Piping Up: Marianne Kirby is Inspiring Women to Join the Piping and Drumming Community
The Tattoo speaks with Marianne Kirby, Snare Drummer and Maket Collective Ambassador, about inspiring young women to join the piping and drumming world.
Back yourself. Women belong in the circle just as much as anyone else.
We’re proud to celebrate the very best pipers and drummers in the world, and delighted that more women than ever are taking to the instruments.
Inspiring women like Marianne Kirby are playing a crucial role in empowering others to be bold and join the world of piping and drumming. Every day, Marianne champions women who have a passion for these instruments and traditional music, or who simply want to learn a new skill, encouraging them not to be put off by what has historically been a male-dominated industry.
Who is Marianne Kirby?
We had the privilege of speaking with Marianne about her journey into drumming, her experience as a Snare Drummer for the Tattoo, and her role as an Ambassador for the Maket Collective, a group dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and girls within professional piping and drumming. If you’re a woman who’s been contemplating joining this world, Marianne’s story is proof that you absolutely should.
Fun fact: The Maket Collective is run by the National Piping Centre, one of our charity partners.
Hi Marianne, tell us about yourself and how long you’ve been a Snare Drummer.
Day-to-day, I am the Deputy Head of Pipe Band and Drumming Tutor at Presbyterian Ladies' College Pipe Band. I joined the band in 2020 and have been focused on driving a resurgence, building standards, developing players, and setting our sights on returning to strong competition form, with ambitions to take the band further afield in the long term.
Working with young musicians is hugely rewarding. Seeing their confidence grow alongside their skills reminds me why I started drumming in the first place.
I’ve also recently become an Ambassador for the Maket Collective, which I’ll tell you about shortly.
I’ve been drumming for 25 years. It has been a constant in my life and has shaped me not only as a musician but as a person. Drumming has taught me discipline, resilience, and leadership, while also giving me lifelong friendships and incredible opportunities around the world.
What got you into drumming?
Growing up in New Zealand, pipe bands were always part of the cultural landscape. I was drawn to the energy and precision of the drum corps, the sound is powerful, driving, and completely captivating. Once I started learning, I was hooked. I loved the technical challenge, but also the sense of belonging and shared purpose that comes from being part of a band.
When did you perform for the Tattoo, and what was the experience like?
I had the privilege of performing in Edinburgh in 2025, as well as in Brisbane and Auckland as part of the Tattoo on Tour. Each performance was unique but equally special. Representing both my home country and the wider pipe band community on an international stage is something I am incredibly proud of.
The history, atmosphere, and scale of the production are unlike anything else. There’s a deep sense of pride in being part of such a world-class event, along with amazing camaraderie with performers from across the globe. You truly feel part of something much bigger than yourself.
What is the Maket Collective, and what does it mean to you?
The Maket Collective is a group dedicated to promoting and amplifying the voices of women and girls in piping and drumming. For me, it represents empowerment and visibility. Piping and drumming have traditionally been male-dominated spaces, and being part of a movement that supports women stepping confidently into leadership and performance roles is incredibly important.
What advice would you give to girls and women looking to get into piping or drumming?
Back yourself. You belong in the circle just as much as anyone else. Work hard, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to step into leadership opportunities when they arise. Find mentors, support other women, and never underestimate the impact you can have, not just as a player, but as a role model for the next generation.
The more visible women are in piping and drumming, the stronger and more inclusive our community becomes.
Thank you to Marianne for taking the time to speak with us. If you’ve been inspired by her journey and want to become part of the piping and drumming world, or grow your skills, now is your chance to join our Tattoo Performer Community.
09 March 2026