The traditional answer is “Nothing, it’s all in perfect working order!”
The Hills District Pipe Band has been performing at local community events for 48 years, and is well-known for their excellent uniform; proudly wearing the McDonald of Clan Ranald tartan (bagpipers) and the Argyll of Sutherland tartan (drummers).
This year the Hills District Pipe Band has played at:
• Bundanoon is Brigadoon Highland Gathering,
• Officer’s Passing Out Parade at Parklea Prison,
• Martin Place Dawn Service,
• Sydney ANZAC Day Parade and Scottish Act of Remembrance,
• ANZAC services for Cumberland RSL, Galston RSL and Glenorie RSL,
• National Walk to School Day at Arcadia Public School.
As a social band, the engagements connected to the community hold great value.
In a traditional pipe band there are four different instruments – the bagpipes, bass drum, tenor drum and snare drum. Multiple bagpipers play tunes together, and with harmonies, under direction from the Pipe Major. The bass drum is the largest drum in the drum corps, which is held vertically with a harness, hit on either side, and provides the band with a lowtone beat. The tenor drum is held horizontally on a harness and hit with two tenor beaters, to produce a midhigh tone beat to compliment the bass drum. The tenor beaters are also flourished in the air in-between beats for dramatic presentation. The snare drum is popular for its military “rat-a-tat-tat” sound; played with drumsticks to produce accents and rhythmic patterns to accompany the bagpipe tunes.
With a sense for music and rhythm, any of these instruments can be learnt. Members of the Hills District Pipe Band are experienced tutors, and welcome any new or experienced players to the band!
The Hills District Pipe Band practices in the Harvey Lowe Pavilion at Castle Hill Showground every Tuesday night from 7:30pm-9pm with tea and coffee afterwards. The band warmly welcomes you to come along to practice if you’re interested in learning a new instrument and skill. Bring a friend!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @hillsdistrictpipeband or contact the band Secretary, Suzie Whitaker, to book the Hills District Pipe Band for an event: [email protected]. Visit http://www.hillsdistrictpipeband.com
