OUR HISTORY
The Edmonton Girls' Pipe Band was formed in May 1945 for the purpose of girls and women Highland bagpiping and drumming. The band performs in support of many community events during the year, such as the CIBC Run for the Cure and the Ovarian Cancer Walk.
Some recent highlights include performing at the national showjumping championships at Spruce Meadows in June 2009 and winning the 2008 Grade 5 provincial pipe band championship.
The Edmonton Girls' Pipe Band was formed in May 1945 for the purpose of girls and women Highland bagpiping and drumming. The band performs in support of many community events during the year, such as the CIBC Run for the Cure and the Ovarian Cancer Walk.
Some recent highlights include performing at the national showjumping championships at Spruce Meadows in June 2009 and winning the 2008 Grade 5 provincial pipe band championship.
JOINING THE BAND
Membership is open to females from age 9 to adults. No experience is necessary. Basic instruction is provided in all areas of piping, drumming, and bandsmanship.
Membership is open to females from age 9 to adults. No experience is necessary. Basic instruction is provided in all areas of piping, drumming, and bandsmanship.
EQUIPMENT & UNIFORMS
Pipers must supply their own chanter and instruction book, The College of Piping Highland Bagpipes Tutor Part 1. Pipes are available for short term rental for beginning pipers moving into the senior band. Snare and tenor drummers must supply their own sticks/mallets, drum pad and metronome. These supplies are available from a variety of retailers. Please see the LINKS page for details.
Pipers must supply their own chanter and instruction book, The College of Piping Highland Bagpipes Tutor Part 1. Pipes are available for short term rental for beginning pipers moving into the senior band. Snare and tenor drummers must supply their own sticks/mallets, drum pad and metronome. These supplies are available from a variety of retailers. Please see the LINKS page for details.
FEES
An annual instruction/membership fee is payable at registration in September. For 2009 - 2010, the fee was $50 per member.
An annual instruction/membership fee is payable at registration in September. For 2009 - 2010, the fee was $50 per member.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
In 2009/2010, the band practices every 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Monday evenings during the school year at the Shrine Hall at 14510 - 142 Street.
On the first Monday of each month, the band practices at Ottewell Community League Hall, at 5920-93A Avenue.
Beginners 7:00 to 8:00 pm (except the last Monday of each month - 7:00 to 9:00 pm)
Intermediates 7:00 to 9:00
Senior band 7:00 to 9:00
In 2009/2010, the band practices every 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Monday evenings during the school year at the Shrine Hall at 14510 - 142 Street.
On the first Monday of each month, the band practices at Ottewell Community League Hall, at 5920-93A Avenue.
Beginners 7:00 to 8:00 pm (except the last Monday of each month - 7:00 to 9:00 pm)
Intermediates 7:00 to 9:00
Senior band 7:00 to 9:00
LEARNING TO PLAY THE PIPES OR DRUMS
Becoming a piper or drummer requires commitment, just like any other musical instrument. Regular practice at home is essential and mandatory. Private lessons are strongly encouraged. Many pipers for hire also provide private instruction. Please CONTACT us for a list of instructors.
Pipers begin with a chanter, which looks much like a recorder. During the first year, student pipers learn fingering, timing, technique, expression, note reading, and drill. Most students are ready to graduate to the pipes and senior band in their second or third year.
A pipe band has 3 types of drums: snare, tenor, and bass. Drummers begin on a drum pad. During their first year, student drummers learn theory and basic rudiments, later moving to established drum scores and drill. Tenor drummers learn swing movements. While snare drumming takes longer to graduate from than tenor or bass, most student drummers are ready for senior band after one year, where they will learn more complex beatings.
Becoming a piper or drummer requires commitment, just like any other musical instrument. Regular practice at home is essential and mandatory. Private lessons are strongly encouraged. Many pipers for hire also provide private instruction. Please CONTACT us for a list of instructors.
Pipers begin with a chanter, which looks much like a recorder. During the first year, student pipers learn fingering, timing, technique, expression, note reading, and drill. Most students are ready to graduate to the pipes and senior band in their second or third year.
A pipe band has 3 types of drums: snare, tenor, and bass. Drummers begin on a drum pad. During their first year, student drummers learn theory and basic rudiments, later moving to established drum scores and drill. Tenor drummers learn swing movements. While snare drumming takes longer to graduate from than tenor or bass, most student drummers are ready for senior band after one year, where they will learn more complex beatings.
Uniforms are supplied at no charge to playing members of the band. A deposit is required when uniforms are issued and is refundable when the uniform is returned cleaned and in good condition. Members are responsible for the care, cleaning and maintenance of their uniform.
All members must purchase a band golf shirt. Upon joining the senior band, members are required to purchase their own white shirt, shoes, socks, and Inverness cape.
All members must purchase a band golf shirt. Upon joining the senior band, members are required to purchase their own white shirt, shoes, socks, and Inverness cape.
The Edmonton Girls' Pipe Band wears MacDonald Lord of the Isles Green tartan. The Clan Donald was one of the most powerful in Scottish history, tracing their lineage back to Donald of Islay, the grandson of Somerled, Lord of the Isles.
Fort Edmonton Highland Games, 2008
2008 Provincial Grade V Champions
OUR TARTAN
There is nothing so quintessentially "Scottish" as tartan, and nothing distinguishes the bonnie Scottish lass quite like the tartan that she's wearing!
There is nothing so quintessentially "Scottish" as tartan, and nothing distinguishes the bonnie Scottish lass quite like the tartan that she's wearing!
Other notable moments in the band's history include the closing ceremonies of the 1978 Commonwealth Games, playing for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at Chipman in 1978, the opening ceremonies of the 1983 Universiade Games, and the MacDonald "Lassie" curling championships.