Balivanich Primary School's "ABC" Band Enters Online Event
Date: Saturday, 27 March, 2021
Time: 19:00
Location: Online Event
Address: Online Event
The Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT) support Piping in schools throughout Scotland with help towards tuition costs, loans of instruments, grants to help purchase equipment etc. Their slogan reads "Every School Needs a Pipe Band". Due to Covid restrictions their annual schools' championship is being held this year as an on-line event. For the first time ever, this freestyle competition is open to primary schools.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Instrumental Music Service Piping teacher Esther MacDonald recently encouraged pupils at Sgoil Bhaile a' Mhanaich to form a small band and to submit an entry. The timescale has been very short, and with Covid restrictions on singing, and the playing of wind instruments in schools, combined with all instrumental music tuition being delivered online since Christmas, it has been an extra challenge to get a performance together.
Fiona MacInnes, Principal Teacher at Balivanich School said,: "We would firstly like to thank Mrs Esther MacDonald (Piping teacher) for instilling her vision and encouraging self-belief in our pupils. During what has been a difficult time for many, our ABC Band have been motivated and encouraged to excel themselves in their chosen discipline. They have willingly rehearsed together during play and lunch times and have also convened through Teams in the evenings for some extra practices. This was made possible by the fact that all members of the band are part of the same school 'bubble'."
Sgoil Baile a' Mhanaich ABC band performance is scheduled for 7pm on Saturday 27th March. Voting for the people's choice section takes place on Sunday 28th March between 12 noon and 5pm, again via the Pipe Bands for Schools Facebook page, with the full results being announced at 7pm the same day.
Sgoil Bhaile a' Mhanaich are the only school in the Western Isles entered this year, so please do support them and give them your vote! Best of luck to all who participated.
https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/news/2021/march/balivanich-primary-schools/
