The region’s Celtic Pipe Band is headed overseas in 2019 to make their mark on Scotland at the World Pipe Band Championships. With two days of competition, the World Pipe Band Championships (affectionately known as The World’s) will be showcasing the incredible talent of 8000 pipers and drummers taking part in the event held at Glasgow Green in August.
Helen Gilchrist, secretary of Celtic Pipe Band, says “this is the first time a band from the Top of the South has competed overseas, let alone at The World’s.” The Celtic Pipe Band, ranging in ages from 8 to 75, comprises 28 pipers and 25 drummers who are all preparing by using upcoming local events and national competitions as an opportunity to hone their skills. “The key is practice, performance and attention to detail,” says Helen, “whilst having fun and working as a team. All music is memorised so needs to be ingrained in the players psyche, so to speak, in order to perform with confidence.” Pipe Major Callum Gilchrist and his partner Kate Cowin are very much looking forward to the event. Callum is extremely proud of his team and the exciting journey they are on and admits that the battle for the trophy will be tough. He says, “we’ll be ready, and we will take the can-do spirit of New Zealand with us.” The band have a few fund-raisers planned, including a concert on September 9, at the Nelson Centre for Musical Arts, raffles, auctions and a performance at a Mako game on October 11.