Saskatoon Spring Mini Gathering

spring gathering 2025 The SPBA held a Spring Mini Gathering in Saskatoon on Sunday, March 23rd and we had a great afternoon of sharing music and music assessments, working to build capacity in local players and bands. A number of new players had their first ever public performance at the gathering, and it was great that could happen in such a supportive environment. Barbara MacDonald, SPBA President, pointed out at the conclusion that there was a significant number of female performers, and when the massed band played "Amazing Grace" the female pipers led the first time through.

Thanks to Jayna Munson of the Saskatoon Pipe Band Collective for organizing the location, and to our volunteer judges: Barry Robinson (solo piping), Laura Schmeling and Sam Linsley (solo drumming), Jessalyn Wallace (tenor drumming) and to Paul Laforge, Michelle Gallagher, Laura Schmeling, Sam Linsley, Lori Boen, Rob Kinnaird, Joanne Bandur and Terri Olver.

These judges all played in bands too, so it was a busy afternoon with limited preparation time, but a great way to get everyone in the swing of things for the outdoor season.

SOUND ADVICE 2025

SOUND ADVICE summer school returns June 29-July 4, 2025, and be sure to register early! We'll have more information on available scholarships a little later.

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P-M Iain Simpson • Dr. J. Reid Maxwell • Jordan Bailie • Glenna MacKay-Johnstone • Barbara MacDonald • Sean Somers • Jeremy White

We're back in person at the beautiful University of Regina June 29- July 4 with a stellar instructional staff.

SOUND ADVICE is looking forward to welcoming Pipe-Major Iain Simpson, a World Champion winner as band instructor with Boghall Juvenile and also George Watson's College, and Grade 1 band member with Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia. We're delighted to have Dr. Reid Maxwell, the multiple World Championship winning L-D of Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, and newly minted with an honorary doctorate from SFU! And this year we have the pleasure of welcoming Jordan Bailie as a tenor/bass instructor. Jordan is the 2024 World Solo Tenor Champion and also the lead tenor with the current World Champions Inveraray and District Pipe Band.

Also coming is Glenna MacKay-Johnstone from Ontario, with loing experience is solo piping, Grade 1 bands and teaching. She's also a cracking Gaelic singer, and we're looking forward to that!. We're excited to welcome back Sean Somers, who has been at Sound Advice in the past. Sean is widely known and a great player, pipe-major and composer. Joining the team this year is Jeremy White teaching snare drumming, and he is the L-D of current Grade 2 World and European Champion drum corps North Stratton Pipe Band. Barbara MacDonald from Regina will be back this year, sharing her long experience playing and competing, and always with creative and thoughtful approaches toi working with people.

SaskPower Donation

SaskPower employee Wayne Rempel volunteered over 80 hours for the Saskatchewan Pipe Band Association Inc. and received $500.00 from SaskPower to present to this organization. SaskPower's Employee Volunteer Program rewards employees volunteering in their communities by providing funds to the non-profit organizations they serve.

Thanks to Wayne for making your community a better place.

Learn to Play Bagpipes or Drums!

Saskatchewan Pipe Bands: Teaching Pipes and Drums!!

Pipe Bands in Saskatchewan—A Proud History
Early settlers brought piping and Scottish cultural traditions to many communities in Saskatchewan, and local pipe bands are carrying on those traditions today.

The Highland bagpipes were heard at weddings, funerals, dances and parades across Saskatchewan in the early years, and then during World War I many of our Saskatchewan Regiments had pipe bands and pipers who inspired, consoled and entertained our soldiers. The South Saskatchewan Regiment, the 96th Highlanders, and the South Saskatchewan Light Horse all had great pipe bands.

Registration for new pipe band beginners is now! Contact your local pipe band .

• 96th Highlanders, Saskatoon (web link)

• Conservatory Pipe Band (web link)
(Conservatory of Performing Arts, University of Regina)

Wednesdays, September-June, 7:00pm
College Avenue Campus, Regina
Contact: Conservatory Office 306-585-5748

Upcoming Events

- March 23 - SPBA Mini Gathering, Saskatoon

- April 5 - Manitoba Scottish Festival, Winnipeg

- May 17 - Saskatchewan Highland Gathering & Celtic Festival

- SOUND ADVICE - June 29 to July 4