About

Tasmania Branch

Pipe Bands have been operating in Tasmania since early 1900.

In Launceston, the Caledonian Society and St. Andrews Pipers formed the now oldest still operational Tasmanian Band established in 1933. Other Pipe Bands currently operating in Tasmania can be found below.

Pipe Bands Tasmania conducts a full-band contest annually each February in conjunction with the Richmond Highland Gathering and a 3-round solo mini band competition in May, July and September. An annual workshop weekend is held in each October. Pipe Bands Tasmania actively promotes these events and other activities of members and member bands on the Pipe Bands Tasmania Facebook page.

Branch Committee

Chair

David Doyle

Originally from Ireland, David began his piping career with the two-time World Champions, New Ross & District Pipe Band, based in Wexford, Ireland. David’s career within that band grew for over 20 years to become one of the senior pipers.

Since moving to Tasmania in early 2024, David has been a piper with St. Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band, Launceston and also competed with the grade 2, City of Melbourne Pipe Band.

David is also a member of the National Executive Council for the Irish Pipe Band Association and is a committee member for St. Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band.

On a solo level, David has performed as a guest on albums, played for Presidents, Foreign Ambassadors, and dignitaries. David has performed a number of tours with the world-renowned Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland. He is the current Pipe Major for the Irish contingent that travels to Festival Interceltique, Lorient, France, which takes place every August and is the world’s biggest Celtic festival.

David enjoys working with bands and players who want to grow and focus on development. Earlier in 2025, David took on the role of Tutor for the Scotch Oakburn College Pipes & Drums group, which is going from strength to strength.

David looks forward to the journey ahead with PBT and looks forward to working with all members to help the Tasmanian Pipe Band scene grow further.

Secretary

Susan Males

Suze joins Pipe Bands Tasmania as secretary. Suze brings over 10 years of experience in managing logistics, admin, travelling and events for pipe bands. 

Suze has been involved with committees and much more within pipe bands in Tasmania along with dealing with the National association.

Vice Principal Drill & Dress

Peter Scales

Peter has been an active member of the Tasmanian pipe band community for more than 30 years, beginning with the former Tasmanian Pipe Band Association prior to its transition to Pipe Bands Tasmania. His involvement started as a Band Representative for the St Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band and later extended to serving as Vice Chairman.
Within the St Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band, Peter has contributed in multiple capacities over a long membership dating back to 1978. He has performed as a bass and tenor drummer, served as Drum Major, and held numerous committee roles. His service to the band has been recognised through Life Membership.
Peter has completed all Drum Major courses up to Advanced and Instructors level, as well as Intermediate qualifications in Rules and Administration.
Vice Chair

Joel Solak

Joel Solak is the Pipe Major of the Derwent Scottish Pipe Band and one of Tasmania’s youngest Pipe Majors. As the state’s first openly gay Pipe Major, he has championed inclusive and progressive leadership within the movement. Since beginning his piping journey at age 10 under Hall of Fame inductee Gary Webb, Joel has developed into a respected performer, educator, and leader within the Australian pipe band community.

Alongside his piping development, Joel undertook formal classical music training, receiving Honours through the Australian Music Examinations Board. This broader musical foundation has informed his disciplined and progressive approach to performance and leadership.

Joel has performed nationally and internationally, including at the prestigious Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. His diverse performance experience also includes the opening of Tasmania’s inaugural MONA FOMA festival and appearing on various national televised programs. He regularly collaborates with musicians and has served as a piping tutor for the Tasmania Police Pipe Band, while supporting the delivery workshops and educational programs across Australia.

 

As Pipe Major, Joel has led the Derwent Scottish Pipe Band to state championship success while fostering a progressive, inclusive, and high-performing culture. Beyond band leadership, he serves on the National Management Committee of Pipe Bands Australia, contributing to the organisation’s governance, strategic direction, and national development initiatives.

At a national level, Joel has supported the development and implementation of child safety governance frameworks, contributed to the establishment of the Australian Juvenile Championships, and played a key role in the reintroduction of the Summer School Series in its modern form as the Winter Piping & Drumming Retreat.

Joel also took a leading role in wind-up of the McGee Foundation, ensuring its funds were transferred to the Tasmanian Branch of Pipe Bands Australia for the enduring benefit of its members. A strong advocate for safe, inclusive, and well-governed organisations, he brings professional expertise in child protection and public sector leadership to his work within the pipe band community.

Further

  • Peter Cook Scholarship Recipient
  • Two Presidential Commendations (Pipe Bands Australia)
  • State Secretary, Tasmania (Past)
  • National Management Committee (Pipe Bands Australia)
  • State Vice Chair (Tasmania Branch)
Assistant Secretary

Harrison Gregory

Harry’s musical journey began with the trumpet, which he played throughout his school years in jazz ensembles, orchestras, and at commemorative services. Performing the Last Post at ANZAC and Remembrance Day events, often alongside pipers, sparked his enduring interest in the bagpipes.

In 2020, when a past teacher reached out during the COVID pandemic, Harry began learning the pipes with the Tasmania Police Pipe Band, where he remains an active member. With the band, he has performed at police graduations, ANZAC Day marches, and community events across the state. He especially enjoys the energy and grandeur of massed band performances, where the sound of many pipes and drums together creates a truly powerful atmosphere.

 

While completing his Bachelor of Education, Harry began tutoring at Scotch Oakburn College and led the SOC Pipes & Drums program. Now a full-time teacher at the College, he remains connected with the band while continuing to develop his teaching career.

New to the Pipe Bands Tasmania executive, Harry is eager to support the growth of piping and drumming across the state. In particular, he is passionate about creating opportunities for younger players to become involved and experience the same sense of music, history, and community that drew him into the pipe band world.

Vice Chair

Tony Coen OAM

Tony commenced his Pipe Band career learning the snare drum when he joined the Tasmanian Irish Pipe Band in Sep. 1961. Over the years, he worked his way up to Drum Sergeant and then to Drum Major. Until the Band closed up in 1976.

From there moved to the Hobart Highland Pipe Band (later City of Hobart Highland PB) and soon became Drum Sergeant. Around 1990, he undertook to sit for the Advanced Level Drill and Dress certificate examination and passed. It was also at that time that he became Drum Major.

Only a few years later, the incumbent VP D&D moved to Queensland and Tony took over the reigns.

In 2009, Tony transferred to the Tasmania Police Pipe Band as a full member, after having spent a few years as a guest player with the Band. From there he was soon elevated to Assistant Drum Major and appointed full Drum Major in 2014.

Treasurer

Selina Lyons

Selina has been Treasurer of PBT since 2022.  She has been in the Pipe Band world since 2002 where she learned pipes at Derwent Scottish in Hobart under the tuition of Gary Webb.  Due to work and family, Selina has moved around the country and had the pleasure of experiencing piping in Queensland with the Queensland Irish, and northern Tasmania with St Andrews Caledonian.  Selina is now based in Hobart and has come full circle to return as a piper with Derwent Scottish Pipe Band.

During these years Selina has performed in concerts and festivals in Australia and overseas.  Highlights include playing with Irish bands at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient 5 times, with the most recent being with the City of Limerick in 2025.  Selina played at the World’s with St Andrews Caledonian/Sons of Scotland in 2019.

On the solo front Selina is often seen supporting various RSL services around Tasmania on Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and Vietnam Veterans Day.  Selina is a retired officer of the Australian Army and has a personal connection with the Services.

Selina is an electrical engineer by trade and runs her own consulting business working in the renewable energy industry.  Her skills in running a business, leadership and logistics are used in her role as Treasurer to ensure the branch runs smoothly from a financial perspective.