triumph Street Pipe Band, under D/S Gregor Merry. It was in this band that JP had his first experiences in full band competition, and began competing solo at local games. In 1998, JP took over as the band's drum sergeant, and the following year stepped aside for D/S Bill Saul to lend his hand in progressing the drum corps. In the following year, JP sought to become a member of the Maple Ridge Pipe Band as a side drummer and the band's drum major. Over the years 2000-2006, JP was an on-and-off member of the band, due to his return to post-secondary school for Massage Therapy. In July 2003, he placed 1st in the drum major competition at the Pacific Northwest Highland Games in |
Enumclaw, Washington. In late 2006, JP followed in the footsteps of Maple Ridge Alumni's Alistair and Carol Fraser, Rob Smith, Gwyn MacGregor, Gwen McReynolds to join the ranks of the RCMP "E" Division Pipe Band. JP has been a member
of the Canadian Forces (Army) since 1996, currently holding the
rank of Captain. He is the Deputy Commanding Officer of the 2947
(12 Service Battalion) Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Richmond,
BC. Over the years in the cadet system, JP has instructed at various
cadet pipe band clinics and summer camps. In the summer of 1998,
he was officer-in-charge of the pipe band training program at Vernon
Army Cadet Summer Training Centre. JP was also a drumming instructor
with the White Spot Pipe Band from 2001-2004. To send an email to JP, |
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