Solo Piping For 2025 Season

07 December 2024.

To help solo pipers prepare for the 2025 competition season, Vice Principal Of Piping, Adam Britten has prepared the playing requirements for all Pipe Bands WA contests. Click here to download the PDF document to see the standardised requirements for each grade. If you have any questions, please email the VP of Piping via britten_adamp@hotmail.com

Malcolm MacLean honoured with Life Membership

09 October 2022.

PBWA Chairman Stuart Bradford arranged a surprise presentation of Life Membership of Pipe Bands Australia to Malcolm MacLean in front of the massed bands at last Sunday’s Armadale Highland Gathering. Secretary Julia Christensen read out the following account of Malcolm’s service to the pipe band community:

Malcolm began piping under the tuition of George McClelland in 1976 and joined Perth Highland Pipe Band in 1979, where he still is today. 43 years of service. Malcolm has held piping leadership roles at Perth Highland for 38 years including 28 years as either Pipe Sergeant or Pipe Corporal and 10 years as Pipe Major from 2012 to 2021. In addition to this, Malcolm has held positions on the committee continually since 1987 including President, Vice President and Property Manager, plus also designing and maintaining the band’s website and social media. Malcolm also had the honour of becoming Perth Highland’s youngest ever Life Member in 1992 due to his outstanding service and leadership.

Malcolm’s contributions extend beyond his band, playing an integral part of the WA Branch of Pipe Bands Australia (Pipe Bands WA). Malcolm designed and implemented the successful marketing campaign for the 1996 Australian Championship in Perth, and since 2012 has held the positions of Chairman and Vice Chair, plus Communications Officer.

Malcolm has been instrumental developing PBWA’s branding, e-newsletter, website and social media presence, leading the way for branches across the country. Malcolm’s professional communications and marketing skills and experience have been invaluable in positioning Pipe Bands WA as a professional community organisation ensuring a high profile in Perth, across Western Australia and the Australian pipe band communities. Some of Malcolm’s recent innovative campaigns to promote our events include the “Battle of the Bagpipes” 2014 campaign including a flash mob at Curtin University, and “Game of Drones” in 2017.

Some key highlights of Malcolm’s contributions to Pipe Bands WA and Australia include: • 1996 – Australian Pipe Band Championships marketing campaign • 2012 – New Pipe Bands WA logo developed. • 2012 – Launch of Pipe Bands WA Facebook page • 2012-13 – Development, design and launch of the Pipe Bands WA website. • 2014 – Design and launch of the PBWA enewsletter. • 2022 – Chair of the 2026 Nationals Subcommittee

Malcolm’s next challenge is leading the Subcommittee to help win the bid to bring the Australian Championships to Perth in 2026. Pipe Bands WA is incredibly lucky and grateful to have someone of Malcolm’s skills and experience in our committee.

Vale Hilton Bradford

14 September 2022.

Pipe Bands WA mourns the loss of our Vice Principal of Rules and Administration, Hilton Bradford. Hilton was a stalwart of the WA pipe bands community, playing in numerous bands around the State, and taking on many roles.

Hilton become involved in piping and drumming at school, where he attended Scotch College. He joined the Pipe Band in 1959 initially as a Bass Drummer because he liked the leopard skin that was worn. He also started learning the pipes, and thanks to having previously learnt piano and being able to read music, learnt quickly and proficiently. In his final school year, he was Drum Major of the band.

Straight after school, Hilton went back home to the country and joined the Narrogin Pipe Band as a piper. Hilton’s wife, Kerry, knew many members of the Fremantle Ladies Pipe Band, and she secretly learnt some tunes to surprise Hilton by playing in uniform at the Mini Band competition in Narrogin in 1965.

Hilton then joined the Cameron Highlanders Army pipe band from 1966-1978. He always spoke highly of his lifelong friends he made while playing with them. The regular music training camps and travelling to parades and competitions bonded the band. Many of the guys in the army band formed relationships with girls from Fremantle Ladies Pipe Band. They have continued to be lifelong friends.

