We are a new pipe band to Queensland and we would like to provide Veterans and Families of Townsville and Emergency Services the opportunity of playing the Highland Bagpipes and Highland Snare Drum, through weekly lessons and practice conducted at the Oasis Centre Townsville, North Queensland. This will include music theory on both instruments and lessons to enable the band member to achieve a competent level of playing the bagpipes and drums to competition level.
Come along, have a bit of fun learning the great Highland Bagpipes and Highland Snare drum. Give yourself a challenge. This is a hobby that has ultimate results, stretching to all corners of the world, participate in things such as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow Scotland as well as domestic competitions here in Australia.
Pipe Major John Ferguson
The Pipe Major John Ferguson started his career in the Scots Guards in 1977. John has been an Infantry Soldier serving in nearly all parts of the world, starting his piping career in the City of Bradford pipe band in West Yorkshire England. John has played (to name one or two) his bagpipes for HM Queen Elizabeth, His RH King Charles, the Duke of Edinburgh. HM the Queen Mother also a few other well know celebrities, John Denver, His holiness Pope John Paul II, the Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher plus many more.
Whilst John was serving in the Scots Guards, he was part of the winning band that won the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow Scotland. John served for 11 Years in the Scots Guards then in 1987 moved to Australia to join the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) where he still serves in the 3rd Btn RAR to this day. No matter where your family history stems from or your age, you only need the will and drive to succeed at a very challenging hobby. Enjoy meeting new friends that you have not yet met from all parts the world.
The Veterans and Families Pipeband meets at The Oasis Centre, 20 Darter Street, Oonoonba, Townsville., Queensland. 18:30 for learners and 19:30 for more advanced players. For more information contact: Pipe Major John Ferguson 0449 116 651.