August 2015 was our third time competing in Scotland, and our first time at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. In addition to competing at the Worlds, the band also played in minor competitions in North Berwick and Perth.
This year the band was joined by pipers from two other Austrian bands: Hannah and Tom from the Caledonian Pipes and Drums in Burgenland, and Benny from the Red Eagle Tyrolean band. Geza Frank, one of the best pipers in the Austrian and German piping scene also stepped up to the line with us. Thanks to all of them for their commitment and for making this a truly Austrian first at the World championships!
The Results
The band took 3rd place in Grade 4B in North Berwick, the first time we’ve made the prize list in Scotland. This was followed by a 5th place in Perth Grade 4 the following day, possibly explained by the celebrations the night before.
At the World Championships in Glasgow we played well in our qualifying round, with the pipers being rated 4th out of 18 bands. Despite this we unfortunately did not qualify for the Grade 4B finals. However the feedback from the judges and the audience was very good, and we are looking forward to trying again for a place in the finals in 2017.
Competing at the Worlds was a fantastic experience, and we were very proud to see the Austrian flag flying for the first time above the main arena in Glasgow Green. Many thanks to all our supporters from Austria and Scotland who came to cheer us on – see you there again in 2017!
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