The
Kalamalka Highlanders Pipe Band celebrated their 20th anniversary
in 2004. Growing from a group comprised of members of the
old McIntosh Girl's Pipe Band and founding Pipe Major Reg
Scott, many new players joined over the years bringing talent
and enthusiasm. There are now 27 playing members and 11 piping
and drumming students. In September 2004, Reg handed over
the reins to Pipe Major Don MacLeod. Don is building on solid
foundations, and exploring new directions.
The KHPB is a registered society and outfits its members primarily
through various fundraising efforts. As an active supporter
of community events, the band has received welcome contributions
from the Army, and Navy and Air Force veterans (ANAF), the
Royal Canadian Legion, and private donors. The band wears
the district tartan Portree of Skye, with burgundy Prince
Charlie jackets and Glengarry bonnets.
A typical year sees the band playing at over 20 community
functions, from Burns Night, through the Vernon Winter Carnival
Parade, the National Seniors Curling Championships, the Falkland
Stampede, Lumby Days, Canada Day in the park, to D Day and
Battle of Britain commemoration ceremonies. The KHPB is proud
to be a regular part of Remembrance Day Ceremonies, with the
main band playing in Vernon, and individuals playing in Lumby
and at school ceremonies around the area. The band supports
charitable fundraisers including Run for the Cure, Do It for
Dad, Relay for Life, and the Rick Hanson Run. The annual Christmas
Pub Crawl raises money for Santa's Anonymous.
The band sends groups or individuals to competitions at the
Okanagan Mini Meets, Penticton Highland Games, Cariboo Highland
Games, Canmore Highland Games, Lower Mainland Mini Meet and
Victoria Highland Games.
The Kalamalka Highlanders have been an active member of the
Kelvern Celtic Society since its inception.