< Back Ian Conn Ian Conn was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1931 and was raised in Galashiels, Selkirkshire. He started to learn the bagpipes at age 14 through the local Boys Brigade Pipe Band, 2nd Battalion in Galashiels. His Pipe Major and tutor William Bruce, and his uncle William Bertram were instrumental in guiding him through his early days of piping tuition. Within seven months he had mastered the instrument and had eight tunes memorized. At his first competition, he placed first in all categories. He was quickly upgraded to the Senior Section and continued to win at that level. When he aged out of the Boys Brigade, he moved on to the local Ex-Service/Legion Pipe Band. In 1951, Ian was called up for the 2-year compulsory military national service enlistment. Basic army training was with the K.O.S.B. Regiment in Edinburgh. (King’s Own Scottish Borderers) He was assessed by P/M George Stoddard, who assigned him to the Lowland Brigade Band where all the top players were transferred. There were 16 of them stationed in Dreghorn Castle Barracks, Edinburgh, where they underwent intensive practice everyday plus all their other duties. During this time Ian became friends with Tom McAllister Jr. of Shotts & Dykehead Pipe Band (his father was the P/M) and Harry McNulty who was the nephew of William Sinclair of the Wm Sinclair Bagpipe Company. This was how Ian was invited to play with Shotts & Dykehead, where he gained great insight as to how a Grade One band practiced, was set up, tuned and competed. While in Edinburgh, he was chosen to be the Lone Piper at the Edinburgh Tattoo and made almost weekly visits to the Sinclair shop, learning a lot about bagpipes and reeds. This knowledge would be of great future benefit to his pipe band. The Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band, with Ian, won the World Pipe Band Championship in 1952. Qualifying to become a pipe major was no small task. First there was a three- month course run by P/M Stoddard. From here he took the full pipe major’s four- month course with P/M Willie Ross, which was quite grueling but gratifying. After his army service was completed, he moved back to Galashiels, but continued his piping career with Shotts, until moving with his wife Betty and daughter Linda, to Winnipeg, from 1957 until 1961. He became friends with P/M Neil Sutherland of the City of Winnipeg Police Pipe Band, and played with them occasionally as a guest. He joined the RCAF 402 Squadron Pipe Band under P/M Jack Reay Sr. Ian returned to Scotland for five years and played with various bands. During this time he met P/M Alex Cupples who eventually immigrated to Brandon, Manitoba. Ian and the family immigrated back to Winnipeg in 1966 as a partner with Winnipeg Building and Decorating. Eventually he formed his own company, River Valley Construction, which flourished for many years. He then spent the remainder of his working career as the Project Manager for Bison Trucking and as a building consultant. In conjunction with his very successful business career, he and his wife Betty ran Clan Scotia, a Scottish import business supplying piping and drumming equipment to local customers. When Ian returned to Manitoba, he chose just to compete solo, winning numerous local and provincial titles. However, it was only a matter of time before he felt moved to start up a pipe band. The year was 1967 – thus the name The Centennial Pipe Band. This was the beginning of a whole different style of playing and sound control. Their Grade One Drum Sargent was Jim Barrie who completely changed the drumming technique, creating a major advance in styles. With the complement of such a strong drum section, the band continued to win prizes wherever they competed. When P/M Neil Sutherland passed away, Ian took over the Selkirk Kiwanis Pipe Band where Neil had been teaching. During Ian’s tenure, the band moved from Juvenile through to Grade One and won many prizes over the years. When Ian started to encounter some health issues, he handed the reins to Tom Thompson, an ex Shotts and Centennial player and a local Selkirk resident. Ian stayed in pipe band circles by being on the Adjudicating Panel of PPBAM as a Grade One principal judge. He travelled throughout Canada and the States in this role. It took almost ten years before he would get back into piping himself. Alf Mather of the ANAVETS 60 Pipe Band (now ANAVETS #303 ) invited Ian to their practice sessions where he found comfort in playing again and enjoyed the camaraderie of some great band mates. Bill Ramsay was the Pipe Major at the time and Ian assisted him. Together they enhanced the band’s overall quality of sound, tone and playing execution. When Bill Ramsay retired as Pipe Major, Ian was ready to take over the leadership. When his health deteriorated again, he asked Robyn McCombe, his student from years ago and the Centennial Pipe Band, to take over as Pipe Major of the band. Robyn was very appreciative to be asked to be Pipe Major and it was a pleasure to be playing with Ian again. Robyn has many fond memories of being taught by Ian and playing with him in the Centennial Pipe Band. Ian had very high, but not unobtainable standards. Robyn remembers playing about twenty D throws and on the 21st try, Ian said in his understated way, ”That one was good.” At that point Robyn realized he was being taught by a superb teacher, and he always respected Ian’s patience and piping knowledge. One of his memories of playing with the Centennial Band was at the Moose Jaw Competition. On the morning of the competition a number of senior pipers were feeling unwell, and Robyn thought the band would definitely not have a good performance that day. However, Ian had other ideas, and as he was tuning Robyn’s pipes he looked him right in the eye and gave him a great big wink. With this act Robyn’s worries disappeared, and after more rigorous tuning and remedies to cure the sick contingent, the band went on to win the day and Ian’s legacy as a masterful Pipe Major was confirmed. Ian’s wife Betty passed away in 2005. He found companionship once again and married Shirley in 2006. His life was complete with the birth of his grandson Alan. Ian Conn’s impact on the piping scene in the prairies was enormous. His gifted ear for tuning and setting up pipes was exceptional, and he was a good teacher as he shared his knowledge with others. His groundbreaking work with the Centennial Pipe Band set the stage for many bands to follow. Ian passed away on June 14, 2011. -contributions from Iain MacDonald, Regina, Saskatchewan; Robyn McCombe, Winnipeg, Manitoba; and from Ian’s own words in “ Through the Mists of Time ”

