The Ampleforth Highlanders Pipes & Drums
Piping started at the College with four pipers in 1995 and since then, under the directorship of Pipe Major Bryan Robinson, it has grown in strength each year and now includes a very healthy number of both pipers and drummers. In 2004, with the support of the parents and the school, The Ampleforth Highlanders Pipes and Drums was formed. Today the nominal role of the band stands at Drum Major, 14 Pipers plus two Bass, four Tenor and 12 Snare Drummers with a further 15 students at various stages of learning, all with the expectation of playing with the band in the coming years.
One of the most outstanding features of the band is its uniform. The band wears the Atholl Tartan and a unique rabbit-skin sporran in the school's red and black colours; the Glengarry Badge is that of the Black Watch, as is the band tie that all members wear in recognition of the link with the parents of the school.
As a school band, the Pipes and Drums are on parade at a large number of events throughout the year including Exhibition, Remembrance Sunday Parade, OTC Dinners and CCF events. In addition it gives piping and drumming recitals at schools, both locally and nationally.
Combined Cadet Force
Some of the band members are part of the Combined Cadet Force. The band turns out for many of the CCF calendar events, such as the Annual Guard of Honour Inspection and Remembrance Day Service.
Competitions
The Band also plays at the RSPBA competitions throughout the year; players enter the Solo Piping and Drumming contests,Trio and Mini Bands contests and the whole band enters Pipe Band Competitions. In 2012, members of the band gained many top places in the Branch Solo Piping Contest in the North of England Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA). Internally the inter-House music competition is hotly contested at all levels and members of the pipe band are consistent prize winners.