Pipes and Drums

Our World Champion Haileybury Pipes & Drums program, a traditional and integral part of school life since 1957, offers students world-class tuition with weekly one-on-one lessons from champion piping and drumming tutors. The ensemble caters to students from year 4 to 12, providing opportunities for growth and leadership through various levels of bands tailored to each stage of the musical journey. Instrument options include the Great Highland Bagpipes, Snare Drum, Tenor Drum, and Bass Drum. Once students reach competition level, group rehearsals are held every Tuesday at the Wallace Centre, Keysborough.

The award-winning band boasts a remarkable track record, having won the State Pipe Band Championships in Victoria 32 times since 1984 and the World Pipe Band Championships in Grade 3B in 2023, the highest result by any school program in Australia to date. In addition to their state, national and world titles, Haileybury Pipes & Drums regularly travels abroad providing students with the opportunity to tour and perform against their peers on a global stage.

Beyond musical development, the program fosters camaraderie and lifelong friendships through band camps, assembly performances, ANZAC day street marches, and overseas tours. Students can also pursue VCE piping and drumming as a precursor to a music-related tertiary course or to maintain balance within their broader studies. Leadership roles within the bands allow students to take on responsibilities and meet the expectations of their peers, teachers, and staff.

To enrol in the Haileybury Pipes & Drums program, students can access myHaileybury via the Performing Arts tab and click Pipes & Drums - Join. For any questions or further information, prospective participants can email the Director of Pipes & Drums, Lincoln Hilton.