Falkirk Schools Pipe Band
We took 37 pupils to New York for a 6 day trip to perform at Tartan Day. For some pupils it was their first time out of Scotland and the first time having a passport.
To say the trip was amazing is an understatement – it’s still quite overwhelming to take it all in. Our pupils were fantastic ambassadors for both Falkirk and Scotland. They were amazing at representing young Scottish musicians on an international scale – both as amazing young citizens as well as talented musicians. Everywhere we visited people stopped to comment on what exceptional young people they are.
Ages ranged from 12 to 17, with our oldest about to leave school to take up his place at RCS to study music in September. Throughout our stay we visited Empire State Building, 911 memorial, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, Maddison Square Gardens, Grand Central Station, Carnegie Hall, Times Square and Central Park. They also performed at Maddison Square Gardens, Grand Central Station, Bryant Park, 6th Avenue plus performed on the New York subway and performed as they walked home from the Tartan Day parade. We also took the pupils to a concert at Carnegie Hall.
The confidence, self esteem and pride of our pupils and staff has soared since the trip. We’ve also now had two motions raised – 1 in Westminster and 1 in Holyrood to congratulate the band on their amazing trip.
We are lucky to have a brilliant team of staff who are world class musicians and most alumni of RCS. Steven McWhirter one of our Pipe Band Drum instructors is the current world drumming champion, all of our staff are from grade 1 bands either current world pipe band champions or 2023 champions.
Falkirk Schools Pipe Band has only been up and running for two years, and already they have gained an excellent reputation and following. They have a very exciting future ahead of them and I cannot wait be the biggest chair leader!
We also need to say a thank you to NYPD Pipe Band who let us borrow their drums while we were in New York – this came in handy when NYPD showed up at Grand Central Station and threatened to arrest us for performing inside!
Gayle Martin-Brown, Education Support Officer
Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band
Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band enjoyed the experience of a lifetime travelling to New York City to participate in the annual Tartan Day Parade.
38 young pipers and drummers from across the Local Authority joined the 3700 strong parade, as well as enjoying the sights and sounds of New York. The band’s trip was recorded by the BBC who promoted the visit across the UK network on their breakfast programme.
The band were delighted to talk with Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, who was incredibly generous with his time, despite the inclement weather. Mr. Swinney was also keen to hear about the impact of the free Music Tuition policy on the development of music making within the local authority.
At the end of the parade, the band were able to collaborate with the Falkirk Schools Band, and spend time with this year’s Grand Marshal, Alan Cumming.
All in all, this was an experience that our young people will never forget.
James Cunnigham, Arts and Learning Manager
