Pipe Band History
History
The College of Piping Pipe Band’s history traces back to the Summerside Presbyterian Pipe Band, which existed from 1963 to 1969 before reforming in 1986 as the Caledonian Pipe Band. In 1990, the band became affiliated with the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada and began to carry its name in 1993.
Based out of Summerside, Prince Edward Island, the College of Piping has two competitive pipe bands, competing in grades 3 and 5, and registered with The Atlantic Canada Pipe Band Association (ACPBA). In addition to the competitive bands, the College also has a development band where students can learn the fundamentals of playing in a pipe band. The combined membership of almost 50 musicians offers a fantastic opportunity for students to grow as players, compete, and perform on stage in the College’s summer production, Highland Storm.
Click here to view the 2020 College of Piping Pipe Band Handbook.
Highlights
Since affiliating with the College of Piping, some of the band’s most notable successes include:
- 4 North American Pipe Band Championship titles:
- 2011 (Grade 4)
- 2006 (Grade 4)
- 1995 (Grade 3)
- 1994 (Grade 3)
- 4th place in Grade 3B at the 2007 World Pipe Band Championships
- 5th place in Grade 3B at the 2012 World Pipe Band Championships
- 1st place in Grade 4B at the 2017 World Pipe Band Championships and World Champions for 4B
- 2019 North American Drum Corps Champions in Grade 5 and Grade 3
Along with these accomplishments, many members of the College of Piping Pipe Bands are award-winning soloists, earning prizes at local, regional, national, and international levels.
In 2020, the Grade 3 and Grade 5 bands will compete at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. New members, music, and friendships are in the works for these upcoming competitions.
The College of Piping Pipe Bands are under the direction of:
- Pipe Major James MacHattie
- Pipe Sgt. Kylie MacHattie
- Drum Sgt. Chris Coleman
- Grade 5 Pipe Major: Carl Brydon
If you would like to hire the College of Piping Pipe Band for an event or make a donation, please contact Chris Coleman for rates and availability.
Competitions
Each year, our highland and step dancers, piping and drumming soloists, and pipe bands travel to various competitions around the Maritimes, North America, and the world. Winter and spring competitions are indoor, while the summer competitions our students compete in include:
- Atlantic Canada Piobaireachd Challenge
- The Greater Moncton Highland Games
- Kensington Step Dance Festival
- ScotDance Championship Series
- Pugwash Gathering of the Clans
- The New Brunswick Highland Games
- The Glengarry Highland Games
- The World Pipe Band Championships