When the Bradford family moved back to the farm in Narrogin in 1978, Hilton played with the Narrogin Pipe Band and continued playing for another 10 -12 years with them.

By the late 1990’s, the family moved back in Perth and Hilton joined the Fremantle Sailing Club Pipes & Drums in 1998. In 2009, he was elected Pipe Major of FSC Pipes & Drums. He also regularly attended the Highland Pipers Society monthly meetings particularly when monthly meetings were in Inglewood on Saturday evenings.

Hilton was actively involved in Pipe Bands WA. In 2017, he passed his PBA Rules & Administration Advanced Certificate and soon became Vice Principal for Rules & Admin here in WA.

His interest in the pipe band scene continued to his last day, when he discussed the weekend’s various Fremantle Sailing Club turnouts and upcoming WA competitions with his son, Stuart Bradford, Chair of Pipe Bands WA and Pipe Major of FSC.

Vale Bill Corcoran

September, 2022. Written by Bill’s sisters, Kerry Jones & Marie Hastings.

During his primary school years Bill commenced piping under the tutelage of his Uncle, Robert Sinclair. As they were next door neighbours Bill spent most of his free time having as many lessons as Uncle Robert could give him.

It was shortly after this that he joined the ranks of the Fremantle Junior Pipe Band. From there and with Uncle Robert, he was to join the 7th Field Ambulance Pipe Band also located in Fremantle. However, the Army Reserve beckoned and Bill signed up with the 16th Battalion RWAR Pipes and Drums (now known as Australian Army Pipes and Drums Perth) practicing out of the Drill Hall on Canning Hwy.

Bill was a founding member of the Celtic Pipes & Drums which became the WA Irish Pipe Band and before moving to the goldfields he joined the ranks of the City of Fremantle Caledonian Pipe Band. Across these years and to the end he was involved in tutoring many new and not so new pipers. He was also a good solid bass drummer and back in the late 1960’s completed with distinction the Drum Majors course at the Army School Of Music in Balcombe, Victoria.

A very good solo piper he was never happier than with his pipes over his shoulder. A talented highland dancer himself, he was often called upon to teach many pipers or drummers to dance. Over the past 30 odd years he has enjoyed the privilege of being Pipe Major, tutor and mentor of the Eastern Goldfields Highland Pipe Band. A true character with a good sense of humour Bill had plenty of stories to tell.

Perth Highland celebrates 75 Years

May, 2021

Perth Highland Pipe Band celebrated 75 years of fun and adventures in piping and drumming at special event for players, old members and friends at the Cambridge Bowling Club. The band was founded by Lewis MacLennan in 1946. Lew also founded and was the first tutor of the Scotch College Pipe Band in 1947. To see a photo gallery of Perth Highland Pipe Band's history from 1946 to 2021, follow the links from the website here: http://www.perthhighland.com/75.html

Vale June Corcoran

September, 2019

The WA Pipe Bands community honoured the passing of Life Member June Corcoran with uniformed members of all Western Australian bands forming a guard of honour at Fremantle Cemetery while her beloved City of Cockburn Pipe Band led the funeral procession.

June Corcoran (née Yeing) was born in Fremantle on 18 September 1938 and apart from a brief period during the war years, she resided in the Fremantle region through her lifetime. June was a gifted dancer in a variety of forms including highland, Irish, jazz, tap and ballet. Throughout a long career, June was the undefeated State Champion in Irish dancing.

In the early 1950s the “Fremantle Caledonian Society Pipe Band” offered tuition to young prospective pipers and drummers. There was an excellent response and as a result the “Fremantle Caledonian Junior Pipe Band” was formed in 1953. June was a foundation member, initially as a snare drummer, but later taking lessons and becoming competent on bass and tenor drums and bagpipes.

She would travel regularly by bus to the home of her piping tutor Robert Sinclair, Pipe Major of the senior “Fremantle Pipe Band” which would later become the “City of Fremantle Pipe Band”.