< Back 177 Air Canada Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Youth Pipeband 177 Air Canada Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Friday Evenings 18:00-21:15 ( September to June ) Location: Minto Armouries Address: 969 St Matthews Avenue Winnipeg MB R3G0J7 Ph: 1-(204)-612-4697 Email: 177air@cadets.gc.ca Previous Next

< Back Lord Selkirk RFM Pipe Band Grade IV Pipe Band (youth) Pipe Major: Lead Drummer: www.lsrfmpb.ca In the 1950’s the Manitoba Scout Council wanted to start a Boy Scout Pipe Band. They approached Mr. Robert Fraser who had recently emigrated from Scotland. The Lord Selkirk Boy Scout Pipe Band (LSBSPB) had its humble start the fall of 1957. In the beginning, instructors whittled dummy chanters out of wood and drew in the finger holes! Some other key instructors in the early days were Mr. Douglas Will, Harold Cooper and Jack Gunn, to name a few. The Cameron Highlanders loaned them a set of pipes in the 1960s, and a donation from the Kiwanis Club finally enabled the band to buy bagpipes. The band wears the Douglas tartan to honour Thomas Douglas, the Fifth Earl of Selkirk, who sent 23 Scottish settlers to the banks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers in 1812 to begin a new life. Over the past 20 years, when the band has made the trip to Scotland, they have always visited the present “Lord Selkirk” at the family estate at Lennoxlove. More recently that has been James Douglas-Hamilton, Baron Selkirk of Douglas, 11th Earl of Selkirk, and his wife Lady Susan Douglas that the boys have visited both in Scotland and in Winnipeg when the couple came to commemorate the Clearances and the statue honouring the Selkirk Settlers. Mr. Fraser came from Arbroath, Scotland. A professional printer by trade, Mr. Fraser also served in the Royal Air Force and studied and taught piping from an early age. He was involved with The Boys Brigade in Scotland and was a member of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. Mr. Fraser served in the Scottish Air Force in World War II, after which he married his wife, Frances. In addition to starting the Lord Selkirk band, Mr. Fraser was also Pipe Major of the St. Andrew’s Society Pipe Band and the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders here in Winnipeg. Many credit Mr. Fraser’s personal example of musicianship and excellence in teaching, as well as his generosity and kindness, with the band’s longevity and success. Mr. Fraser has always insisted that no boy should be left behind because their family couldn’t afford to pay their way. Mr. Fraser’s first piping instructor would not accept payment for teaching, Therefore, in kind, Mr. Fraser has given free instruction to thousands of Manitoba boys who now are accomplished pipers, piping teachers and judges the world over. There are many drummers who have reached those same levels. For more than 50 years Mr. Fraser was the Heart and Soul of the Pipe Band. He continued to dedicate his time, efforts, talent, kindness and patience to produce outstanding pipers and drummers until just a couple of months prior to his death. An equally dedicated staff of piping and drumming alumni continue to volunteer their time each week to teach and practice with the boys. All band members have their uniforms, kit and travel expenses provided. For thirty years Mrs. Francis Fraser was the organizational backbone of the band. The behind-the-scenes contributions Mrs. Fraser made to the Pipe Band are immeasurable. She kept all the records and minutes of the Ladies Auxiliary meetings, helped with