WHO WE ARE
THE BAND
Royal High Pipe Band was formed in 2018 from the Davidson's Mains & District Grade 4A and Novice Juvenile Pipe Bands. The Band is based in North Edinburgh and is affiliated with The Royal High School, however membership is open to all.
The Band is a competing band, currently in Grade 4A, who also take great pleasure in performing at events such as the local Davidson's Mains & District Children's Gala, or at the Usher Hall with the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra.
THE PIPE MAJOR
Pipe Major Clare Miller studied at London College of Music from 2002-2006 gaining an honours certificate in Scottish Music Studies. Clare was the first piper to pass the London College of Music teaching qualification and the first piper to pass the teaching diploma at Aberdeen College, with the highest mark they ever had. While in Aberdeen, Clare was a member of the Grade 2 Grampian Police Pipe Band and tutored Portlethen & District Pipe Band Drum Corps.
Clare at the 2019 Dunbar Pipe Band Competition
DAVISONS MAINS AND DISTRICT
The Band is proud of its history as the former Davidson's Mains & District Pipe Band.
In January 2010, Davidson’s Mains Primary School in Edinburgh invited Clare to teach pipes and drums as an after-school activity. The children jumped at the opportunity, completely unaware at how lucky they were to be under the tuition of such a qualified teacher and established piper.
In 2012, with the children now ready, Clare wanted to replicate the kind of band that she had started in - a band that the children, families and community could proud of. Davidson’s Mains & District Pipe Band was duly formed, with a small budget, keen children, and the backing of parents and an enthusiastic community. Their first competing season began in borrowed kilts with aged drums, and ended having competed in 4 competitions, including their first time at The World Pipe Band Championships. With the help of a successful Christmas Concert, funds were raised and new uniforms were purchased. The children bonded and grew…so new uniforms were purchased again!
As the band’s confidence and ability grew, so did their fortune at competitions. In 2015 the band moved up to Grade 4B, which led to a very successful year for them, reaching the finals at the Scottish and European Championships. The season finished on a high with Davidson’s Mains & District Pipe Band becoming Lothian & Borders Champion of Champions, winning a total of 16 trophies throughout the season.
Being part of Davidson’s Mains & District Pipe Band has provided its young members with some amazing opportunities over the years, including performing with The Red Hot Chilli Pipers as part of the Edinburgh International Festival; supporting The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra at their Summer and Hogmanay Concerts in the Usher Hall; and leading the parade to promote Edinburgh’s new status as a Fair Trade City. The band have also performed at their own Christmas concerts where all band members and learners have displayed their talents to family and friends.
A major highlight for the band was being invited to Switzerland in April 2015 to perform in the Sechseläuten Spring Festival. They joined the two parades through the centre of Zurich and performed at several venues over a weekend, playing the traditional Swiss ‘Sechseläuten March’ – a first for a pipe band! It was an incredible experience for all and an opportunity for friendships to grow. Some band members are still in touch with Swiss friends they met during their visit.
In August 2016 Davidson’s Mains & District Pipe Band success continued as they placed 5th in Grade 4B at the World Pipe Band Championships.
Following a successful performance in the Freestyle event at the Scottish Schools Competition with their cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Castle on the Hill”, Clare decided it was a good opportunity to explore the other musical talents and interests of the band members. With the help of a local studio (and permission from Mr Sheeran and his recording companies) the band recorded their cover with an accompanying video to show off their talents. Naturally, the video featured Edinburgh’s own ‘Castle on the Hill’! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5AinIvMAF4
In 2018 the band moved up to Grade 4A and in 2019 had a rebrand. With the members who started at Davidson’s Mains Primary School now grown up and attending the Royal High School, or even left school, rebranding as the Royal High Pipe Band seemed an obvious decision. The band has grown significantly but some core members have remained the same throughout the band’s journey so far. Older members now mentor younger ones who strive to meet the standard they need to be to compete at Grade 4A
It is now time for the Royal High Pipe Band to move forward under the guidance of Clare and continue with their success. Clare has truly made a band that the members, families and community can be exceptionally proud of.