Did you know the Onkaparinga region has its very own pipe band?
The City of Onkaparinga Pipe Band has been bringing the sounds and culture of the great highland bagpipes and drums to the region since 1975.
Made up from people of all ages and from all walks of life, the band is a group of musicians who enjoy playing the pipes and drums and who have a whole lot of fun entertaining the community.
The band was originally formed by two locals, James Armstrong and Alec Cathcart who advertised for ‘pipers, drummers and learners needed – both male and female’. Very few of the original members could actually play either bagpipes or drums and had to learn from scratch.
Fast forward 50 years and the band averages more than 35 community engagements each year with more than 50 additional single piper engagements.
Receiving funding from City of Onkaparinga, the band often plays alongside the City of Onkaparinga Concert Band at concerts and events throughout the region. They feature at RSL and veterans’ celebrations, youth services and many charity events.
Band President and Life Member Keith Blyth became involved with the band in 2010 when his father passed away and Keith was seeking a piper to perform at the funeral.
“Anyone is welcome to join us at any age or level – from novice to well-seasoned professional. We practice once a week, getting ready for the next march, parade or concert”, Keith said.
You can catch the stirring sounds of the band at any of their upcoming performances:
- March (TBC) – 2 x mini concerts at aged care centres
- 23 April 2022 – Colonades March Through with RSL Remembrance, commencing at 11am; Digger Day Charity Football Game, commencing 2.10pm
- 24 April 2022 – Youth Vigil March and Service, commencing at 8pm
- 25 April 2022 – Dawn Service, commencing at 6am; City March, commencing at 10.30am; mini concert at Cathedral Hotel, commencing 11.45am
For more information email Kblyth221957@gmail.com or phone 0438 919 065.