PIPES AND DRUMS
revelation at home underscored the value of patience and perseverance , serving as a character-building experience that added depth to their historic success .
The boys performed at Stirling Castle , participated in the Piping Live ! festival in Glasgow , and attended the awe-inspiring Royal Edinburgh Tattoo , where a composition by Scotch ’ s own Head of Pipes and Drums , Mark Saul , was featured . These experiences deepened the boys ’ appreciation of the opportunities and connections Scotch provides , highlighting that they have world-class staff teaching them every day !
The Scotch College Pipes and Drums ’ journey to Scotland was a resounding success , both musically and personally . Their achievements have set a new benchmark for excellence , and their experiences will undoubtedly inspire future generations of musicians at Scotch . The C Band is already determined to continue the legacy !
Congratulations to our world champions on their historic triumph .
A STUDENT ' S REFLECTION Saturday
A long flight from Melbourne to Glasgow proved tiring for the team , so the first day was relatively relaxed . After some band practices , we visited the Riverside Museum and Kelvingrove Art Gallery . Seeing works like Salvador Dalí ’ s Christ of Saint John of the Cross and enjoying some classic Scottish curry and chips were highlights .
Sunday The European Championships proved successful for our bands . The A Band drum corps won best drum corps , and the B Band was placed second overall . While waiting for results , we spontaneously played tunes together , with other bands joining in – an unforgettable moment that captured the spirit of the trip .
Monday
We attended the British Adult Solo Drumming Championships to watch our teacher , Steven Shedden , compete . He finished second against some of the world ’ s best , which inspired us immensely . That night we saw the Edinburgh Tattoo , an incredible display of music and culture .
Tuesday Performing at Stirling Castle was magical , despite a sudden rainstorm soaking our instruments . We pushed through , and the crowd loved it .
Wednesday
We performed at the Piping Live ! festival on Buchanan Street , enjoying the lively atmosphere . Later , we attended a concert by the Grade 1 Band Boghall and Bathgate , which showcased the highest level of piping and drumming .
Saturday
The World Championships were the culmination of all our efforts . The B Band swept the qualifying heats and went on to win the Novice B division , becoming world champions ! The A Band achieved third place in Novice A , cementing Scotch ’ s status as a global piping powerhouse .
This trip was an incredible experience that none of us will forget .
NICK HEEREY ( YEAR 12 )
Photo credits : Simon Hutchings , Anna Heerey and Dr John Ferguson . A special acknowledgment to Mark Saul , our piping guru , whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the Scotch Pipes and Drums program into the powerhouse it is today . Thank you also to Steven Shedden , Struan Thorpe , Georgia McCourt , Hamish Wallace , and Dr John Ferguson . Their passion has inspired and guided the boys , helping them achieve this extraordinary success . The Scotch community is deeply grateful .
AMBERLEY BREMNER – TEACHER-IN-CHARGE , PIPES AND DRUMS www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 17