PIPE BAND TRAINING

Press, Volume C, Issue 29535, 9 June 1961, Page 15

PIPE BAND TRAINING

College For Boys A college to teach Highland dancing, piping, and drumming to boys eight years and above has been formed in Christchurch. The college, which will be known as the New Zealand Highland Brigade Training Unit, will open on June 27. The scheme was originated by Mr L. T. Smart, who recently spent several months in Scotland attached to the Highland Brigade Training Unit, under the sponsorship of the New Zealand Army. Mt Smart is an officer in the New Zealand Scottish Regiment. The syllabus will be the same as that used in Scotland. The aims of the college are not only to raise the standard of Highland bands but also to encourage the wearing of the kilt among boys. There will be a two-hour period of instruction each week and Highland dancing will be compulsory during the second period of each night. There will be a system of (promotion in the college similar to the prefect system, in schools. Those promoted will have military ranks and responsibilities. The uniform will consist of a kilt, battledress blouse, glengarry, and sporran. Mr A. W. Thomson will command the college and Mr Smart will be adjutant. Papers will be instructed by Mr J. Steenson. and Mr M. Loasby will teach drumming. Drum-majors will be instructed by Mr A. Souter and Highland dancing will be taught by Mr I. Standeven and Mr B. North. Other officers will be Major E. Boyle, military liaison officer on the New Zealand Highland Pine Bands' Association, and Mr T. A. Gordon, vice-chairman of the association. All officers will be on the advisory board of the college.