FEATURES
PIPES AND DRUMS ' ACHIEVEMENTS SET A NEW BENCHMARK FOR EXCELLENCE
TOP PHOTOS , LEFT TO RIGHT :
SMILING AT STIRLING CASTLE ; COMPETITION AT
THE EUROPEAN
CHAMPIONSHIPS ; CALM BEFORE THE STORM AT
STIRLING CASTLE
BOTTOM PHOTOS , LEFT TO
RIGHT : POST-
PERFORMANCE PRIDE AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ; FUN IN THE SUN AT BUCHANAN
STREET ; SCOTCH B BAND AT WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIPS
SCOTCH ’ S UNSTOPPABLE
In August 2024 , 47 boys from the Scotch Pipes and Drums A and B Bands embarked on an extraordinary journey to Scotland , representing the school at the prestigious World Pipe Band Championships . Accompanied by more than 60 parents , grandparents , and seven staff members , the students showcased not only their musical excellence but also their resilience , teamwork , and dedication .
This trip was much more than a competition ; it was a cultural and educational adventure that left an indelible mark on everyone involved . The boys performed at iconic venues such as Stirling Castle and were able to witness and play alongside world-class bands . The experience was both a celebration of Scotch ’ s rich Pipes and Drums tradition and an opportunity for the boys to create lifelong memories .
The Scotch boys set the stage for success at the European Championships , where the A Band drum corps won the European Drum Corps title in the Novice A division – an achievement never before accomplished by an Australian school band . The B Band also excelled , securing a strong second place finish .
The pinnacle of the trip came at the World Pipe Band Championships . The A Band was placed third in the Novice A division , narrowly missing second by a single point – a result that ties the best-ever performance by an Australian school band at this level . However , the true highlight was the B Band ’ s historic
victory in the Novice B division , a monumental achievement that crowned them world champions . This marked the first time an Australian school band had won a World Championship title .
Competition day at the World Championships was an emotional whirlwind , especially for the A Band . As they walked off the competition stage , many of the Year 12 students were overwhelmed with emotion – tears flowing alongside huge smiles . Relief , knowing they had delivered an excellent performance , giving their absolute best ; sadness , as the realisation set in that their journey of hard work and dedication had come to an end . The most heartwarming moment came as the boys hugged their parents and teachers , expressing profound gratitude for the opportunities and support that had shaped their journey to allow them to perform on the world stage .
The B Band was first announced as placed sixth in their division – a result that was celebrated as a remarkable achievement on the global stage . However , on returning to Melbourne , the band received astonishing news : an administrative error in the scoring had miscalculated their performance . In a follow-up meeting , it was confirmed that the B Band had in fact won the Novice B division by a mile , making them the world champions . This unexpected twist was a defining moment for the boys .
Despite the delayed recognition , they demonstrated resilience , humility and grace throughout the process . The
16 Great Scot