WATCH: BHS pipe bands come second in championship
Thousands flocked to see how the local bands fared
The rhythmic percussion of snare drums and the melodious wail of the bagpipes enthralled a crowd of nearly 5 000 during the annual South African Pipe Band Championships held at the Benoni Northerns Indians Ball Club on July 30.
More than 100 participants from 28 pipe bands from across the country and as far afield as Zimbabwe showed their mettle as they played their pitch-perfect tunes to expert judges during the event that was hosted by Benoni High School’s (BHS) pipe band.
Kilted bands were cheered on by jovial onlookers both young and old.
Despite garnering tremendous local support, the overall championship title eluded the two local bands that secured top three positions in what has been described as a very close battle.
“I am extremely proud of both our junior novice and MacTalla bands. Their performances were top class and they truly did come out top trumps,” said Hilary Webber, band tutor.
Bandmaster Malcolm Engles said he was elated by the bands’ performance.
“Our members have put in many hours of tireless effort and practice and the results are proof of that,” he said.
Before the official announcement of the winners, all the bands gathered to close the competition by playing ‘Amazing Grace,’ leaving onlookers and supporters emotional.
BHS claimed second prize in the junior novice division, narrowly missing the top position to St Benedict’s College. Jeppe High School for Boys came third.
In the grade two division, Transvaal Scottish claimed top honours, proudly followed by Benoni MacTalla and De La Salle Combined.
BHS’s drum majors lefts audiences in awe with Deon Bester (MacTalla), winning the open drum major division and Reabetswe Taele claiming second place in the junior drum major division.
“We would like to thank everyone who came out and supported our bands,” said Engles.
“We are proud of our piping history and were excited to share the tradition with so many.”
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