....The bands next appearance will be at the Jura Music Festival – Sat/Sun, 25 -26th September 2010....

 

                                         

 


BAND HISTORY


The Isle of Islay, like so many of the hebridean isles, has been blessed with pipe music for the past two Millennia.  For many years the Islay Piping Society had dominated music on the island.  Although history shows the formation of a pipe band in the early 1950’s, it wasn’t until 1992 that islanders decided to start the current Islay Pipe Band, which was duly formed and subsequently registered with the Royal Pipe Band Association in Glasgow.
Many of the players at this time were beginners, both in piping and drumming.  It is testament to their drive and dedication that allowed the band to compete at its first contest at the Cowal Highland Games, a little over two years later.
1995 saw many of the band members move away to the mainland, for work and   
further education reasons, both of which are, unfortunately, somewhat indicative of island culture.  Thankfully the band retained their dedication to the cause and as such continued, growing from strength to strength, attracting new recruits on the way.

The Islay Pipe Band is led by Pipe Major Nigel Morris and Leading Drummer Sandy Maclean and this year will compete in Grade 3A for the first time.   They were  promoted from Grade 4B in 2007,  Grade 4A in 2008 (being crowned Champion of Champions), and Grade 3B in 2009.  The band travels to all the major competitions, and hope to continue their success in the coming season.
The band plays at numerous local events including Feis Ile, the Islay Beach Rugby Tournament and the Jura Music Festival and has in the past performed at major venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh with John Rae's Celtic Big Feet and has also taken part in the Tartan Parade in New York.
Regular weekly practices are held  in Ionad Chaluim Chille Ile, (the Islay Columba
Centre) just outside Bowmore on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.  (Tuition for
beginners is held between 7 - 8pm on these nights also)



FUNDRAISING:

As you can imagine, funding a pipe band is a very costly business.  Not only are there
the obvious ongoing
expenses such as new reeds, drum skins etc, but band uniforms sometimes need altering or replaced as the band expands (...sometimes in more ways than one!) and new instruments need to be purchased for our up and coming young
pipers and drummers.  Other expenses include the hire of the Columba Centre for band practice twice weekly, but of course the main bulk of money is needed to ensure that the band can represent Islay by attending all the major competitions on the mainland each year.

Because of our remote island location, the costs involved are considerable. including
ferry travel, coach hire and overnight accomodation and even with the donations from
all those who support the band so generously, it continues to be an uphill stuggle to finance the pipe band on a year to year basis.  To raise funds, the band plays at local events and other money raising ventures include running dances, selling burgers at summer events, bingo nights and the resurrection of the 1oo Club.*

Any donations or fundraising done on behalf of the pipe band is much appreciated. 
Not only will it help the band flourish and hopefully achieve further successes, but will also encourage the islands' youngsters to become involved with the band and in doing so, preserve such an important and worthwhile part of our islands heritage.


If you require further information with regards to hiring the band, making a donation or merely wish to communicate, we would be delighted to receive your email.

* If you are interested in joining the 'Islay Pipe Band 100 Club',  CLICK HERE:





CONTACT US:


Email us:  islaypipeband@hotmail.co.uk
 or
contact Band Secretary James McEachern,
Tel: 01496 850392

 

 

WELCOME TO THE

  ISLAY PIPE BAND WEBSITE

HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR VISIT!

      

ISLE OF ISLAY PIPE BAND

               Islay Pipe Band                 

    Reg. Charity  No. SCO28598  

 

 

 

 

 

                'HOMECOMING PARADE'

 BOWMORE






BAND SCHEDULE - 2010

SAT 22nd MAY
Scottish Championships, Dumbarton

SUN 23nd MAY*
Bruichladdich Open Day

WED 26th MAY *
Bowmore Distillery
  

SAT 29th MAY *
Feis Ile, Port Ellen

SAT 12th JUNE *
Islay Beach Rugby, Port Ellen

SAT 26th JUNE
British Championships, Annan

SAT 17th JULY
Loch Lomond Highland Games

SAT 24th JULY
Port Ellen Sports

SAT 31st JULY
European Championships, Belfast

MON 2nd AUGUST *
Ardmore House

THURS 12th AUGUST *
Islay Show, Bridgend

SAT 14th AUGUST
World Championships, Glasgow

SAT 21st AUGUST *
Islay Airport Open Day

SAT 28th AUGUST
Cowal Championships, Dunoon

25th/26th SEPTEMBER
Jura Music Festival weekend

* 'Islay Pipe Band' & 'Spirit of Islay Pipe Band'



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