Band History

The Hamilton Caledonian Society's Pipe Band was originally formed as the South Auckland Caledonian Society in 1925, from an earlier organisation established in 1917. On the 12th June, 1928 the Band was incorporated as the Hamilton Caledonian Society.

Over the years, the Society has represented Scotland and its traditions through concerts, Inglesides, socials, choirs, marching teams, sports teams and its Pipe Band. One of the objects of the Society is to promote a greater appreciation of the pipes and to this end the Band have given great service to Hamilton and its surrounds.

The Band won the B Grade national contest at Palmerston North in 1938 under Pipe Major Sam Clothier. Consequently, the Band was promoted to the A Grade.

With the advent of World War Two, the Waikato Mounted Rifles requested that the Band be attached to their unit. Parades for the various Home Guard Units, 4th Waikato Regiment and the Women’s Army Corps kept the band busy.

In 1947, the Band traveled to Wanganui and its first Dominion Contest since the war. They won the A Grade aggregate for the quickstep and selection. The Band’s profile lifted dramatically and requests for appearances flowed in from far and near. The Band retained its title at the following nationals in 1948, in Dunedin. In 1949, at New Plymouth, Hamilton won the street parade and quickstep but were second overall by one point.

After a few years break from attending national contests, in 1952 at Napier, the band were 4th overall in the A Grade, an impressive feat, considering the Band was the youngest ever taken to compete in that grade.

In 1965, at Timaru, the Band again won the aggregate in the A Grade competition.

During the 1970’s both the Society and Band saw a decline in membership. As a result, the Band did not compete regularly at National Contests and lost their place in the top grades.

In 1980, under Musical Director Trevor Andrews, the Band won the Grade 3 title at the Nationals in Hamilton. They were consequently promoted to Grade 2 which they won the following year, at Timaru. A second band was formed later that year.

By 1984, the number 1 band had been promoted again to Grade 1.

Unfortunately, during the 90’s the band began to struggle to retain members and agreed to go back to Grade 2. When the Te Rapa Air Force Base was closed, several members of its Pipe Band joined Hamilton Caledonian. Concern for the need to train up new playing members led to initiatives with local schools to tutor young pipers and drummers.

The Number Two Band was formed in 1999. They achieved 2nd placings in Grade 4 in 2000 and 2001 and in 2003 were promoted from Grade 4 to Grade 3.

The Number One Band achieved three second placings in 1998, 1999 and 2001 in Grade 2, and went on to take out the Grade 2 Championships in 2005 (in Invercargill) and 2006 (in Hamilton). As a result of this continued success, the Hamilton Cales were promoted to Grade 1 after their win in Hamilton 2006.

The Band currently comprises of the Number One Band, which competes in Grade 2, the Number Two Band, which competes in Grade 4A

As well as competing nationally, the Band has performed at such events as Civic Functions, International Rugby matches, Parades, University and Polytechnic Graduations, Concerts and other engagements.