Drums beat for winners
Annabel McArthur and Olivia Andreassend are marching to their own beat after winning scholarships to next year’s Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association’s summer camp in Wellington.
The two South Canterbury Highland Pipe Band members were among 130 pipers and drummers at this year’s summer camp.
Only seven scholarships were awarded for next year’s summer camp, according to camp director Scott Giffin.
‘‘They received them [the scholarships] for their enthusiasm
and willingness to learn. Both of them showed real leadership skills, and were impressive in their dedication,’’ Giffin said.
‘‘It was impressive that players this young were able to step up.’’
Olivia, 17, won the Bob Scott Foundation Scholarship, which covers about $400 for next year’s summer camp, while Annabel, 15, won the New Zealand Police Pipe Band scholarship, which covers about $900.
Olivia, an Opihi College student, said she had been playing drums in a pipe band since she was 12.
‘‘I’m just stoked that I’ve won this scholarship,’’ she said.
‘‘To be selected out of such a large group is a real honour.’’
Olivia said she enjoyed playing the drums because it required a lot of concentration and effort to get absolutely right.
‘‘There’s just so much you can learn, and it can take you anywhere.
‘‘It’s a really good social thing,’’ Olivia said.
She attends band practice twice a week and also practised nearly every other day, and is keen to improve.
Annabel, of Craighead Diocesan School, began learning the drums in late 2019.
‘‘My brother William is a member of the South Canterbury Highland Pipe Band, and I was just amazed by the drummers,’’ she said.
‘‘I really enjoyed the summer school, especially at the end, where all the drummers got to perform together.’’
She advised anyone interested in learning the drums to ‘‘just go for it’’.
Pipe Major William McArthur said it was ‘‘awesome’’ that two South Canterbury teenagers were recognised at such an event.
‘‘It’s a really significant award and shows if you put the effort in, you will be recognised,’’ McArthur said.
William and Annabel’s mother Kerry, who is a member of the South Canterbury Highland Pipe Band committee, said playing in a pipe band required good discipline.
‘‘It gives people a sense of structure, and a ladder to set goals to achieve,’’ she said.
‘‘You have to front up and really put the effort in, and it teaches you teamwork and responsibility.’’