SFU hits sour note in quest for world bagpipe title

Simon Fraser University’s pipe band has hit a sour note in its hopes for a three-peat world bagpipe title.

An estimated 53,000 spectators watched as the Burnaby, B.C., band tied for third place at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

Pipe Sergeant Jack Lee said it’s disappointing to lose this year after clinching the top spot in two straight championships.

“But as we see it, we’ve officially finished in the top three and that’s still a good feeling,” Lee said. “We’ve been here before. We’ll be back.”

St. Lawrence O’Toole of Dublin, Ireland took first place. Northern Ireland took second spot.

Twenty-six bands from around the world participated in the competition.

Lee said the band, which has won six championships between 1995 and 2009, will now regroup and gear up for its 30th anniversary in 2011.

“We know that we can’t expect to win the championship every time. We also know we can bounce back.”

Source: CTV