fundraising, supervised and cared for the boys on all the trips, and opened her home for meetings and lessons on Monday nights. She was by Mr. Fraser's side at every Band trip and function. She was an accomplished artist, and would often donate one of her paintings to be raffled off as a contribution to the band. Each October the Ladies Auxiliary held a Tea under her direction at the Fransiscan Friar on Edmonton Street, which was a very successful fundraiser. Sporting a good sense of humour and wanting to prove that Bob Fraser wasn’t the only piper in the family, Francis organized a Ladies Pipe Band complete with kilts made of garbage bags covered in coloured tape in the Douglas tartan! In the early years, the pipe band was associated with the Ladies' Caledonian Society and the Sons of Scotland. The original band parents were divided into the Ladies Auxiliary and the Men's Club. The Ladies made mealy pudding in the basement of the hall to fundraise and made enough money to buy 5 sets of pipes. In the early 1980's the two groups joined and became the parent committee. The parent executive committee is now the primary fundraising force behind the Band. This executive, with the support of all the parents, is responsible for keeping the band outfitted in uniforms and instruments, planning and arranging all band trips and entrance into competitions, and maintaining the Saturday morning canteen. Most of the volunteer instructors are former band members or parents. These parents and volunteers are all dedicated to the goals of the band. Early in the 2000’s, because the band was focused entirely around instruction, performances and competitions, leaving little or no time for the boys to participate in more traditional Scouting activities, the band’s charter with the Scouting movement came to an end. In 2008, the band’s name officially changed to the Lord Selkirk Boys Pipe Band (LSBPB). Nothing has changed in the band’s policy, in that it still helps turn young boys in to fine musicians and outstanding citizens, who also develop a keen interest and love of the culture and music of Scotland. The band has traveled to Scotland a number of times for the boys to experience that culture first hand, and also to have the opportunity to perform at various venues and compete at the World’s Pipe Band Competition in Glasgow. Most recently were trips in 2000, 2004, 2009 and 2012. In keeping with Mr. Fraser’s philosophy, all participating boys had all their trip expenses paid for by the diligent fundraising efforts of the parent committee. What a gift! In 2009, the two-week trip saw the boys playing at Sterling Castle, Piping Live in George Square which was televised on the Internet, placing 8th in the World on Glasgow Green and taking first place at the Bute Highland Games! Many other great events happen on these trips like the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, strolling the fields of Culloden and seeing heather covering the moors like a purple blanket, while driving north to Inverness. In September 2007, a weekend of festivities took place to celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary and Mr. Fraser’s involvement all these years. A wonderful dinner was held at the Hotel Fort Garry and many alumni participated. As they reminisced about their time in the band, two major highlights were shared by almost everyone who spoke – their admiration for Mr. Fraser and their trips to Scotland. Sadly, Mr. Fraser passed away on March 13, 2012 at age 89, but his band proudly marches on! http://www.lsbpb.ca/index.html Previous Next

