The City of Auckland Pipe Band

Here we'll post details of upcoming events and other band news. Stay posted!

New patron - Cameron Brewer
We are delighted to welcome Cameron Brewer as patron of the band. Cameron is Auckland City councillor for Orakei ward, and has been a good friend of the band over the years as former chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association, which organises the local ANZAC Day parade we play at (see photos page). "Town pipers" have a long civic tradition in Scotland, europe and the new world, and Cameron's patronage helps strengthen the band's association with Auckland City; an association of which we are all very proud.

Cameron was espied recently with councillor Cathy Casey at the Remuera Scottish Festival (1 October 2011) cutting a fine dash in a MacNeil of Barra kilt - He is taking his responsibilities seriously indeed!

Rugby World Cup - September 2011
A huge honour for the band was to be selected to play as part of the official Rugby World Cup opening ceremony in Auckland. We were featured in Don McGlashan's especially composed song "All Lit Up" which accompanied the fireworks display across Auckland right before kick-off of the first game (NZ v Tonga). It was the biggest event ceremony in NZ history, and a huge thrill for us all. See the pic on the photos page.

Band camp - August 2011
This year's band camp was a huge success, and a fitting reward for all the work which has gone into the band with teaching new players since last season. We had a full competition band turnout (14 pipers, 4 sides, 4 bass-section), in addition to many other learners, family and friends. It was the first time we had absoutely all learners along to a band camp, and it was so successful that we will continue this going forward.

The venue was the Mighty River Domain on Lake Karapiro, home to New Zealand rowing and a spectacular location at any time of year. Just after the cold weather bomb we got a stunning weekend, and couldn't have asked for more. Plenty of great food courtesy of the Chia family, great laughs and fun on our Saturday night celeidh, and heaps of good piping and drumming. Check out of the pics on the photos page.

Band re-grading - August 2010
Following the Nationals in March, the band has been re-graded from Grade 2 to Grade 3 for the 2011 competition season. A lack of numbers in both pipers and drummers, and a "missing" bass section, cost us in 2010. But on the positive side, the re-grading does give us the opportunity to integrate our learner pipers and drummers into the competition band, which will stand us in good stead for future seasons.

So if you are an aspiring piper or drummer (including sides and tenors), and want to "get-in" with a quality band to develop your playing and enjoy competition success, please contact us. This is a great opportunity - We have an active tuition programme for serious leaners, and we encourage and support them in solo competition as well.

There are also places available for beginners - All we ask is that you are keen!

Des White - Funeral
There was a huge turn-out for Des' funeral on Friday, with standing room only at Morrison's 200-seat chapel. Robert Halliday piped the coffin in to "Des White's Medicine Chest", and played the air "Cailin Mo Ruin-sa" during the service. Many of his friends, workmates, and bandsmen spoke of their memories and times with Des over the years. Mention was also made of the special celebration last year to mark Des' 50th year in the City of Auckland Pipe Band and the inscribed shield presented to him on that occasion which was placed on the coffin. (The band also publicly acknowledged Des' contributions during our Celtic Grooves concerts last year, attended by 1500 people).

At the conclusion of the service, pipers and drummers from bands all over the Auckland region played "Amazing Grace", and once through "A Hundred Pipers / Bonnie Dundee / Cock O' the North" for old times' sake. The New Zealand Herald had a write-up the service (PDF colour and black&white), including some of the many nice things people said about Des.

Des White (1939-2009)
It is with deep regret that we advise that Des White, who had been bass drummer with the band for over 50 years, died in an accident on Wednesday (1 July 2009) at Newmarket railway station. Des was a highly valued band member (a true bandsman!) and also part of the Electric Loco Restoration Team at the Bush Tramway Club. He will be dearly missed by all, and our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this difficult time.

The funeral service is at 12:30pm, Friday 10 July 2009, Morrison's Funeral Home, 220 Universal Drive, Henderson. There will be a cup of tea after the service, and then we will move on to the Henderson RSA.

New Drum Sergeant Wanted!!!
We are actively seeking applications for the position of Drum Sergeant within our drum corps. The successful applicant should have experience at competition level and be able to lead, motivate and inspire our up and coming team of new and enthusiastic drummers. We are an active and fun band that can offer you a supportive and competitive environment in which to advance your skills as the leading side of a Grade 2 band. For more information email robert@cityofaucklandpipeband.org.nz

Celtic Grooves Concert, Saturday 26 July 2008
The Celtic Grooves concert was again a great success, with great attendance for both afternoon and evening performances (in spite of the storm, and footie match). Here's the flyer for the show.