aboutus

ABOUT US

Updated 06 October 2009

The South Alberta Pipes and Drums is a non-profit society registered in Alberta. We carry on a long tradition of piping and drumming in Medicine Hat and south-eastern Alberta and you can learn more about this

history

elsewhere on this site. We operate under the musical direction and overall management of Pipe Major Eric Kean. The band consists of a pipes section and a drums section.

Our pipers and drummers. Pìobairean agus drummairean.

Pipes Section

Eric, Pipe Major	Malcolm Mòr, Pipe Sergeant	Bob C	D'Arcy

Cameron	Russ	Scott	Matt

John

Drums Section

Malcolm, Drum Sergeant	Tony a.k.a. "Scotty"	Steve	Bob T

Dave Sherwood

School of Piping and Drumming
There is a school of piping and drumming instruction where students (both young and old) can learn from experienced pipers and drummers.

school operates from September to early June at Alexandra Junior High Band room, 7th St. S.E. entrance, on Monday evenings starting at 6:30 PM
new students are always welcome but the best time to start is in September
annual fees for instruction are currently set at $20
piping students will be expected to purchase a tutor book and a practice chanter
drumming students are expected to purchase their own sticks and practice pad (side drums only)
when deemed ready by the Pipe Major, students may be invited to start on pipes and drums (some loan equipment available) with band practice at Alexandra School (music room) on Friday nights at 6:30 PM
when the student has mastered the band sets and shows acceptable technique, the student may be asked to join the band as a performing member
even performing band members often attend piping and drumming schools which are offered at many locations, generally in summer

"Practising is such fun",
an original drawing by
John Bell of Hull, QC.

Band Performances
The band is available for performances ranging from parades and openings to ceremonies of various kinds. Individual musicians are also available for head table entrances, weddings, funerals, etc. Music suggestions for various types of activities are found on our band sets page.

Uniform

The band uniform consists of the following:

black balmorals with red touries and clan MacDuff cap badge
white shirt and black tie
black Argyll jacket
black leather sporran
MacDuff tartan kilt and black leather belt with rectangular silver buckle
kilt pin optional
natural white hose with green flashes
sgian dubh optional
black shoes or brogues
black velvet bag cover and black silk cords for pipes

MacDuff Tartan (not exactly as used for band gear)

Contact:

Secretary
South Alberta Pipes and Drums Society