| Composer's Corner I Terry Tully | |
 To many people, Terry Tully's name is synonymous with Traditional Irish Music in
the world of bagpipes. His accomplishments both as a solo player, and as Pipe
Major of the
St. Laurence O'Toole Clondalkin Pipe Band have brought Ireland's
name into the limelight along with other band members now part of the group's
worldwide recognition. Born June 2nd, 1956, Terry's first lesson on the chanter
began at the age of nine. The biggest influence on his development as a piper
was his father the late Tommy Tully. Terry's solo accomplishments are nothing
short of spectacular. He began with a return to solo competition by winning
Junior Piper of The Year in Northern Ireland and the Oireactas Senior
Championship in 1984. He went on to win the All-Ireland Solo Championship, as
well as the Leinster, Ulster and Royal Scottish Society of Ulster Championships.
He did this all while wearing the green Irish kilt of
St. Laurence O'Toole Pipe
Band -founded as a statement of Irish culture in 1916 by Padraic Pearse and
Douglas Hyde. Recitals followed in Canada and the U.S. (including solos in
Cleveland, Ohio) including appearing at
Carnegie Hall with
the Chieftains. As a composer, Terry's publication of Traditional Irish Music began in 1982 as a direct result of pipers wanting music they heard Terry playing. Three books followed in succession in 1987, 1991 and 1994. The music in these publications presents Irish piping in a series of inventive and exhilarating arrangements. While many would find Terry's accomplishments as a soloist and composer unparalleled, his accomplishments as a Pipe Major are nonetheless as dazzling. He took over The St. Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band in 1985, while at the same time instructing, composing and arranging music for St. Joseph Clondalkin. Terry decided to take St. Laurence to Northern Ireland, where pipe bands had grown with a large number of competitions under the umbrella of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. A winless 5 trips north in 1985 did not deter Terry. With hard practice and long hours of dedication to his meticulous musical arrangements of jigs and reels, the Irish ambassadors of music soon found themselves in the prize list. St. Laurence quickly found victory and acceptance in the land of Tartans. 15 firsts in 17 contests in 1988 preceded a 2nd place finish at the World Championships and 3rd at Cowal. This made way for continued success as The Republic of Ireland's first Grade 1 Pipe Band. The following is a list of some of Terry's major solo wins :
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| Tunes | |
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The
Pumpkin's Fancy Queen of the Rushes |
The
Beamish Hornpipe Doctor Death |