Alex Kuldell
U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps - United States
Overview
Alex Kuldell began his drumming career in 1986 with the Washington Scottish Pipe Band under the direction of lead drummer Ed Bauder. It was there that he first learned the art of performing for a multitude of audiences and environments. Throughout grade school, Kuldell studied with the late Samuel Evans developing his foundation in rudimental drumming while performing with The Patriots of Northern Virginia. He performed with various honor bands, to include most of the district-wide musical ensembles within the Fairfax County school system, the George Mason Honor Band, the District 10 Band, and the Virginia All-State Band.
In 1997, Kuldell joined the grade II City of Washington Pipe Band after being recruited by lead drummer Jon Quigg. The band won the 1999 North American Pipe Band Championships and World Pipe Band Championships, resulting in the band’s promotion to grade I. During the same year, they appeared at the Kennedy Center Honors for Sean Connery’s tribute. The band performed at the White House for the 2010 celebration of St. Patrick's Day with President Barrack Obama in attendance. After being appointed Drum Sergeant, Alex led the drum corps to an undefeated season in the U.S. and a very successful showing at the North American Pipe Band Championships in Canada.
Alex Kuldell has enjoyed success in the solo drumming arena as well. He was the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association Professional Snare Drum Solo Season Champion in 2000, 2001, and 2012. In 2013, he won the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association's 50th Anniversary Drum Salute contest. He is still an active competitor, adjudicator, and continues to study with Stephen Creighton of the St. Lawrence O'Toole Pipe Band, the current pipe band drumming champion of champions. While continuing his passion for the pipe band, Alex is an active member of the Celtic Percussion Collective which works to pass on the technical and musical abilities for those interested in learning about a variety of styles in the art of drumming.
Currently, Alex is a professional drummer for the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, an active duty military band. He earned a coveted snare spot upon graduation from Falls Church High School. The Old Guard is one of the top rudimental drumlines in the world and is part of the U.S. Army’s Official Escort to the President of the United States. They participate in various national and international events, averaging several hundred performances annually. In addition to his service with the Old Guard, Alex is the drummer for the up and coming blues/soul band "Vintage #18,” an up beat band generating a fresh vibe throughout the Washington D.C. area and along the East Coast.