Scottish Pipe Band Association of South America
The Scottish Pipe Band Association of South America, is a continental pipe band association currently comprising bands from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay. It approved its first constitution on December 20, 2003, in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and was officially inaugurated on April 17, 2004, at the First South American Pipe Band Gathering in Montevideo, Uruguay. The comparatively low number of pipe bands and the number of countries encompassed are the principal reasons behind this pipe band association being so unique.
SPBASA liaises with multiple organizations, such as the, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, the, local St. Andrew's Societies, local British associations, and others.
Association members can be full or associated, the former having the right to vote.
Full members
Argentina- Bariloche Highlanders Pipe Band
- South American Piping Association Pipe Band
- Brasil Caledonia Pipe Band
- Andes Highlanders Pipe Band
- Chilean Highlands Pipes and Drums
- Riverside Pipe Band
Associated members
Argentina- Buenos Aires Tartan Army
- Eamonn Bulfin Legacy Pipe Band
- Mendoza Highlanders
- St. Andrew's Society of the River Plate Pipe Band
- Brazilian Piper
- Wolney Highlanders
- The Soul of Desert Pipe Band
- Latitude 33 Pipe Band
Pipe Band Gatherings
The South American Pipe Band Gatherings have been the Association's most iconic and comprehensive events. These Gatherings, hosted by member pipe bands themselves on a rotational basis, occur approximately, every two years. The first, organised by Riverside Pipe Band, took place in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 2004. Gatherings are typically opened by a Massed Bands Parade along a major city avenue, including all participating pipe bands and guests. The Gatherings have hosted pipe band shows, pipe band competitions and soloist competitions. Piping, drumming and highland dancing celebrities have been invited to each Gathering as instructors and competition adjudicators.The updated schedule of past and future Gatherings is published on the website.
Management
SPBASA's decisions are ruled by a Board formed by a representative of each member pipe band, and a representative of each country's independent pipers and drummers.As from 2016, SPBASA is run by an Executive Committee composed of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Music Officer and Marketing Officer, whose terms last two years. The President is voted at the association's Annual General Meeting and selects the Officers of the Executive Committee.
Association Presidents
- 2016-2023 Michael Flight
- 2024-2027 Richard Empson