USA-bound school pipe band inspire full blown enjoyment
Oban High School Pipe Band have been wowing the crowds yet again at their annual concert in the Corran Halls.
Close to 100 musicians took part in the event at which there were many happy faces and very few empty seats.
The large audience were entertained with a variety of traditional music, song and dance performed by youngsters ranging from primary six to S6 with pipers playing everything from chanters to full-blown pipes.
Supporting the band were Silias Sinclair, keyboard; Finlay Wells, guitar; Ewan MacDonald, guitar; and Chris McGarr, drums; while the Isla Sinclair Dancers were also in action throughout the evening.
Mod Gold Medallist and Traditional Gold Medallist singer Mary Catherine MacNeil provided a stunning vocal interlude with her hypnotic rendition of A Piper Til the End, accompanied by the pipers.
The evening was brought to a spectacular conclusion with a rousing rendition of Highland Cathedral performed by the ensemble.
Proud Oban High School head teacher Peter Bain said: ‘This was an absolutely fabulous show and my thanks go out to everyone who made it such a great success – the pupils who performed, the families for encouraging the youngsters’ hard work and the audience for the rapturous applause, making it a memorable evening for everyone involved.’
Mr Bain paid special tribute to pipe major Angus McColl who arranged the music for the evening and Oban High School representative Nan Johnstone, who describes herself as ‘the finger wagger’.
All three will accompany the group of 29 musicians who will take part in the world famous Tartan Day Parade in New York on Saturday April 6.
Mrs Johnstone said: ‘I can’t thank the community enough for the support they give the pipe band. It’s very much appreciated.
‘They received some great feedback on the professionalism they showed last week, something that will stand them in good stead when they go to America.
‘This is the third time the band have taken part in the parade and they are honoured as well as very excited.’
Oban Pipe Band jet off to New York next Thursday, April 4, and return on Tuesday April 9.