Steven McWhirter
Steven McWhirter is a native of Northern Ireland where he began the art of pipe band drumming in 1993 at the age of 10. His initial lessons came from his father who then encouraged him to join the local Cullybackey Pipe Band under the guidance and tuition of Adrian Hoy while playing the tenor drum under the legendary Andrew Scullion. Steven remained in the Cullybackey Pipe Band until they won the grade 2 world drumming title in 2001.
Steven is currently a member of the four time world champion Simon Fraser University Pipe Band of Vancouver, Canada. During his time there he has been part of the World Championship winning drum corps in 2004 with top three placings every year since joining the band in 2002.
On a solo level, Steven has been very successful in both amateur and professional events with some of his most notable prizes being first place in the following competitions:
- Under 15 World Solo Drumming Champion (1997 & 1998)
- All-Ireland and Ulster Junior Solo Drumming Champion (2002)
- All-Ireland and Ulster Intermediate Solo Drumming Champion (2004)
- North American Gold Medal Drumming Champion (Kansas City, 2006)
- All-Ireland Senior Solo Drumming Champion (2006)
- Word Solo Drumming Champion (2006)
On a teaching level, Steven has travelled extensively throughout the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and the mainland of Europe providing group seminars, workshops and individual instruction.
Currently the ranked number one senior drummer in Ireland and third in the World Steven offers a high level of knowledge and experience of teaching and Pipe Band drumming instruction. He is currently available for solo lessons, workshops (solo/band), weekend seminars and a music writing service for bands of all levels.
