The Best of 2013 – The Results

Best Pipe Band Leadership Team

Richard Hawke & James Laughlin

There is no more successful leadership team – in New Zealand, at least – than Richard Hawke and James Laughlin. For reasons outlined throughout this article, Richard and James are the ultimate combo, working off each others strengths and supporting each other through their weaknesses. They have a world champion juvenile band and a New Zealand Champion grade one band to their names. They are, according to you, our Best Pipe Band Leadership Team.

Also in consideration:

• Richard Parkes & Keith Orr
  Richard and Keith received the nod from our experts, and some of you – though not quite enough to knock Richard and James off. Richard and Keith are perhaps single-handidly  the reason why Field Marshal Montgomery are the best in the world.
• Stewart McKenzie & Graeme Parker
  Stewart and Graeme once again led Manawatu to a top 10 finish at the World Championships, and continue to put New Zealand pipe band music on the world stage. They pull it together and live 12,000 miles apart – a tremendous feat.
• Stuart Liddell & Steven McWhirter
  One of the best pipe band ensembles in the world currently, Stuart and Steven led their Inverary and District Pipe Band through a tremendous 2013 season which included a stirling concert performance during Worlds week.