G6, a unique Gathering

Post date: Oct 25, 2015 12:9:45 AM

In addition to the Quick March Medley category, the bands also competed in two categories for the first time (category results):

    • Dance Corps

    • Medley

Two additional SPBASA prizes were added this year (overall results):

    • The Pipe Major Robert Dunsmore Ross Shield, for the best overall pipe corps

    • The Joseph G Noble Shield, for the best overall drum corps

A memorable feature was the massed bands playing and dancing Asa Branca (a traditional Brazilian song, adapted to the Highland Bagpipes) with an escola do samba at the Ibirapuera Park's central esplanade (see photo below).

After two years in the making, the 6th South American Pipe Band Gathering concluded on October 18th with the departing of the 200 performers back to the five countries represented at the event. This Gathering was the first to be hosted in Brazil, thus finishing the first time round the circuit of the current members' countries. Though the Gathering officially started on Oct-15 with the local bands' workshops, some bands had their workshops the weekend prior in Rio do Janeiro.

This Gathering's guest performers and competition adjudicators were:

The G6 had a record number of eleven participating bands, including four bands participating for the first time at a South American Pipe Band Gathering.

The South American Pipe Band Gatherings are huge camaraderie, knowledge sharing and learning experiences; and are key to the SPBASA's mission. As was the case of the G6 kicking off it's organization at the G5, the 2017 G7's organization was likewise officially kicked-off at the G6 (more details to be communicated soon).

The Association and all the participating bands thank the Brazil Caledonia Pipe Band for hosting this wonderful Gathering and we are all looking forward to the G7!

Photos: Jeannine Facht