Powell River’s Clansman Pipe Band competed at the Campbell River Highland Gathering on August 12 and won a silver medal in the grade five quick march medley category.
There were six bands entered in this category, according to Clansman Pipe Band president Ann Snow.
Among the solo pipers who competed, Aiden de Villiers was awarded two gold medals and a silver medal in the grade two category. Leeya de Villiers was awarded three bronze medals in the grade four category, and Snow was awarded two bronze medals in the grade five category.
“Separately, four of the members formed a quartet and entered the Gathering’s Celts Have Talent Show, winning recognition for their unique rendition of Mull of Kintyre,” said Snow.
Francois de Villiers, a pipe band snare drummer, placed third in the grade four category.
Having competed earlier this year at the Victoria Highland Games, where the band placed first in its category, the Clansman Pipe Band used proceeds from their winnings to attend the Campbell River gathering. Snow said the band travelled from the qathet region with seven pipers and six drummers to Campbell River.
“We were just stoked from having won the silver medal,” said Snow. “We’re playing very well. We’ve been practising two or three times a week, just leading up to the competition. It sure paid off. We did really well. We love to play.”
Snow said the band does not have any further competitions planned for this year. She said they usually play at the fall fair.
The next competition the band is planning is the Victoria Highland Games in May 2024. She said the band will be fundraising between now and then to have enough money to attend the gathering.
Snow said the Clansman Pipe Band would especially like to thank Sunshine Coast Health Centre for the use of its van to transport the band to Campbell River; she also thanked Tourism Powell River for covering the cost of the band's entry fee for the competition.
Clansman Pipe Band is looking for more members, both pipers and drummers. Snow said lessons are free for piping or drumming.
The band has a website at clansmanpipeband.ca, where there is contact information.
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