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Pipes & Drums
By Noble Jimm Simon
ongratulations to the new members of the executive of the Pipes &
Drums. We have high hopes that this bright young group of dedicated
Cvolunteers will carry on with both the long-standing band traditions and
with new initiatives to revitalize the band. It will be hard for this year’s executive
to match the achievements of last year’s, but we’re confident they will be able to fit
in their fezzes almost perfectly.
Speaking of traditions dating back just a few years, the members of the
Pipes and Drums took time out in November to recognize the contributions of
some of their own members who have dedicated many years of service to the
development of the band. This year’s appreciation night was in honor of the
work of both George Paterson and Don Schultz. The night was also an opportunity
to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the band. Thanks to all nobles who
took the time to plan this successful event.
On a much more somber note, we
marked the passing of one of the band’s long
serving members and former Pipe Major,
Noble Tom Smith. Tommy learned to play
bagpipes as a boy from his father who was
Pipe Major of the Winnipeg Police Pipe
Band. Tommy served overseas with the
Cameron Highlanders from 1939 to 1945 and was
playing his pipes when ” the landing ramps dropped
at Dieppe. His playing partner never made it ashore.
The band sent a donation directly to the Shrine Hospital
in memory of Noble Tom Smith.
Early in the year, it was our pleasure to participate
in the Potentate’s Reception. We marched in
the members of the head table and performed
briefly for the assembled crowd. Luckily, none of
our ladies hung their coats in the band room, so
our performance was well received. Many thanks
as always to Noble Craig Kirby for hosting the
band following the reception.
And now it’s spring and we are off and running.
After spending much of last year practicing
for the Midwest and the fall practicing for Burns
nights, it’s time for us to put on our Irish and head
off to the biggest events on our calendar. This year
our spring trip to Fargo for piping and drumming
workshops was attended by forty-two Shriners
from six temples: Khartum, WaWa, Aad, El Riad,
Osman, and Zurah. In addition to an excellent
workshop, with guest pipe instructor Nate Mitchell
of the Winnipeg City Police Band, we promoted
our fraternity, fostered camaraderie
between temples, and raised several hundred dollars
for Shrine charities.
And finally, of course it wouldn’t be March if
we didn’t make the pilgrimage to Sioux Falls for
the St. Patrick’s Day event which always includes
a major performance for a huge, boisterous crowd
attending the Saturday night dance at the local
Shrine temple on Sioux Falls’ main drag. Thanks
to our new Safari and Oasis chairs for all the
planning that goes into this event.
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