By ALANA MITCHELSON
THE Haileybury Pipes and Drums band have regained their title after defeating their Scotch College rivals at the state championships.
Haileybury College clinched victories in both the Juvenile and Grade 4 adult categories this year at Ringwood Highland Gathering earlier this month.
Events co-ordinator Sarah Denham said the Pipes and Drums spent hours rehearsing in preparation for the contest.
“With the combination of fellowship, talent and hard work, all of their efforts paid off,” she said.
Pipe Major and Year 12 student Thomas Perry said Haileybury had not expected the win.
“Band performances are not a question of individual excellence, but are rather a question of teamwork and co-ordination. We really hoped that our teamwork could make the difference. This ethos was reflected in our preparation, where it was about bonding and playing as an integrated unit,” Tom said.
“Our pipes stirred, our drums beat, and the Haileybury colours fluttered in the intermittent wind as we stepped off from the starting line.
“We knew the Haileybury Pipes and Drums had come a long way, but the opposition was going to be tough to beat. Our traditional rivals, Scotch College, had an extraordinary few years with plenty of talent, will and discipline.
“We knew we had beaten them before and we were determined to give them a run for their money.
“When it was announced that we had won the championships, we unleashed a cacophony of celebratory sound that I am sure could be distantly heard in the highlands of Scotland.”
