Performer Focus – St John’s College Pipes and Drums Band, Zimbabwe

St John’s College Pipes and Drums Band

The St John’s College Pipes and Drums Band, proudly sponsored by EXPACARE, was  founded in 1996, inspired by the vision of Neil Thompson, a student who recognized the  importance of a Pipe Band in fostering school spirit and heritage. During the College’s  10th Anniversary celebrations, Headmaster Mr. P.V. Kolbe officially launched Neil’s  initiative. The newly established St John’s College Pipes and Drums Band was initially  mentored by Alasdair Trotter, a student from Glenalmond College in Scotland. 

Today, the St John’s College Pipes and Drums Band features over 60 dedicated  members, guided by passionate Zimbabwean instructors. The band performs  extensively throughout the year at significant events, showcasing its talents at social,  cultural, and sporting occasions. In addition to the College calendar, the band actively  participates in various public events, including weddings, corporate functions, parties,  funerals, and other celebrations. 

Annually, the band competes in the National Institute of Allied Arts Festival and the  Western Cape Virtual Eisteddfod, consistently achieving honours. To further develop  their skills, the band organizes an Annual Quaich Piping and Drumming Competition,  providing members with valuable performance experience. 

On the international stage, the band has enjoyed remarkable success in South Africa,  winning numerous prestigious awards in both band and individual competitions  sanctioned by the Pipe Bands Association of Southern Africa. Individual pipers and  drummers have also excelled in the London College of Music examinations. The band  has achieved remarkable success in various online piping and drumming competitions  held in South Africa, China, Germany, and the USA.  

In recent years, the band has had the privilege of hosting several esteemed, world-class  piping and drumming instructors for specialized workshops aimed at enhancing the  skills of its members. Notably, in 2012, 2016, and 2023, the band welcomed prestigious  musicians from Canada and Scotland to conduct workshops and participate in the  PDQB examinations.

The band has participated in the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland,  in August 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2023. In 2018, they achieved a significant milestone by  winning the Novice class category, and in 2023, they earned over five international awards, finishing 4th out of 30 bands at the World Championships. 

This year, the band will compete in South Africa and, for the first time in its history,  participate in the Belfast International Tattoo. Additionally, they will be competing in the  World Pipe Band Championships in the Novice A category.