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Pipes and Drums win again!

February 20, 2017 at 4:06 PM

With thanks to Mr Andrew Lightfoot, Head of Pipes and Drums 

In the blistering heat and humidity over the weekend, The Pipes and Drums of Saint Kentigern once again kitted up and competed at the Auckland Provincial Pipe Band Championships, which was hosted in Drury. This annual gathering sees competition across Auckland’s pipe bands, and some from further afield, culminating in the Massed Bands at the end of the day. 

Saint Kentigern again successfully defended the U19 grade title. This is the ninth year in a row the band has held the ‘Alexander Family Trophy’, once again establishing them as the top juvenile band in the region! 

One of the highlights of the day was being awarded ‘The Auckland Ladies Rosebowl’ for first place across all disciplines of piping, drumming and foot drill in the Street March event.  This was judged against the adult bands across their grade, which is a significant accomplishment for such young players. They also received the ‘J S Clapham Challenge Cup’ for top marks in music and received top marks in their grade at the dress inspection. 

The extra practice hours required of the students, as well as extra rehearsals in the summer holidays and weekends, helped secure the band their success and to fend off their toughest opposition in bands led by some of our Old Collegians. Special mention should be made of the 2017 leaders: James Milner - Pipe Major, Fraser McEwen - Drum Major and Ryan King - Leading Side Drummer who showed leadership in both attitude and performance throughout the day. The newest members of the Pipes and Drums also showed diligence and determination in their first ever competition events. 

The Pipes and Drums will be performing next at the College Open Day on 1 March, followed by Flora MacDonald Day at the Girls’ School on the 24th of March and Celtic Day at the Boys’ School on the 7th of April.   

We would also like to welcome all members of the community to come along and support the students at the annual Ceilidh on the 10th of June as they build up to their tour to England and Switzerland.

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