It's Grand altogether
Calum MacDonald accepting the Champion Supreme trophy.
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The Grand Celtic Pipe Band made its debut performance in 2000. We are a diverse group of players, from young beginners to seasoned veterans, who focus on competitive pipe band performance, improving skills, and having fun. The players themselves are strongly encouraged to compete in solo events to continuously aim for improvement and many do so, at various levels, with great success.
Despite its relatively short history, the band has made an impact on the Ontario Highland Games competition circuit. In 2003 the band divided into two for competition purposes, with one in Grade V and the other in the more challenging Grade IV. Outside competition, the band continues to play as an ensemble. After 15 years as our pipe major, and leading both bands like a time-and-space-continuum-bending genie, Calum MacDonald stepped down to follow other pursuits. Shortly after, the band opted to streamline both bands into grade V once more. Ian Colqhoun has stepped in as pipe major and led us to a strong close at the end of the 2017 season, and we can't wait to see what he'll do for the 2018 season! Many members come from communities along the Grand River - after which our band is named - and others including Fergus, Elora, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Georgetown, Goderich, Wingham, Durham, Collingwood & Owen Sound. |
The band itself is a registered not-for-profit operating in Ontario, Canada, and in order to continue to operate we rely on the gracious support of the community around us. We'd especially like to thank Wellington County for its ongoing support of our program over the years. Every year the county has supported us with a financial donation, and we are truly grateful to be able bring in quality instructors to help the band develop. Without that support, the band would not be where it is today!
The Grand Celtic Pipe Band is currently striving to compete in Grade 5 on the local circuit.
A community-based organization with pipers and drummers in the county coming together to form a competition and performance pipe band, we work to continue to develop the skills to keep this music alive, and offer free tuition to any willing person who has a desire to pick up a snare or bass drum, work on a tenor, or play the Great Highland Bagpipe. We have a formed a strong, multi-generational band that strives to deliver strong music played well. This is our 18th year competing, and we keep learning, developing, and striving to deliver a great product from the Celtic spirit of family, friendship, and community.
Our neighbours, the Fergus Pipe Band, are another great group of people, and you will often see both the Grand Celtic Pipe Band and the Fergus Pipe Band out and about in the community together. You'll be able to tell us apart by the difference in our tartans: ours is a vibrant coral red with green and blue through it; the Fergus Pipe Band sports a classic Modern MacKenzie. Be sure to come say hi the next time you see us out on the town!
If you are interested in joining the band, drop into a practice. Contact us to find out when and where our next rehearsal will be!
The Grand Celtic Pipe Band is currently striving to compete in Grade 5 on the local circuit.
A community-based organization with pipers and drummers in the county coming together to form a competition and performance pipe band, we work to continue to develop the skills to keep this music alive, and offer free tuition to any willing person who has a desire to pick up a snare or bass drum, work on a tenor, or play the Great Highland Bagpipe. We have a formed a strong, multi-generational band that strives to deliver strong music played well. This is our 18th year competing, and we keep learning, developing, and striving to deliver a great product from the Celtic spirit of family, friendship, and community.
Our neighbours, the Fergus Pipe Band, are another great group of people, and you will often see both the Grand Celtic Pipe Band and the Fergus Pipe Band out and about in the community together. You'll be able to tell us apart by the difference in our tartans: ours is a vibrant coral red with green and blue through it; the Fergus Pipe Band sports a classic Modern MacKenzie. Be sure to come say hi the next time you see us out on the town!
If you are interested in joining the band, drop into a practice. Contact us to find out when and where our next rehearsal will be!
