WHO ARE WE?
The Thunder Bay Police Pipe Band was formed in the fall of 1984 and performed its first show in November of 1985. The band has performed thousands of shows, including two Grey Cup Parades, the graduation ceremonies of the Ontario Police College, Skate Canada, Canadian Pipe Band Championships (3rd place 1991), North American Pipe Band Championships (6th place 1991) the World Pipe Band Championships (17th place 1992), and countless other highland games, charitable events, parades, and homes for the aged. The band is comprised of dedicated and talented volunteers, both male and female, of various age groups and ethnic background. We currently have one serving police officer in the band.
WHAT DO WE DO?
We spend our time performing and teaching traditional piping instruments. We offer free tutoring for interested persons in piping and drumming.
Educate and promote Scottish cultural heritage through performances at local high schools, Confederation College, Lakehead University, and the Folklore Festival.
We perform both locally, nationally and internationally as Thunder Bay’s Ambassadors. Most recently we received the City of Thunder Bay’s 2010 Exceptional Achievement Award.
We are proudly committed to the service of our community by offering many public concerts in local venues throughout the summer season. Some of the local events include:
• Canada Day Parade
• Remembrance Day celebrations
• Shelter House Relay
• CIBC Run for Cancer
• Dragon Boat Races
• Retirement Homes
• Folklore Festival
• Fallen Officers Parade
• Terry Fox Run
• Mayor’s walk
• Police Youth Corporation
• George Jeffrey – Go Cart Race
• Italian Cultural Days
The Band also performs out of town with trips to the surrounding communities in Northwestern Ontario and the northern states of Wisconsin and Minnesota. We have won the best performing band (4 years running) in the Superior, Wisconsin July 4th parade.
FAQ
Do you have to be a police officer? No
Do you have to be Scottish? No
Do you need to know how to play? No (we will teach you free of charge.)
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
The band practices every Monday night (with the exception of Statutory Holidays) at the Moose Hall located at 434 Fort William Road. The band offers instruction in the great highland pipes, and drums (snare, tenor and bass).
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
- St. Patty's Day.............................Coliseum
- Shrine Circus................................Fort William Gardens
- Mayor's Walk...............................Current River Recreation Centre
- Youth Corp ..................................Moose Hall
- July 1st........................................Marina Park
- July 4th........................................Superior, WC
- Thunderfest...................................DaVinci Centre
- Dragon Boats................................Boulevard Park
- Schreiber Heritage Days................Schreiber
- Celtic Days...................................Fort William Historical Park
- Fisherman's Picnic........................Grand Marais, MN
- Labour Day Parade........................Cloquet, MN
- Fallen Officers...............................Parade Arthur Street
- Pre Remembrance Day..................Retirement Homes
- Remembrance Day........................Fort William Gardens
INSTRUCTION
Ever thought of joining a Pipe Band?
• Learn to play the Great Highland Pipes or Drums
• Free Lessons
• Travel
• Comradeship
The band offers instruction in the great highland bagpipe, snare drum, tenor drum and bass drum. There is a minimal start up cost to purchase either your practice chanter or drum pad and sticks (less than $100.00), which are yours to keep forever.
Step 1 – Learn the basics with either the practice chanter / drum pad
Step 2 – Advance to the instrument of choice
Step 3 – Play on the practice floor with the band
Step 4 – Perform with the band
Both instrument and uniform are provided by the band for use by the individual, as long as they are a performing member of the pipe band. All we ask in return is that you:
• practice to the best of your ability
• strive to support and perform with the band
• conduct yourself in a manner befitting our organization
CONTACT US
Mailing Address: Thunder Bay Police Pipe Band
c/o Heather MacDonald-Craig, Secretary/Treasurer
278 Sequoia Drive
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5T5
Pipe Major: Errol Schell
(807) 629-4229
errolschell@sympatico.ca
Secretary/Treasurer: Heather MacDonald-Craig
(807) 768-8232
grantcraig@shaw.ca
Band Manager: John Currie
(807) 626-2092
jwcteri@hotmail.com