Even in these early days, as a teenager, June was a mentor to pupils her junior, happy to pass on her recently acquired competencies.

In the later 1950s the “Fremantle Caledonian Junior Pipe Band” members were reaching advanced teenage years and the band dissolved. Many of the members, including June, became playing members of the “City of Fremantle Pipe Band”.

As well as her proficiency on pipes and drums, June trained, practiced and performed as Drum Major as required. As a tribute to her competency, she was selected as one of the Drum Majors to lead the massed Pipes and Drums in performances at the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth.

In 1964 when the “Perth Ladies Pipe Band” was invited to perform at special events in Kalgoorlie, 600 kilometres east of Perth, their regular Drum Major was not available and June carried out the role with distinction. This was a typical example of June’s willingness to over almost seven decades assist any pipe band in need.

June continued with the “Fremantle Pipe Band” through the 1960s and near the end of that decade was approached by the WA Irish Club regarding the possibility of forming an Irish band. June accepted the challenge and by 1969 the “WA Irish Pipe Band” was established with June as the Founder and its first Pipe Major.

In addition to June’s pipe band career as a player, she was a marvellous ambassador and tutor and to this day there are scores of pipers and drummers taught and/or influenced by June.

In the 1970s she was a Music Instructor at “Melville Senior High School” and at “Christian Brothers College” in Fremantle. She later also taught at “Mercedes College” in Perth, “Iona Presentation Convent” in Mosman Park and more recently assisted with establishment of a pipe band at “Willetton Senior High School”. Whilst many pipers and drummers received their tuition through June at these schools, it was to be her involvement at two of Perth’s largest private schools that hundreds of students learnt piping and drumming, whether directly from June, or under her guidance.

A pipe band was established at Trinity College in the 1960s but had lapsed somewhat until 1978. The then headmaster, Brother Kelly, resolved to revive the band and turned to June Corcoran who was appointed Pipe Band Tutor (later Instructor). June was to continue in this role for over twenty years during which “Trinity College Pipe Band” competed successfully and performed regularly at school and public events.

Reverting to June’s pipe band playing career, she continued, mostly piping, with “WA Irish Pipe Band” until 1994 when the band obtained sponsorship and changed its name to the “City of Armadale Pipe Band”.

At that time June and several others from the “WA Irish Pipe Band” formed the “Celtic Pipes and Drums”. This band attracted other players, including several who were taught by June in their college days.

In 1996 June facilitated sponsorship negotiations with the City of Cockburn which resulted in the formation of the “City of Cockburn Pipe Band”. June is appropriately recognised as the Founder of the band which has gone from strength to strength over the past 20 years under her guidance. June was Pipe Major for 18 years and served as Secretary and/or President as required. The band encouraged juniors and others from all age groups, provided tuition and steadily built it into one of the State’s well-respected bands.

Through the 2000s, June was a Drumming Instructor at Scotch College, again passing on skills and passion for the pipe band activities. This college has consistently had more than 20 participants in the drum corps. The fact that June was appointed by Pipe Major, Norm de Grussa OAM, the College Bandmaster, who had a wealth of experience in Army and civilian pipe bands, is a tribute to the respect in which June’s mentoring skills were held.

Under June’s motivation, the “City of Cockburn Pipe Band” has travelled to Scotland four times to compete in the World Pipe Band Championships. The band also travelled to the USA to participate in the New York and Newark St Patrick’s Day Parades and played with the Long Island Pipe Band.

As well as being a playing member of bands as outlined, June gained a reputation as a prolific fundraiser and tireless worker to assist bands achieve their objectives. From holding sausage sizzles to hand knitting socks for the bands, June generated enthusiasm by example to others.

In all these 65 plus years, June was a constant band representative at the WA Pipe Band Association (now called Pipe Bands WA) meetings.

Her passion and interest was never parochial, but rather was focussed on the broad pipe band community. As a result of her outstanding contribution, she was bestowed with Life Membership of Pipe Bands WA.

