75th Jubilee pipe band championship proudly hosted by Scots College
Friday 10 February 2012, 3:50PM
By Scots College
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On Saturday, 18 February eleven Pipe Bands will descend on Scots College to contest the 75th Wellington Hawkes Bay Centre Pipe Band Championships. This annual event is a celebration not only of pipe music, but this region’s strong Scottish heritage.
“We are honoured to host this 75th Jubilee celebration here at Scots. As our name suggests, our College which is nearing its own centenary, has a very long and proud association with the Scottish community in New Zealand. Our award-winning Pipe Band has, and will always be, a very important part of College life,” said Graeme Yule, Headmaster of Scots College.
Contest Supervisor Sandra Harry said of the day, “We encourage the public to come along and enjoy some fantastic live performances. The event will start with a Street March departing from Crawford Green in Strathmore at 9.30am, and all subsequent performances will take place on the front field at Scots College. Entry is free.” she said.
“When it comes to pipe bands, the competition is fierce. There’s always a real variety of music on offer - everything from the easily recognisable traditional pieces such as the rousing Highland Cathedral, through to more contemporary numbers like The Gale. Every year bands push the boundaries in an attempt to take out the Championship title, which will be held in Tauranga on March 9th and 10th this year.”
“The one thing that’s always guaranteed with pipe music is a real sense of occasion – it really stirs people, and we often have visitors reminiscing about their own memories and experiences associated with pipe music” she said.
“The day’s programme will include cutting of the 75th Jubilee cake at 10.50am which will be followed by a wee dram, and a must-not-miss Massed Bands performance” confirmed Sandra Harry
In addition, visitors are invited to take a tour of the brand new Creative & Performing Arts Centre at Scots College. The building is comprised of three floors of state-of the-art creative facilities including a designated Pipe Band rehearsal space, a full-spec Recording Studio, Graphics and Animation suites, Music classrooms and breath-taking Art Studios. Tours will take place from 12.15pm – 1.15pm.