A Dundee school has scooped pipe band’s most coveted prize to be crowned world champions.
The High School of Dundee pipe band saw off rivals at the Pipe Band World Championship held at Glasgow Green.
And there was more glory for the school with the Drum Corps also crowned Champion of Champions.
World Champions
The High School youngsters were competing against bands from around the world in the Novice Juvenile B category.
It’s a fantastic achievement for band members who have put in months of hard work and countless hours of practice to become the world’s best.
Pipe Major Rory Grant was presented the World Championship trophy to rapturous applause while Lead Drummer Emily Hough cheered on by supporters as she was handed the Champion of Champions plaque.
The double win comes just weeks after the school saw off stiff competition to take the British Championship trophy in May.
“A long held dream for the school”
Rector Lise Hudson said the achievement was “a culmination of a long held dream for the School”.
She also hailed the determination of all involved in what she said had been a brilliant season for the band.
She added: “After the wonderful Commonwealth Games success of Eilish McColgan, Shona Campbell and Jamie and Cameron Golden, this is a triumph for our pupils who have demonstrated such commitment, determination and teamwork.
“This is alongside all their other commitments too”
“The Pipe Band is very special as it is a blend of expert technical music making, precision, performance and team spirit.
And our drum corps @HSofDundee are champion of champions too! Emily Hough as Lead Drummer! pic.twitter.com/0f0ksqyVWg
— Lise Hudson (@HSDRector) August 13, 2022
“Band members come from across a wide range of year groups and this makes it an environment where high expectations meet key core values.”
She praised the efforts of pupils but also paid tribute to the pipe band tutors instrumental in the band’s success.
A glimpse of our @HSofDundee World Champions collecting their Trophy! Pipe Major Rory Grant! pic.twitter.com/BVO3nsrB4h
— Lise Hudson (@HSDRector) August 13, 2022
“Under the leadership of David Wilton, a world champion himself, the band has been nurtured and inspired to believe they could succeed.
“We are hugely fortunate to have someone of David’s international standing to be leading our Pipe Band Programme.
“In addition, Steven Graham, himself a hugely experienced pipe band drummer, teacher and performer as founder member of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, has elevated the standard of drumming to win champion of champions this season.
“Also critical to the success has been the expertise of Piping Instructor Jim Semple and the leadership and encouragement of our Director of Music, Dr Lionel Stuart Forthringham.
“I know the whole high school family share my pride today in becoming World Champions.”
Thousands flocked to the event
The School’s Pipe Major, David Wilton, added: “I’m incredibly proud of the Band and standing performing with them yesterday is something I’ll remember forever.
“They performed out of their skins and for the Drum Corps to be named Champion of Champions was also an amazing achievement.”
Thousands of spectators flocked to the two-day championship being held for the first time in two years following a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
146 bands, from as far afield as Argentina, USA, Canada and Australia took part in what is regarded as the most important competition in pipe band performance.
And there was more success for the area with Dollar Academy becoming World Champions in the Juvenile Medley competition.
In addition Dollar also, scooped the Champion of Champions award for drumming in the same category.
The school also took the Champion of Champions trophy in the Novice Juvenile A section of the competition.
Conversation