< Back Bob Cooper Robert Harry “Bob” Cooper (1948- 2021 ) Police officer, highland drummer. Born at Winnipeg on 6 July 1948, son of Madeline Elizabeth Wallace (1919-1989) and Robert Harold Cooper (1917-2006), he worked for 30 years as an officer with the Winnipeg Police Service then spent six post-retirement years driving a school bus for the River East Transcona School Division . He was active in the Winnipeg Scottish pipe band community, first as a member of the Lord Selkirk District Boy Scout Pipe Band, and later as a drumming instructor with the Transcona and District Juvenile Pipe Band for 20 years and the Lord Selkirk RFM Pipe Band (2006-2021). He performed with the Cameron Cadet Pipe Band, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg , and Winnipeg Police Band. He served as President of the Prairie Pipe Band Association (Saskatchewan and Manitoba) during its transition to the Prairie Pipe Band Association of Manitoba. In recognition of his community service, he received a Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002). Source: https://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/cooper_rh.shtml

< Back Glenaura Pipes and Drums Contact info coming soon The Glenaura Pipes and Drums The Glenaura Pipes & Drums were founded in October of 1990. Pipe Major Bill MacLeod and Pipe Major Tommy Thompson were the founders of the band. Pipe Major MacLeod had a long and distinguished career of piping and teaching in Manitoba. Pipe Major Thompson was a member of the storied Shotts & Dykehead Band in Scotland and also a leader of top flight bands in Canada. The band was comprised of many young pipers and drummers in the beginning, but under the leadership of the Pipe Majors the band moved from Grade 4 to Grade 3 and finally to Grade 2 in five years. Mr. MacLeod became Pipe Major Emeritus in 1994, with Pipe Major Thompson becoming the active leader and setting the musical direction of the band. Over the next number of years, the band competed in Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Minnesota. The band has won many awards at numerous competitions, including taking top honours in Grade 2 at The Calgary and Canmore Highland Games. In 2001, Pipe Major Leigh Ward stepped up to the leadership position as Pipe Major Thompson had become quite ill. Shortly thereafter, Pipe Major Thompson passed away. The band was most honoured to play at his funeral. Pipe Major Leigh Ward continues as our Pipe Major to this present day. The band currently plays in competitions, concerts, parades and performances. For more information about the band, check the website: www.glenaura.ca Information compiled from the Glenaura Band website. Previous Next

< Back George Lawrence George Lawrence was born in Airdrie, Scotland on May 30, 1922. He resided in Rothesay, Scotland for most of his early life. Enlisting in 1939, George served with the British Army through the Second World War. His army unit was transferred to Arbroath. He later served in Italy in Europe, Egypt and Libya in the Middle East and Britain. After the war, he returned to Rothesay (as he called it, the beautiful Isle of Bute), where he met the love of his life, Betty. In 1949, they married and resided in Glasgow. They were together for 44 years until Betty’s passing. In November 1951, George immigrated to Transcona, Manitoba to set up a new home for his family. Betty and his children followed four months later in February 1952. Upon arrival in Transcona, he worked at the CNR Shops and then later worked for Winnipeg Transit until his retirement in 1987. George was also an active member of the Masons Kilcona Lodge #183 . As a youth in Scotland, George had learned to play bagpipes with the Boys Brigade in Rothesay. He continued his love of piping after moving to Canada by being involved with organizations that promoted Scottish culture, and many pipe bands as pipe major and instructor. He joined the Canadian Reserves and became a member of the 402 Air Squadron, CFB Winnipeg as a Master Warrant Officer. The bands that George was involved with include 402 Air Reserve Squadron, Transcona Junior Pipe Band, Crusaders Pipe Band and the Transcona and District Pipe Band. George traveled to Scotland with the Transcona and District Pipe Band on four occasions. He retired from the Transcona and District Pipe Band as pipe major in 2002. George was instrumental in forming the Prairie Pipe Band Association of Manitoba, holding every executive position numerous times. He also participated as a piping judge. George always believed in the importance of starting bagpipes at a young age and over the years, is responsible for teaching many young Winnipeg pipers. He placed a lot of emphasis on technique. He made sure a student was well versed in the exercises before moving on to learning tunes. This love of teaching was strong and he continued to teach students until shortly before his death on May 13, 2011. George has been the recipient of many awards and honours related to his community service promoting Scottish Culture. He was not only an excellent, dedicated teacher, but respected within the community as a selfless citizen. One of his awards was from the St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg. George is survived by his daughters, Iris McKay and Jean (Barry) Stibbard, 3 grandsons and great grandchildren. Information compiled from Mr. Lawrence’s 2011 obituary, and excerpts from an exposé on one of his students and friend, Heather Wiens. http://www.bagpipepublishing.com/heatherwiens.html

