The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band is always looking for new players.
If you're keen to come out and join up with the Sons, drop us a line at sospb@sospb.com - Canada's oldest civilian pipe band celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2021 Champion people, Champion Music! www.sospb.com
Piping and more
Music can do so much for you or someone you know. If you need a tune recorded or a solo piper to come along and perform for you, just get in touch. I do solo work all the time, and have a great compliment of friends and colleagues who can step in if I can't play. Here is a video of an annual ceremony I do to mark the Celtic Cross Ceremony in August in Ottawa by the Rideau Canal. Enjoy!
Happy Anniversary to the pipe band! Celebrating another great year in 2022 - we are now 126!
Lessons
If you've ever wanted to learn pipes, there's no better time than now! Lessons available by Skype with PM Bethany Bisaillion, Director of the Ottawa City Piping College - get in touch at bethany.bagpipes@sympatico.ca for what you need to start up. It's so rewarding and wonderful!
Groups in Ottawa
Sons of Scotland Pipe Band
The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band were first heard in Ottawa in 1896 performing on behalf of their Benefactors, the Sons of Scotland Benevolent Association as part of their organization. To hire the band for an event or parade, please contact Band Manager Donald MacDonald at Donald@sospb.com.
Pipers and Pipe Band Society of Ontario - Ottawa Branch
Information on events happening in the Ottawa region is available at www.ppbso-ottawa.org
Mac an Alba
A small pipe band consisting of dedicated individuals, Mac an Alba specializes in traditional favourites played with a modern twist. For more information, contact Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion at bethany.bagpipes@sympatico.ca.
The Brigadoons
Formed in 1971 by Rob Taylor, The Brigadoons have, through all these years, promoted the Celtic music so popular in Glengarry County. Over the years the band has had many members who epitomized the vast talent present in the county. A wonderful band who can add so much color and fun to your event - visit their site at www.thebrigadoons.com for more information. General Inquiries: By email: Denis: denis@thebrigadoons.com For Bookings: Contact Denis Carr By phone: Home: 1-613-932-7239Cell: 613-930-5128
Heritage Hands Ottawa Drum Club
The Heritage Hands Ottawa Drum Club / Tambours du patrimoine de l'Outaouais has a repertoire ranging from high energy rhythmical to historic rudimental numbers and can be tailored to specific audience preferences. If you would like to hire our group for a performance or need more information please contact one of the following club members:
Le groupe Heritage Hands Ottawa Drum Club / Tambours du patrimoine de l'Outaouais peut offrir un spectacle comprenant des pièces rythmiques remplies d’énergie ainsi que des pièces rudimentales et historiques qui peuvent être adaptées à différents auditoires. Pour de plus amples renseignements au sujet des services offerts par le groupe, veuillez communiquer avec un des membre suivants :
There is a new site with 7000 pipe tunes for everyone to use free of charge; visit www.ceolsean.net to see what a great resource there is available.
Pipers
Whether you need a haggis piped in or you just want to add a regal air to your next event, a piper is your best bet. We maintain a database of professional and semi-professional performers ready to add that touch of class to your upcoming affair. Contact Bethany Bisaillion at bethany.bagpipes@sympatico.ca.
Dancers
MacCulloch School of Highland and Step Dancing
Rae MacCulloch founded the MacCulloch School of Dancing in the Fall of 1954. We provide training in Highland and Traditional Celtic-Canadian Step Dancing. The MacCulloch Dancers of Ontario, Canada love to dance. The MacCulloch Dancers have met with much success and recognition both locally and abroad.
Katherine Robinson School of Highland Dancing
The Katharine Robinson School of Highland Dancing was founded in 1968. The Director, Ms. Katharine Robinson, is a Life Member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (B.A.T.D.) and a Member of the Judges Panel of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (S.O.B.H.D.). Initially, the School started in the Robinson's family home with 10 students. Today it has grown into a strong and vibrant dancing school with more than 75 students ranging in age from 4 to 54. You can get in touch with them at krhighlanddancers@gmail.com
Celtic Cross Dancers
Celtic Cross is a group of Ottawa dancers who perform a mix of traditional and contemporary choreographies. We have decades of experience in the Celtic dance genres of Highland, Irish, and Ottawa Valley stepdance as teachers, performers, competitors and choreographers. Our shows are a lively blend of all 3 dance styles, and our repertoire is suited to any venue or event, from festivals to pubs to live concerts to wedding receptions and anything in between. For information on the region's newest Highland Dance and choreography group, visit their website at www.celticcrossdancers.com for information on how to join and how to book them for your event.
The annual Scotland trip
The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band travel to Scotland each August for a glorious 11 day trip. Our home base is in Edinburgh, and we compete at the World Pipe Band Championships and do many other wonderful concerts. The calendar of this trip will be posted here as we move along with planning. Get in touch if you want information on taking part in this wonder journey, and we can all enjoy a superb time together! Email PM Bethany Bisaillion at bethany.bagpipes@sympatico.ca anytime.
Minister Moore Officially Declares April 6 as Tartan Day
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 21, 2010) - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, announced today that the Government of Canada will now officially recognize April 6 as Tartan Day.
"A tartan represents a clan, a family, and a community, and is an enduring symbol of Scotland that is cherished by Canadians of Scottish ancestry," said Minister Moore. "Many Canadian provinces and other countries already celebrate Tartan Day. As well, through Tartan Day, Canadians will have an opportunity to learn more about the various cultures that comprise Canadian society."
Tartan Day originated in the late 1980s in Nova Scotia, where it was declared an official day by the provincial government. It then spread across the country, with many provinces joining in. This marks the first time the Day has been recognized by the federal government.
"By officially recognizing this Day, we encourage Canadians all across the country to celebrate the contributions that over four million Canadians of Scottish heritage continue to make to the foundation of our country," said Senator John Wallace, who recently introduced a bill in the Senate in support of nationally declaring Tartan Day.
In Canada, Tartan Day is celebrated on April 6, the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish declaration of independence. Tartan Day celebrations typically include parades of pipe bands, Highland dancing and sports, and other Scottish-themed events.
Government of Canada Makes Maple Leaf Tartan an Official Symbol of Canada
OTTAWA, March 9, 2011 - It's official! Canada's Maple Leaf Tartan, which has been our unofficial national tartan for many years, has now become an official symbol of Canada.
"The Maple Leaf Tartan has been worn proudly and enjoyed by Canadians for decades, but has never been elevated to the level of an official symbol–until now," said the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
"Our national symbols express our identity and define our history. The Maple Leaf Tartan represents the contributions that the more than four million Canadians of Scottish heritage continue to make to our country," added Minister Moore.
The Maple Leaf Tartan was created in 1964 by David Weiser in anticipation of the 100th anniversary of Confederation in 1967.
"The tartan is one of the most visual expressions of Scottish heritage and culture," said the Honourable John Wallace, Senator (New Brunswick). "Making the Maple Leaf Tartan an official symbol of Canada highlights the many significant contributions that people of Scottish heritage have made to the founding of Canada."
The Second Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Pipes and Drums has adopted the Maple Leaf Tartan, and National Defence Headquarters has approved it for issue for Canadian Forces pipers and drummers who do not have a specific regimental affiliation. It was also featured in costumes worn last year during the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics.
On October 21, 2010, the Government of Canada announced that April 6 will be formally recognized as Tartan Day. This April 6, Canadians across the country will be able to celebrate this day with a new official symbol of Canada.
As an official symbol of Canada, the Maple Leaf Tartan joins Canada's most significant emblems, such as the Coat of Arms and the National Flag of Canada.