The St. Thomas' Episcopal School Pipe Band began in the early 1960's when the school's founding Rector, The Reverend T. Robert Ingram, decided he wanted a school band with a distinctive identity. His love of his Scottish heritage led him to the bagpipes and he decided that a pipe band would fulfill his vision.

Pipe Major Donald Shaw Ramsey, who was living in California was contacted by Mr. Ingram to facilitate the start-up of the band through periodic workshops. The church organist, John Moseley, began to learn the pipes so he could teach the students in Ramsay's absence, and the school's Headmaster, Henry L. Walters, Jr., began teaching the drums.


Through the years several instructors have been through the Scottish Arts program, but it was not until Mike Cusack took charge that the program evolved to what it is today.  During his twenty-two year role as band director, Mr. Cusack led the band to 4 world championships, produced three albums, and raised the calibre of musicianship in hundreds of young Texans.

 

2006 World Champion Band

Upon reaching the fourth grade, boys are given the opportunity to take bagpiping or snare drumming as part of their curriculum.  The students then progress through a demanding list of exercises and tunes that increase in difficulty.  The boys are consistently tested on their progress as they strive to reach their short and long-term goals.


Although many are familiar with only the “A” Band, St. Thomas’ employs a feeder system that graduates students through the ranks to the highest level.  Below the “A” Band are the “B” and “C” Bands.  The “C” Band comprises younger students that are new to the pipes or drums.  Their goal is to improve enough to play in the annual Scottish Festival and then join the “B” Band.  Once in the “B” Band, students have the opportunity to compete at local Highland games in Salado and Houston, TX.

HISTORY

THE SYSTEM

The St. Thomas' Episcopal School Pipe Band is now under the directorship of Doug MacRae and Lyric Todkill.  It has grown to become one of the world's most respected pipe bands, winning the Juvenile World Pipe Band Championships in 1985, 1995, 1998, 2004 and 2006. The Band performs throughout the community. Through its history, the band has played for, The MD Anderson Children’s Art Project, The Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Houston Blood Center. It has also performed for Queen Elizabeth II and President George Bush.

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