COFFS Coast Pipes and Drums band members, pipers Cathy Suley and Jeanette Baldwin and tenor drummer Dale Rogers, participated in a successful world-record attempt celebrating women in pipe bands.
The historic event took place in Melbourne’s City Square on July 5, culminating in a new world record officially set, with 145 registered women participants performing the iconic tunes ‘Scotland the Brave’ and ‘Waltzing Matilda’.
The record gathering marked the Centenary of the Australian Ladies pipe band’s remarkable 1925-1927 world tour; a pioneering chapter in Australian music history that took female pipers and drummers to audiences around the world.
Earlier in the day, Cathy Suley and Dale Rogers also took part in the Tartan Day Massed Bands Parade, marching along Collins Street with male and female pipers and drummers in a spectacular display of Scottish tradition and music.
Organisers hoped the Melbourne gatherings would encourage more girls and women to take up piping and drumming.
“It wasn’t until the 1960s that women were allowed to join with male members of pipe bands,” Coffs Coast Pipes and Drums band leader Geoff Rogers told News Of The Area.
“Mixed pipe bands were a slow band-by-band process.”
Coffs Coast Pipes and Drums have a 70-year history performing on the Mid North Coast.
“We are always happy to welcome past players, or anyone interested in learning the pipes and drums,” Mr Rogers said.
All lessons are free.
“We are currently seeking anyone interested in learning the tenor drums, no music experience is necessary but is an advantage.”
The band meets at Coffs Harbour Showground on Wednesdays from 5pm for learners and full band from 6pm.
By Andrea FERRARI
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
