Scotch College

PIPES & DRUMS: Pipes & Drums Auxiliary

History

In October 2007 the Pipes & 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 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 and acts 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 are held on Sundays between February and the end of March, with another held at Daylesford in December. Competitions are held at Berwick, Ballarat, Ringwood, Geelong and Daylesford. At each gathering the Auxiliary provides a marquees, food and refreshments throughout the day, and a barbecue lunch. The Auxiliary trailer transports equipment to all events. A highlight is the Victorian championships.

• Family Day: A major fundraiser for the Auxiliary is the sale of Christmas fare; salmon, beef, Christmas cakes/puddings and shortbread. A Family Day food stall provides samples of food.

An order form available on the day is also distributed to families in the Torch prior to Christmas.

Shortbread and gourmet biscuits are also available for purchase and a gourmet food basket is raffled.

• Auxiliary meetings and AGM: The Annual General meeting is held in October with Auxiliary meetings in February, May and August. Details are published in the Torch.

• Fundraising: Assists with the purchase of uniform and equipment needs. To date the Auxiliary has subsidised the cost of interstate travel and accommodation, and 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.

Overview of the activities of the group

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

• Highland Gatherings: Sundays February - March and December

• Anzac Day: March

• Solo Bagpipe Competitions: May to September

• Solo Drumming Competition: October

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

• Scotch College Music events: The band performs at the Anzac Day Parade, Foundation Day

Concert, Family Day and the Military Tattoo held at the School in November each year.

• 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.

How to get involved

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, barbeque, 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

Mark Saul: Teacher-in-Charge:

John Marshall, President,

Annual Auxiliary Membership: The Auxiliary offers free membership to parents, past band members and their parents and any other interested persons.

Email notification: Membership also offers the option to be included on a contact list to be distributed to Auxiliary members for the purpose of Auxiliary business only.