Pipe Band

Pēne Kōtimana

Formed in 1919, the Pipe Band is an integral part of the College’s heritage and Scottish tradition and remains an important part of the fabric of St Andrew’s. The Pipe Band performs regularly at assemblies, Prizegiving, Open Days, Founders’ Day, sport fixtures and on many other special occasions, and is widely regarded as New Zealand’s premier school band.

Senior Pipe Band performing at St Andrew's College.

"The potential for progression is unlimited. Unlike many sports where there is a relatively short life span, piping and drumming doesn’t have that limitation. Without a doubt, a huge part of playing in the Pipe Band at St Andrew’s is having those lifelong friendships and enjoying shared camaraderie."
Richard Hawke
Pipe Band Director

New Zealand’s premier school Pipe Band

The St Andrew’s College Pipe Band is an autonomous department in itself and not structured as part of the College’s Music programme. The quality of our band is measured on its results and the delivery of its own goals. The St Andrew’s College Pipe Band takes pride in its competition results and has a proven track record of success both in New Zealand and on the world stage.

As a result, our tutoring staff are second to none with four full-time tutors – two each for piping and drumming. Richard Hawke who runs piping has won a gold medal for piping in Scotland – the pinnacle of solo piping.

Success on the international stage

The Pipe Band competes in contests locally, nationally and internationally, with many titles to its name. In 2013, St Andrew's College were crowned world champions in the Juvenile grade at the World Pipe Championships in Glasgow, then in 2018 they were runners up in the Juvenile grade in the same event. Most recently in 2023, our Pipe Band placed third out of 45 bands in the Juvenile grade at the World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

The St Andrew's College Pipe Band performing in St Andrews, Scotland.

The Richard Askin Memorial Pipe Band Room was home to the College's Pipe Band from 1969 until February 2011. The Band Room was built with the assistance of a donation from the Askin family, in memory of Richard Askin who was Pipe Major in 1964 but was tragically killed in a car accident in his early 20s. The 2011 earthquakes damaged the Askin Band Room beyond repair, which led to the new facility being built and being officially opened on 24 March 2016. The plaque from the original Band Room now takes pride of place on the walls of the Askin Pipe Band Centre.

Integral part of our Scottish heritage

Although the St Andrew’s College Pipe Band is primarily a competing band, it is an integral part of College culture and ceremony and honours the Scottish principles. As well as the College community, the band also belongs to the national and global pipe band community. Members are frequently requested to play at weddings, birthdays, funerals and many other occasions. The Pipe Band also holds an annual concert called StAC Attack, which also showcases instrumentalists, vocalists and Highland dancers.

Preparatory student pipers performing at StAC Attack.

Pipe Band tuition

At St Andrew’s College, the Pipe Band caters for every student regardless of their prior experience. As part of our in-house tuition programme, we take students from the learner level though to the very top. The speed of progression is dependent on each student and there is opportunity for involvement in the school band through to competition level on the world stage. Over 160 students are involved with our Pipe Band and many of our Old Collegians go on to join pipe bands around the world, which is testament to the quality of our tutors.

Individuals in the band are privately tutored in the College’s purpose built Askin Pipe Band Centre, by world-class international tutors who are the very best in their field. They are developed to be the best they can be, and are given opportunities to meet, learn and compete internationally. The Pipe Band Director and Pipe Band Manager are responsible for overseeing tutors, setting the musical programme and managing the day-to-day responsibilities associated with the Band.

Our Pipe Band staff and tutors

The Band is very fortunate to have an exceptionally high calibre of tutors across all the disciplines. The Pipe Band Director and Pipe Band Manager are responsible for overseeing tutors, setting the musical programme and managing the day-to-day responsibilities associated with the Band.

Richard Hawke

Pipe Band Director, Bagpipe Tutor
Graeme Bryce

Pipe Band Manager, Bagpipe Tutor
Scott Birrell

Head of Pipe Band Drumming
Jamie McEwan

Drumming Tutor
Susan Gaines

Pipe Band Support Staff
Bid Constanti

Pipe Band Support Staff
Courtney Williamson

Pipe Band Support Staff

Year 9 Pipe Band Scholarship

The College offers scholarships to talented pipers and drummers from other schools to assist with their transition to St Andrew’s. Up to three scholarships are awarded each year, providing up to a 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees for five years, for pipers or drummers. Application is by audition and interview.

Please click here for further details.