 Our pipe band is so intimately connected with the College that it is hard to believe that there was a considerable time in the history of the school when it did not exist. Although the College was founded in 1919 (to commemorate the "Sons of Scotland who fell in the Great War") there was no band until almost 40 years later. Not until the advent of the Cadet Corps and the need this generated for a band which could provide suitably martial marching music was a band founded and funded. It would appear that the driving force for the creation (and funding) of a pipe band came from Captain Huw Edwards who was the Officer Commanding the Scotch College Cadets.
Although the Cadet Corps was disbanded in 1973, the determination of a strong group of parents, past and current scholars saw the band survive. Under the leadership of the newly appointed (1972) Pipe Major Ernie Dowler (formerly from the Adelaide University Regiment) it became the focus for our celebration of Scottish traditions and the flagship of the school. Another change embraced at this time was the move from single sex to co-education and today you will find almost equal numbers of girls and boys in the band.
Upon the retirement of PM Ernie Dowler, Malcolm Massie (at that time living in NZ) was apppointed in November 1988. He took over in February 1989. Under his direction the band was expanded, toured interstate on a regular basis and undertook a successful foray in 1991 to New Zealand where it won the Grade 4 Championship at the Timaru National Pipe Band Contest. Two other tours to New Zealand have followed. He has overseen the expansion of the band, significant changes to the uniform, a formalised integration of the band into College daily life, a move from a small room to an expansive suite and retention of contact with ex-scholars.
We are particulary proud of the high rate at which our ex-pipers and drummers join other bands upon the completion of their education at the College.
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