This summary of June Corcoran’s career in pipe bands is certainly not all inclusive. For example, even whilst heavily involved in the ‘City of Cockburn Pipe Band” and tutoring at schools, June would willingly assist others upon request or by volunteering when noting there was a need. “Rockingham Pipe Band” engaged June as a drumming instructor in its formative years. The “Northside Highlanders”, practising weekly some 50 kilometres from June’s home, received her assistance on a regular basis.June’s generosity and abilities were recognised throughout the State and many country bands over the years benefitted from her willingness to share her knowledge.

Sadly June, surrounded by her family, passed away at her home south of Fremantle on 11 September 2019. The memorial service at Fremantle Cemetery on 23 September was attended by over 200 people. Approximately 70 members of Western Australia’s pipe bands, in band uniforms, were there to form a guard of honour. The City of Cockburn Pipe Band , with every available member on parade , led the cortege from the main entrance at Fremantle Cemetery to the Crematorium Chapel.

It was a fitting tribute to a wonderful and selfless person who had contributed so significantly to pipe bands in this state in particular and in the nation generally.  

Peter Maclean 50 Years Service Medal

March, 2018

Peter MacLean received a surprise 50 Years Of Service Award from Pipe Bands Australia at the Swan River Championship today.

WA Chairman, James Cowie, presented the certificate in front of the crowd, recognising Peter's extraordinary contributions over 5 decades.

Peter MacLean learnt to play the pipes with the Eastern Goldfields Pipe Band in Kalgoorlie. He started playing with the band in in 1958, and got extra practice by also playing for the highland dancing girls. He became Pipe Major of the Eastern Goldfields at age 17 and is a Life Member of the band.

In 1976, Peter moved to Perth and began playing with Perth Highland Pipe Band. He became Pipe Major in 1981 and took the band on its first international competition in Jakarta in 1982 and its first national competition to Brisbane in that decade. He has been a Life Member of Perth Highland, Pipe Major three times, and is a past President.

Peter is also a past President of the WA Pipe Band Association. PBWA congratulates him on 50 Years Of Service to the Pipe Band community.

Vale Iain Westgate

07.05.1981 - 17.01.2018 (36 years young)

It is with great sadness we advise our members of the passing of Mr Iain Westgate, former VP Piping and piping tutor in Western Australia.

In just over 2 years of being in Western Australia, Iain made a massive impact on so many people both in the pipe band community and also socially around Perth.

The sad news was received in the early hours of last Thursday morning here in Perth and was made public by his family later that evening. There have been many messages on social media by his friends & family and past band mates all providing touching tributes to a great man.

Iain was employed at the WA Police Service, were he was an integral member of the WA Police Pipe Band leadership group. As Pipe Sergeant, Iain’s musical contribution was obvious in the band's musical selection and overall performances.

He also assisted a local band, tutoring the Shadow Highlanders Pipe Band and leading them to an interstate competition. He was a member of the Pipe Band Club, Sydney, and also a member of the Australia Highlanders Pipe Band.

In the 2 years Iain was in this country, he touched the lives of so many, and his support and enthusiasm of piping will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of his tutelage, bandsmanship and friendship.

Iain returned to the UK in July of 2010, where he was able to fulfil a childhood dream and play with the world famous Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band under the legendary Pipe Major, Robert Mathieson. The band finished 5th in Grade 1 that year, a result that Iain was very proud of. "Not bad for an Englishmen”, he said!

Iain began his campaign to produce a highly competitive English pipe band to compete against the Scots. And as we would all would expect, Iain made this happen by attaining the British Championships in G3A with the RAF Halton/Waddington Pipe Band, where he was Pipe Major.

In 2016, the City of London Pipe Band was created from the amalgamation of the University of Bedfordshire and the RAF Halton Pipe Bands. (Please visit the City of London PIpe Band FB Page for a full history of Iain’s hard work and achievements in a very short time.)

To his family and friends, we extend our deepest sympathies.

Rest in peace, Pipe Major Iain Westgate.



There will be a memorial here in Perth for all those who wish to pay their respects. Details will be posted on this page when available.

