Pipe Bands in Australia
Pipe bands in Australia began to emerge in the late 19th century, with Scottish immigrants forming local groups. The tradition of pipe bands spread to Australia from Scottish Regiments of the British Army in the 19th century. The first Australian Championships were held in Maryborough, Victoria in 1961. The Rats of Tobruk Memorial Pipes and Drums was formed in 1960 as a memorial to the military units involved in the Siege of Tobruk during World War II. The Pipes & Drums of the Royal Caledonian Society is one of the oldest civilian pipe bands in the world. Pipe Bands Today, over 100 pipe bands across Australia engage in community performances and competitions, with many members traveling to Scotland each year to compete in prestigious events like the World Pipe Band Championships and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. We are continuously adding more Pipe Bands on a regular basis. If you can't find your band here, contact us and we'll be happy to add it to our list.
COFFS COAST PIPES AND DRUMS
The Coffs Coast Pipes and Drums are a community-based, non-profit organisation. They are proudly adopted by Celtic Thunder, with Ray and Jay on pipes and Kayleigh on snare drum. See them at local events. They invite new members of all abilities to come and try their hand at playing the bagpipes or drums every Wednesday night from 6:00 PM. There’s no cost to get started—just bring your passion and sense of humour, and they’ll provide the gear! Practice is at the Coffs Harbour Showgrounds, just past the Norm Jordan Pavilion.
Pipe Bands Australia
Pipe Bands Australia is the peak national body for the governance of Pipe Bands in Australia in addition to the governance of ongoing tuition, education and national competitions.
Website: https://pipebandsaustralia.com.au/
Pipe Bands Victoria
Pipe Bands Victoria (PBV) is Victoria’s peak body responsible for pipe band activities, including pipe band contests, solo piping and drumming contests, piping and drumming workshops, and other public pipe band performances. Victoria is home to about 40 pipe bands, almost half of whom are currently active in competition.
Pipe Bands New South Wales
Pipe Bands New South Wales provides training and workshops and info on events and functions being run or supported in NSW by Pipe Bands NSW.
Website: https://pipebandsaustralia.com.au/newsouthwales/bands/
The objective of the band is to encourage and educate interested participants in piping and drumming, whilst preserving Scottish sentiment, culture and tradition. The band provides a social meeting ground for musicians to practice as well as perform in community projects of a social, cultural and charitable nature.
Website: www.newcastlerslpipeband.com.au/
RATS OF TOBRUK MEMORIAL PIPES AND DRUMS
The Rats of Tobruk Memorial Pipes and Drums, established in 1960 as a ‘Living Memorial’ to honour the military units involved in the Siege of Tobruk during WWII. The band has proudly performed at the prestigious Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo multiple times and has had the honour to field a number of Lone Pipers for the Tattoo. They welcome experienced and aspiring pipers and drummers of all ages to join them every Thursday at 7:30 pm at Macleod College. To book the band for an engagement email, the secretary.
Website: www.rotmpd.org.au
Email: secretary@rotmpd.org.au
Pipe Bands Queensland
Pipe Bands Queensland is the association for pipe bands in Queensland, Australia (bagpipes/drums). We support existing bands, regulate competitions, promote ongoing musical education, and encourage connections with our own piping community and beyond.
Website: https://pipebandsaustralia.com.au/queensland/bands/
Pipe Bands South Australia
Pipe Bands SA supports the development of pipe bands, piping and drumming in South Australia. The branch has member bands within Adelaide and a number of regional centres. The SA Branch aims to build the strength of the branch and bands through tuition programmes, massed band events, band contests, solo piping and drumming.
Website: https://pipebandsaustralia.com.au/southaustralia/bands/
The Grafton District Services Club Pipe Band was founded at a general meeting called by Hugh Miller on the 12/12/1973.
The band continues to strongly support and represent the local community at functions and festivals throughout the region.
Website: www.facebook.com/p/Grafton-District-Services-Club-Pipe-Band-100041790592047/
Wingham Pipes and Drums, also known as Manning Valley Pipes and Drums, is a local community pipe band based in Wingham, New South Wales, that provides traditional bagpipe and drum music for regional events, like the Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival.
PIPES & DRUMS OF THE ROYAL CALEDONIAN SOCIETY
The Pipes & Drums of the Royal Caledonian Society, the oldest civilian pipe band in Southern Hemisphere, was established in 1894. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, they are dedicated to promoting Scottish music through vibrant performances. The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Caledonian Society is a multitiered organisation that regularly travels both nationally and internationally performing and competing. Their talented musicians are available to play at a variety of events, whether as a full band, mini band, or soloist.
Pipe Bands Western Australia
Pipe Bands WA promotes piping and drumming in Western Australia. Like our page to share news and information with the WA pipe band community.
Pipe Bands Tasmania
Pipe Bands Tasmania exists to further develop and promote the activities of Tasmanian Pipe Bands and its members. Pipe Bands Tasmania conducts a full-band contest annually each February in conjunction with the Richmond Highland Gathering and a 3-round solo mini band competition in May, July and September. An annual workshop weekend is held in each October.
The Scone RSL Pipes & Drums is a sub-committee of the Scone RSL Club Limited, based at Scone in the Upper Hunter Valley of NSW. The aim of the band is to maintain and strengthen our connection with the past as well as to provide an insight into Scottish culture for the residents of the Upper Hunter.
Welcome to our Grade 4 Band! We are a self-funded organisation with strong community support. We offer free tuition to financial members and welcome new musicians. Available for hire, we perform at concerts, weddings, funerals, and parties.
Website: www.maitlandpipeband.org.au/