The pipes, the pipes are a calling.
The Summerland Pipes and Drums are looking for a few good men and women to bolster their ranks and keep the spirit of the band alive.
In the four years since its inception and certification as the community’s official pipe band, the group of about 15 musicians have participated in a wide range of special events and parades.
While the organization is thriving overall, band officials are finding work, school and other commitments of its members sometimes leaves the group a bit short.
While not a competition band, their philosophy is to be a quality group with a generous repertoire of pipe tunes performed in an atmosphere of fellowship.
They are hoping to find people of all ages and skill levels from musicians who may just be a bit rusty to those who are hoping to learn either the art of drumming or piping.
“Remember, this is a street band, not a competition band with arduous multi-week practices,” said drum sergeant Rod MacIntosh. “The band’s aim is to play quality music while enjoying good fellowship. Therefore, those who have been discouraged by internal dissension or lack of leadership in previous bands will find it a refreshing change.”
For beginners and those looking up upgrade their skills, Summerland Pipes and Drums have very experienced musicians in both disciplines.
Pipe major David Cain has a resume of membership in Grade 1 and 2 calibre pipe bands in eastern Canada and MacIntosh is a professional percussionist whose experience ranges from military bands to symphony orchestras.
Instruction is cost-free to members.
“It’s for the fun of it,” said MacIntosh. “Certainly nobody is going to get rich but for a musician there is the satisfaction of playing in parades, plus we have a few social events as well during the year.”
The time commitment is relatively minor, with only one weekly practice (about two hours in length) and one or two special events a month.
For anyone interested, the band practises on Monday nights except holidays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Summerland Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 12405 Rosedale Ave., Summerland.
For further information, call Cain at 250-767-0238 or email Fcainy@shaw.ca. Drummers can contact MacIntosh at 250-767-6153 or email rodmacintosh@shaw.ca.
The address of the group web page is www.summerland-pipesanddrums.com.
