Scots College Pipe Band – Embracing Family and College Traditions

Since joining Scots College in Year 5, Year 11 student Archie Ferguson has embraced his Scottish heritage by joining the Scots College Pipe Band. “Although I was the youngest member by three years when I joined in Year 6, the older members were welcoming and inclusive, helping me feel right at home,” he recalls.

Archie was inspired by his father Alistair, who played the bagpipes in the north of Scotland, and remembers the sight of massed pipe bands at local Highland games. With a family history like this, joining the Pipe Band was a natural step for Archie.

This year, Archie was invited to step up to be the Pipe Band Major.

“It is a real privilege,” Archie reflects. “As Pipe Major, it is my duty to control the timing and tempo of the tunes, as well as lead the band in various performances. This often means solo playing, which is a real honour.”

The role initially felt daunting to Archie, but he found great support from fellow band members and tutors.

“Our tutor, Marion Horsbrough, has been so encouraging. She is a prominent member of one of New Zealand’s top bands, so she is a very well accomplished piper herself,” Archie explains. “The other band members and tutors have also been a great support, and I’d like to acknowledge our drummers Sophie and Liam, as well as our new band manager Ms Redpath (who is also from Scotland), Reverend David Jackson, the Pipe Band Committee, and of course our supportive parents.”

“There is definitely a time commitment needed, and more so as Pipe Major, and sometimes it can be hard to juggle study, sport, friends, and family. I hope I find the right balance!”

For Archie, there have been many highlights, including marching in the Victoria University of Wellington Parade after their capping ceremony, and competing across the North Island. One of the standout events for Archie is the annual Ceilidh.

“This year, I had to step up and perform some new roles at the Ceilidh. This included leading the band in many performances as well as piping in the dignitaries in the Grand March. Piping in the haggis is one of the highlights that I look forward to every year,” says Archie.

This year’s Ceilidh was an important fundraising event for the Pipe Band’s tour to Scotland in 2025.

“Due to COVID-19, our last tour to Scotland was cancelled, so we are very excited at the prospect of touring in 2025,” says Archie. “In preparation, we have introduced new tunes into our repertoire, and will perform them in several competitions in Edinburgh and Glasgow. We will also have the once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the Edinburgh Tattoo.”

Being part of the Pipe Band has been incredibly rewarding for Archie. “It has taught me how to perform publicly with confidence and pride,” he shares. “It has also taught me leadership skills, as well as resilience and perseverance – no matter how hard you prepare, sometimes things just go wrong and you have to accept that and move on.”

For anyone interested in joining the Pipe Band, Archie’s advice is simple: “Give it a go. The band is inclusive and welcoming, and the sooner you start, the better you’ll become.”