Rod Gillies’ piping journey began at the tender age of 10, guided by his father, Malcolm Gillies, a former Australian Solo Piping Gold Medalist and Pipe Major of the local band. While continuing his private piping studies, Rod ventured into the competitive arena at 13, honing his skills and passion for the bagpipes.
Relocating to Terang in western Victoria, Rod joined the local pipe band, still under his father’s tutelage. Although the band competed extensively across Victoria in Grade Three competitions, they faced challenges as a group. However, individually, Rod and several fellow pipers achieved success, winning multiple competitions. A notable highlight of Rod’s solo career was securing 3rd place in the Victorian Championships’ Junior Division, held in Geelong.
At 16, Rod’s piping temporarily paused when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Due to the lack of piping opportunities within the RAN at that time, he performed primarily at private gigs and occasional Mess Functions.
In 2009, upon leaving the Navy, Rod reignited his love for piping by joining the Newtown Pipe Band. In 2018, he received a prestigious appointment as one of four Grand Pipers in the historic 2018-19 Grand Craft Ceremonial Team, the first and only team of pipers in Australian Freemasonry’s history. In this role, he played at Installations, Consecrations, and other masonic ceremonies for the Grand Master at the time, relinquishing the title of Grand Piper in 2019.
Presently, Rod holds the esteemed position of invested piper at the Earl of Dunmore Lodge in Melbourne. He is also a prominent figure at ANZAC and Remembrance Day ceremonies held throughout Victoria, commemorating and honouring those who served.
With a wide repertoire encompassing both traditional and modern melodies, Rod is available for solo performances or harmonious ensemble collaborations. For bookings, patrons are encouraged to specify their preferences, whether solo or in conjunction with a Pipe Organ or other musical instruments. Providing advance notice allows Rod to ensure he selects the appropriate pipes, whether traditional or Orchestral, to create an unforgettable musical experience tailored to the occasion.
The bagpipes, Scotland’s esteemed national instrument, hold a storied history and are renowned for their challenging nature of play. Although often associated solely with Scotland, the bagpipes have a fascinating journey that transcends geographical boundaries. Originating in the Middle East, the instrument gradually integrated into various cultures, eventually becoming an integral part of early civilizations.
The “Oxford History of Music” cites the earliest documented bagpipes on a Hittite slab at Eyuk, dating back to approximately 1,000 B.C. Moreover, the book of Genesis even makes a biblical reference to the bagpipes. These early iterations lacked a bag or reservoir, making them one of the second musical instruments to evolve. These primitive pipes used natural bore materials like hollow reeds, corn stalks, and bamboo.
The bagpipes, with their distinctive drones, are part of a diverse family of over thirty different types worldwide. Highland Pipes, with up to eight drones positioned at the top, bottom, or side of the bag, are just one manifestation of this globally cherished instrument. The bagpipes’ evolution and widespread cultural impact showcase its enduring significance in the world of music and history.
People are drawn to bagpipes and find nostalgia in their sound for several reasons:
Overall, the combination of unique sound, cultural significance, emotional impact, historical connections, and personal memories contributes to the enduring appeal of bagpipes and the nostalgia they evoke in many people.
