The South West of Scotland Piping and Druming Academy’s Schools Band took part in Scottish Schools Piping Championship held in Inveralmond Community High School on Sunday the 10th of March 2019. The Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships is a showcase of the talent of Scotlands young musicians designed to promote the playing of our national instruments
Competing for their first time ever the D&G Schools Pipe were crowned Champions in Junior B Category.
with tuition from our Piper in Residence, Callum Moffat, assisted by Alan Maltman, Euan Grierson and expert drumming tuition from David Sheridan. The band has received tution from SWSPDA Piper in Residence, Callum Moffat, assisted by Alan Maltman, Euan Grierson and expert drumming tuition from David Sheridan.
Callum Moffat who played with the band on Sunday Said “Well what can I say. Hard work pays off! Super proud of these kids. First time competing as a band and I’m sure they will learn from this experience to improve again next time.
Huge thanks to David Sheridan for his efforts with the drum corps. Thanks also to Alan Maltman & Euan Grierson for assisting me at practices on the run up to the competition.
Huge thanks to the South West Scotland Piping & Drumming Academy for giving us the opportunity to put this together. This could not have been achieved without your support over the years.”
SWSPDA, Chairman, Andy McCartney said “Since we began in 2014, all our tutors have put in a tremendous effort, teaching school children across Dumfries & Galloway and we hope to continue doing so”
The band have only been together a few months, with limited practice time due to the large area of D&G which makes it more difficult. They are comprised of 10 pipers, 4 snare drummers, 3 tenor drummers and 1 bass drummer.
This is a massive achievement for the Dumfries & Galloway region as a whole and all the students who took part.”
The band played 4 tunes at the championships they were – Pipe Major Wullie Ross’s Farewell to the 2nd Battalion of the Scots Guards, The Pipers Cave, Men of Argyll and Dornoch Links
Harrison who is a piper said “I’m pleased and proud to have won the Junior B Category with D&G Schools Pipe Band. We’ve all worked really hard and I would like to thank the tutors for their hard work too.”
Bronagh a drummer with the Schools Pipe band said “I’ve really enjoyed being part of the D&G Schools Pipe band. I started going to the SWSPDA Summer School in 2016 when I won a scholarship at the Sanquhar solo competition and I’ve been every year since so I was very happy to win with all my friends.”
Shannon a piper said “Winning the Junior B category truly reflects the dedication and passion shown by our tutors who encourage all members of the band to work to their highest of abilities and also gives them the opportunity to showcase to a wider group. Special thanks to SWSPDA who give us this opportunity and support us in our ventures.”
Kierra a drummer said “Fantastic day! Great meeting new people and seeing friends. The icing on the cake was winning!”
The SWSPDA are a local charity, supported by voluntary Trustees who promote the teaching of piping & drumming, in schools, throughout the D&G region. Summer School is being held from the 7-12 July 2019 at The Barony Campus. Details will be on the SWSPDA website soon.
