Lathallan School is thrilled to announce the start of its 60th-year celebration for the Lathallan School Pipe Band. Quite a feat for a small school on the North East coast.
The band has already kicked off the milestone year in style after teaming up with Granite City Pipes and Drums to achieve the prestigious "Best Band" title at the Ballater Highland Games on Thursday 10th August.
A quarter of the school's roll participates in piping and drumming lessons with the aim of securing a place in the pipe band once they’ve built up their skills and repertoire of tunes. These talented musicians represent the school at various events throughout the year including Remembrance Day parades, corporate and charity events, The Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships, agricultural shows and highland games.
As part of the 60th-anniversary celebrations, Lathallan School is excited to announce a grand reunion event scheduled for June 2024. This special occasion aims to bring together pipers and drummers from past years at Lathallan School, past Drum Majors, Former Tutors and Pipe Band Managers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia among the band's alumni. The reunion promises to be a joyous gathering, filled with shared memories, music, and the opportunity to reconnect with old friends.
Headmaster at Lathallan School, Richard Toley said;
“The 1964 Lathallan School magazine states that this was the first year that the band had played as a complete ensemble including pipes and drums and since then hundreds of pupils have played their part in continuing the legacy of the band.
Our school takes immense pride in its rich musical heritage and the integral role the pipe band plays in our community”.
With an unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and promoting the love for traditional Scottish music, the school continues to produce outstanding pipers and drummers.
Throughout the coming year, the Lathallan School Pipe Band will showcase their musical prowess at various events, parades, and competitions. Lathallan School Pipe Band has also launched its annual Solo Piping and Drumming Competition which will take place on 16th September. The event is open to all school-age pipers and drummers, from beginners to regular performers.
Pipe Band Manager and Lathallan School parent, Rachel Kinkead said;
“Both my children have been involved in the pipe band over the last 8 years, they have enjoyed so many experiences and competitions. The trip to New York Tartan Week was definitely one of their highlights. It was a great way for them to make friends in other years and then to be able to support the younger ones when they became Drum Sergeant and Pipe Major.”
Lathallan School extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the students, staff, parents, Old Lathallians and supporters who have contributed to the success and longevity of the pipe band. The 60th-anniversary celebrations serve as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that has been poured into this cherished musical tradition.
Lathallan School
Lathallan is an independent day and boarding school based on the edge of the stunning North Sea coastline, just north of Montrose. With an average class size of 12, and a small school roll of around 200, Lathallan inspires individuals to achieve their full potential within the spacious 60 acre grounds of Brotherton Castle.
