Maylands: Perth Metro Pipe Band sets sights on second World Pipe Band Championships title in Scotland

MAYLANDS-based Perth Metro Pipe Band is looking to win its second title at the World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland this month.

After rehearsing for the past 18 months at the School of Music in Maylands, the 11-year-old band will take part in competitions in North Berwick and Perth before the championships on August 18.

The band is the only WA band to compete in the championships, with 63 members playing in grades 3 and 4. In 2016, the grade 3 band won the title for the first time.

Pipe major and Bennett Springs resident James Cowie said guest players from New Zealand, Tasmania, Victoria, Canada, Ireland and London would join the band in Scotland.

“Grade 4 plays a set of 2/4 marches and grade 3 plays marches, strathspey and a melody element. You can go all the way and not qualify and that is it – that is your day over in four minutes,” he said.

Cowie hoped to win both grades and return to Perth with trophies before playing at the Armadale Highland Gathering being held on September 9, hosted by the City of Armadale.

Tenor drummer and Chidlow resident Sue McNaughtan said she loved marching alongside her team members and making a “fantastic sound”.