2015 State Band Championships at Easter.

For a second year in a row, pipe bands will converge on Curtin University for the State Cmampionships. In 2015 Pipe Bands WA also welcomes Juvenile competitors Scotch College Pipe Band (Perth) and PLC Pipes and Drums (Sydney).

Date: Easter Monday 6 April 2015
Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Venue: Edinburgh Oval South, Curtin University
Let us know you're coming! RSVP on Facebook.

Enjoy the food and market stalls, and pop into the Scottish Masonic Bar during the afternoon. Note: Curtin Stadium is a smoke-free venue.

2015 Fremantle Highland Championships.

The Fremantle Highland Championships were held at Fremantle Sailing Club on Saturday March 14. Congratulations to Coastal Scottish, winners in Grade 3, Kalamunda District, winners in Grade 4, and to all bands who competed. Well done to Fremantle Sailing Club, Stuart Bradford, and all the Pipe Bands WA judges and helpers for putting on another successful contest. The full master sheet of the band and solo contests can be viewed by clicking here.

2014 State Solo results.

The State Solos this year was held at Trinity College on Saturday July 19. Congratulations to all the competitors and thank you to all the judges, organisers and spectators for making it a great day.

To see the master sheet results of the day, click on the CONTEST RESULTS link to the left here, or CLICK HERE.

Kalamunda Ceilidh.

Dust off your dancing shoes, it's Ceilidh time again! Entertainment includes dancing to the Heel n Toe Ceilidh Band (don't worry - dances are "called" so you don't have to know anything in advance) and performances by the pipe band, plus some other Scottish delights! A licenced bar means no BYO booze please (this is a fund-raiser after all!). Platters and snacks will be available for purchase.

Raffle prizes this year are cash to the value of $300, $150 and $50. Tickets will be available shortly - purchase tickets either by contacting your nearest KDPB band member, or call 0437 992600.

Date: Saturday 19th July 2014.
Time: 7-11pm.
Venue: Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre/Agricultural Hall, 48 Canning Road, Kalamunda.
Tickets and further info: Tom 0437 992600.

Pipe Bands WA State Championships.
29 March 2014

It was a great day at the Pipe Bands WA State Championships last Saturday. Slightly overcast and a little cool, Edinburgh Oval at Curtin University turned on weather more like Edinburgh, Scotland. Luckily, the rain stayed away.

Some great photos of the day can be see on the WAPOL Supporters Facebook page by clicking here.

Congratulations to the winning bands:
Western Australia Police Pipe Band 1st in Grade One
Perth Metro Pipe Band 1st in Grade Three
Perth Highland Pipe Band 1st in Grade Four.

Pipe Bands WA flash mob at Curtin Uni.

Pipe Bands WA staged a surprise flash mob stunt at Curtin University as a novel way to publicise its upcoming State Championships. Students were curious to watch a lone drummer walk out onto the courtyard near the library building, and then a little astonished when a young female student picked up bagpipes to play along.  But when seven separate pipe bands started marching from different directions of the campus, the whole university suddenly became engaged.

The 45 pipers and drummers kept in perfect sync playing the tune Highland Cathedral, and formed a giant crescent shape to entertain the gathered crowd.

Curtin University regularly hosts events and place activations to enrich the student experience on campus, including surprise food trucks and entertainment.

The flash mob video will be used on social media to spread the news that the State Pipe Band Championships are from noon to 4pm on Saturday, March 29, at Edinburgh Oval at the entrance to Curtin University. 

The YouTube video can be seen at http://youtu.be/CtksAvk6myU

Keith Allan attends Summer School.
January 2014

Pipe Bands WA funded a scholarship for piper Keith Allan to attend the APBA summer school in Sydney for one week in January. (That's Keith in the red shirt, front row.) The school was an incredible opportunity to study with tutors from around the world, including Richard Parkes, Pipe Major of the current Grade 1 world champion band, Field Marshall Montgomery. Keith has written a short blog to share the experience with Pipe Bands WA members.

