6 days ago
National honours for Pretoria's young pipe band maestros
The Pretoria Boys High School Pipe Band has achieved a major success by winning top honours at the South African Pipe Band Championships 2025 held at St Benedict's College.
The band's calendar remains active as it is scheduled for a public appearance at the Pretoria High School for Girls' Spring Fair on September 6.
They competed in the Novice Juvenile Grade and took first place in three major performance categories: March Selection, MSR (march, strathspey, and reel), and Drum Corps.
James Orr, master in charge of the pipe band, said these victories clinched the prestigious Novice Juvenile South African Champion title.
According to Orr, their journey began at the beginning of the year, and they spent several months preparing for the competition with the support of pipers, drummers, and tutors.
'Preparation for the SA Championships began in January, with intensive rehearsals building up in the months leading to the competition.
'All other contests in the season served as opportunities to refine our performances and hone our craft,' he said.
The hard work didn't stop with just one title, as the band also secured the coveted Champion of Champions award, determined by cumulative results throughout the national competition season.
'By consistently winning at national contests, Pretoria Boys High School secured this title for the 2025 season,' said Orr.
He said their performances at the championships showcased not only their discipline and technical mastery but also their deep musicality.
Orr explained that the march selection, which was part of their performance, featured the traditional 2/4 marches 'Marie's Wedding', 'The Brown Haired Maiden', and 'The Sweet Maid of Glendaruel'.
He added that the MSR set, a combination of march, strathspey [dance], and reel, demonstrated the band's ability to balance structure and expression, delivering both complexity and energy in their playing.
Orr emphasised the important role of student leadership in the band's success.
'They work closely with our dedicated instructors and school staff to maintain high musical standards, strong discipline, and team cohesion. Their leadership has been instrumental in our success this year,' he said.
Back on campus, the band's achievements have been met with a wave of celebration and pride.
'Fellow learners, staff, and Old Boys have shared messages of congratulations, and the victory has been warmly celebrated within the school community,' said Orr.
Orr said Pretoria Boys High has long supported music and culture alongside its strong academic and sporting traditions.
He explained that the school offers dedicated rehearsal spaces, instruments, uniforms, and performance opportunities for band members.
'Our headmaster, Mr Greg Hassenkamp, has been exceptionally supportive of the band and even visited us during our final rehearsal to wish us well before the championships.'
He said that the school ensures that any learner can be part of the band, regardless of prior musical experience.
Orr added that beginners follow a structured training programme, and pipes are available for loan to those wishing to learn.
'Many of our current members began with no background in piping or drumming,' said Orr.
The recent accolades mark a significant high point for the band, which has consistently ranked among the best in its grade both nationally and regionally in recent years.
'The 2025 season marks a high point, with the band achieving both the SA Champion and Champion of Champions titles for the first time in a decade,' Orr said.
ALSO READ: Tshwane cracks down on car washes using fire hydrants illegally
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
