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Saint Thomas' Episcopal's Sounds of Scotland

By Reena Kudchadker, Saint Thomas' Episcopal School, School Buzz Editor | March 23, 2018

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Isobel Lyttle performing at a dance competition.

Prepare to be amazed on Friday, March 23, at 7 p.m. by a spectacular showcase of Scottish arts. This is a performance you will always remember as Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School (STE) showcases their five-time world champion Piping and Drumming Band alongside their premier Highland dancers at the Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land.

STE has hosted this annual event for over 50 years to display their students’ talents and abilities as they perform classic Scottish dances and songs. These students train all year, either during or after school, with some of the best instructors in their respective disciplines to bring this show together for the Houston community.

Fifth graders from Saint Thomas' Episcopal dancing with the band during Sounds of Scotland.

The piping and drumming band competes in numerous competitions every year, and travels to places throughout Texas, California, Argentina, Scotland, etc. to perform in festivals and compete against other top Pipe Bands from around the world. Our Pipe Band members were also invited to play for Super Bowl Live in Discovery Green, last year, and some even played outside of Minute Maid Stadium during this year’s Astros’ win at the MLB World Series. Not to be outdone by the pipers, our drummers have won state championships in drumline competition for two of the last three years.

“I’m really looking forward to playing the drum salute. This is a segment where us drummers perform cool tricks with their drumsticks,” said Matthew Darmadi ‘20, a snare drummer.

Islay Lyttle’s solo during last year's performance of the Sounds of Scotland.

The Highland dancers also compete alongside the band as they dance for awards, trophies, and recognition. The dance program at STE has produced 24 U.S. champions and one world champion. There are four different levels of experience for dance: Beginner, Novice, Intermediate and Premier.

“Dancing teaches you to not to give up even if something is hard or if you’re tired. I’m really looking forward to perform at the Sounds of Scotland because I want to show everyone all the hard work that the dancers and I did over this past year,” said Isobel Lyttle ‘20, a premier dancer.

So sit back and enjoy. Welcome to the Sounds of Scotland!