Their chanters were perfectly pitched and drums beating in harmony as the Benoni High Pipe Band took to the arena to battle it out at the Pipe Bands’ Association of South Africa (PBASA) South African Championship and Champions of Champions gathering on July 27.
Following seven gruelling gatherings, endless performances and countless hours spent rehearsing, a dozen bands gathered at Benoni Northerns Sports Grounds with the hopes of claiming the association’s coveted titles.
But the school’s juvenile novice band once again defended the number one spot, winning the SA Champs as well as the title of Champions of Champions.
“The band made a clean sweep this year,” said Hilary Webber, band tutor, as she congratulated band members.
“This has been a phenomenal year. We started with seven new members and, boy, did they show us what they are made of. The juvenile band has won every gathering, beating the likes of Jeppe and Pretoria Boys High.”
Speaking of the year’s success, bandmaster Malcolm Engles said that the band members showed true grit and resilience.
“To say I am proud is an understatement. Each member worked tirelessly with our team of knowledgeable tutors settling for nothing but perfection,” he said.
“I asked for their best and they stepped up. Being crowned the SA champions is no small feat, claiming it for a second consecutive year takes determination and being able to say that they won every gathering is magnificent.”
As the sun set to signal the conclusion of a successful day, emotions boiled over as more than 300 participants took their places to take part in the customary massed bands.
Amazing Grace was dedicated to Spiros Paizes (23), a member of the Benoni Mactalla Pipe Band, who suffered extensive injuries following an accident on the N12 west near the Atlas Road offramp on July 6 in which his cousin, Michael Kruger (17) was killed.
Despite being ailed with the flu, Reabetswe Teale, BHS drummer and drum major, stole the show with her unwavering focus.
Teale won both the juvenile and open categories.
“I am overwhelmed,” she said, sipping on water to soothe her dry lips. “I did not think I would be able to keep it together, yet my fellow band members kept encouraging me throughout the day. I am grateful for their support and for believing in me. Together we achieved great success.”
Contributing to the band’s further dominance, Callan Stephen placed second in the juvenile drum major category and third in the open category while the band’s drum and piping core placed first in their divisions.
BHS headmaster Dr Eugene Rooyakkers thanked all in attendance for their support and acknowledged the performers’ perseverance in ensuring that the rich traditions entrenched in piping remain relevant.
“Being here to celebrate our school’s band and their achievements is a great honour,” said Rooyakkers.
“Their performances are noteworthy but I want to celebrate their discipline not only as members of the Benoni High Pipe Band but also as ambassadors of our school.”
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