The all girl pipe band along with Band Master Meribemo Tsopoe from Fernbrook School, Wokha.
Meribeni T Kikon
Wokha | August 12
Fernbrook School, Wokha has been a beacon of holistic education and innovative practices, and it has set a new precedent by setting up an “all-girl pipe band”. Established in 2010 by the school administrator, Rushamo Tsopoe, the all-girl pipe band has added a unique identity to the Fernbrook School under the guidance of Bandmaster, Meribemo Tsopoe.
Vision and formation of the All-Girl Pipe Band
The idea of forming the pipe band was already embedded in the school’s vision since its inception. Meribemo Tsopoe, the bandmaster and son of the school administrator, recounts, “When the school was established in the year 2010, raising a pipe band was one of the visions we had. However, it wasn’t until 2022 that the idea truly took shape.”
The journey towards realising this vision began during the celebrations of Independence Day 2022 when the school’s marching contingent participated for the first time. “We experienced the emptiness of marching without a band,” Tsopoe shares. “It was then that we decided to return the following year with a band to make our march more lively.”
The band was officially formed in the latter part of 2022 and made its debut performance on Independence Day in 2023. “There was no band for the parade, and it felt empty… So, our school administrator decided to form the band, ensuring that future parades would be more vibrant and engaging,” adds Tsopoe.
Selection and composition of the Band
Recruitment for the band began in 2022. Participation was purely voluntary, and students were given the freedom to choose the instrument they wished to play.
“The students were given the choice to pick an instrument,” explains Tsopoe. “After some time, based on their talent, they were allocated instruments that best suited their skills.” This approach ensured that each student was placed in a role where they could excel, even if it meant reassigning them from their initial choice.
The band currently has 21 members. These young musicians, hailing from grades 7 to 10, are trained in a variety of instruments, including bagpipes and marching drums. The selection of instruments was meticulously planned, with the school aiming to create a Pipe Band that would be both impressive and suitable for parade performances. “We selected pieces that would suit the needs of a parade, with special emphasis on Independence Day celebrations,” says Tsopoe. “We made sure the music was appropriate and within the students’ capability to perform.”
So far, the all girl pipe band led the parade twice at National Events (Level: Independence Day 2023 and Republic Day 2024). Even this time, the band is all geared up to lead the parade on Independence Day 2024.
Financial constraints, rigorous training regimen
“The main challenge we faced was the financial burden of procuring musical instruments,” Tsopoe admits. “Imported instruments sound much better, but they are very expensive.” Despite these hurdles, the school remained committed to the project, ensuring that the band had everything it needed to succeed.
In terms of training, the band follows a rigorous yet balanced schedule. “The pipers are first trained with a chanter pipe before they are introduced to the actual bagpipes,” explains Tsopoe. “Similarly, the drummers practice with practice pads before moving on to their drums.” Regular practice sessions are held every Thursday for an hour, with additional sessions scheduled when upcoming events require extra preparation.
Alignment with educational goals
Tsopoe, reflects on the broader significance of the band, saying, “People had this idea that pipes and drums could only be played by grown-ups. We have a strong belief that with faith in oneself and perseverance, nothing is impossible. Developing hidden skills is one of the cores of education.”
This belief has resonated with the students, many of whom have shown significant personal growth since joining the band. “We have observed that to retain their membership in the band, students are putting in more hours in their studies,” notes Tsopoe, highlighting the positive impact the band has had on academic performance.
While the band’s primary focus is on school events and national celebrations, there are no immediate plans to compete in larger competitions. “The first and foremost duty of the band members is to study. The band is just an extracurricular activity. We do not plan to participate in any competitions as of now,” he says.
Future aspirations
Looking ahead, the school plans to continue nurturing the band, with aspirations to train as many students as possible. “At all times, we are prepared to play the National Anthem at any important events in our region,” Tsopoe states. The band’s success, though still in its early stages, has already instilled a sense of pride and achievement among the students. “I believe the success of the band has instilled a positive mindset among the children that anything can be possible if you work on it and never give up.”
In just a short time, Fernbrook School’s all-girl pipe band has not only brought life to parades and public events but also fostered a sense of belonging and accomplishment among its members. As the band continues to grow and evolve, it remains a shining example of how innovative ideas, combined with dedication and support, can create lasting change in a community.
