5th February, 2016
Strathallan Piper Wins Second Major School Piping Title
A pupil from Strathallan has won the prestigious Scottish School’s Piobaireachd title. Sixth form pupil, John Dew, added this latest accolade to a long list of piping achievements after winning the March, Strathspey and Reel at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships last summer, meaning he has now won both of the major school solo piping titles.
John continued his winning streak at the beginning of this term when he competed in the CCF Scottish Schools Championships at George Heriots. John saw off fourteen other competitors to win the Piobaireachd title. In 2015, John also won the March, Strathspey and Reel at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships held at Glenalmond College.
John joined Strathallan in 2009 aged 12 having started piping two years earlier at his prep school in Crieff, Ardvreck, and has flourished during his time at Strathallan, particularly under the tutelage of piping instructor Craig Muirhead.
When asked about his time at Strathallan, John said:
“The environment at Strathallan for piping is second to none. Most school pipe bands work solely towards traditional competitions, but at Strathallan we do so much more than that. Not many pipers get the opportunity to play at prestigious contemporary events such as ‘T in the Park’ or the Welcoming Ceremony of a European Horse Trials let alone have the chance to go on stage with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and travel to New York for Tartan Week.
John continued:
“There are also lots of occasions throughout the term for musicians at Strathallan to perform to smaller audiences which builds confidence and I certainly felt it contributed to my success in competitions.”
When asked about any highlights over the past year, John, who is also a member of the Inveraray and District Pipe Band and will go on to study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in the Autumn, said:
“Coming second in the MacGregor Memorial Piobaireachd Competition 2015 was a particular highlight for me. Competing against pipers in the Under 21 age group from all over the world is quite special and to be placed second and be the only schoolboy to be placed was amazing.”
In addition to playing the pipes and whistle, John is an accomplished composer. He has recently completed an album for pipes and guitar which he describes as ‘traditional with a contemporary twist’, as well as a contemporary piece for a 28 piece orchestra. He also regularly composes for Strathallan’s Folk Group.
Craig Muirhead, Piping Instructor at Strathallan and member of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, said:
“John has worked incredibly hard to get achieve such success at the age he is. Because of the range of ensembles we have at Strathallan we’ve been able to introduce him to new genres and performance styles and that has been hugely beneficial to him as a musician. His name is definitely one to watch going forward.”
To find out more about Strathallan School, visit www.strathallan.co.uk
-End-
For further information contact Fraser Kirk on 01738 658187 or email f.kirk@volpa.co.uk
Notes to Editors
Image details: John Dew with trophies from the Scottish
Schools Championships