Images of Scotch College Melbourne
Pipes and Drum Band
Overview
The Pipes and Drums of Scotch College, Melbourne have become one of the icons of the school, beloved of whole Scotch Family. The band is one of the most readily recognisable symbols of Scotch College, both among present and former Scotch Collegians and parents, as well as in the wider Victorian community. Established in 1946, the band's history over the last sixty years has been a colourful part of the school's development, and of its contribution to maintaining awareness of the Scottish contribution to our culture.
The Scotch College Pipes and Drums, along with the Scottish traditions in the school Cadet Unit, trace their history through the Victorian Scottish Regiment, whose instruments were passed to the school at the end of the Second World War. The band has benefited from the strength of Scottish culture in Melbourne, and a number of the technological developments in both piping and drumming that have improved the sound of the band over the years have had local origins. The school has been fortunate to have had three outstanding piping masters to teach the boys in Danny MacPherson, Bill Brown and Ross Campbell, whose stories are told in the book "The Pipes and Drums Scotch College Melbourne - A History".
Along with the musical skills they have learnt on the pipes and drums, the boys who have become members of the band have learnt co-operation, self-discipline and leadership. They have enjoyed the theatre of the band on parade and the spectacular uniforms, and many have made life-long friendships. The book tills the story of the establishment and growth of the band, and includes many interesting and amusing anecdotes by former band members.
