Pipe band competes in Scottish Championship ahead of Worlds

In the run up to a busy season of competitions, including the Royal Society Pipe Band Assocation's (RSPBA) World Championship later this month, the Isle of Arran Music Schools' Competition Pipe Band travelled to Levengrove Park in Dumbarton where they competed in the RSPBA Scottish Championship.

 

Leaving the day before the event to accommodate a 10.40am competing time, the pipe band members took the opportunity to visit the National Sports Scotland's facility in Largs where the students were able to take advantage of tennis courts and football pitches before turning in for the evening.

 

The following day, after tuning up the pipes and drums, the band gave a solid performance which, according to the feedback provided to the tutors, has shown an improvement since their first competition in Gourock.

 

Their performance earned the musicians a ranking of 12th place overall at the RSPBA Scottish Championships.

 

Music School chair, Quinton Black said: ‘The Isle of Arran Music School would like to give thanks to the students and their families as the dedication of the students is why the band are improving.

 

'Although there was no cost to the families for the trip, this was only possible by funding applications and donations.

 

‘The charity would like to thank Arran Society of Glasgow for its contribution, Kilmory community minibus for the use of the bus, Mark West for driving it and ACVS for the use of  its gazebos for the event.’

 

The pipe band played at the Arran Farmers’ Show on Wednesday and will be playing at the Brodick Highland Games today (Saturday).

 

The band will also play at Piping Live in Glasgow on August 8, performing in Buchanan Street at 3pm, and competing at the RSPBA World Championships, widely known as the Worlds, at Glasgow Green on August 13.

 

The band is led by Ross Miller who told the Banner: 'Playing at the World Pipe Band Championships will be an incredible experience for the band and they’ve been working so hard to prepare.

 

'Performing at Piping Live! is also a fantastic opportunity and it is such a great event to be a part of.'

 

Band member Annie West added: 'I’m really excited to perform at Piping Live! and take part in the World Pipe Band Championships - I have heard about both of these events for so long and I can’t believe I’m actually going to be playing at them!

 

'We have been practising really hard and we’re really looking forward to it. I am feeling a bit nervous but excited too.'