slideshow

Laurinburg has something to toot its horn about.

The St. Andrews University Pipe Band will be featured on North Carolina Now tonight on UNC-TV Public Television.

The weeknight television newsmagazine will spotlight the highly regard band during one of its features. The show will air at 7:30 p.m.

Footage on the Pipe Band was filmed on the University campus in November. Additional performance footage was collected during a Dec. 1 event in Moore County.

The program will also include segments on Bear Grass Charter School and Shana Tucker.

With only four competitions in 2012, the St. Andrews University Pipe Band earned sixth overall among Grade III Bands in the region.

“We also had several SAU band members keeping up our achievement traditions,” said Pipe Major Bill Caudill. “Over the past several years, our pipe band graduates have each moved up two grades during their time at St. Andrews and this group is well on the way to doing the same.”

Senior and Drum Sargeant Billy Gehringer placed fourth overall in Grade I Snare Drumming and was upgraded to professional grade competition for the 2013 competition season.

Sophomore Dalton Marshall was fifth overall in Grade IV 18-Over Piping for the year and was upgraded to Grade III for the 2013 season. Freshman Stuart Marshall was also promoted to Grade III after several consistent performances this fall.

“We welcome inquiries from college-bound students as well as other interested parties who may be interested in joining the top pipe band in the Carolinas,” said Caudill. “We currently include community members and alumni in our band lineup and welcome that talent to our ensemble.”

Community member Patrick Johnson finished first overall for Light Music and Piobaireachd in Grade IV 18-Under and was upgraded to Grade III for 2013. His brother Evan was second overall in Grade IV 18-Under and tied for first in Piobaireachd. He was also upgraded to Grade III for 2013.

For anyone interested in learning more about the SAU Pipe Band, scholarship offerings, and admission, contact Bill Caudill at 277-5236 or fill out the pipeband interest questionnaire.