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 in 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
The Pioneer batch of pipers in 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
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At the Singapore-Southeast Asian Pipe Band Championships, competing with the best in Southeast Asia
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.
Filming by Nickleodeon in 2004
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St Patrick's Day Parade in 2007
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The Pipe Band performs at 2008 National Day Celebrations
At St Patrick's School's Memorial Ceremony
Mr Ron Gallacher training the SJI Pipe Band
Piper Karthikeyan benefits from Mr Gallacher's advice on tuning his pipes
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...
in Sentosa...
In Jakarta...
...and in Perth, Western Australia - all in 2006
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
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)
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
http://www.sjipipeband.blogspot.com/
http://www.mcnallymemorialpipeband.blogspot.com/
http://www.pipebandassociation-singapore.blogspot.com/
Acknowledgement
1. Ali Ahmad Yaakub (class of 2006) for his initial draft
2. Julian Chua (class of 2005) and Tarun Jayaram (class of 2005) for input
3. All bandsmen past, present and future for your dedication
