Robbert van Gorp
Robbert started playing the tenor drum at the age of 11 at his local pipe band The Dutch Pipes and Drums in Tilburg, The Netherlands. After being at the band for a few months Robbert also started to play the side drum. This was done to gain basic knowledge of pipe band rudiments, which would help him in his playing abilities.In 1993 at the age of 13, Robbert was asked to play with one of the leading pipe bands in mainland Europe at the time, the Antwerp and District Pipe Band in Belgium.
For over a decade, Robbert continued to travel to Belgium to play in the band. Whilst at Antwerp & District, Robbert was taught by the Lead Tenor Drummer Jeroen van Amelsvoort. Besides this he would receive regular instruction from international renowned teachers like Alex Nelson (Dysart & Dundonald) and Norman "Haggis" McLeod (Field Marshal Montgomery). Whilst playing at Antwerp & District, Robbert won a variety of prizes including several top 3's at the British and Cowal Championships and best bass section prizes in The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom.
In 2000 Robbert competed in the Dutch Solo Drumming Championships in Holland gaining first place on his first attempt at the Elementary Snare Drum competition.In 2005, after completing his education in Holland, Robbert graduated and moved to Edinburgh, Scotland for the year. The time in Edinburgh gave him the opportunity to play with the Lothian and Borders Police Pipe Band Drum Corps under Leading Drummer Arthur Cook.
In 2006 Robbert returned to Holland and continued to play with the band during the 2006 and 2007 seasons as one of their "Fly-in" players.
Some of Robbert’s achievements to date:
1996 - 2003 Continental Champion in grade 3, 2 and Open - Antwerp & District Pipe Band
1996 Best Bass Section Award Overall Continental Championships – Antwerp & District Pipe Band
2001 2nd at British Championships grade 3a – Antwerp & District Pipe Band
2003 5th at Cowal Highland Gathering grade 3a – Antwerp & District Pipe Band
2004 6th place at European Pipe Band Championships grade 1 - Lothian and Borders Police Pipe Band
2010 2nd place at both Scottish and British Championships grade 1 - Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band
2010 British Drumming Champion - Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band
2010 Cowal Pipe Band Champion - Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band
2010 Cowal Drumming Champion - Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band
2010 Champion of Champion Drumming - Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band