Our band was formed in the fall of 2001 through an ad in the local newspaper in Moncton, NB. The first night had good response with approximately 40 in attendance. After a few practices, core members continued to gather faithfully one night a week for a two-hour practice. Individual attendance has fluctuated, but our numbers continue to be stable.

Our membership varies depending on the time of year. We currently have 12 playing pipers, 9 drummers and a Drum Major, as well as students at various stages of learning to play bagpipes or drum.

We also have a number of non-playing volunteers who are critical to the bands success. they help schedule parades, make our kit/uniform come together, take care of photography, among other tasks.

Playing Venues

We perform regularly in Moncton, but also travel to Miramichi, Sussex, Peticodiac, Dorchester, Grande Digue, Sackville and Riverside Albert to put on parades and concerts.

In 2007 the band played in the 1^st Annual Moncton Highland Games. We had some members play at Pipe Fest the same year, which was a fundraiser for cancer research featuring 1000 pipers marching through the streets of Halifax. Also we have had some members travel to Scotland with the All Canadian Pipe Band and spend three weeks playing and performing in different towns and villages all over Scotland

2008 was also busy season for us, and we are looking forward to continuing the momentum into 2009.

Dress

Our dress includes the following (a kilted order).
            ·Glengarries (with 8CH cap badge)
            ·White short-sleeved shirt
            ·Black tie (8CH tie pin)
            ·Black belt (brass 8CH buckle)
            ·Royal Stewart kilt (opt. kilt pin)
            ·Sporran
            ·White hose (popcorn style/dbl roll)
            ·Red flashes
            ·Sgian dubh (optional)
            ·Black shoes
            ·Green D.E.U Jacket

New Members

As a new member joining a band, there are a few equipment requirements. New bagpipers must have a practice chanter which can be purchased through the band (made locally in the Maritimes) via the pipe instructor. New drummers must have a practice pad and sticks. These can also be purchased through the band via the drum instructor.

A common question is how long it takes a brand new member to learn. With regular effort, in approximately six months you will learn 4-5 tunes on the practice chanter or practice pad. At this point, one can start to consider purchasing a set of bagpipes or drum.

Commitment

In addition to weekly band practices, daily play is essential to improve one’s skill and to help maintain stamina.

Practice Times

We currently meet on Sunday night from 6-9pm at the military base in Moncton. Contact us if you would like to come out to a practice, so we can give you directions.

Our goals are to:

            ·Include family members in band functions
            ·Teach others
            ·Improve playing skills and develop our repertoire
            ·Increase parade & performance bookings
            ·Increase band membership season over season
            ·Make great music for people to enjoy
            ·HAVE FUN!