Making Grade 1: Women in Pipe Bands | Maket Collective Discussion (Piping Live! 2025)

The Maket Collective is an initiative of the National Piping Centre created to amplify the voice and talent of inspirational women and girls in piping and drumming. At this year’s Piping Live they hosted a panel discussion on “Making Grade 1”, focusing on the highs and lows for women playing in Grade 1 Pipe Bands.

The panel consisted of 2025 Maket Collective Ambassador’s, all with experience in Grade 1.

Panelists: Margaret Houlihan (Piper - Ireland/Scotland), Amber Ives (Piper - Australia), Shanna McDonald (Tenor/Bass - USA), Brianna McDonald (Tenor/Bass - USA), Marianne Kirby (Snare - New Zealand/Australia) & Anna Smart (Piper - New Zealand/Scotland). The panel was moderated by Glenna Mackay-Johnstone (Piper - Canada), with Maket Collective creator Sophie Stringer from the NPC also on stage.

The Maket Collective hopes that this discussion inspires women & girls around the world and helps promote further conversation and action around an equitable path forward for women and girls in piping and drumming globally.

For more info on the Maket Collective head to their Link Tree - https://linktr.ee/maketcollective

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