About Roland McCartney
My Story
“Being the non-conformist child of the family, I was always musically inclined, graduating from pounding on percussion in the Graceville State School Fife and Drums to tickling the plastics on the Yamaha and Elka keyboards as a teen.
Upon joining the constabulary and after my training I was then posted to Woollongabba Police Station in 1982.
There I had the occasion to partner on patrol with Senior Constable Bob McLagan.
That day would take me on the musical path to which I owe so much today.
After chatting to Bob about my alleged musical prowess on the keys, Bob encouraged me to visit the top floor of the Petrie Barracks Police Depot where the Queensland Police Pipe Band were at that time stationed.
I accepted and after climbing those well worn three flights of stairs, there my musical journey really took off”.
My Story Cont.
“With drum sticks and practice pad in hand I continued to learn the fine art of snare drumming with the Berger system of notes and the “mama/dadas” of the drumming world under the mentoring of Doug Laurie.
My first “performance” was marching in the 1983 ANZAC Day Brisbane parade.
I continued into learning the finesse and delicate rhythm of the tenor drum under the meticulous and professional guidance of Peter Flexman and for a number of years had the distinction and privilege to perform with the Qld Police Pipe Band at a number of venues, competitions as well as at country towns and occasionally traveling interstate.
It was an exciting time for me in which marriage and lasting friendships continued as part of my life.
Alas, I heeded the ever present call to duty, sadly leaving the Pipe Band in 1994 for promotion to Beenleigh Police Station.
I then commenced on a new journey and joined the Wynnum RSL Pipe Band, as of all things – a piper under the tutor-liege of Doug Thorensen.
The Wynnum RSL Pipe Band was a social and competition band where I continued to enjoy the company and events we attended, even attaining the position of Pipe Major”.
My Story Cont.
“I always wanted to dabble in pub bands so in 2003 I joined “Jocks ’n Kilts” for a few years where I continued to perform at various functions, pubs and venues with a mix of rock ’n roll, traditional music and of course bagpipes.
After all those years on the beat, in 2010 I made a career move back into the Queensland Police Pipes & Drums on a full time basis performing the role of drummer, Administrator, Drum Major and relieving Officer in Charge before retiring in 2017 from the Queensland Police after 37 years of Service”.
My Story Cont.
“Upon retirement I then joined the Pipes & Drums, National Servicemen’s Memorial Band as a piper, subsequently becoming Vice President and Pipe Major where I continue in that role.
A role of which I continue to enjoy along with the friendly and social atmosphere of the band and its members – all whom I count as good friends.
I am also currently a member of the very successful and celebrated band, Celtic Psychosis, as well as a committee member of the Celtic Council of Australia (Qld).
It has been an awesome journey and I look forward to many more years of good times and playing music with friends and colleagues”.
"It has been an awesome journey and I look forward to many more years of good times and playing music with friends and colleagues".
Roland McCartney
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A living, musical memorial to those called to National Service in Australia
