BBC Pipe Band
Formed in 1940 the Pipe Band is an integral part of the College’s heritage and tradition and remains an important part of the fabric of Brisbane Boys’ College.
Individuals in the band are privately tutored in the College’s Pipe Band Rooms. The students are developed to be the best they can be and are given opportunities to perform and compete locally and internationally.
Our Pipe Band has expanded over the years and is now made up of approximately 120 students. Brisbane Boys’ College currently has three Pipe Bands, with our Number 3 band being our development band and our Number 1 band the elite band. Our bands perform at various College and community events and compete in Pipe Band Competitions. BBC Pipe Band won the prestigious Australian Championships in 2016 that was held at Knox Grammar School.
Students can start to learn from the age of seven years (Year 2) through our Pipe Band Learner Classes, learning the chanter (pipes) or the drum pad (side drum and tenor drum). These students will then progress into the band playing the pipes and drums.
BBC Pipe Band travelled to Scotland in 2014 and 2016 and competed in the European Championships, 2018 and 2022 saw the band perform 26 shows at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo over a four-week period, competing at the Scottish Pipe Band Championships and World Championships gaining an exceptional third place, as well as carrying out their studies.
The strategic direction is to travel overseas annually, and this year saw the band head over to Canada to perform in the Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax. In 2024, will see the band return to Scotland to perform in the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, this will also allow the band to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships.
Membership of our internationally renowned Pipe Band is open to all students at the College.
Director of Pipe Band – Mr Steven Stanley, sstanley@bbc.qld.edu.au