More than 700 talented young musicians will blow up a storm in Ayrshire- as Scotland’s biggest piping and drumming competition for school pupils returns after a two-year absence.
Organisers of the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championship (SSPBC) are urging schools in Ayrshire which may not yet have signed up to claim their place now.
The Willliam McIlvanney Campus, in Kilmarnock, will welcome more than 60 pipe bands, quartets and freestyle ensembles as they gather for one of the biggest events in the bagpiping calendar in March.
The competition was launched in 2013 as part of a nationwide drive by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT) to revive dwindling access to the instruments across schools– despite evidence of positive benefits.
Alexandra Duncan, chief executive of SSPDT, said: “The Championships are a highlight of the year for young players who not only get a chance to perform in public, but to test themselves against their peers. While it is a serious competition it is also a lot of fun.
“Being a part of something like a pipe band can positively influence young people in so many ways.
“It is a great way to make long-lasting friendships and it is proven to improve a host of life skills.
“While the pandemic forced us to either cancel events or run a reduced event online, we know there is huge demand for this event among pupils and tutors alike.
“The pandemic weakened many of the bands because teaching had to move online and in some places it stopped altogether for quite a long time so we have made it even easier to take part by adjusting the rules which can be found on our website.
“Also, we recognise that the cost of travel has gone up a lot so we doubled our financial grants. The Championships are free to enter for spectators as well as players and there are cash prizes to be won.”
The event will take place on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at the Willliam McIlvanney Campus, within its modern theatre that can seat up to 500 people.
Expert judges will be in attendance to determine the worthy winners, with the likes of Craig Munro of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Steven Blake of Rura on the star-studded judging panel.
There are eight categories ranging from Debut to Novice Juvenile.
To enter a quartet requires just four pipers, or three pipers and a tutor.
Schools that need more players to form a quartet or a band can join forces with other schools in the same local education authority. All schools or combined schools that enter a quartet or a pipe band are also eligible to enter the Freestyle competition.
SSPDT will also be presenting the Eilidh MacLeod Endeavour Award to pay tribute to the young piper from Barra who died in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.
David Johnston, Convenor of the SSPDT, said: “The Championships are one of the highlights of many schools’ calendars. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back.
“It’s always a special day and we’re inviting school bands and supporters to come along to a day of good fun and excellent music.”
The Championship is independently organised by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT). It carries the support of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) but is not a RSPBA competition.
For more information visit http://www.thechampionships.org.uk/ or www.sspdt.org.uk
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