Scotch College

Scotch Parents’ Association
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PIPES AND DRUMS: Pipes and Drums Auxiliary

Background

In October 2007 the Pipes and Drums launched a book on the history of the Band since its inception in 1946. The Book titled The Pipes & Drums of Scotch College Melbourne: A History was written by Mr Stephen Mathews and Dr David Kemp and is available for purchase from the School Accounts Office. The book is a must for any student or family considering being part of the Pipes & Drums and in general is a very worthwhile addition to any home library.

The Pipes and Drums celebrated its 60th year in 2006 and are considered by many to represent the ‘soul’ of the School. Band members range from Year 7 to Year 12 boys providing a cross age group activity with benefits to boys and parents alike. Any Scotch College student may join at any Year Level as either a learner piper, or learner drummer. Parents. In the 1980s parents formed the Auxiliary as a support group for the band and its Teacher-in-Charge.

Basic Activities

Highland Gatherings: Attended by up to 20 Pipe Bands from interstate and Victoria these are usually held on Sundays between February and the end of March, with another held at Daylesford in December. Competitions are held at Competitions are held at Berwick, Ballarat, Ringwood, Geelong, Haileybury College and Daylesford. At each Gathering,throughout the day,At each gathering the Auxiliary provides a marquees, food and refreshments throughout the day, drinks and a barbecue lunch. Parents are asked to provide something for the boys for afternoon tea. We adhere to a NO NUT policy. The Auxiliary trailer transports equipment to all events. A highlight is the Victorian Championships.

Fundraising Actitivies: Over the years the Auxiliary has sold Gourmet Christmas fare at Family Day. In recent years we have organised a Wine Drive.

Auxiliary meetings and AGM : The Annual General Meeting is held in October, which is followed by a quick General Meeting. The other Auxiliary meetings are held in February, May and August. Details are published in the Torch Newsletter

Fundraising: Assists with the purchase of uniform and equipment needs. To date the Auxiliary has subsidised the cost of interstate travel and accommodation, We have also purchased a large trailer to transport marquees, barbecues and cooking equipment to the various Highland Gatherings.

MAJOR EVENTS

• Welcome Barbecue: Usually held in the Rotunda, Morrison Street, in February.•

• This year we held this in conjunction with our Ceilidh . The Ceilidh is where the boys of all levels can showcase their talents in front of family and friends. We joined the two functions so that we could not only welcome new families, but they were also able to see where their boys are headed. Overview of the activities of the group

• Pipe Band Camp at Cowes : January (no parent involvement required)

• Highland Gatherings: Sundays and some Saturdays, February – March and December

• Anzac Day: We proudly attend the March to the Shrine of Remembrance•

• Solo Bagpipe Competitions: May to October•Solo Drumming Competitions: April to October

• Ceilidh (afternoon of music followed by afternoon tea) - held in July•

• Scotch College Music events : The band performs at the Anzac Day March, Foundation Day Concert, Family Day and the Cadet Tattoo.•

• Special performances : The Band is also available to perform at other functions by arrangement with the Teacher-in-Charge Mr Mark Saul. Solo pipers, a mini Band or the entire band may be asked to attend other school activities, and Auxiliary functions, as well as community events. How to get involvedPipes and Drums Auxiliary continued…

Come to the Highland Gatherings: The Highland Gatherings are spectacular and a great way of meeting other families. It is the Auxiliary philosophy that all families are welcome to offer their help on the day to erect tents, barbecue, prepare salads, serve food, or to cut up fruit and cakes on the day, or alternatively, to just come along and enjoy the company of other families and support our band in the competition.

Further information

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