A local musical group whose rich, high decibel notes are hard to ignore will mark its centenary later this month.
The City of Nelson Highland Pipe Band has set a tone since it was founded in 1924 by J. C. Scott to showcase the local Scots.
Throughout its 100 years, the band has exemplified dedication, musical excellence, and community spirit, reflecting a deep-rooted passion for Scottish heritage and a commitment to sharing the joy of bagpipe music with audiences in the Nelson region.
The first outing for the band was in 1925, playing when the Ladies Band from Australia visited, and would later form the Nelson Burns Club in 1929 which promoted Scottish culture.
The band started out in the MacIntosh Tartan, which is a red-based tartan with shades of blue and green, with uniforms and instruments acquired from the Wellington Highland Band.
In 1934, they transitioned to a new uniform, wearing the Royal Stuart tartan, when they broke away from the Scottish Society Band.
Under S.E. O’Hara’s baton in 1936, the band continued to flourish, showcasing its prowess at local events and festivals, with more than 50 honorary and non-active members.
In 1948, the band won the B Grade (now called Grade 2) Quickstep Event, at the National Contest in Dunedin.
During this era, the band also hosted an annual Highland Ball, which was held at the Stoke Memorial Hall for many years, and in its heyday saw 500 brave hearts attend.
The event was still rollicking in the 1980s, being held at the Ngawhatu Hall in later years.
In the nifty 50s, Jim Patterson assumed the role of pipe major, leaving an indelible mark on the band’s musical direction and performance standards.
Ray Illingworth and Ron Mair contributed significantly to the band’s growth in the swinging 60s, expanding its repertoire and enhancing its competitive edge.
The band’s participation in the Silver Plough Ploughing contest, A & P shows and Trafalgar St parades, highlighted its versatility and community engagement.
Bryce Gilchrist took the helm during the early 2000s and was succeeded by James Tomkinson, and talents like Jordan Johnston emerged, starting as a learner piper and later becoming a world award-winning soloist.
Jeremy Katterns took on the role of pipe major in 2013 from James Tomkinson, and brought fresh perspectives and leadership, contributing to the band’s ongoing success and vibrancy, while James stepped down for a few years into the pipe sergeant role.
Jeremy then moved on to new things, and James returned as the current pipe major, leading the band with passion and expertise, carrying on the legacy of his predecessors.
Under the current leadership of James McEwan and drum sergeant and band president Alastair McEwan, the band continues to thrive, maintaining its high standards of musical excellence and community engagement.
The band’s involvement in local events, such as Pipes in the Park, ceilidhs (Scottish social gatherings), christmas parades, ANZAC services, the Masked Parade, and Isel in Bloom has solidified its place in Nelson’s cultural fabric.
As the baton passes through generations, the band’s legacy continues to thrive.
The centenary celebrations on 28 September include a free public street performance at 1903 Square, a private morning tea for current and former members at Rutherford Hotel, and a ticketed public evening ceilidh at the Sun City Darts Club Hall.
Email cityofnelsonband@gmail.com if you or someone you know has been affiliated with the City of Nelson Highland Pipe Band and would like to reminisce.
