The North Okanagan is becoming known as the Highlands of B.C. with the start of a new bagpipe and drums band in the area.
Still in its infancy, The Pipes and Drums of the North Okanagan already has 14 members, all of whom are interested in getting together, playing the music they love, and performing for the community, said pipe major Don MacLeod, who is leading the group.
Based in Vernon, the band also has members from Kelowna, Vernon, Coldstream, the B.X. and Armstrong.
“At the moment the youngest member is 13, the oldest is 79 and there is a full mixture of ages in between,” said MacLeod. “There seems to be a bit of a family theme to the band. There is a father/son, mother/daughter, grandfather and grandsons, brothers and husband and wife. For a group that has just recently begun it has a great foundation and the future looks very bright.”
Current plans for the band include parades, community events, and serving the cities, municipalities and charities in the entire area.
Any pipers or drummers of any level of competence are welcome to join the band.
“If anyone, no matter what age, would like to learn one of these fabulous instruments, the band offers excellent instruction in either bagpipes, tenor drumming or snare drumming,” said MacLeod.
The band practices on Wednesday nights in Vernon, from 6 to 8 p.m.
For more information contact MacLeod at 250-260-1001.
