Watson's Wins: Pipe Band Champions

George Watson's College Novice A Band were crowned UK Champions on Saturday 10 June on a very hot and sunny day in Lurgan, Northern Ireland after producing an incredibly strong performance of their March, Strathspey and Reel. Our Juvenile Band also performed superbly, finishing in the runners up spot on this occasion.

Our 3 bands then competed at the Edinburgh Pipe Band Championships at Edinburgh Academy Newfield Recreation Ground, on Sunday 18 June where they placed 1st in their own categories, with all 3 drum corps also gaining first place. 

Fast forward to the European Championships on Saturday 24 June and our Novice A Band continued their successful championship win, securing the European Championship title at Duthie Park, Aberdeen. The Juvenile Band also produced an excellent performance, resulting in the runners up spot this time around. 

Both bands will now take a well earned short break before competing in the Scottish Championships on 29 July in Dumbarton. Thereafter, the Novice A and Juvenile Bands will participate in a number of exciting engagements including:

• Bridge of Allan Highland Games - Sunday 6 August
• North Berwick Highland Games - Saturday 12 August
• Perth Highland Games - Sunday 13 August
• World Championships in Glasgow - Saturday 19 August

We wish them all the best in their upcoming performances.

As ever, our pupils are led by a team of terrific Piping and Drumming professionals who commit to teaching our young musicians to be the best, most versatile performers they can be. Our visiting Piping Teacher, Mr Dew and Bass & Tenor Drumming Teacher, Mr Bailie also experienced great success at the European Championships, winning the Grade 1 European title with their band, Inveraray & District. A super inspiration to our young pipers and drummers.

Imagery:
Left photo: Katie S5, collecting the 1st place trophy for the Novice A.
Right photo: Junior Pipe Major Jamie S6 (Class of 2023) collecting the Juvenile Band’s 2nd place trophy.