Talent Gore
ST JOHN’S College Pipe and Drum Corps are charming the Scottish city of Glasgow ahead of the prestigious World Pipe Band Championships, which get underway today.
The showcase event is the top annual competition for pipers and drummers and attracts thousands of pipers and drummers, and hundreds of pipe bands, from around the world.
This year’s event marks the 75th anniversary of Glasgow hosting the World Championships, which have been held there since 1948.
The championships were first held in 1906.
Ahead of the tournament, the St John’s band has been charming Glasgow residents with their street performances, drawing a lot of praise online, from around the world.
They have also shown that they are there for the real prize by winning first place in the piping competition at the Dundonald Highland Games, where they beat eight adult bands.
The school’s cultural director, Jonathan Kulonga, said the band’s success was down to its passion and precision.
Kulonga said the school is proud to be showcasing the country’s musical heritage on an international platform.
“We played our march selection with passion and precision, impressing the judges.
“The piping section achieved first place, while the drumming section secured a commendable second place.
“This outstanding performance contributed to the overall success of the College pipe band, as we were awarded first place in the competition,” said Kulonga.
He added:
“Their hard work, dedication and perseverance has paid off, and they have represented our College and country with great distinction.”
In an update on the school’s social media handles, Kalonga said:
“We are delighted to inform you that Kudzai Taruwona, accompanied by Tinashe Chirambanegomo, Wade McShaw (drums), Tungamirai Mukwazhi and Imraan Jooma (pipes) participated in the Innovation Glasgow 2023 competition held yesterday at Barras Art and Design in Glasgow.
Organised by Innovation in collaboration with its main sponsor, British Drum Co, this prestigious event showcases some of the best pipe band drummers from around the world.
“Each performer, including great performers, gets five minutes to captivate a vibrant audience with their musical talents.
“This competition marked the fourteenth edition of its kind during the World Pipe Band Championships Week.
“We are proud to announce that Kudzai and his group emerged as the competition’s overall winners.
“Their performance stood out among the participants, garnering overwhelming support from the audience.
“Consequently, Kudzai and his team were awarded a drum courtesy of the British Drum Company, a Hardcase drum, courtesy of Hardcase and percussion accessories courtesy of Evans and Promark, with a combined value of £500.”