We’re all about learning to play bagpipes and drums.

The Academy and the pipe band movement in Hawke’s Bay:

• is an ideal environment to give youth (of all ethnicities and diversities) opportunities for their personal development
• aims to protect and preserve our Scottish heritage which has underpinned the Hawke’s Bay region,
• plays an important part in many community activities.

Young people involved in pipe bands here in HB (and throughout the country) gain many things from their participation as well as the development of team work. They are encouraged to use their talents to give back to the community in settings such as performing at retirement villages and community events (like Christmas and ANZAC Parades),an important part of pipe band membership.

They also are encouraged to develop the disciplines associated with high levels of achievement – persistence, setting and achieving goals, and the value of success.

Pipe banding is about the people – it is a social hub away from work or school and is both an individual journey and a group journey, meaning youngsters can improve at their own pace, yet still be part of a band with members of varying ages.   Band members uplift each other in competitions and in social activities outside of practice.

Pipe bands also offer pipers and drummers opportunities nationally and across the world – connections and friendships that last a lifetime.

Our Project

Our vision for the future is to have three levels of viable pipe bands in Hawke’s Bay – a band for youth, a community band and a band that participates regularly at the top level in national competitions. To achieve that the Academy has developed a plan for the employment of piping (and drumming) tutors.  You can view the plan by clicking on these links:
PDAHB 2023 development proposal vn7
PDAHB 2023 development proposal appendices

Academy – Who Are We?

The focus of the Academy, established in 2013, is the expansion of pipe band piping and drumming activities in Hawke’s Bay Schools.  This is achieved through the support of group and individual tuition and running workshops.  The staging of the national pipe band contest in 2021 here in Hawke’s Bay was seen as an important promotional opportunity for the trust and was reflective of the collaborative work being done in Napier and Hastings.

The Academy is an Incorporated Society (2583242), a registered charity (CC49464) and has IRD donee status (111-869-634).