Read Keith's Summer School blog by clicking here.

Piobaireachd Appreciation Group.
12 January 2014

The Piping Society of WA always encourages pipers to come along and play at our regular meetings on the third Saturday each month. We are aware that there are now more Piobaireachd players than ever before in WA who compete at a high level. Aiton Sheppard has offered to be the Convenor of a Piobaireachd Appreciation Group under the wing of the Piping Society of WA.
Contacted Aiton on 9301 0926 or mobile 0471 097 687 if you are interested in playing or learning piobaireachd. You are welcome to contact him or come along to the Inglewood Seniors Centre at the corner of Beaufort Street and Tenth Avenue, Inglewood from 7.30pm on Saturday 15 February, 2014, when we hope a group will formally commence.

Armadale Highland Gathering Contest.
17 November 2013

Pipe Bands WA ran a very successful contest at the Armadale Highland Gathering on Saturday 16 November. Congratulations to all the bands who performed at the Armadale Highland Gathering in 37 degree heat!

Grade 1 winners: WA Police Pipe Band
Grade 3 winners: Perth Metro Pipe Band
Grade 4 winners: Perth Highland Pipe Band

Well done also to the massed band with a perfectly executed cut-out! WAPOL also played for the highland dancers. Thanks to the contest supervisor, MC, judges, marshals and volunteers who made the day run like clockwork.

On the day, a piper from Fremantle Sailing Club and a piper from Perth Highland also ran in the 5km Perth Kilt Run, with both runners placing in the top 5 across the line. A piper and drummer from Perth Metro also played for the Kilt Run event, making it a long day!

Videos of all the competing bands can be seen on the Mr Christography YouTube Channel, thanks to the efforts of John Christensen.

Click the image to see the video of Perth Metro's Grade 3 Medley. Other videos are linked on this page, or see a list of all videos at Mr Christography

Jamie Forsyth is our new Pipe Bands WA Chair.
8 September 2013

At the AGM on September 8, Jamie Forsyth was elected unopposed as the branch's new Chairman. Jamie has worked tirelessly over the previous year as Vice Chair with the portfolio of events, and has much enthusiasm for his new role in steering the branch. Jamie said, "My aim as chairman in the next year is to continue the progressive work undertaken by James Cowie and the previous Executive and to ensure that we operate as efficiently and effectively as we can. After all, I’m sure we’d love to maximise the time we have to spend it playing pipes and drums! You have my commitment that I will work hard for you and most importantly, I will work hard for Western Australia’s Pipe band community."

James Cowie, who has chaired the branch for many years, was elected as one of the Vice Chairmen, along with Malcolm MacLean. A new edition to the Pipe Bands WA executive committee is James Pearse, who succeeds Raylee Riley as the Branch Secretary. Long-serving Treasurer, Peter Fallon, returns to his role managing the finances.

The College includes Lachlan Reid as VP Piping, EJ Brown as VP Drumming, Dave Witmarsh as VP Dress & Drill and Raylee Riley as VP Rules & Regulations.

World Championships Virtual Beer Tent night.
17 August 2013

Around 40 members of the WA Pipe Band community gathered at the practice hall of Perth Highland Pipe Band to watch the World Championships streamed live from Glasgow onto a big projection screen.

After some initial technical hiccups, the crowd were soon treated to the Grade 1 heats with frosty beers, hotdogs and haggis. With it being a cold wet night, it really did feel like being in Scotland!

The crowd spontaneously cheered when they spotted anyone from WA on screen. Picture above shows Peel Regional Police with Perth Metro pipers Matt Walker and Lachlan Boath performing as guest players.

At the halftime gap between the MSR and Medley contests, members of Perth Highland kept the crowd entertained with Pipe Major Malcolm MacLean piping in the haggis for a guest address to the haggis from Pipe Bands WA piping judge, Alicia Manolas. For an Australian twist to this, a meat pie was then piped in by Pipe Sergeant Gary Macintosh, with an hilarious address by piper Phil Richardson. You can see a video of the Adress To The Meat Pie on the Pipe Bands WA facebook page. CLICK HERE to see the video and photos from the night.

