Strath pupils set for piping battle
Record number of youngsters will go head to head
Strath pupils will be pitching their musical skills against youngsters from across Scotland when they compete in the world’s largest schools’ piping and drumming competition this weekend.
A record number of entries, including 72 school pipe bands and freestyle ensembles as well as 14 quartets for young pipers and drummers, are to go head- to- head at Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships (SSPBC) at James Gillespie’s School in Edinburgh on March 12.
The competition– which attracts about 800 youngsters from around 120 schools, including Perth High School, Strathallan School, Morrison’s Academy, Glenalmond College, Ardvreck School, Craigclowan Preparatory School and the Community School of Auchterarder – was established to encourage the formation of school pipe bands. It features taster grades for youngsters with no competing experience, as well as providing a forum for schools playing at the highest level.
Now in its fifth year, the championships – organised by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust- will see pupils compete in seven categories, meaning that bands can enter the category best suited to their skills and experience.
Graham Mulholland, piping instructor at Perth High School, said: “We at Perth High School are very excited at the prospect of participating in the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships.
“We know that the standards of musicianship will be very high across the categories, but we have been busy rehearsing over the last few weeks to do our best to bring home success to the school.
“But whatever happens, we will ensure we both enjoy and learn from the experience.”