John E. Lightfoot Jr./The Sudbury Star
The pipes, the pipes are calling for local music group
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John E. Lightfoot Jr./The Sudbury Star |
| Sudbury District Pipes and Drum Pipe Major Carrie MacDonald leads corps members during a recent practice. MacDonald is on a mission to make sure Sudburians know about the activities of the group, which works to preserve Scottish traditions. |
New faces may be at the helm, but the
highland tradition lives on in Sudbury
By Jason Simac/For The Sudbury Star
Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 11:00
Life
- For many people in Sudbury, for a long time,
piper Charlie Kennedy was the face of Sudbury District Pipes and Drums corps.
But that connection may have been lost with Kennedy’s departure for points
south three years ago. Many Sudburians, says the current leader of the group,
may not realize the corps still plays and teaches.
"People aren’t really aware of us," Pipe Major Carrie MacDonald said.
This could change now that MacDonald has taken over the corps. MacDonald, known
as "the red-haired piper," aims to let people know about the group.
MacDonald took over the position as head of the band when Mike Lewis left in
2002.
She is the unofficial band historian, having recorded its history back to 1922,
when the group was called the Sudbury Caledonian Pipe Band. She is also the only
woman to hold the position of pipe major.
"I guess I was the person most suited for the position," she said.
MacDonald said aspiring players learn on a chanter and move on to the pipes. The
process usually takes about two years.
In her case, the process was much shorter.
In February 1999, she saw a pipe band play at Maple Leaf Gardens. She figured
she could play the instrument and called Kennedy the next day.
Starting on the chanter, she practised three or four times each week. In her
spare time, MacDonald listened to senior members practise. She researched the
pipes and the corps.
After eight months, one-third the time it takes other students, she was ready
for the pipes.
There are 10 pipers, five snare drummers, one bass drummer and one tenor drummer
in the corps. There are also four highland dancers and a colour guard.
The band performed at Callander Celtfest over the May long weekend.
Two of the players, Jimmy Geroux and Robert Paquin, placed first in their
division.
Becky Theberge, a dancer, took a bronze medal home.
At the moment, several members are touring Europe with the Ontario Royal
Canadian Legion Pipes and Drums Colours. Band members will participate in the
opening of the Juno Beach Centre in France. Laura and Anthony Sanche, two of the
group’s youngest members, have been chosen to lay a wreath at one of the
ceremonies.
This summer, the band will be performing across Ontario. There will be parades
in Durham, Toronto, Cambridge and Kitchener.
As for Kennedy, he still visits Sudbury.
"Every month," MacDonald said. "More if we really nag him."
Quick Facts:
The Sudbury and District Pipes and Drums aims to preserve Canadian and Scottish
history with music and dance:
-- The corps can teach you to play the great highland bagpipe, the bass drum,
the tenor drum or the snare drum. It also teaches highland dancing.
-- Practices are scheduled every Thursday and Sunday night at the Navy League
Hall, on Regent St. Beginner’s classes go from 6-7 p.m. and regular practice
from 7-9 p.m.
-- Interested parties can call 560-3485, or e-mail redhairedpiper@sympatico.ca.
-- SDPD is not a competitive corps, but they do play during numerous events.