< Back Prairie Community Youth Pipes and Drums Band officer: Ken Boath Pipe major: Dustin Wolfe Lead drummer: Catrina Esposito Contact: Email: prairiethistlepipeband@outlook.com Debbie WolfeCaille: (204) 782-6482 Catrina Esposito: (204) 880-8849 We are a Not-For Profit teaching band of all ages. With a small fee for practice equipment everything else is provided. After 36 years of serving in the cadet program from Army and Navy, Ken decided to retire and open a Pipes and Drums school in Winnipeg for the Army, Navy and Air cadets to train together. After five years the cadet program decided to opt out, and Ken opened up the Prairie Community Youth School for Pipes and Drums. This is how our program began. The program was initially for kids of the region to get free training in pipes and drums and we have since widedend the age range from ages 4 and up at a low cost to cover practice instruments. Lead drummer Experience: Catrina began drumming at the age of 16 with the Royal Canadian sea cadet corps Crusader #25. She worked with the 199 Air cadet Squadron and Navy Leauge of Selkirk brass and reed bands as band officer. She has played with grade 3 bands such as Winnipeg Celtic /Erin Street and QOCH. She attended and played in the Virginia Military International Tattoo 2018. She also attended Drumming workshops with Tyler Fry, and Jeremy White. She taught at Rocky Mountain cadet summer training center, played in honour band. She continues to compete in solo drumming competitions through out the year collecting, Gold and Silver medals. We strive to help strengthen the knowledge and growth of the Pipe Band community and have fun at the same time. Previous Next

< Back Transcona and District Pipe Band Practices are Thursdays nights at the Transcona Legion. Contact: Stewart at 204-795-2648 Facebook page Founded in 1965, the Transcona & District Pipe Band (originally, the City of Transcona Pipe Band) was a mainstay of community events and celebrations in the Park City for decades. Previous Next

Previous Back Next Special General Meeting Registration Forms Band Event Registration Form Solo Event Registration Form Order of Play Location: 303 Rockwood ANAVETS Date: Time: Address: February 22, 2026 2:00PM 341 Wilton St, Winnipeg, MB R3M 1X3, Canada To Review changes to the Constitution. See Below Previous Next

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< Back Glenaura Pipes and Drums Contact info coming soon The Glenaura Pipes and Drums The Glenaura Pipes & Drums were founded in October of 1990. Pipe Major Bill MacLeod and Pipe Major Tommy Thompson were the founders of the band. Pipe Major MacLeod had a long and distinguished career of piping and teaching in Manitoba. Pipe Major Thompson was a member of the storied Shotts & Dykehead Band in Scotland and also a leader of top flight bands in Canada. The band was comprised of many young pipers and drummers in the beginning, but under the leadership of the Pipe Majors the band moved from Grade 4 to Grade 3 and finally to Grade 2 in five years. Mr. MacLeod became Pipe Major Emeritus in 1994, with Pipe Major Thompson becoming the active leader and setting the musical direction of the band. Over the next number of years, the band competed in Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Minnesota. The band has won many awards at numerous competitions, including taking top honours in Grade 2 at The Calgary and Canmore Highland Games. In 2001, Pipe Major Leigh Ward stepped up to the leadership position as Pipe Major Thompson had become quite ill. Shortly thereafter, Pipe Major Thompson passed away. The band was most honoured to play at his funeral. Pipe Major Leigh Ward continues as our Pipe Major to this present day. The band currently plays in competitions, concerts, parades and performances. For more information about the band, check the website: www.glenaura.ca Information compiled from the Glenaura Band website. Previous Next

< Back Transcona and District Pipe Band Practices are Thursdays nights at the Transcona Legion. Contact: Stewart at 204-795-2648 Facebook page Founded in 1965, the Transcona & District Pipe Band (originally, the City of Transcona Pipe Band) was a mainstay of community events and celebrations in the Park City for decades. Previous Next