Pipe Band

The Scots College Pipe Band has a history almost as long as Scots College itself. It was founded in 1925 under the direction of the then Headmaster, Mr. J.H.Murdoch.

The band reflects the special nature of the Scots College community in that its members come from both the College Junior, Middle and Senior schools thus acknowledging talent rather than age. Such a wide range of school aged boys makes this band a very special one and somewhat unique in this country.

The right to wear the Ferguson Tartan was bestowed upon the College by Governor General Sir Charles Ferguson as it was he who sent his personal piper to tutor the boys at Scots.

The Band is a very active and integral part of the College. As well as functioning as a public relations feature of the College, it also provides students an opportunity to learn a musical instrument, take part in a disciplined musical ensemble, and provides a much appreciated community service.

The band plays regularly at College and Community functions, State and Civic parades. Members also compete as a band and as individuals, at the local and National level.  At the moment Scots enters a Grade 4 Competition Band at the local and National level.

Tuition and Scholarships are provided in the College for piping and drumming. Regular classes and practices are held, partly in College time and partly after school, but there are also residential weekend camps requiring intensive training for band members before they attend the contests in January, February, March and July. 

As a general rule, it takes about one and a half years before a student is able to play as a piper or a drummer in the band, but there have been exceptions. The College has sets of pipes for hire, and it provides drums for the drum corp.  Learners need a chanter for piping and a set of sticks and a pad for drumming. The College provides Band uniforms on a long-term basis at a charge per year.

The Pipe Band receives a regular grant from the Board of Governors for major replacements of uniform and instruments. Any money the band receives for playing in public goes toward the maintenance of that equipment or travel to contests.

Being a member of the Scots College Pipe Band is a major commitment, for students and their parents, but most can cope with band membership and a sport and still maintain a good academic programme. Regular attendance’s at practices and parades is essential, but members enjoy the disciplined approach, the varied activity, and the challenges that Pipe Band membership involves.

Pipe Band Manager: Ian Leslie
Director of Pipes and Drums: Mrs. Marion Horsburgh 1999 – present