The City of Ipswich Pipe Band is one of Australia’s oldest pipe bands formed in 1909 by the Ipswich Caledonian Society with aims to foster the culture of Pipe Band music and the training of members in the art of piping and drumming. It was also to serve as a social organisation, and provide what would best be described as ‘a helping hand’ to migrating Scottish families.

Today, the band’s vision is to develop a pipe band that delivers excellent entertainment to the community whilst providing musical education and satisfaction to its members.

 

The band’s Strategic Plan focuses on four priority pillars being Education, Entertainment, Competition and Governance and when combined with the band’s organisational values of Teamwork, Professionalism, Development, Family and Enjoyment it is envisaged that many exciting opportunities will be realised for not only the band’s membership base but for the wider Ipswich Community.

 

Actions do speak louder than words and the band has been taking such action across the priorities and some examples include:

 

• Establishing the Greater Ipswich College of Piping and Drumming (GICOPAD) and recruiting new and young pipers and drummers to the ranks.

• Creation of 'The Gathering' Celtic Festival, creating economic development for the band and wider Ipswich community.

• Continuing to compete and improving their results from competition to competition.

• Governing the band professionally and sustainably.

 

The City of Ipswich Pipe Band is currently in it's most successful phase in history, having a flourish band and culture. The band has a Grade 4 band and Grade 3 band who work harmoniously to create joint band success. With playing membership numbers near 50 players the band is continually growing and having success on the competition field. The bands next big milestone will be attending the New Zealand Pipe Band Championships in March 2024.

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