RVR Pipes and Drums Association
5/6RVR Pipes and Drums | |
---|---|
Cap badge of 5th Bn, The Victorian Scottish Regiment | |
Active | 1898-1960 and perpetuated by 5/6 Bn, The Royal Victoria Regiment (RVR) |
Country | Australia |
Branch | Army |
Type | Infantry |
Role | Light Infantry |
Size | One battalion |
Part of | Royal Australian Infantry Corps |
Garrison/HQ | 5th Battalion - Hawthorn and others |
March | 5th/6th Battalion - Cock of the North |
Commanders | |
Colonel-in-Chief |
HM The Queen (Australian Infantry Corps) |
Insignia | |
Unit Colour Patch | |
Tartan | [archive.org/web/20070416022714/http://www.regiments.org/tradition/tartans/gordon.htm Gordon] |
Formed in 1899 as part of the Victorian Scottish Regiment, the 5/6 RVR Pipes and Drums is now the sole musical support for all battalions of the Royal Victoria Regiment. Currently the 5/6 RVR Pipes and Drums operates as a part-time professional pipe band.
Elements
Community of Practice
5/6 RVR Pipes and Drums is a part-time professional pipe band that provides ceremonial support to 5/6 RVR.Some members of 5/6 RVR Pipes and Drums are serving Army Reservists from 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment, other members are derived from other Army Reserve units / parts of the Australian Defence Force,and selected guest players.
RVR Pipes and Drums Association Incorporated
Initially formed in 1999 to supplement funding to enable 5/6 RVR Pipes and Drums participation in the 2000 Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the RVR Pipes and Drums Association Incorporated also supports retired and civilian pipers and drummers that are active members of the Pipe & Drums. Donations to the Association are tax deductible. Distinctive uniforms are provided for retired and civilian members; retired and civilian members wear insignia of The Victorian Scottish Regiment. Retired and civilian members are also covered by insurance that is paid for by the RVR Pipes and Drums Association Incorporated.
Veterans and Civilians
Traditionally, pipers and drummers of 5/6 RVR Pipes and Drums have been members of the 5th Battalion, The Victorian Scottish Regiment and later 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment. However, as well as soldiers, it has become necessary to involve members of the wider Army, and selected guest players.the Pipes and Drums. Apart from support by the RVR Pipes and Drums Association Incorporated, guest players are not paid for any tuition, rehearsal or performances.
Serving Army Reserve Soldiers
It is preferred that pipers and drummers with 5/6 RVR Pipes and Drums are serving army reserve members of 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment Pipers and drummers who are members of the Australian Army Reserve wear current Australian Army uniforms are paid to learn, rehearse and perform. Learners are provided with tuition from Army reserve members and are able to attend courses conducted by the Defence Force School of Music. Members of 5/6 RVR Pipes and Drums have recently deployed on operations to East Timor, Solomon Islands and border protection duties as part of Operation Resolute.
Officers of The Association
- Patron: Major General Greg Garde AO RFD QC
- Chairman: WO2 Colin Hughes-Smith
- Deputy Chairman: LTCOL ret Bill Kirkham RFD ED
- Treasurer: CAPT ret Ben Tosseto RFD
- Secretary: LTCOL ret Ed Hawkes RFD
- Committee Members: CAPT Lionel Boxer CD, MAJ Ron Stepnell, John Connard, LTCOL ret Don Blanksby RFD
Past Patrons
- Past Patrons: LTCOL Sir Rupert Hamer KCMG ED (1999–2003)
Alliances
- United Kingdom - The Gordon Highlanders
- Canada - The Toronto Scottish Regiment - via Gordon Alliance
- Canada - 48th Highlanders of Canada - via Gordon Alliance
- South Africa - Cape Town Highlanders Regiment - via Gordon Alliance
See also
- The Victorian Scottish Regiment (1898 to 1960)
- Royal Victoria Regiment (1960 to present)
- 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment (amalgamaged from 5th Bn and 6th Bn in 1982)
- Australian Army Reserve
- Australian Army Band Corps
- List of pipe bands around the world