The championships were held in Glasgow, Scotland, during the August school holiday.
Besides sightseeing and enjoying the live piping events, the band competed in three major contests. In their first international appearance in North Berwick, the St Benedict’s pipers were placed eighth out of 10 in the Novice Juvenile Grade. At the Perth Highland Games they competed in the Open Grade 4 (adult grade) and were placed eighth out of 20. They were also announced as the best Novice Juvenile band to play in that grade and were awarded a prize for their efforts.
In another event, the Novice Juvenile Grade, the band was placed 14th out of over 40 bands.
At the World Championships Drum Majors, Mr Evans qualified for the Adult Drum Major Finals and was placed eighth in the world.
The band began a long and dedicated journey about a year ago. Under the professional and admirable guidance of Mr Gareth Rudolph, a St Benedict’s Old Boy who is also a world champion piper, the band perfected its songs, routines and performance. With the dedication of the boys and Mr Rudolph’s knowledge and talent, the band rose to fame and were “the best they could have been”, according to Mr Rudolph.
Tutors, Mr Evans, Mr Davies and Mr Couperthwaite as well as to the tour manager, Mr Edwards, prepared the boys for the tour.
