Since the founding of the City of Thorold Pipe Band in 1986, we have consistently committed ourselves to a program of continuous improvement. This applies not only to the level of musical proficiency of the individual pipers and drummers, but extends to the overall organization as a whole.

This attitude was instilled in us early on by our founding Pipe Major James (Jimmy) Greig, a former member of three truly legendary piping organizations: The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), the Edinburgh Police Pipes and Drums, and the Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band.

After having spent many years competing at the grade one level, Jimmy certainly knew how to build a first rate pipe band, but he also learned that this can prove to be a very empty endeavour when the most important element is missing. What is this magical ingredient?

FUN!

A simple word perhaps, but one that is often overlooked by many pipe bands in this day and age. In today's piping world, a vast distinction is usually made between "competition bands" and so-called "fun bands". In the minds of many players, good musicianship and commitment to excellence are only to be found in "competition bands", whereas "fun bands" are thought to be havens for clowns who don't really care how they sound or perform.

Historically, there may have been some truth to this school of thought. However, many of us in the City of Thorold Pipe Band are former competitors, and we see our band as an organization that offers the best of both worlds to our current and future members. For players of all ages who want to hone their skills in an environment that presents more of a challenge than the average non-competition pipe band, membership in our band certainly promises this.

As for competitors who may have grown tired of the constant pressure of the games field, but aren't willing to compromise their standards by joining an organization they consider to be grossly inferior from a commitment standpoint, they will find the environment in the City of Thorold Pipe Band to be more relaxed, yet still familiar.

Each summer for over 15 years, our band has been a fixture at many of the annual events throughout the Niagara Region and beyond, with out most ambitious venture to date being a two-week tour of the Netherlands during the spring of 2000. This was only the first in what will be many trips abroad in the coming years, as we see no limits to what our organization can accomplish when we put our collective minds together, and combine our considerable talents.

For more information on the City of Thorold Pipe Band, such as scheduled appearances, practice and audition times, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for taking the time to view our website, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

Mitchell McDowell,
Pipe Major
City of Thorold Pipe Band