Loren McNamara’s life has been a harmonious blend of dedication, discipline and rhythm.
Growing up in a remote mining town 1400 kilometres northeast of Perth, Loren’s journey has been anything but ordinary. At 15, she embarked on a high school exchange in Japan, an experience that ignited her love for new challenges. Upon returning, Loren attended a boarding school in Queensland, where she discovered her lifelong passion for pipe bands. “My school had a pipe band, and I signed up as soon as I could,” she recalls.
This was the beginning of a musical journey that would see her transition from bagpipes to drums, finding her true calling as a tenor drummer.
Professionally, Loren’s path began in law. Inspired by her family’s emphasis on education, she became the first in her family to attend university and pursued a career as a solicitor. “I predominantly worked on legal aid matters in criminal defence, domestic violence, and child protection,” says Loren.
Image: Loren with drumming sticks at Booloominbah House.
Seeking a new direction, she joined UNE, where her skills have flourished in various roles, including her current secondment to the Curriculum and Academic Management Team. “UNE has given me opportunities to learn about different areas and find where I best fit,” she says.
Loren’s passion for pipe bands has taken her far beyond her high school beginnings. She describes pipe bands as “a marching musical ensemble consisting of bagpipers and drummers,” noting her own role as a tenor drummer among the three drum types - snare, bass, and tenor. Loren’s family tradition of watching the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on New Year’s Eve planted the seed for her interest in this unique musical art form.
Fast forward to today, Loren is preparing for not one but two major competitions: the Australian Pipe Band Championships (“The Aussies”) and the World Pipe Band Championships (“The Worlds”).
The Aussies, held every two years, will take place in 2026 in Perth. While there is no specific qualification process, Loren explains that each band has its own standards for competition. “You need to be at the required standard to compete, and some bands may require auditions,” she says.
Loren previously competed in the Aussies and celebrated a victory with her band, an experience she cherishes. The Worlds, by contrast, are an annual event held at Glasgow Green in Scotland and are considered the pinnacle of pipe band competitions. Loren’s first trip to the Worlds in 2026 will be a milestone in her musical journey. “In 2024, the Worlds attracted around 7,000 competitors from across the globe,” she notes.
For Australian bands, the logistical and financial challenges of traveling to Scotland mean they often alternate participation years, using “off” years to perfect their competition sets.
Juggling her role at UNE, personal commitments, and rigorous practice schedules is no easy feat. “Balancing work, study, and good tenor practice can be a challenge, especially when all three are busy at the same time,” Loren admits. Organisation and routines have been key to her success, especially as she learns complex competition sets, including the March, Strathspey, and Reel (MSR) and a medley.
For Loren, being part of a pipe band is about more than music. It’s about community, camaraderie, and unforgettable experiences. “I’ve been fortunate to have some wonderful experiences, like playing for the Governor-General of Australia and performing in the massed pipes and drums for Andre Rieu’s concerts,” she shares. These moments highlight the unique opportunities that come with being part of this vibrant tradition.
Loren encourages anyone to join a pipe band, even without prior musical experience. “Pipe bands love new learners as it keeps the scene healthy, and they go out of their way to help you learn,” she says. The nurturing, family-like environment of pipe bands makes them an excellent community for musicians of all levels.
Image: Loren met her husband through their pipe band.
As Loren prepares for the Aussies and the Worlds, her dedication to her craft and her role at UNE exemplify her multifaceted talents. Her journey from a remote town to global stages inspires others to pursue their passions with the same determination and joy. For those who dream of marching to their own beat, Loren’s story is a testament to where passion, perseverance, and community can take you.
