History

How it all began

by Jason Blaikie, Julian Chua, Tarun Jayaram and Ali A. Yaakub (2012)

Formation

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!

From left: Christian Teo, Liew Shi Xian and Szeto Ching Huang training (2002)

Initial Progress

Despite their tireless dedication, the Section was initially not prepared to perform for school functions or parades until the second half of 2002.

The Section was invited to its first public performance at in October 2002.

Piper Hashnul Nizam leads in the guests

Pioneer batch of pipers (2002)

From left: Liew Shi Xian, Christian Teo, Chua Ying Hao and Szeto Ching Huang with Drum Major Jeremy Nonis

With support from the St Xavier’s Institution Corps of Pipes and Drums (Penang), St John’s Institution Cadet Band (Kuala Lumpur), St Michael’s Institution Military Band (Ipoh) and St Francis’ Institution Military Band (Melaka) the SJI pipers were able to grace SJI’s 150th Anniversary Parade in 2002 with the SJIMB.

Pictured below, the combined Lasallian Schools’ Pipe Band was certainly able to make its presence felt (and heard) during the 150th Anniversary Parade.

In various uniforms, members of the combined Lasallian Pipe Band march along with host band, SJI Military Band in 2002

Even though it was only into its first year, the Section was able to fulfil its intended role. Not only did it develop competent musicians, but it also added a unique flavour to school functions and parades.

Expansion

In subsequent years following its inception in 2002, the pipes section grew steadily in numbers and started competing in Pipe Band Competitions after the purchase of a HTS Snare Drum.

Group practice in 2003

The pipers gained valuable exposure from participating in various competitions, including the Jakarta Highland Gathering, Boys Brigade Festival and the Singapore-Southeast Asian Pipe Band Championships.

Jakarta Highland Gathering 2005 featured Christian Teo, Chua Ying Hao, Daniel Cheong, Liew Shi Xiuan and Tarun Jayaram

At the Singapore-Southeast Asian Pipe Band Championships, competing with the best in Southeast Asia

Filming by Nickelodeon in 2004

From this time in 2003, the Pipe Band was also surprised by the number of performance requests received from various sectors including the Irish Embassy, Nickleodeon, St. Patrick’s School to name just a few.

St Patrick's Day Parade in 2007

The Pipe Band performs at 2008 National Day Celebrations

At St Patrick's School's Memorial Ceremony

One interesting connection made at overseas competitions was to the Australian Pipe Band Association. By mid- 2005, Mr Ron Gallacher, OAM offered gratis tutorials to what was now the de facto SJI Pipe Band.

Mr Ron Gallacher training the SJI Pipe Band

Piper Karthikeyan benefits from Mr Gallacher's advice on tuning his pipes

Another ‘connection’ that was totally student initiated by Osman Khan [class 2007] was a visiting Grade 1 tenor drummer Ms Emily McLeod who gave the Tenor Drummers a 2 hour workshop in flourishing.

Tenor Drummer Ms Emily McLeod from the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band from Canada giving a workshop to our tenor drummers

As the Section progressed in ability and grew in numbers, various logistical issues plagued its relationship with the Military Band. Conflicting training ideology and vision set both entities for an eventual separation in 2010. Different musical directions and expressions soon rendered a shared training space impossible. A compromise was reached with the pipers training in an abandoned room at the Brothers’ Residence [affectionately known to Pipe Bandsmen as ‘the Club House’]. This segregation further strained the relationship.

While the Section under Brother Jason Blaikie advocated a vision of “Tradition, Fidelity and Brotherhood”, the Military Band was pushing for a militaristic setting. The Section was more pastoral in nature, emphasizing the development and 'espirit de corps' of its members. This shift in vision materialized in the strengthening of bonds between pipers of different batches.

Metamorphosis

A full Drum Corps

2006 saw the birth of the SJI Pipe Band’s own Drum Corps. With funds from the school, the Drum Corps not only introduced the crisp sound of the unique Scottish drumming tradition into the band, it also laid the foundation for the band to develop into a full-fledged Pipe Band.

At the Asian 5 Nations Rugby Finals

Performing in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Performance @ Sentosa

Performance @ Jakarta

Perth, Western Australia - all in 2006

Recognition by CCAB

In 2010, the Band marked another milestone when it was officially recognised by the Co-Curricular Activities Branch of the MOE to be an official Performing Arts group. This allowed for the band to function as an independent entity instead of having to be listed as a ‘Section’ under other recognised performing groups, thereby creating a new and true identity for members of the Pipe Band.

The Drum Corps at SJI's Anniversary Parade in 2011

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