st joseph’s institution pipe band

The Pipe Band of St Joseph’s Institution, Singapore

The SJI Pipe Band was founded by Bro Jason Blaikie, FSC in 2002 as a bagpipes section within the SJI Military Band. The Pipes Section followed the model of the St Xavier’s Institution Corps of Pipes and Drums in Penang, Malaysia.

Originally, pipers were to learn another instrument in addition to the bagpipes. This was a means of providing better integration with the Military Band, so that where bagpipes could not fit into the music, the pipers could at least contribute through playing another instrument. This proved to be an unsustainable idea as it was difficult to learn and master two instruments that required very different skills.

The Section was formed with the intention of adding a new dimension to the Military Band’s music. With the recruitment of 5 pipers in the pioneer batch, the section saw fast progress in learning the basics of finger work and playing the pipes. This progress was very much attributed to the dedication and passion of the pioneer batch who attended band practice usually 3 or even 4 times a week!

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