Ross and Cromarty Pipes and Drums are school champions after debut outing

Yesterday (Sunday 9 March) they were announced champions in the Debut Grade having been placed first unanimously by the judging panel supported with extremely positive and complimentary comments from all the judges.

The band was up against some stiff competition from both state and private schools. In preparing themselves for their maiden voyage to the annual competition, which this year was held at Broughton High School in Edinburgh, band members and staff have all been working extremely hard to make an impact.

Band members are aged between Primary 2 and Secondary 2, with many of the players having taken up the instrument only 18 months ago.  Many of the members had also been on stage at Eden Court on Saturday evening as members of Highland Youth Pipe Band, making a fantastic contribution to the Highland Young Musicians Concerts Festival event. 

All of those involved are now looking forward to competing at the British, European and World Pipe Band Championships in 2014, where they will aim to further the experience of performing on a world stage. 

The Pipe Major, Niall Matheson and Drum Tutor, Drew Caldwell would like to say thank you to all the band members, committee and parents for all their months of hard work to make this all possible.  Ross and Cromarty Pipes and Drums School would also like to extend our appreciation to The Highland Council for all their continued support.

The Highland Council's Music Development Officer, Norman Bolton, sent his congratulations to staff and band members.  He said: “The weekend’s success is a testament to the skills and expertise of music instructors in involved in working with the band, the dedication and support of parents, and Highland Councils continued investment in music tuition throughout the local authority.”

The band’s next performance will be a fundraising event to help raise money for uniforms and transport and will take place at Asda in Tain on Saturday 29 March and everyone is welcome to come along and support the new young champions as they entertain.

ENDS