The Quesnel Pipes and Drums are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. An impressive amount of time to have a pipe band in existence! What better way to celebrate this anniversary than by taking the pipe band to the Kamloops Highland Games, July 13 and competing against other bands from around the province? There were bands from Vancouver, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Vernon and Williams Lake. Quesnel Pipes and Drums are proud to say that they placed third out of seven bands in Grade four. (The competion grades are grade one through five, with grade one being the most highly skilled bands and grade five being beginner bands.)
Placing third was particularly meaningful as the competition was judged by some of the best pipers and drummers in the world! Simon Fraser University Pipe Band also competed at the games and it is always a real treat to be in the presence of the six-time World Champions!
Some members of the Quesnel Pipes and Drums competed individually, which is a great accomplishment. It’s one thing to compete with the pipe band, but it is another level entirely to be out there by yourself in front of a judge.
Judy Campbell and Lisa McCargar competed in the grade three class, playing a strathspey/reel set, a jig and a piobaireachd (bagpipe classical music). Roger Williamson and Becky Duncan (an associate member from the Yukon) competed in the adult class, playing a slow air, a 6/8 march and Roger also played a piobaireachd.
The Quesnel Pipes and Drums are very proud of their placing at the Kamloops Highland Games and very happy with the progress they have been making in improving their skills and technique. The band will be in the upcoming Billy Barker Days Parade on Saturday, so, come cheer them on!