Band pipes hot in national competition

The University of Queensland Pipe Band at Emmanuel College has had a successful result at the 2012 Australian Pipe Band Championships in Ballarat.

The band came fourth in the Grade 4 championship against 15 other bands from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

Pipe Major Andrew McCabe said the Easter result capped off all of the hard work, dedication and commitment of every single band member.

“We were representing The University of Queensland and Emmanuel College against some of the best bands in the Southern Hemisphere and to be awarded fourth in the championship is a credit to all of our players,” he said.

The Australian Championships involved a street march and two musical performances of a selection of marches and a medley.

Bands are judged by adjudicators in piping, drumming and ensemble as well as dress and drill.

Competing bands must march into the competition circle, form up and perform the two sets of tunes. The performances of the UQPBEC have been uploaded to youtube where you can see the March Selection (http://youtu.be/7ER5MKwt11Y) and the Medley Selection (http://youtu.be/qLI13NgwVok).

This is only the second time that the UQPBEC have competed in the biennial championships, and it was with the assistance of the University and Emmanuel College that the trip was made possible.

Pipe Major McCabe said the band had a full schedule of activities planned for the next few months.

This included the Brisbane Anzac Day March, Tartan Day at King George Square, appearances at The Australian Celtic Festival in Glen Innes NSW and playing at UQ Rugby matches.

"We’re also aiming to compete at the Sunshine Coast Pipe Band Competition in May and the Queensland Pipe Band Championships in June,” he said.

For further information on the upcoming competitions please see the website of the Sunshine Coast Caledonian Pipe Band and the Ipswich Thistle Pipe Band.

The band is supported and continues to develop and thrive with the patronage of Emmanuel College Principal, Professor Stewart Gill.

Practice occurs every Tuesday night from 5-8pm at Emmanuel College and membership is also open to those not experienced in playing pipes or drums.

If you would like to learn, the band offers free tuition from 5-6pm. No musical experience is required.

Contact Details: For further information and details on the band please see the band's website at www.uqpipeband.com or facebook at https://www.facebook.com/uqpipeband or email uqpipeband@gmail.com or contact Emmanuel College http://www.emmanuel.uq.edu.au/.