Seems fitting on this Canada Day, July 1st, to talk about the tremendous impact that Canadians, and Canadian piping has had on the world stage. Recent posts on one of the Scottish piping blogs, and we understand followed up with a print editorial, are quick to find fault with Canadian pipers and drummers, bands, teachers, and the approach to music of certain Grade 1 bands.The truth is, the piping and pipe band worlds are extremely fortunate to have had non-Scots pursue this hobby so passionately, and to have them so willingly attack the traditions, standards, and commonly accepted "truths" of what has been seen as traditional piping.
It would be tedious to list all the non-Scots whose devotion to playing the instrument have made such a difference in both solo and band worlds, however, on this Canada Day, here are a few: Jim McMillan [teacher of Terry & Jack Lee, and many others], Archie Cairns, P-M James Watt, William Barrie [a Scot, but lived here longest], John Wilson [also a Scot, and a proud Canadian], Bill Livingstone, Terry Lee, Jack Lee, Jamie Troy, Hal Senyk, Jim McGillivray, Ed Neigh, John Fisher, John Kerr, Luke Allan, Drew Duthart, Alan Bevan, Bruce Gandy, Michael Grey, Gord Tuck, Bob Worrall, Ken Eller, Scott MacAulay, SFU Pipe Band, 78th Fraser Highlanders, City of Victoria, Triumph Street [old and new], Clan MacFarlane, Guelph Pipe Band, McNish Distillery, Port Moody Pipe Band, City of Toronto/General Motors,T&D, Metro Toronto Police, Toronto Police, Peel Police.....
It's an overwhelming task, and any list is going to leave out a lot of people whose contributions have been enormous, and who have made an impact on the world scene. On this Canada Day, I am proud to be part of a piping and pipe band culture that has produced among the very best players, bands and music the world has seen.
So, Happy Canada Day to all you Canadian pipers, drummers, and bands.
