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Meet the Students
Take some time to meet a few of our students learning with us at Alba Bagpiping...
Thomas Crawford
What sparked your interest in learning to play the bagpipes?
There was a day in Grade 3 when we were shown the different instruments in a pipe band, and I was told that I had some aptitude / interest in the chanter (I honestly can't remember much from that age). I started lessons after that, and never looked back.
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What has been your most exciting time playing the bagpipes?
The first 2024 performance of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - I was nervous at the start, but once we all marched out into the arena and I saw the crowds, my nerves vanished. It was amazing after that....
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What are you looking forward to doing soon in your bagpiping?
Looking forward to improving as a solo piper, I was moved up to C grade this year so I'm working hard to try and stay competitive.
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What is the best time and/or place you have been bagpiping?
Scotland in 2024 - playing at Edinburgh Castle was awesome, and being able to compete at the World Championships in Glasgow was a great opportunity too, as I was able to watch some of the best bands in the world perform.
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What is your biggest ambition with bagpiping in the future?
To play with a Grade 1 band in Scotland - either Inveraray & District or Field Marshal Montgomery.
William Buchan
What sparked your interest in learning to play the bagpipes?
Both of my older siblings played the bagpipes and they encouraged me to play as well!
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What has been your most exciting time playing the bagpipes?
Every year, the most exciting time is attending the Maclean Highland Gathering every Easter. This is where I won the Andrew Baker Scholarship Award in 2024.
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What are you looking forward to doing soon in your bagpiping?
I am looking forward to travelling to Scotland with my school's pipe band in 2026 to play and perform.
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What is the best time and/or place you have been bagpiping?
The best time and place I have piped at, is when the State Championships were hosted at my school.
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What is your biggest ambition with bagpiping in the future?
My biggest ambition with bagpiping is to play at the Edinburgh Tattoo.
Bridgit Evans
What sparked your interest in learning to play the bagpipes?
When I was two, my Nanny took me to the ANZAC parade. That was the first time I heard the bagpipes, it became my favourite thing, and I wanted to play!
What has been your most exciting time playing the bagpipes?
Playing at CelticFest in front of a huge crowd!
What are you looking forward to doing soon in your bagpiping?
Going to Scotland for Piping Live.
What is the best time and/or place you have been bagpiping?
CelticFest has been my favourite event so far.
What is your biggest ambition with bagpiping in the future?
I would like to join the army when I finish school and be a piper in a military band.