KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER
The Grade 4 Glengarry Pipe Band recently travelled to the New Hampshire Highland Games and returned home with great success, despite almost freezing temperatures.
The band placed second overall in the Medley, Strathspey and Reel (MSR) competition, second overall in the Medley and won best drum corps for the games. In addition, some band members competed in individual contests, including Gabby Doucet who won Junior Piper of the Day with four first place finishes.
The band, based in Maxville, has four different grades to accommodate the varying levels of its members, including the newer Juvenile Band that had its official debut in 2025. The Juvenile Band is for youth under 18, with pipers who already know the basics and drummers (or aspiring drummers), with any level of experience. The Grade 5 Band is suited for adult pipers and drummers who have been playing for a few years, but have not been part of a band. This band is also suitable for those returning to playing their instrument after a lengthy pause.
The next higher level is the Grade 4 Band with pipers and drummers who are more experienced and are ready to further their skills by playing more advanced music. The Grade 4 Band is a development band, where members practise and prepare to move to the higher Grade 3 Band. The Grade 3 members are the most experienced players and currently form the highest level of musicians within the organization. The most challenging tunes are performed by the Grade 3 and 4 bands, whose members have several years of experience playing the bagpipes and drums.
Many members get their start through the affiliated Glengarry School of Pipes & Drums (GSPD), currently offering lessons on Saturday mornings at Glengarry District High School in Alexandria. The school teaches beginners, new to playing the bagpipes or snare drum, all the way to advanced students who have been playing for many years. No experience is required to join the GSPD; the school welcomes students who have never held a pair of sticks or played a chanter. Students usually start at around 8-10 years of age, although there have been some earlier starts depending on the young musician. The school has students in their teens, 20s and even some in their 70s. Check out the www.gspd.ca web site.
While most members live in Glengarry and SDG, there are several players who travel from Quebec and New York State and Connecticut to be part of the organization. Musicians can check out https://ift.tt/7Mf0XC6.
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