Latest news with #World's'
The Herald Scotland
07-08-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow gears up for 2025 World Pipe Band Championships
The global pinnacle of the piping competitive circuit, the championships bring together the world's finest pipers and drummers to compete for glory in the ultimate, fiercely-fought 'battle of the bands'. Last year's 'World's' saw more than 7,000 competitors demonstrating their dedication, passion, skills and talent. The event attracted over 35,000 attendees and was also watched by huge virtual audiences worldwide. The two-day contest culminated in Scotland's Inveraray & District Pipe Band taking the title of 2024 World Champions. Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band of Lisburn, Northern Ireland were runners-up and Simon Fraser University of Canada took third place. READ MORE: Pipe bands linked to better exam results for pupils Glasgow tunes up for Scotland's biggest week of bagpipes Bagpipe sales 'in the doldrums' after decline warning This year, with even more bands taking part – a total of 207, representing 15 countries from as far afield as Australia and New Zealand, Oman and Zimbabwe – the competition promises to be intense and exciting. Organisers The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association is introducing a new format for the 2025 'Worlds'. On the first day, following the initial performances by Grade 1 bands, the focus will be on young talent. The Juvenile, and Novice Juvenile A and B bands will compete in a dedicated youth competition, giving more than 1,540 under 18s an unprecedented opportunity to shine on 'the Worlds' stage. Friday's finale will be a massed performance by all the young bands followed by their prize-giving celebration, ensuring a memorable, inspiring experience for competitors and spectators alike. On Saturday, the spotlight is on the senior bands as their competition hots up. The two-day 'Worlds' will culminate in the final awards ceremony, when the top six senior grade bands and three drum major grades receive their awards before the announcement of the 2025 World Pipe Band Champions. Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: 'Our decision to stage a dedicated youth competition as part of the 2025 World Pipe Band Championships is underpinned by our mission to nurture young talent in piping and drumming. Showcasing the incredible talent and skills of the next generation, the youth competition also reinforces our ongoing commitment to the future of pipe band music. Inveraray & District Pipe Band won the World Pipe Band Championships in 2024 (Image: Alan Harvey - SNS Group) 'We hope as many people as possible will come to support these brilliant young performers as they take their well-earned place at the heart of the world's premier pipe band event. 'As ever, tickets are in great demand for the event, so anyone who doesn't want to miss out on the experience should book now for Friday 15 and Saturday 16 August.' The championships take place during the world's biggest week of piping, alongside Glasgow International Piping Festival Piping Live! which this year celebrates its 22nd edition, with events taking place from Monday 11 August to Sunday 17 August. 'The Worlds' are staged on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association by Glasgow Life – the charity which delivers culture and active living events and experiences to support mental, physical and economic wellbeing in Glasgow. The event is supported by funding from EventScotland, part of VisitScotland. Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, said: 'Glasgow is privileged to be home to the world's biggest celebration of Scotland's national instrument. Every summer our great UNESCO City of Music is filled with sensational sounds and sights as the traditional and contemporary music of the bagpipes is showcased during our prestigious World Pipe Band Championships and vibrant Piping Live! festival. The continued success of both events demonstrates the thriving interest there is worldwide in Scottish culture and music. 'The Worlds and Piping Live! are extremely important to, and valued by, Glasgow; they enhance the city's international profile, boost tourism, and contribute significantly to our economy. We are therefore delighted once again to welcome performers, competitors and visitors to these wonderful events.' Rob Dickson, VisitScotland Director of Industry and Events, said: 'There is definitely no better place in the world than Scotland to experience the magic of piping, and both the World Pipe Band Championships – the pinnacle of the competitive piping calendar – and the vibrant Piping Live! as part of our diverse portfolio of events and festivals taking place this summer. 'Events like these not only bring people together to share unforgettable experiences, they also play a vital role in helping driving Scotland's visitor economy. They attract audiences and participants from across the globe, boosting local businesses, supporting jobs, and showcasing our rich cultural heritage to the world. 'Glasgow will once again provide the perfect stage as competitors from across the globe come together to showcase their talents at 'the Worlds', while Piping Live! brings the city to life with a vibrant celebration of both traditional and contemporary bagpipe music.' Further details of the 2025 World Pipe Band Championships, and tickets for the event, are available at