The crowd was then treated to a spectacular recital on Deger pipes by WAPOL's Stuart Robertson, followed by a recital on ancient shuttle pipes by Alicia Manolas. Malcolm MacLean played a set on his Technopipes with his BagpipeStar backing music, and South West Highlanders Pipe Major, Duncan Rankine, also played a Deger pipes set.

Hopefully, we can make this an annual social event on the Pipe Bands WA calendar.

WA well represented at World Championships.
August 2013

West Australians were very well represented at the World Championships this year. The City of Cockburn made the epic journey to compete on Glasgow Green in Grade 4, and eyewitnesses in the stands reported that they put in a very fine performance. Cockburn made the local papers, too. CLICK HERE to read the story.

Playing as guest members of Canada's Peel Regional Police competing in Grade 1 were Perth Metro pipers Lachlan Boath and Matt Walker.

Joing the drum corps of Northern Ireland's St Laurence O'Toole band was WA Police snare, Chris Johnston.

WA Police piper Laura McMillan performed with Inveraray and District in Grade 1 and Laura also learnt Inveraray's concert repertoire too, to perform in their sell-out live show, Ascension.

And, playing in the Grade 1 World Champion band Field Marshall Montgomery were ex-WAPOL Pipe Major Alisdair McLaren, and current WAPOL piper, Scott Wallace.

Alisdair and Scott also made guest appearances in the internet meme on the World Championships. See the page here: BUZZFEED

WA State Solos, June 29.

An encouraging number of contestants entered this year's State Solo Competition, hosted by North Metro Pipe Band at Mater Dei College in Edgewater. An enthusiastic crowd watched pipers and drummers compete in the various grades for the shiny trophies. To see photos of the event, visit our facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/PipeBandsWA

The results were:

Grade A Piping
1st Scott Wallace WAPOL (pictured above)
2nd Adam Britten WAPOL
3rd Laura McMillan WAPOL

Grade B Piping
1st Ron Thom Kalamunda & Districts
2nd Amelia Hewison Perth Metro
3rd Duncan Rankine South West

Grade C Piping
1st Keith Allan Perth Highland
2nd Ali MacKerron Perth Highland
3rd Tom Beggan City Of Cockburn

Grade D Piping
1st Andrew Head Perth Metro
2nd Stuart Bradford Fremantle Sailing Club
3rd Grant Benskin City Of Cockburn

Novice Piping
1st Simon Whitehouse City of Cockburn
2nd Doug Geddes Solo
3rd Adam Round Kalamunda & Districts

Veterans Piping
1st Ron Thom Kalamunda & Districts
2nd Keith Allan Perth Highland
3rd Viv Riley Solo

Piobaireachd Ular
1st Andrew Head Perth Metro
2nd Grant Benskin City Of Cockburn
3rd Simon Whitehouse City of Cockburn

Piobaireachd
1st Adam Britten WAPOL
2nd Viv Reilley Solo
3rd Ron Thom Kalamunda & Districts

Grade A Snare
1st Danny Bowles WAPOL
2nd Chris Johnston WAPOL
3rd Conor Breheny WAPOL

Grade B Snare
1st John Christensen South West

Grade C Snare
1st Daniel Bell City of Cockburn
2nd Gareth Brown Kalamunda & Districts

Grade D Snare
1st Daniel Bell City of Cockburn
2nd Gareth Brown Kalamunda & Districts
3rd Chris Deacon Solo

Grade D Tenor
1st Sue McNaughtan Kalamunda & Districts

Novice Tenor
1st Sofie Osborne
2nd Barbara Hughes

Novice Bass
1st Paul Skipworth

WAPOL Piping Recital, June 15.

The WA Police Pipe Band Supporters Association is presenting a Piping Recital on the 15th June 2013 at the Braham Auditorium, Trinity College starting at 7pm.

