A winning beat! Moy's William Smiton crowned world drumming champion
Blackwatertown’s William Smiton has been crowned world champion after winning his section at the World Solo Drumming Championships in Glasgow
A YOUNG drummer from the Moy area has been crowned world champion after winning his section at the World Solo Drumming Championships in Glasgow.
William Smiton, 18, first began drumming around six years ago at the Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming School where he completed exams in music theory and snare drumming. Since then, he has racked up an impressive list of titles and achievements both solo and alongside his band Tullylagan Pipe Band, Grade 4B.
On Saturday October 17, the Smiton family travelled to Glasgow Caledonian University for the World Solo Drumming Championships where both William and his brother Hugh, 12, took part in separate competitions.
We spoke to the boys’ mother, Victoria Smiton, who described the atmosphere on competition day.
“There were around 20 competitors in William’s grade and Hugh was up with 29 competitors. Timings worked out that Hugh was competing at 10:30am and William at 10:45am in two different buildings.”
“His dad, Adrian, and I then split to go watch both boys perform and Hugh, and Adrian were able to see WIlliam’s performance in the end!”
Hugh advanced to the final in his grade after qualifying in the morning, He placed seventh in his grade in the Juvenile Section 1 competition, an achievement Lisbeg Pipe Band described as “a great achievement” that the band is proud of.
Victoria explained how music was a big passion within the Smiton family as both boys drum, Adrian also plays snare and bass with Tullylagan, and she herself is an avid piper.
She discussed the overall feelings on competition day, describing the atmosphere as “amazing”.
“I was absolutely delighted with the results on the day. Both boys put such hard work in during the year and it was so great to see them getting the recognition they deserve. Seeing William’s face after winning was just such a picture.”
William has also previously celebrated UK championship success, both as a solo competitor and alongside his family with Tullylagan Pipe Band.
Looking to the future, Victoria told the Courier that preparation is underway as the boys get ready for another year of drumming.
“Both boys are now working on their set for upcoming competitions next year and preparing their solos. They are working hard already and so the cycle continues.”