Pipe band is on a High after top display helps to clinch the world title

ADundee school has scooped pipe bands’ most coveted prize to be crowned world champions. Dundee High School pipe band saw off rivals at the Pipe Band World Championship held at Glasgow Green on Saturday.

And there was more glory for the school with the drum corps also crowned champion of champions.

The high school youngsters were competing against bands from around the world in the Novice Juvenile B category.

It is a fantastic achievement for band members who have put in months of hard work and countless hours of practice to become the world’s best.

Pipe Major Rory Grant was presented with the trophy while Lead Drummer Emily Hough was handed the Champion of Champions plaque.

The double win comes just weeks after the school took the British Championship in May.

Rector Lise Hudson said the achievement was “a culmination of a long-held dream for the school”.

She also hailed the pupils in what she said had been a brilliant season for the band.

She added: “After the wonderful Commonwealth Games success of Eilish McColgan, Shona Campbell and Jamie and Cameron Golden, this is a triumph for our pupils who have demonstrated such commitment, determination and teamwork. This is alongside all their other commitments too.

“The pipe band is very special as it is a blend of expert technical music making, precision, performance and team spirit.

“Band members come from across a wide range of year groups and this makes it an environment where high expectations meet key core values.”

She praised the efforts of pupils but also paid tribute to the pipe band tutors.

“Under the leadership of David Wilton, a world champion himself, the band has been nurtured and inspired to believe they could succeed.

“We are hugely fortunate to have someone of David’s international standing to be leading our pipe band programme.

“In addition, Steven Graham, himself a hugely experienced pipe band drummer, teacher and performer as founder member of the Red Hot

Chilli Pipers, has elevated the standard of drumming to win champion of champions this season.

“Also critical to the success has been the expertise of piping instructor Jim Semple and the leadership and encouragement of our director of music, Dr Lionel Steuart Fothringham.

“I know the whole high school family share my pride today in becoming world champions.”

Thousands of spectators flocked to the two-day championship being held for the first time in two years following a break because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Some 146 bands, from far afield as Argentina, USA, Canada and Australia took part in the various categories in what is widely regarded as the most important competition in pipe band performance.

And there was more success for the region with Dollar Academy becoming world champions in the Juvenile Medley competition.

In addition Dollar also scooped the Champion of Champion award for drumming in the same category.

The school also took the Champion of Champions trophy in the Novice Juvenile A section of the competition.

MUSIC TO THEIR EARS: Dundee High School’s pipe band celebrates winning gold in the Pipe Band World Championships in Glasgow on Saturday.