The Emmanuel College Highlanders at The University of Queensland is one of the premier performance and competition bands in Australia. Having performed in its current form since late 2016, the band continues to enjoy successes at the highest local and international levels, which can be dated back to the late 1990s.
The performers are an experienced group of pipers and drummers who are true global musicians. As well as supporting many local community events, band members regularly perform at competitions and showcases across Australia and the world. A strong competition and performance background means the band has a unique and exciting repertoire.
In 2017, the Emmanuel College Highlanders were excited to return to the Australian Celtic Festival where many members of the band have performed regularly since 2008. The band were the recipients of the 2017 Triquetra Ambassador Award at the Australian Celtic Music Awards and won the Quintet Competition in both 2017 and 2018.
After two successful competition seasons in Grade 3, the band has been promoted to Grade 2 for 2019, the highest pipe band grade represented in Australia. The band wears the Stewart of Appin tartan and the band’s patron is Michael Bryce AM AE.