City of Melbourne Highland Pipeband

Largest Pipe Band in Australia

The City of Melbourne Highland Pipeband is one of the largest pipe bands in Australia, with in excess of thirty pipers and twenty drummers.

The members range in age from ten to sixty years, and represent an extremely broad cross section of the community. About half the band are women.

Practice

Practice is held on most Thursday nights, from 7:30p, to about 10:00pm.

Practice is held at 239 A’Beckett St Melbourne.

This is on the corner of A’Beckett and William Streets, opposite the Flagstaff Gardens.

Extra Practice

Before major competitions, some additional practices are held at the same location on Tuesdays.

MacLennan Tavern

In the basement of the practice rooms, is the MacLennan Tavern

New Members

New members at all levels are always welcome, from complete beginners to expert players. Tuition is provided.

Learning

Learner pipers begin with a small instrument called a practice chanter which can be purchased for under $100. The band has some sets of pipes available for loan when the learner has progressed to that point, but eventually pipers need to purchase their own pipes.

Drummers use band drums.

If you are interested in joining Contact the band or just come along to practice one Thursday and watch what goes on.

Location