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Pipe Bands in Saskatchewan—A Proud History

Early settlers brought piping and Scottish cultural traditions to many communities in Saskatchewan, and The Conservatory Pipe Band is carrying on those traditions today.

The Highland bagpipes were heard at weddings, funerals, dances and parades across Saskatchewan in the early years, and then during World War I many of our Saskatchewan Regiments had pipe bands and pipers who inspired, consoled and entertained our soldiers. The South Saskatchewan Regiment, the 96th Highlanders, and the South Saskatchewan Light Horse all had great pipe bands.

The Conservatory Pipe Band connects students to traditions of the past, while providing the best in modern instruction and music methods. The band takes pride in the history of the instrument in this part of the world, and enjoys playing a role in making those traditions a vibrant part of the Regina community.

 

Who Can Learn?

You don’t have to be Scottish to play the pipes! Many people join because they just love the music!

You’ve heard all the bagpipe jokes, but have you thought about why you always see pipers at weddings and funerals, or why there are always pipes at important banquets, state occasions, and at memorials? Canadians have sacrificed their lives on many international battlefields, and even today, fallen Canadian soldiers are honoured with a ceremony that always includes the bagpipes. Bagpipes are part of the "Hockey Night in Canada" theme song, and nearly every official Canadian function features pipe music as part of the ceremony.

This is because bagpipes—and the music they make—touch people emotionally. It’s important music for all of us, and if you do have some Scottish blood, then it’s also part of a proud cultural tradition stretching back 500 years!

 

Conservatory Scottish Pipe and Drum Program

The Conservatory offers a complete youth Pipe and Drum program, in association with City of Regina Pipe Band. This program teaches students how to play the pipes or drums, and it gives them the opportunity to perform at many community events, as well as to compete in solo and band competitions at Highland Games across Canada.

 

Playing with a pipe band teaches children music, and it also is all about friendship, team skills, group learning, travel and cultural experience.

Click here for more information about our instructional program.