Uppingham's Jubilee Salute

Uppingham’s Bagpipes Teacher, Ian Hildreth, has written a musical salute in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Ian currently teaches 17 pupils at Uppingham across a range of abilities, as well as leading the School’s Pipe Band, who will perform the piece for the School Community as part of the end of term events on Speech Day.

The Pipe Band formed part of Uppingham’s Summer Music Celebration on 25 May – a multi-venue concert that was open to the public – where they performed a wonderful programme, including their first performance of ‘God Save The Queen’. The Summer Music Celebration also featured the String Orchestra, Concert Band and Jazz Orchestra in varied and entertaining evening of music.

Ian has taught Bagpipes at Uppingham for over 16 years. After joining the Army at the age of 16, he served for six years in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, who this year are celebrating 50 years since their rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ reached number one in the charts in 1972 – a position they would hold for five weeks.

As a former member of the British Forces, Ian was inspired to compose a tune to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, entitled ‘Uppingham’s Salute to Queen Elizabeth II’. The piece was then transcribed onto paper by Uppingham’s Head of History of Art, David Kirk, creating a beautiful piece which will be proudly displayed in the Paul David Music School.

Ian was recorded playing the piece at the Summer Music Celebration, ahead of its debut by the Pipe Band later this term. We hope you enjoy this special preview.