Band hits all the right notes

MARK LAWSON/Timaru Herald

SUCCESSFUL TRIP: South Canterbury Highland Pipe Band president Arnold Garchow shows off the band's new silverware to add to their growing collection after a trip to the national pipe band championships in Masterton.

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The South Canterbury Highland Pipe Band is ending its competition year on the best note possible.

After a season cleaning up in provincial competitions, the band came away with the big prize in Masterton this weekend – first place in their grade at the national championships.

Band president Arnold Garchow said it was the best way to end what has been an incredible year.

"I was just amazed. I was just so rapt with the team."

Mr Garchow said that early in the season they were singled out as the team to beat, which added pressure in Masterton at the Royal New Zealand Highland Pipe Band Association National Championship.

During the November-to-March competition season, the band had been to six provincial competitions and won their grade in all of them.

He put their success down to the band's pipe major and "real team spirit".

"It's 52 years since South Canterbury actually won the championship."

Now the band formerly known as the City of Timaru Highland Pipe Band – after years belonging in Grade 4 – could soon be moving up to Grade 3.

- © Fairfax NZ News