Celebrating 20 years of StAC Attack

When former Pipe Band members and brothers Ben (OC 2005) and Jeremy McLaughlin (OC 2003) wrote a tune for the Pipe Band called StAC Attack while they were students at St Andrew’s College in the early 2000s, they never dreamed their catchy title would become the name of the annual Pipe Band showcase and a cherished College tradition.

Pipe Band Director, Richard Hawke says as the Pipe Band started to prepare for this year’s special 20th anniversary celebrations of the concert on Friday 17 July, the StAC Attack name and tune, were the chosen themes for the show.

“The finale performance of StAC Attack with the Highland dancers and backing instruments, was an absolute highlight, especially with co-writer Ben McLaughlin, our Pipe Major in 2005, joining the band onstage. It was a fantastic way to celebrate Jeremy and Ben’s tune and our show title which we have used for two decades.”

Richard says he is “immensely proud” of the large group of Year 4–13 pipers and drummers who performed at StAC Attack in front of a packed audience at the James Hay Theatre. He is especially happy with the standard of the A Band, the current New Zealand Juvenile Champions, who have just headed off to compete at the World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

“The quality of the A Band’s playing at StAC Attack was exceptional and has set us up well as we make our seventh appearance in Scotland. We’d love to replicate our 2013 result, when St Andrew’s won the Juvenile World Championship title.”

Members of the B and C Pipe Bands, and the youngest learners on the chanter or drum pad were also a special part of the night, alongside the Highland dancers, who “always add so much colour and flair to the event,” says Richard.

“It’s wonderful to see our youngest pipers, drummers and dancers experience the buzz and excitement of StAC Attack. Being part of it definitely inspires and motivates us all.”

Special awards were presented at the event to Ben McLaughlin, who received a framed copy of his tune StAC Attack, and Hayden Lam (OC 2024) who was honoured for creating and producing many of the evening’s backing tracks.

“As we celebrate 20 years of StAC Attack, we also acknowledge the many students, tutors, staff, Old Collegians, families and supporters who have contributed to the remarkable 107-year history of the St Andrew’s College Pipe Band,” Richard reflects.

The Scottish celebrations didn’t stop there. The following evening on Saturday 18 July, over 160 supporters gathered in Gym 1 for the popular Pipe Band Ceilidh (pronounced ‘kay-lee’). During an evening of haggis, music, spot prizes, a silent auction, drams, dancing, and of course tartan. Valuable funds were raised to help the A Band on its way to Scotland.

“It was another fun, social night with our supporters, who enjoyed an old-fashioned Scottish knees-up as they took part in some traditional dances and generously supported the fundraiser. We are especially grateful to Renee Brook and Lisa Young from the Pipe Band Parent Supporters Group and staff member Bid Constanti who were the driving force behind this wonderful event.”