StAC Attack 2024

The James Hay Theatre in the Christchurch Town Hall was the magnificent setting for the annual StAC Attack concert on Sunday 28 July, an impressive and entertaining showcase of 140 pipers, drummers, and Highland dancers from the College.

Rector, Christine Leighton, got the biggest surprise of the evening, when Pipe Band Director, Richard Hawke, presented her with a tune called Christine Leighton’s Farewell, to honour her final year as Rector. The tune was wonderfully performed by the Pipe Band students in its first ever public performance. Christine has been a passionate supporter of the Pipe Band during her 17 years as Rector. Incredibly, she first met Richard Hawke (OC 1980) as a 20-year-old teacher, while on section at St Andrew’s College and he was in her Seventh Form English class.

Among the many other highlights at StAC Attack were spectacular performances of Pokarekare Ana, Last of the Mohicans, and Scotland the Brave.

During the concert, the sell-out audience also enjoyed an insight into the journey of learning the pipes and drums, from the youngest learners on the chanter or drum pad, to the talented students playing at the highest levels of competition.

Following StAC Attack, there was lots of positive feedback from audience members, including many Old Collegians, who were wowed by the pipers’, drummers’ and dancers’ performances.