OLD STRATHCONA PIPES & DRUMS HISTORY
The Old Strathcona Pipes and Drums is a street band. It was formed in the 1960’s when three ladies--Jessie Cheshire, Anne Bennett and Doris Barber, all formers members of the Edmonton Girls Pipe Band got together to play for Legion branches in and around Edmonton.
It wasn’t long before several youngsters asked if they could learn to play and join the band.
Soon there was a group of women and children practicing regularly. They needed a name.
When searching for a name it was recognized that the majority of the members lived in the Southgate area of Edmonton. The band soon became known as the Southgate Ladies Pipe Band with Jessie Cheshireas Pipe Major, Anne Bennett, Pipe Sgt. and Doris Barber, Drum Sgt.
In the late 1970’s several men also became members. The group was still playing for community events and Legions throughout the area. The group approached the Strathcona Legion in 1974 and took the name Strathcona Legion Pipes and Drums.
This arrangement continued until the mid 1980’s when a number of circumstances led to the association being cancelled. The group held their practices in the Orange Hall in the Old Strathcona area, so it became logical to change the name of the band to the Old Strathcona Pipes and Drums, the name it still uses.
Anne and Doris are still active playing members of the band.
Our band still plays for small town parades, sports events, charity walks, Legion branch activities and a variety of other gatherings. We hold regular practices Thursday evenings, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, at 5205- 87 Street in Edmonton. We accept members of all skill levels and instruction is available for those interested in learning. If you are interested, please come down and check us out.
The Old Strathcona Pipes and Drums is a street band. It was formed in the 1960’s when three ladies--Jessie Cheshire, Anne Bennett and Doris Barber, all formers members of the Edmonton Girls Pipe Band got together to play for Legion branches in and around Edmonton.
It wasn’t long before several youngsters asked if they could learn to play and join the band.
Soon there was a group of women and children practicing regularly. They needed a name.
When searching for a name it was recognized that the majority of the members lived in the Southgate area of Edmonton. The band soon became known as the Southgate Ladies Pipe Band with Jessie Cheshireas Pipe Major, Anne Bennett, Pipe Sgt. and Doris Barber, Drum Sgt.
In the late 1970’s several men also became members. The group was still playing for community events and Legions throughout the area. The group approached the Strathcona Legion in 1974 and took the name Strathcona Legion Pipes and Drums.
This arrangement continued until the mid 1980’s when a number of circumstances led to the association being cancelled. The group held their practices in the Orange Hall in the Old Strathcona area, so it became logical to change the name of the band to the Old Strathcona Pipes and Drums, the name it still uses.
Anne and Doris are still active playing members of the band.
Our band still plays for small town parades, sports events, charity walks, Legion branch activities and a variety of other gatherings. We hold regular practices Thursday evenings, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, at 5205- 87 Street in Edmonton. We accept members of all skill levels and instruction is available for those interested in learning. If you are interested, please come down and check us out.