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Nerd Herd heads back to robotics world stage
CLINTON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Nerd Herd, a group of South Vermillion Middle School robotics students, qualified for the third time for the Vex Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas, after three years of hard work. WTWO reporter Jen Thompson introduced you to the Nerd Herd last year. It's a small group of South Vermillion Middle School (SVMS) robotics students with sky-high pants and even higher hopes. They're a year older and wiser, and the team is heading back to the VEX World Championships. But what they've built over the last three years goes far beyond robotics. In a room filled with wires, wheels, and worktables at SVMS, something big is being built. 'Initially, they were shy,' Computer Science Teacher and Robotics Coach Maria Sellers recalled. 'They've each become compassionate, empathetic, hardworking, and just in general, they could take all of those skills and go work in the industry, anywhere,' she added. RELATED: 'We look small but we're mighty' | Meet the 'Nerd Herd' The hum of the robot in the classroom blends with teammates' quick exchanges about time and mechanisms. 'It's not as simple as it looks,' Colton Robertson, who is a robot driver and does strategy for the team, said. 'It is very challenging,' he added. It's been three years since the Nerd Herd started piecing together bots and friendships. 'This year we've probably built around 10 robots,' Reed Taylor, who drives the robot and keeps track of their work in the team's engineering notebook, said. Eventually, the boys narrowed down which bot they'd take to the competition. With the help of their health teacher, the boys chose to name the robot 'The Yeet Machine.' 'Because it 'yeets the ball,' James explained. Jonah Foltz is the robot builder, and he explained a big change in their latest bot. They doubled the number of motors on the machine. 'On this one, (The Yeet Machine) it has four motors,' he said. 'Which means it's a lot faster.' What began with suspenders and sky-high pants is now a well-oiled machine, consisting of experience, teamwork, and pride. 'I feel like we've grown as a team because we've been able to communicate a lot more compared to previous years,' Taylor said. 'It's just awesome to see.' The team has once again qualified for the Vex Robotics World Championship, reaching a goal they set as sixth graders, to do it three years in a row—an achievement that puts them in rare company. The Vex Robotics World Competition, or 'World's' as the team calls it, is said to be the largest robotics competition in the world. It takes place in Dallas, Texas, in May. 'This year was really exciting because we were able to make it to second place and get an award for that,' Taylor said. 'In previous years, we haven't made it to the finals, so it's just super exciting,' he added. 'They'll be surrounded by teams from anywhere on the Asian Continent to somewhere in Europe to somewhere in the Middle East,' Sellers said. It's incredible to see so many students doing exactly what they do right beside them.' The growth of the team didn't come easily. Hours were spent each day refining code, redesigning bots, and reworking strategy. 'We spend a lot of time and basically dedicate our lives to robotics,' Taylor said. For the Nerd Herd, it's all worth it. 'I'd like to be a mechanical engineer, and it helps me because I've learned so much about different mechanisms, like the PTO system, and gear ratios,' Colten James, who programs the bot, said. 'I've just learned a bunch of skills that'll help me in the future,' he added. A group of students brought together by code and curiosity, now bonded by something even stronger. Because sometimes, what you build in Middle School lasts a lifetime. 'Nerd Herd in itself has become like a family,' Sellers said. 'We've had a really good coach that's helped us evolve as we continue to be the best we can be,' James said. The Nerd Herd will head to the World's competition next month to compete against teams from around the globe, and they could use your help to get there. To help the South Vermillion Middle School Robotics team reach that goal, you can send a check to the school showing support for the team. Donations can be mailed to SVMS at 950 W Wildcat Dr. Clinton, IN 47842. But no matter the outcome, this team has already won something that can't be measured in points. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
