Transition

A Band in Transition

Pipe Band Crest : In 2005, Drummer S/Sgt Haemal Nair drew up the first draft of a crest that the band could call its own. It consisted of two interlocking Bagpipes and a Drum signifying Unity. Emblazoned beneath it was the Pipe Band’s motto Tradition, Fidelity, Brotherhood. The current band crest is the outcome of that very first draft, albeit with minor alterations over time. Despite the various changes, the crest has remained relevant and is a statement of solidarity for Pipe Bandsmen.

The evolution of Haemal Nair's (class of 2006) Pipe Band Crest took on it's final shape in the above.

Ceremonial Gold Parts

In 2011, the band embarked on a massive project to rethink and reinvent its Ceremonial uniform, Pipe flags, banners and other regalia. It was then that an unexpected, but very timely act of kindness was bestowed upon us by a very generous Old Boy who wishes to remain anonymous. He donated an entire set of 24 karat Gold Ceremonial Parts made to splendid perfection.

McNally Memorial Pipe Band

With every graduating batch of Pipers and Drummers came the question of how they could continue their passion for bagpiping and drumming after leaving school. In the years between 2006 and 2008, the original pioneer members of the Pipe Band banded together to form their very own Alumni band named: The McNally Memorial Pipe Band (MMPB). It was christened in honour and memory of the late patron of the arts, Bro. Joseph McNally, FSC. In 2010, the decision was taken to open up MMPB to non-Josephians as well.

MMPB members with "Silver Smiles" in Jakarta 2011. From Left: Joel Ang (class of '10), Osman Khan (class of '07), Tarun Jayaram (class of '05), Julian Chua (class of '05), and Tara Chan (MMPB)

Ms Nami Masuko from Japan

Drum Major Moses James (MMPB)

Pipe Band Association (Singapore)

13 March 2012 marked the formal registration of the Pipe Band Association (Singapore) of which SJI Pipe Band is a founding member.

The activities of the Association include conducting workshops and organising the annual Singapore-Southeast Asian Pipe Band Championships.

Honorary Drum Major

On 5 Feb 2012, Mr Adrian Villanueva was appointed the Pipe Band’s first Honorary Drum Major.

Looking Ahead

Ten years have passed since the Pipe Band was founded in 2002. The Band has produced pipers and drummers that the school should rightly be extremely proud of as learning a difficult instrument like the bagpipes and drums is no easy task.

The way ahead looks bright. New instructors - Mr Alan Wallace and Mdm. Helen Lee - have been brought in, new teaching methods devised and while the school itself looks forward to new educational initiatives for the 21st century, an essential aspect of Lasallian education remains the same: the close relationship and rapport between teacher and student.

Many years ago it was remarked to a young piper, who was at the time going through various discipline issues: it is not about piping or drumming and how fast pipers and drummers are put into ‘active service’ but rather about touching the hearts of those confided to our care in big ways and in small.

The SJI Pipe Band must be that very bastion of tradition in upholding Lasallian education if it is to succeed in the test of time.

Br Jason with senior officers of the Pipe Band

Websites

Acknowledgement

Ali Ahmad Yaakub (class of 2006) for his initial draft
Julian Chua (class of 2005) and Tarun Jayaram (class of 2005) for input
All bandsmen past, present and future for your dedication

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