Jim Kilpatrick Percussion Joins UK Drum Show 2026
The UK Drum Show are delighted to welcome Jim Kilpatrick Percussion, who will make their exhibiting debut at UK Drum Show 2026.
TEAM KP
Jim Kilpatrick’s contribution to the music industry has achieved considerable recognition. He has received the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for drumming from the UK & Ireland Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society in London. In 2004, Jim was awarded the MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his services to music by Her Majesty The Queen – a significant milestone in the career of any musician, but completely unique to Jim in the world of pipe band snare drumming. Jim received his honour from The Queen at an investiture ceremony held in Buckingham Palace that summer. Jim was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2009, making him the first pipe band drummer to receive such recognition from within the Scottish traditional music industry.
Jim has won the World Solo Drumming Championships a record 16 times and the World Drum Corps Championships an unprecedented 19 times, including a run of 11 consecutive titles, a record that still stands.
These achievements rank Jim Kilpatrick MBE as one of the top percussionists in the world today in addition to being regarded as the world’s greatest exponent of the pipe band snare drum.
Rachel Thom is 25 years old and has worked with Jim Kilpatrick Percussion for 6 years. Her current position is Business Development Manager. In 2018, Rachel became the 18 and Under World Solo Drumming Champion. She has also won the Grade 1 World pipe band Champion in 2024 with the Inverary Pipe Band.
Rachel has travelled extensively conducting drum clinics, Master Classes, teaching and drumming judge.
An Exciting time for Rachel was when in 2020, she travelled on business
Rachel is a well known figure to all in the music industry and in 2020 had her first visit to the NAMM show in Los Angeles with Team KP, Rachel’s first ever trip to the USA. This was made more exciting when Rachel visited the REMO factory in Valencia and being announced as a full REMO Endorsee. It won’t be her last trip to the USA. She is looking forward to progressing her career as a player, an endorsee and with HARDCASE and Jim Kilpatrick Percussion.
FIONA KILPATRICK – The driving force behind Jim Kilpatrick Percussion.
Fiona is truly a major influence in the running of Jim Kilpatrick Percussion. Overseeing every department in the company, she is known to dealers and bands throughout the world. Before taking a full-time position in Jim Kilpatrick Percussion, Fiona worked in a high-profile position with Cisco Systems Inc. based in San Jose, California. She frequently travelled between Scotland, California, Dublin and Israel where she managed the finance teams.
Fiona is originally from Aberdeen, Scotland. She is a World Champion Bagpiper and has inspired many pipe band pipers and drummers from throughout the world.
joined Deeside Ladies where she made her mark in 1984, taking over as Pipe Major of the band. As Pipe Major, Fiona took the Deeside Ladies through the grades, from Grade three to Grade one, making history as the first Ladies Pipe Band to be upgraded into grade one. In 1988, Fiona joined the Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band, winning two World Championships, three Scottish Championships, five British Championships, six European championships, three Cowal championships and six Champion of Champion titles.
Fiona and Jim became partners in 1988 and were married in 2010 on the sandy beach in the resort of Noosa, Australia.
Why Jim Kilpatrick Percussion Sets the Standard in Modern Drumming
For generations, few names have carried as much respect in the world of percussion as Jim Kilpatrick. Known globally for redefining the possibilities of marching, pipe band, and competitive drumming.
Jim Kilpatrick Percussion continues to push the boundaries of quality, innovation, and performance. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring drummer, the KP brand has become synonymous with craftsmanship you can trust.
A Legacy Built on Precision
Jim Kilpatrick is not just a percussionist—he’s a world champion whose dedication to his craft has shaped modern drumming technique. That legacy is embedded into every product that bears his name. From practice pads and sticks to cutting-edge carriers and accessories, each design is engineered with a performer’s needs in mind.
Musicians worldwide rely on KP products because they’re made with one purpose: to elevate your playing experience.
Innovation That Supports Your Performance
Great drumming requires more than talent—it requires equipment that responds with consistency and reliability. That’s where Jim Kilpatrick Percussion shines. The brand’s signature features include:
- Ergonomic design that reduces fatigue and improves playing efficiency.
- Precision balance and weight distribution in sticks and mallets, ensuring world-class feel.
- Durable materials built for the demands of high-energy performances and long rehearsals.
- Modern engineering in carriers and harnesses that maximize comfort and reduce strain.
Every product undergoes rigorous testing and is refined from years of top-level competitive experience.
Trusted by Champions Worldwide
From elite pipe bands to international solo competitors, KP products remain a top choice for performers who expect the best. Teachers and students alike benefit from the consistency and musical clarity that KP gear makes possible, allowing them to focus on technique and artistry.
When your equipment enhances your confidence—and your sound—you’re able to push your limits and grow as a performer.
Elevate Your Sound
Whether you’re working towards your next competition, joining a new ensemble, or practicing your first rudiments, the tools you use matter. Jim Kilpatrick Percussion continues to lead the industry by blending tradition, innovation, and the artistic standards of one of the world’s greatest percussionists.
Your journey deserves equipment that performs as hard as you do.
Explore the world of Jim Kilpatrick Percussion and experience the difference that true craftsmanship makes.
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