Join the Cedar Hills Caledonian Pipe Band Society
We are always looking for new members to join the Society and have different options available to you. Whether you are a brand new member wishing to join the Learning Program or an experienced player looking to join the Pipe Band Program. We have what you are looking for.
Ideally, you are already a skilled musician playing the bagpipes, side, tenor or bass drum… or you might even be a highland dancer. Don’t worry if you are new to everything Scottish we can fit you into the right spot in the Society and get you started by learning to play, or continue on your journey.
Our Artistic Directors (Pipe Major and Drum Sgt) have over 60 years combined experience in piping and drumming and can take you from a raw beginner to a marching, playing member of the band. If you are a Highland Dancer you can add to our performances at festivals and events. Even those who just want to help out and be apart of the Society, we have a place for everyone to enjoy the Scottish Culture.
If your already a seasoned player, then we want you to come on down to one of our band practices and meet us. We are a fun, relaxed group and there is lots of time for socializing too. However, when its time to get to the playing, the Artistic Directors will ensure your keeping it on a professional level too.
We ask potential new members to send an email through our Contact Us page and tell us a bit about yourself and we will be glad to have you come out. Don’t think this is an easy process, a piper or drummer will need 2 years to become capable of playing at a level needed to be in the Pipe Band Program, but during your journey in the Learning Program you can still attend functions, events, festivals, parades and more in a support manner for the Society.
Our Pipe Band Program takes part in both Performance and Competition events. We are a currently a Grade 5 pipe band and aspire to play in Grade 4 Competitions to keep our members sharp. The Performance events are parades and stage sets and will still challenge players to keep practicing. We have a standard set of basic tunes that all members must know for our gigs and for certain occasions we have more challenging tunes.
Any prospective new member of the Society will be asked to fill out an online application and information form, the Artistic Directors will then review all new members and make recommendations for joining the Learning or Pipe Band Programs. As part of this process, an informal audition will be conducted by the Artistic Directors to assess your playing abilities.
Once approved by the Artistic Directors, there may be a waiting period of three months or more to get new members into uniform and to ensure this is the right band for you. At that time you will be asked to sign for a complete uniform and be 100% responsible for its care. Our Society bylaws will be provided to you upon joining along with the collection of the Society fee. Then once a uniform has been loaned to you, a uniform deposit fee will be collected along with any other prorated uniform fee for personal items that are worn by you such as shirts and hose.
Education
The Society has a long tradition of education within our Programs dating back to the formation of the band in 2002 and strive to make sure that everyone is able to access player development resources. In 2014, we formalized our programs and have operated the Learning and Pipe Band program since then. Whether it is through weekly practices or through dedicated winter and summer piping, drumming and highland dance schools. Your growth as a musician and artist is our primary goal.
Pipe Band Program
Anyone wishing to step right in and play in the Pipe Band Program is asked to be able to play or be familiar with our standard basic parade and stage tunes.
Below is a list of tunes that are expected to be played by all Pipe Band Program members. This is to be considered as the minimum requirement and may be part of your informal audition with the Artistic Directors.
| Parade Sets | Grade 5 Quick March Set |
|---|---|
| Scotland the Brave, The Rowan Tree | Captain Norman Orr Ewing, Liberton Pipe Band, Piper’s Cave, Terbius |
| Murdo’s Wedding, Wings | |
| Bonnie Dundee, Steamboat | |
| Barron Rocks, Mairi’s Wedding | |
| Teribus, Corriechoillie’s 43rd Welcome to the Northern Meeting | |
| The Green Hills of Tyrol, When the Battle’s O’er | |
| Amazing Grace |
All arrangements we try and stick to the settings found in the Scot’s Guards Vol I and II, some tunes are not found in these books and will be able from the Artistic Directors upon request.
This is by no means our complete tunes list and we like to keep some information as a surprise. Be assured you will enjoy playing with the band whether its in parades or in competition, our goal is to have fun and play the best we can.
Made possible with the Support of BC Community Gaming Grants Program.