| History of the Fraser Pipe Band |
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On Monday, May 31, 1965, a meeting was held at the home of Mr. John Clyne for the purpose of reactivating the Regina Boys Pipe Band, which lapsed with the onset of the World War in 1939. Those present at that meeting were John Clyne, George Crawford, Mrs. Alex Fraser, Mr. Allan McEachen, Miss Bessie McMillan, Angus Spence, John Thomson and Murray Wilkie. It was decided that those present would seek out information concerning the organization and constitution of the old boys pipe band and use it in the restructuring of the new band. At subsequent meetings, it was established that memberships be offered. A patron contributing in excess of $200.00 would become a member for life. In June, 1965, Mrs. Georgina Fraser made a donation of $500.00, which gave great encouragement to the project at hand. The General Hospital was to be the proposed site for practice. Andrew McAnsh was responsible for the applications of potential members, with registration to be held September 14, 1965. Chanters, books and drum sticks were ordered. Our initial instructors included: George Crawford, Tom Ireland, Angus Spence, Andrew McAnsh, Howard Chamberlain, Alvin Wagner, Mr. McKinnon Sr. and his daughter Christine. With such able instructors, the need for pipes was becoming very evident. It was decided in the spring of 1966 that 12 sets of Lawrie bagpipes be ordered from Glasgow and sold to members. The first annual meeting of the Regina Boys Pipe Band was held May 10, 1966. Many decisions were made regarding the purchase of uniforms, election of officers, and general band direction. In September of 1967, it was suggested that the name of the band be changed to include the number of girls in the band, hence the name, Regina Boys and Girls Pipe Band.
In the past 30 years, our band has been fortunate to have had the opportunity of a trip to Scotland. 1973, 1979, 1985, 1990, 1996, 2000, and 2004 were particularly exciting for existing band members to experience the culture and camaraderie of a band trip overseas. The summer of 2009 sees our present band participating in yet another opportunity for a Scotland trip. Since our re-organization in 1965, Mrs. Fraser and the Sons of Scotland-Camp Balmoral #177 have always been supportive of our band. Initial generous donations from Mrs. Fraser helped to get us on our feet to become what we are today. In 1969, Mrs. Fraser kindly presented the band with twelve matched sets of silver-mounted Hardie pipes. She was so proud of the band that she helped organize. She once said in 1976, "I admire our band - they've done well. They're fine young people, every one of them." Those of us that had the privilege of knowing her remember the kindness she expressed and remember her standing up when the band passed by. She followed the progress of the band carefully and was present at so many band functions. It was decided in 1970, that the Regina Boys and Girls Pipe Band be changed to the Fraser Pipe Band, in recognition of the services of a distinguished patron. Until her passing on July 8, 1979, she remained truly dedicated to her cause. Through our history, the need to keep our organization financially viable has been very important. We cannot forget about the involvement and dedication of our parents. As drivers, chaperones, leaders, executive members, they have managed to keep the wheels turning all these years. |
History
The spring of 1968 was the beginning of the band's commitment to competition. Moose Jaw Kinsmen Band Festival was a great start for pipers and drummers to test their talents. The band placed third that year, which was a culmination of all the hard work and practicing. From that date onward, the junior band from Regina began making a name for themselves...one that they could be proud of. Mini-bands, quartets, solos and drum ensembles became an important objective of our band. Through the years, our talents have been tested in various parts of the country. Moose Jaw, Regina, Saskatoon, Rivers, Dauphin, Selkirk and Red Deer have all been successful venues for us. Not only have we shown our competitive abilities-there have been many parades across Saskatchewan, the Calgary Stampede, the National Pipe Band Competition in Ottawa, British Week, Billings, Montana, and of course Mosaic.