Supporting Bands, Soloists and Musicla Development
As Queensland’s association for pipe bands, PBQ administers rules for competitions; supports and partners with piping events; and supports education to raise the standard of piping in drumming in our region and beyond.
Nick started his piping career at The Scots PGC College, as the first student of band master Sandy Dalziel. Nick’s next step was with St Andrew’s Pipe Band where he became Pipe Sergeant and subsequently playing with Manawatu Scottish of New Zealand (Grade 1) and Pipe Band Club of Sydney. Nick then moved to the City of Ipswich Pipe Band where he spent 4 years as Pipe Major of the organisation – building up to two bands (Grade 3 and Grade 4) and creating a financially successful model. Nick also mentors a number of bands throughout Queensland and Northern NSW, as well as conducting workshops.
Carlie is a tenor and bass drummer from Brisbane, Australia, who’s been a part of pipe bands in Queensland for more than a decade. Although Carlie is a drummer, she started her pipe band journey in 2014 as a piper. She has played and competed with City of Ipswich Pipe Band, St Andrew’s Pipe Band and Brisbane Pipe Band both interstate and internationally. Carlie is currently the Secretary, lead-tenor and mid-section tutor of Brisbane Pipe Band.
Hailing from Penicuik, just south of Edinburgh, Stevie started drumming at 4 years old and has played with Penicuik Boys Brigade Pipe Band, West Linton & District Pipe Band, Scottish Gas Caledonia Pipe Band, Lothian & Borders Police Pipe Band and Queensland Police Pipes & Drums after his move to Australia in 1999. Stevie has won every Juvenile Drum Major Championship title, including the World Championship and Champion of Champion crown, and has performed in eight Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoos as a drummer and Drum Major. Stevie’s passion is teaching and has taught various Drum Majors, community bands and school bands throughout Scotland and here in Australia over the years. Stevie is currently the Director of Pipe Band at Brisbane Boys’ College and has seen the school’s bands to many European and World Championships and Edinburgh Military Tattoos.
Nikki started her Pipe Band journey at age 9, learning side drum under the tutelage of Stuart Palfrey & John Rowland of the QLD Highlanders. Having played with the QLD Highlanders No.2 band for many years, she would later move on to play with various other bands in Brisbane, Australia and abroad. Currently, Nikki is the Secretary and Drum Sergeant at Wynnum RSL Pipe Band. With a passion for passing her love of pipe bands on to the next generation of players, Nikki is currently studying a Bachelor of Education and working towards achieving her drumming certification to help further assist the QLD scene in developing more youth-based learning programs, starting with the current development of The Wynnum RSL Pipe Band Juvenile Program.
Jamie learnt pipes at Scotch College in Western Australia in the early 1980s before moving to the Perth Highland Pipe Band, where he competed at the Jakarta Highland Gathering and in Singapore. He was Pipe Major of City of Blacktown Pipe Band No.2 (Grade 3) including successful international tours to Scotland, Indonesia and New Zealand. In 2017, he competed with Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band in Scotland. Vice Chairman of Pipe Bands Queensland since 2016, Jamie completed his Advanced Rules and Administration certificate in 2019 when he was also appointed Vice Principal.
After learning to play with Jack McCandlish, Darin played with the Blue Bonnets Pipe Band, Wynnum RSL Pipe Band, Queensland Police Pipes and Drums, NZ Police, Auckland and District, Canterbury Caledonian Society Pipe Band and the Queensland Highlanders (2001 Grade 2 World Champions). He now plays with Emmanuel College Highlanders at the University of Queensland. He had solo competition success for many years, including a placing at the 2000 Festival Interceltique du Lorient. Darin was previously a Vice Chairman and is the current Treasurer.
Sandy’s piping foundation began at age eight with the regional Grade 4 Lochryan Pipe Band, leading to solo success across Scotland and tutelage from legendary figures such as Donald MacPherson. As a member of the Royal Air Force, he became Champion Piper, performing internationally and becoming the first RAF member to complete the Army’s piobaireachd course. He also served as a Senior Teacher at the National Piping Centre.
From 2005 until 2024, he successfully directed the SCOTS PGC College Pipes and Drums, revitalising the program and securing numerous State, National, and International awards for both soloists and pipe band students through effective resource management within a small regional college environment.
Sandy’s personal experience includes Grade 1 championship involvement at all major events and a range of solo accolades, having won major prizes across Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, and the R.U. Brown) and New Zealand (Everest Cup). As the State Vice President of Piping, he remains committed to ensuring that every player has an equal opportunity to develop and succeed.
Nick is the leading drummer of the BBC Old Collegians Pipe Band and is also a snare drummer with St Andrew’s Pipe Band. He is also a regular competitor in the local solo drumming scene. Nick tutors at Brisbane Boys’ College and has been Vice Chair of Pipe Bands Queensland since 2018.
With a distinguished piping career that spans adjudicating, playing at every grade level, and competing as a soloist for more than 50 years – Alex has been a long-serving member of PBQ and QHPS, including serving as secretary for the last 20+ years. Alex won the QHPS Open Piper of the Year trophy in 1981, and the Grade 2 New Zealand Championships in 1996 with St Andrews Pipe Band Alex a life member of Pipe Bands Australia and an Honoured Person (Du.A) of the Celtic Council of Australia.
We’re still compiling everything there is to know about David. Check back later.