Flight Lieutenant Ben Wheadon has taken part in many ceremonial performances throughout his career, but marching onto the field at Suncorp Stadium for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo proved to be one of his most memorable experiences yet.
Growing up in Queensland, Flight Lieutenant Wheadon first learned the bagpipes during high school, both in and outside the classroom.
After joining the Army as a tradesperson, he later commissioned into the Air Force to become an air traffic controller.
Although his career path shifted, he continued to pursue his passion for the bagpipes with the ADF Pipes and Drums.
The group is not a standing band and instead forms only when required for major ceremonial events, drawing on full-time and reserve personnel from all three services.
This year's Tattoo was Flight Lieutenant Wheadon's third, following performances in Sydney and Edinburgh.
Even with previous experience, the scale and energy of the Brisbane production made it a standout.
"Preparation for an event like this builds on everything you've learned throughout your career," he said.
"My posting to Australia's Federation Guard many years ago helped a lot with drill and ceremonial skills, and playing with the Australian Federal Police Pipes and Drums in Canberra gave me valuable representational experience."
'It's an adrenaline rush - you jostle to get out onto the field, then you just concentrate on the tunes and doing the best you can.'
Working alongside international bands was another highlight.
"It's great to see how other bands operate, and it's always a privilege to work with other professional musicians," he said.
"People might not realise that the ADF Pipes and Drums aren't a regular unit - we're pipers from around the country who come together specifically for these big events."
For Flight Lieutenant Wheadon, nothing compared to the moment the massed pipes and drums marched off to Black Bear each night.
"The crowd stood up cheering, phone lights on. It gives you tingles and makes you play even better," he said.
While he admitted there were always a few "pre-game nerves", they never overshadowed the excitement.
"Once you march through the castle gates, you forget about the nerves and focus on the music and putting on the best show you can," Flight Lieutenant Wheadon said.
He described the moments before stepping off as electric.
"You're packed in behind the castle like sardines," he said.
"There's yelling, smoke, the drums start, your heart races and you get tingles up the back of your neck, and then you step off. After that, it's one big team effort."
Performing in front of thousands, including his own family, added to the experience.
"It's an adrenaline rush - you jostle to get out onto the field, then you just concentrate on the tunes and doing the best you can," Flight Lieutenant Wheadon said.
By the end of the four nights, he said the performers felt both exhausted and uplifted.
"You're tired and ready to go home, but it's bittersweet because you know you'll miss it," he said.
"It's such a rewarding experience, and I'm glad I had the chance to do it again."
