The annual RNZPBA Summer School is back for 2025 and includes some of the piping and drumming world’s biggest names. A full-on week of learning in small group and individual sessions, there is something for everyone at Summer School.
Matt Wilson is the current Pipe Sergeant of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band and head of piping at Dollar Academy, and has led the Juvenile Band to win 30 majors; including 6 Champion of Champions and 6 World Titles. He has also enjoyed success with Field Marshall winning over 40 Grade One Major Championships and 9 Grade One Worlds medals. On a personal level, he is one of only two individuals to have won two world titles in the same day. Matt is an A-Graded solo piper with the Competing Pipers Association.
From Belfast, Gareth McLees began drumming at 8 years age playing for Glasdrummond and North Belfast Pipe Bands. He was taught by Stephen Rourke of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe band, and the drumming legend, the late Bobby Rea, who was a 3-time World Solo Champion and Champion of Champions.
Gareth McLees became Lead-drummer of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band at the end of the 2022 season, taking over from Keith Orr. Gareth played in FMM from 2007-12 after which he played with Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia under Jim Kilpatrick, MBE and for a time Gareth was L-D of the Grade 1 Western Australian Police Pipe Band, winning two Australian National Championship titles.
As a soloist Gareth has been winning top prizes for many years. He was All-Ireland Solo Champion in 2019 and was runner–up World Drumming Champion in 2019 and 2022 and won 3rd prize in 2023. In 2022 and 2023 he was the UK Solo Drumming Champion.
Where is the RNZPBA Summer School held?
The 2025 RNZPBA Summer School is being held at Scots College in Wellington. An easily located venue just five minutes from Wellington International Airport, and easy transfers from Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, Scots College and Wellington offer a fantastic venue for the Summer School.
What will I learn?
Over the Summer School there will be group lessons, Masterclass workshops and more for students. Each student will be provided with a digital music pack so everyone will have new music to learn.
What will the Summer School cost?
The cost of the Summer School will vary depending on your registration type. Click here to find out about the 2025 fees.
What will my timetable look like?
We are just finalising the exact timetable and will update this soon, but you can expect Masterclasses with the world’s best, practice time, masterclasses, workshops, new music, social activities and more.
Is it for me?
There is something for everyone at the RNZPBA Summer School. It doesn’t matter how long you have been learning, or what your ability level is, there are group sessions, individual lessons, Masterclasses and practice times for you to hone whatever skill or interest you have.