The performers for the evening will be:
· Amelia Hewison – Perth Metro Pipe Band
· Laura McMillan – WA Police and Inveraray & District Pipe Band
· Scott Wallace – WA Police and Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band
· James Murray – Pipe Major WA Police Pipe Band and Glenfiddich prize winner.

Tickets are $15 and will be available from the Police Pipe Band website http://www.wapol.com.au or at the door from 6.30pm. Seating is limited, so first in, best seated. For details, contact band officer Adam Britten on 9370 7183.

State Championships at WA University.
11 May 2013

The sun came out on cue for a brilliant afternoon at the State Championships held on James Oval at the University of WA in Crawley. The UWA Club provided free lunch for all competitors and a big crowd came along to watch the bands compete through the afternoon.

Results:
Grade 3 Champions, Perth Metro.
Grade 4 Champions, South West Highlanders.

Clips of the performances can be viewed on Mr Christography's YouTube Channel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCyHn4M0uUo

Fremantle Sailing Club puts on a good show.
25 March 2013

Pipe Major Stuart Bradford and his Fremantle Sailing Club Pipes & Drums hosted a marvellous band and solos competition at the picturesque marina in South Fremantle. The event was very well organised, right down to the trophy presentation in the alfresco beer garden with an address by the Club Commodore.

Here are the winners from the day:
Winner Grade 3 Pipe Bands: Perth Metro
Winner Grade 4 Pipe Bands: South West Highlanders
Winner Grade A Solo piping: Jamie Forsyth
Winner Grade B Solo piping: Amelia Hewison
Winner Grade C Solo piping: Amelia Hewison
Winner Grade D Solo piping: Thomas Beggan
Winner Piobreachd: Viv Riley
Winner Piobreachd Urlar: Keith Allan
Winner Novice Piping: Grant Benskin
Winner Veteran Piping: Hamish Brown
Winner Grade D Snare: Gareth Brown
Winner Novice Snare: Daniel Bell
Winner Grade D Tenor: Sue McNaughtan
Winner Novice Tenor: Sofie Osborne
Winner Novice Bass: Paul Skipworth

On the road again...
18 February 2013

As well as performing their duties within the Branch, W.A. College members have long been sought after as adjudicators, educators and players Interstate and beyond. Here’s a snapshot of the activities your College Branch members are undertaking outside W.A. in the first half of this year:

College Branch Secretary and National Registrar Raylee Riley:
• conducting registration workshops in Tasmania in February
•Administrating at the Richmond Highland games 18th February

 VP Piping Lachie Reid:
• playing at the NZ Pipe Band Championship with G2 band Temuka 3rd March

Piping and Ensemble adjudicator Viv Riley:
• Adjudicating at the MacLean Highland Games in NSW, Easter weekend

Piping adjudicator James Murray:
• Adjudicating and recital at the MacLean Highland Games in NSW, Easter weekend
•Recital at the R.U. Brown Memorial solo piping contest in  Adelaide 4th May

VP Drumming E.J. Brown:
Adjudicating at the S.A. State Championship 18th February
•Adjudicating at the Geelong Highland Gathering 2nd and 3rd March.

Pipe Bands WA website is live!
14 February 2013

The new Pipe Bands WA website went live on February 14, a fitting date for this labour of love. The new site is designed as a resource for promoting piping and drumming in Western Australia, keeping players and supporters up to date with events and communications, and to help member bands promote themselves to event organisers.

The site was designed and programmed by Vice Chair of Pipe Bands WA, Malcolm MacLean. Photography for the website is courtesy of three pipers: Andrew Head of the Perth Metro Pipe Band, Malcolm MacLean of Perth Highland Pipe Band, and Jock Roarty, formerly of WA Police Pipe Band. Jock now has his own photography and web design business john-roaty.com. Malcolm has also started his own advertising consultancy called Likeable Creative and you can see some of his work here.

The site will be regularly updated and there is also a facebook site for joining the conversation, fun and feedback.

If you have any suggestions or comments to make about this website, please email Malcolm at malcolmmaclean@me.com