In 1998, James W and James P Troy travelled to Shotts, Scotland to learn the art of bagpipe chanter reed making from the world-famous McAllister family. Under the tutelage and watchful eyes of JK, William and Tom McAllister Jr., the Troys learned the method and every specific detail of chanter reed making the piping world has known since the early ’70s. With rigorous training and encouragement, the Troys continue to produce the next generation of pipe chanter reeds that have the clean, expressive, harmonic tone the reed is known for.
James W. Troy
Upon advice from his Scottish doctor to take up Highland Dancing to help strengthen his legs after foot surgery, James W. Troy began dancing lessons with Adeline Duncan. Deciding that bagpipes were more appealing, he began taking lessons, at the age of seven, from her husband, Pipe Major Ian Duncan of Victoria. Under his direction, a youth pipe band was formed called the Greater Victoria Schools Pipe Band. James W. was the Pipe Major until he aged out at sixteen; then joined the CSR until his resignation a couple of years later in order to join the Air Force. His connections with Lillian Davis, Adeline’s sister, presented an opportunity to play with the Royal Canadian Air Force Pipe Band, which took him to the Worlds Fair in 1961. James W. studied with a number of different instructors throughout his years: Archie MacEndewar, Jimmie Watt, Archie Cairns and Donald MacLeod. Andrew Wright played a key role in James W.’s love for piobaireachd. Bob Hardie was also a major influence for the inception of the City of Victoria Pipe Band, which was formed in 1972. The plan was to develop a band on the west coast based on the model of Muirhead & Sons and Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia. The city of Victoria paved the way for an up-to-date Grade One standard in B.C. The band was hugely successful; making an impact at the 1979 World Pipe Band Championships in Nottingham, where a number of sources have said “they should have won that day”. Instead, sixth place was awarded which was the same result for the band two years later in 1981. The Eighties were the prime years for City of Victoria, bringing up several of today’s influential players such as Bruce Gandy, Jack and Terry Lee, Peter Aumonier and John Fisher. After thirty years with BC Tel in the Advanced Communications department, James W. retired in 1996. In 1998, retirement ceased when the Troys took over the McAllister reed business. Ever the Pipe Major, James W. was recruited by a local policeman, Dave McMillan, to lead the Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band, which has gained a high profile within the community. A certified Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association judge as well as a member of the British Columbia Piper’s Association adjudicator’s panel, James W. is known for his passion, extensive knowledge and downright honesty. He continues to be a well sought after, well-respected instructor and adjudicator.
James P. Troy
James P. Troy has an extensive background as a soloist and band musician. As a professional solo player of both the pipes and snare drum, he is equally at home with both. James P. began both piping and drumming at age six, studying piping with his father, James W. Troy, and drumming with his uncle, Colin Magee. At age eleven, he joined the renowned City of Victoria Pipe Band, being the youngest member of a Grade One band at the time. James P. was a member of the Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band (as a drummer) under the direction of PM Roddy MacLeod and DS John Fisher in 2008 and most recently a piper in the Inveraray and District Pipe Band in 2011. In addition to his extensive band experience, James P. has won numerous prizes throughout Canada, the United States and the UK as a soloist. He is a member of the British Columbia Pipers’ Association adjudicators’ panel. James P. has become well known for the quality of his seminars for both pipers and drummers and is a valued resource for pipe band players. He presents seminars on ensemble concepts, reed manipulation and technique in both disciplines at major workshops and summer programs in the United States and Canada on a regular basis.