Band Leads The Way
P&D News
ABOUT
The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drums don’t just play music. They carry history in every note.
The Regimental Pipes and Drums of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada came into existence shortly after the inception of the Regiment in 1910 and today is the oldest continuously active pipe band in British Columbia.
Made up of both serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and civilian volunteers, the Band performs in many military and civilian events. Each year there are appearances at parades, highland games and numerous other events in Vancouver and other communities in British Columbia, Alberta, Washington and California.
The primary roles of the Regimental Pipes and Drums of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada are:
-
To provide musical support for the Regiment, Association and Veterans,
-
To act as custodians of the cultural and Regimental traditions, and
-
To provide a public face for the Seaforth Highlanders and the Canadian Forces in the Lower Mainland.
For its first fifty-four years, the band had only two pipe majors; (WO1) John Gillies, MSM, formerly of the Scots Guards, and (WO1) Edmund “Ed” Esson, MBE CD. Both were Charter Members of the BC Pipers’ Association on its founding in 1932 and in 1961 Pipe Major Esson received an Honourary Life Member for his further contributions to the piping community of B.C. Since P/M Esson’s retirement there have been 9 Pipe Majors and 5 Drum Majors
In 2012, the Seaforth Highlanders Pipes and Drums competed in the BC Pipers Annual Indoor Games at Douglas College in the Grade 4 bands category. They tied for first place in piping with the Robert Malcolm Memorial Pipe Band and came fourth overall.
The Pipes and Drums are presently looking for new members and will accept auditions from those interested. Practice nights are every Wednesday from 19:30hrs - 22:30hrs. Please contact the Seaforth Armouries at 604-666-4379, the Band Room 604-666-3027 or the the Pipe Major seaforthpipesanddrums@ecn.forces.gc.ca
P&D News
The Weapon of Spirit
Pipes and drums did not just accompany the troops. They pulled them forward into battle.
Through smoke, fear, and gunfire, the sound of the Highlander cut through the chaos like a command from the soul.
A Highland Wall Of Scarlet Red Kilted Troops
It kept Highlanders in step, yes, but more than that, it held them in tradition, and in spirit.
The uniform was not just cloth. The music was not just sound.
Together, they became a living battle cry.
A force that rallied the clan and steadied the line.
They reminded every person who they were.
...and what they were fighting for.
Pipes & Drums Lead In More Ways Than Just One!
