Benoni High’s Taele wins big at pipe bands provincials

Benoni High Pipe Band’s Reabetswe Taele won the open drum major provincial title during the Pipe Band Association of South Africa (PBASA) Gauteng Championships at Benoni High School on July 12.

She beat bandmate Callan Stephen to the title in a contest that included Pretoria Boys’ Kai Kelfkens and Omlhile Kadiege, Andrew Nixon from St Benedict’s and SA Irish’s Catherine Beretta.

Taele was also named the juvenile drum major champion.

With 19 top pipe bands from around the province competing, the gathering delivered intense musical rivalry and entertainment for the spectators.

Cómhlan 1645 won the Grade Two title ahead of the Benoni Mac Talla and Transvaal Scottish Pipes and Drums.
Transvaal Scottish was crowned Grade Four champion; Benoni High came second; African Skye took third; and Pretoria Highlanders finished fourth.

St Benedict’s won the juvenile section and Benoni High was second.

The winners now advance to the South African Pipe Band Championships at St Benedict’s College on July 26.

Longtime Benoni High Pipe Band master Hilary Webber hailed the event a success, saying the bands outdid themselves with exceptional performances.

Webber has been involved in piping and drumming for 40 years.

She said the Benoni High Pipe Band has played a pivotal role in the activity in the country, adding that they are always looking for members to join the band.

“We are excited to see children take part. It’s also a tradition. The children have tremendous fun. They play at various gatherings, such as at embassies, hospitals and concerts. It’s great fun.

“The children don’t have to be from Benoni High School. We draw them in. They learn to be independent. They don’t have to come from a music background. We’ll teach them from the beginning. It’s all for the love – not just for the competitiveness,” Webber said.

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