Aberdeen Uni OTC turns 100, celebrates with tune contest

The Aberdeen Universities Officers Training Corps is celebrating its centenary year with a tune composing competition – but you’ll have to be a current or past member to participate.

Those who have played in the AUOTC include several well known pipers who joined to band to make a little money while attending Aberdeen University. To name a few luminaries, William Donaldson, Ian Duncan, Allan MacDonald and Jack Taylor  have all plied their hobby with Drums & Pipes of the AUOTC.

Nicknamed “The Old Boars,” the group is calling for a four-part march in 6/8 time, the winning tune to be named “Non Confundar (The AUOTC Centenary).” Organizer said that the tune will be played at various events during the centenary year. “The competition is open to all past and present members of AUOTC and multiple entries are encouraged,” they added.

The contest will be judged by Stuart Samson, and closing date for entries is March 30, 2012. To enter, two manuscript copies of the music should be sent to AUOTC Association, c/o R. Cameron, 5 Craigiebuckler Avenue, Aberdeen, AB15 8SH Scotland. The winner will be ann0ounced in April of this year.

The organizers said that a prize in addition to simply winning the contest has not been determined, but it will not be cash, and instead some sort of meaningful memento will be awarded.

Formed in 1912, the Aberdeen Universities Officers Training Corps is part of the British Army to provide Aberdeen University students with leadership and management training. The Drums & Pipes were established in 1924.