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 a 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 currently compete in Grade 3A. They were promoted from Grade 4B in 2007, Grade 4A in 2008 (after 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 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.(click for details) 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.  Islay Pipe Band 2011 |
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