Gordonstoun Pipe Band trip wins National Award

Having a diverse range of trips available to students is a fundamental part of a Gordonstoun education. However, In March, 37 Pipe Band students had the exceptional opportunity to visit Hong Kong and perform at the Hong Kong Sevens, in a world famous arena, to a global audience of millions.

The Hong Kong Sevens is a highly anticipated tournament and part of the HSBC SVNS calendar. The three days of world-class rugby and a festival atmosphere made for a thrilling international atmosphere that our students fully embraced.

During the Hong Kong 7s, at the stadium as fans arrived, the pipe band played traditional Scottish tunes on the steps at the front of the stadium. With fans in all kinds of fancy dress, ready for the HK7s party, it was a great atmosphere.

The highlight came on the final day, when the band led the memorial to three key members of the 7s team who had recently passed away. The organiser requested Highland Cathedral, which was played as the band moved to the middle of the pitch in front of 50,000 fans. As the band marched off the pitch they felt like rock stars as the crowd leaned over barriers to ‘high 5’ the students and get selfies with them. The band’s playing was followed by a folded up saltire coloured stage which opened out to reveal Arnel Pineda, the lead singer of internationally acclaimed ban ‘Journey’ who then launched into a 50 minute set of rock classics.

Out with the rugby stadium, there were a number of opportunities to perform to audiences in a variety of locations. Notable examples include the British Consulate, Ocean Park, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and the waterfront.

Being of service to others was part of our founding ethos and remains so today, so it is not by chance that members of the band were able to work with charities and outreach programmes. It was a particular honour to play at the 5th Annual Hong Kong Doddie Dinner for the ‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’ with the evening raising £400,000 for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research.

A further extraordinary opportunity came when Gordonstoun students were invited to perform in Tai Fu Tai, a Qing dynasty mansion. Built around 1865, the mansion is full of Chinese heritage. Gordonstoun students on the trip had the unique privilege of being the first band to ever be given permission to perform in this historic building. The Courtyard was a truly memorable location.

Musically, culturally, experientially, this trip stood out in the last year. However, far from being one-off features in the Gordonstoun calendar, trips take place regularly throughout the year, every year.

Academically, trips teach the value of taking instruction, of asking for help, the thrill of success and the resilience required to withstand and overcome disappointment. In preparing our students for life, Gordonstoun trips ask our students to work alongside people from differing nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds, enabling a greater understanding of others and oneself.

From sail training voyages aboard our 80 ft Sail Training Vessel ‘Ocean Spirit’ to expeditions in the Scottish Highlands and further afield, Gordonstoun’s trips reflect the breadth of our curriculum and offer immersive, hands-on learning experiences, impelling students to actively experience the school’s motto - "Plus est en vous" - there is more in you.

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