Pipe Band

History of the Pipe Band
Originally formed in 1981 as the Redland RSL Pipe Band, under the guidance of Mr Merv Fogg and Mr Bob Sharp, the band has been in existence now for some 26 years. The name was later changed to Redland Pipe Band Incorporated and on occasions sponsor ID has been inserted into the name.

In September 1998 Piper Harry MacKenzie was appointed to the position of Pipe Major. Tutoring of Bagpipes, snare and tenor drumming was organised and once again member numbers began to grow.

On the 12 November 1999 the ‘Redland Pipe Band Incorporated’ amalgamated with the ‘Redland Scottish & Celtic Society Inc’ (Certificate of Incorporation on Amalgamation No IA28495). The new association was named the Redland Scottish & Celtic Society Inc. The existing band continued as an integral part of this Society.

Membership is comprised of both experienced senior players complimented by an exciting core group of young people, both pipers & drummers, who are striving towards musical excellence.

Primarily a social band, members are extremely active in the community with both band and solo musicians having many calls made on their skills. They play for weddings, funerals, parties, school fetes, nursing & retirement homes, concerts, street parades, ANZAC day performances and local community events etc in and beyond the local shire. The band is also host band for the Society’s annual Redland Highland Gathering Event.

One of the stated aims of the Society is to provide a Pipe Band for the Redland Shire. To achieve this the Society has engendered a policy of being responsible for our own teaching. Students are trained in the skills of piping & drumming both individually and/or in a group situation and current numbers attest to the success of this strategy

By musically encouraging the young players our tutors and mentors are investing in the future, thereby ensuring the continuity of the Pipe Band, adding to the well being of the wider piping community and promoting the Music, Culture & Traditions of Scottish Heritage.

Band Practice is combined with Highland Dancing Lessons which begin at 5.30 pm.
Parents & members enjoy a great social night together on Thursdays whilst waiting for their youngsters
The Redlands Multi Sports Club offers excellent facilities including meals, snacks and drinks etc and we thank them for the wonderful support they have given to this Society.