Mission Statement
To provide band members with an organisational structure that encourages participation in a community based pipe band by way of performance and friendly competition. To be committed to nurturing the values of dedication, practice, teamwork, respect, responsibility, community service and tradition – in a fun and encouraging atmosphere.
Philosophy Statement
The Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Pipe Band with to be known as a progressive band that is committed to improving at each and every practice, performance and competition.
Youth Development Band Statement
To strive to be an organisation that encourages children to participate in a community activity by way of performance and friendly competition. To establish values which we believe will remain with each child for life.
Band History
Windsor and District Scottish Pipe Band was formed in 1977 when a group of local enthusiasts got together and discussed the possibilities of forming a district pipe band. Those present at that initial meeting were David Sinclair, Jock Sinclair, Ally Sinclair and John Piercy.
Early in December 1977, the band was under way, headed by Pipe Major David Sinclair and Drum Major Tim Madden.
David Sinclair held the position of Pipe Major until 1985 when Pipe Major, Bob McLellan took over. When the Band toured Scotland in July/August 2010 Bob resigned his post as Pipe Major and handed the position over to Barry Gray.
The band regularly competed in competitions around the Sydney area, winning in their very first contest. This was the Tobruk gathering mini-band competition where they won in Grade 4. (March 16th 1986)
On the Easter weekend of 1988, the band competed in the Australian Pipe Band Championships held at Belmore Oval in Sydney. They did very well at this competition coming 8th out of 35 bands. (Reported in TheCourier, May 12th 1988).
In June 1990 the band adopted a new name – “City of Hawkesbury Pipe Band”, which was part of the general revamping of the uniform and the image.
Now and the Future …
In 2008 Barry Gray joined the band as tutor, bringing several new members. This marked the start of a new direction for the band, and in 2010 another name change saw us known as Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Pipe Band.
Since then membership numbers have steadily increased due to growing awareness of our presence on the Pipe Band scene. We have attended every major competition since the beginning of 2008, and have successfully recorded our first CD titled “Through Saltire Glasses” .
Hawkesbury’s new business management team has been proactive in undertaking changes in all aspects of the band. With uniform, we have had to outfit the entire band with new MacBeth tartan kilts. New seal skin sporrans have been used to replace older leather ones, and vests and Jackets have also been added to the new uniform. The band has purchased a full set of Premier HTS700 Snare drums to replace outdated gear from preceding years, and the mid section plays tunable Hosbuilts. New Shepherd symphonic chanters and reeds are being used by the pipe corps. These purchases have been made possible as a result of enthusiastic and innovative fund raising by the entire pipe band, organised efficiently by the dedicated and hard working elected and appointed band officers.
It is the band’s intention to provide a structure which will allow beginners to progress as far as their capability and ambition allow. We are striving to have a number 1 band competing in Grade 2 by the end of 2011 as well as a highly competitive Grade 4 band. We also have a number of very talented youngsters in the band at present and this allows us to also field a Juvenile band in competitions. Ideally, Hawkesbury is becoming a pipe band that can welcome beginners to pipes and drums and ultimately take them through the ranks and turn them into proficient and professional players capable of stepping into the ranks of a Grade 1 band if they so desire one day.
Hawkesbury made their debut as a competing band at the 2010 World Championships in Scotland. With careful planning and preparation we fielded 2 competitive bands, one in grade 4 and another in novice juvenile. Another trip is in the pipeline for the 2012 World Championships in Scotland.
