News
Sports
Weather
Classifieds
Opinions
Obituaries
Special Reports

Home
About Us
FAQ
Links
Advertising

Carstairs Courier
Didsbury Review
Innisfail Province
Mountain View Gazette
Olds Albertan
Sundre Round Up

Commercial Printing
Great West Newspapers

Every Monday night, the walls of the Innisfail Legion reverberate with the sounds of Scotland as the Innisfail Pipe Band march their way through practice.

But it hasn’t always been that way.

The Innisfail Pipe Band was initially formed in the early 1960s, and was comprised mainly of younger players.

Michele Brewster was part of that original band, joining when she was 14, along with her two younger brothers. She recalled going on many trips, playing in parades, and even competing in the newly built Jubilee Hall in Calgary.

Brewster said being in the pipe band was a great opportunity, especially for farm kids who wouldn’t have been able to go on those trips otherwise.

"If it weren’t for the Legion putting the time and money into the band, a lot of us kids wouldn’t have had those opportunities," she said.

Unfortunately, less than 10 years after its inception, the band ended up dissolving when the original members headed off to college and university, or even to build a life. Many never returned.

It would be years before the bagpipes would be heard again in Innisfail.

The band started up again in the late 1990s, mostly with the support of original band members, like Brewster, and with support from the Legion – especially that of long-time treasurer Stewart Black, who was also instrumental in starting the original band.

Michael McLetchie, who was born in Scotland, joined the Innisfail Pipe Band in 1999. McLetchie, whose wife Marion is now the Pipe Major, said that it soon became clear that the band didn’t have enough adults to really make a go of it, especially as people moved to other areas.

"In any organization like this, there has to be at least one person who is going to make it happen," he said.

After a brief lull in 2005, the band once again resurrected itself in 2006, this time recruiting fresh blood in the form of students. McLetchie and his wife Marion train students every Monday before the band practices.

Interest, as well as membership, in the pipe band began to grow. From the three pipers in 2006, the section has grown to 10, and the band has 25 active members. Indeed, the band has become a staple of many Innisfail holidays and occasions, especially the parade.

"People couldn’t imagine not having them," said McLetchie.

Brewster, who plays the tenor drum, agrees, saying that the pipe band is important to Innisfail, as well as to the band members, especially on occasions like Remembrance Day. Brewster’s mother was a war bride, her father served as a pilot in World War II, and her uncle was killed in service.

"On Remembrance Day it’s very moving," said Brewster. "To add to that ceremony is really special. It’s an honour."

But it’s not all about performing – Brewster asserts that being in the band is fun and offers good laughs. She said she enjoys seeing the fresh faces in the band, like 13-year-old Kieran Boyle.

Boyle said he doesn’t remember what first drew him to the bagpipes, although he speculates that it may have had something to do with hearing stories from his father, who is of Scottish descent, or with attending Robbie Burns celebrations when he was younger.

"I’ve just always wanted to play, since I was young," said Boyle.

Boyle and his mother Faye, who plays the tenor drum, come a long way for Monday night practices, as they both live in Rocky Mountain House. But Boyle said it’s worth it.

The band is busy practicing for upcoming parades, like the Penhold and Innisfail parades, as well as for a busy Canada Day, when they have three performances in different locations planned. The Innisfail Pipe Band, however, will not be participating in Red Deer’s annual Highland Games.

McLetchie said the reason they aren’t competing has nothing to do with skill, but with numbers.

"Many people go on holidays over the summer, and we don’t really have enough players to cover those absences," he said.

McLetchie said he is hoping there will be enough players by next year.

Besides learning a new instrument and having a great time, newcomers will be able to let out a little hot air too. Anyone interested can give Michael or Marion a call at 403-227-2916, or they can swing by the Legion Monday nights at 6 p.m.