Alex secures role as Pipe Band Major

The RGC Pipe Band are delighted to share that Alex S (soon to be S5) has been promoted to Pipe Major for the 2021/2022 session. 

Responsible for guiding the musical and personal development of younger and novice pipers and drummers, Alex will act as a mentor to demonstrate core values and ethos of the Pipe Band culture and its traditions. 

Alex started with the Pipe Band in Primary 5 and was the first girl to join the Senior Pipe Band as she transitioned through the ranks and is now the second female to hold the Pipe Major role in the Pipe Band’s 73 year history. This achievement adds to Alex’s portfolio of accomplishments which features her prized moments of playing in a mass pipe band at Beating the Retreat at Holyrood Palace and playing with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers on their album Fresh Air.

Alex said: “It has been great to be a part of the Pipe Band and seeing it grow over the years from the small band it was when I started to having many pipers and drummers from P3 to S6 now. 

“When I first joined the senior band I was the only girl and now we have girls learning both piping and drumming in all levels of the Pipe Band. When I began piping I was too nervous to play in front of others or even talk to people I didn’t know well. The band has helped me to improve my confidence as a piper and in many other aspects of life. 

“Both piping and drumming now have multiple instructors which we get weekly lessons with. The instructors have been key to helping me improve not only my piping but my confidence and are always supportive to help us improve not just as a band but individually. 

“Being a member of the Pipe Band allows us to develop the core values: respect for others, selfless commitment, discipline, integrity, honesty, loyalty and moral courage. 

“It is an honour to be selected as Pipe Major and I am really looking forward to the new opportunities and being able to improve my leadership skills this year.”