Heritage
Contents- 1996-1998: A Pipe Band is Formed
- 1998-2000: The Firsts
- 2001-2004: Bigger and Better
- 2004-Present: The Band Today
Emmanuel College, though not strictly a 'Scottish College', has many long established ties to Scotland through former (and current) principals and council members as well as students. For many of it's 100 years in existence Emmanuel College has enjoyed a 'College Piper'. In the last 10 years, the Emmanuel College Council, and the Emmanuel College Foundation have helped been instrumental in formation and development of the University of Queensland Pipe Band. This support continues today and the Principal of Emmanuel College, Professor Stewart Gill, is the patron of the Band.
1998: A Pipe Band is Formed
Prior to the official formation of the University of Queensland Pipe Band, there was a long standing interest in developing a pipe band within the college. The enthusiasm and energy for this peoject came primarily from former college principal Angus Edmonds.
In 1998, interest in forming a pipe band culminated and Principal Edmonds invited Pipe Major Andrew McCabe to become a senior residential assisant at the College with special responsibilty to form and organise a pipe band. In Febuary of the same year, Andrew McCabe set up a stall in the Great Court during the University of Queensland's orientation day. At the end of the day, 67 students had signed up as intersted in joining or supporting the band.
The band originally formed as the Emmanuel College - University of Queensland Pipe Band and at it's creation had eight pipers and five drummers (including a bass drummer). At this time there were five students learning the drums and fifteen learning chanter. Emmanuel College was able to secure the support of two of the best tutors in Australia, Doug Thoresen and Doug Lawrie.
At this time the Emmanuel College Foundation promised a donation of $2,000 towards equipment for the Band. Additionally, the Western Australia Police Pipe Band donated fourteen kilts with the appropriate Napier tartan.
1998-2000: The Firsts
First Performance:
The Pipe Band's first official performance was at the Emmanuel College Bannockburn Dinner on May 21st 1998. This is an annual dinner at which members of the College rewarded for services to the college and the community.
First Parade
The Emmanuel College University of Queensland Pipe Band took part in the Brisbane Anzac Day Parade for the first time in 1999, proudly leading the "N" Class Destroyers Association. The Association had requested that the Band play for them after one of the members saw the Band perform at Ormiston House.
Another reason for their interest is that one of the "N" Class Destroyers was the HMAS "Napier", and the Band wears the Napier Tatran.
First Competition
The Band first competed at the 2000 Maclean Highland Gathering, just two years after forming. They competed in 4th grade and received the 3rd highest point score.
2000-2004: Bigger and Better
Between 2001 and 2004, the Band grew and expanded it's range. More regular event's appeared on the band's calendar in particular more competitions such as the Ipswich and Redlands Highland Gatherings. During this time the Emmanuel College Council and Foundation provided an enormous amount of support for the band included a donation of $4,500. 18 new kilts we ordered from Scotland, paid for in part by a donation of $3000 from the Society of St. Andrew's.
Some memorable performances from this period include the University of Queensland '90th Year of Lectures" celebrations, the Society of St Andrew's Ball, the University of Queensland great court race.
In 2003, the Emmanuel College Pipe Band release an original CD entitled The White and the Blue, featuring performances from the band, Celtic-rock group Celtic Fyre and the Emmanuel Singers. The CD was featured on national radio. Click here to read about the CD
In 2001, Peter Hurwood, the current Pipe Sergeant joined the Band. David Spotswood, the current Drum Sergeant, joined in 2002.
2005-Present: The Band Today
Since 2005, the Band has undergone a large turn over in members, an on going symptom of being a largely 'student' band. Since 2004, the drum core in particular has be completely 'renewed' with all new drummers. When Doug Lawrie retired in late 2007, David Spotswood (a former member of the band) stepped into his shoes as Drum Sergeant and Tutor.
Currently, the Band plays a large variety of performances, including performances for charity (Relay for Life), church services (Kirkin' of the Tartan) competitions and gatherings (Australian Festival), parades (ANZAC and St. Patrick's Day) and Emmanuel College functions as well as big productions such as the Ipswich International Tattoo, the Andre Rieu World Stadium Tour and The Woodford Folk Festival.
In 2008 the name of the band changed to 'The University of Queensland Pipe Band, at Emmanuel College' (or more simply the 'UQ Pipe Band'), in contrast to the previous name 'The Emmanuel College - University of Queensland Pipe Band'. The change of name reflects the fact that the Band, though heavily associated with Emmanuel College, is really a part of the wider University of Queensland and Brisbane communities.
In late 2009, Frazer Bolton became the Pipe Tutor at the band.
From late 2009 the band changed focus and began preparing for it's biggest year yet. Throughout 2010 the UQ Pipe Band competed in more competitions than ever before and for the first time competed at the Australian Pipe Band Championships. In late 2010 many band members attended the 'Noosa Pipe Band Workshop' to improve their performance abilty.
The band intends to compete at the 2012 Australian Pipe Band Championshops in Ballarat, Victoria.
