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Reflecting the ceremonial tradition of Gordon's

A unique and famous feature of Gordon’s is our 50 strong Band of Pipes and Drums. The Pipes and Drums reflect the ceremonial tradition of Gordon’s School. The Pipes and Drums wear a form of military uniform incorporating the Gordon Tartan and the same uniform is worn by all students for ceremonial Parades.

From inception, the Gordon’s Boys’ Home in Dover had a Pipe Band, tutored by the Pipe Major of the Seaforth Highlanders, who, at the time, were posted to Dover Castle. Sadly, in 1941, the Home in Dover was bombed and it was at this time that the Pipe Band were relocated to the Home in West End, now known as Gordon’s School. In 1941, the Band consisted of six boys and has grown over the last 80 years to the Band you see today, establishing a lasting tradition within the School.

Gordon’s School Pipes and Drums has been fortunate enough to perform in front of Her Majesty The Queen at Westminster Abbey in 2014 for An Observance of the Commonwealth, as well as performing in the Lord Mayor’s Show and Windsor Castle, to name but a few. Every year, the Pipes and Drums lead the annual Parade through Whitehall which is always a highlight of the Band’s calendar. In 2022, their 80^th anniversary year, the Pipes and Drums returned to Menin Gate to take part in the Last Post Association Service; attended the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships; and in August 2022, took part in the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow Green for the first time in its history.

Our aspiration is to have a Band that is world renowned, a reason why some students might chose Gordon’s ahead of any other school. In the coming years we aim for the Band to tour overseas, to compete in regional, British (Scottish Schools annual gathering) and international competitions (World Championships in Glasgow), and form lasting links with UK and overseas schools that also have Pipes and Drums.

Partnership with the National Piping Centre

In 2022 Gordon's School joined forces with the National Piping Centre - a national and international centre of excellence for bagpipes and their music, based in Scotland.

The partnership has brought world-class musicians to the school for masterclasses and concerts and the introduction of Spring  Courses at Gordon's. Please click here to view Bagpipe News article on the partnership.

Sixth Form Pipes and Drums Scholarship

Scholarships in bagpipes are offered to students demonstrating exceptional ability. Successful students will receive up to three hours of tuition every week either from representatives of the National Piping Centre or Gordon's Senior Pipe Major. In addition they may take part in Masterclasses. 

Please click here for further information and  to complete the Pipes and Drums Scholarship application form.

A Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Pipes and Drums

In February 2022 the Pipes and Drums held a special celebration of its 80th Anniversary, with a concert in the school Chapel of St Edward the Confessor. Special guests at the event included The Sevenoaks Trio; Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums - South; City of London Pipe Band; Pipe Major Roger Huth; solo piping judge Roddy Livingstone and a Highland dancing display from the Esslemonts. The evening raised £1,228.25 which was divided between SSAFA The Armed Forces charity and Fight for Sight. Please see below for a recording of the concert.

Please click here to see our Pipes and Drums Band perform in Whitehall at the school's annual Parade in remembrance of Generl Gordon. Below is a video of them taking part in the Last Post Association Remembrance Service at Menin Gate, Ypres in July 2022.

The Pipes and Drums took part in the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, for the first time in their history in August 2022. Below is a video of their performance:

Senior Pipe Major: Mrs Iona Scotson - iscotson@gordons.school.

Student Leadership Team:

Drum Major: W Perera
Pipe Major: L Massie
Drum Sergeant: E Bailey
Pipe Sergeant: W Zhou
Pipe Corporal: H Gordon
Drum Corporal: K Vijayaragavan
Lead - Tenor and Bass: E Scarlett

2022-2023 events