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Ceilidh on the Harbour

ATTENTION: Ceilidh on the Harbour has been postponed to September 15, 2012. If you already have tickets they will be honoured for the September 15th voyage. If you would like a refund please email us or see the band member you purchased your tickets from. Apologizes and thank you for your support of Dartmouth & District Pipe Band.

Saturday, September 15, 2012 Time: 3:30PM to 5:30 PM Harbour Queen, Murphy's on the Water

Featuring Dartmouth & District Pipe Band, The Worry Birds and surprise musical guests. Cash bar on board.

Tickets are $30 and are available through band members, by calling 902-579-PIPE (7473) or email.

Tickets are limited! Get yours today!

Raise a Little Hellp

Dartmouth & District Pipe Band has again agreed to open this year’s Raise a Little Hellp event on June 7th, 2012 – yeah!! Raise a Little Hellp is an annual Charity Event that features performances by award-winning artists in a highly personal and intimate setting, food, wine and silent auction. To date, Raise a Little Hellp has raised over $248,308.80 in funds for the Halifax chapter of Habitat for Humanity. To buy tickets to this year’s Raise a Little Hellp event, visit: www.raisealittlehellp.com

First Competition and Mini Gathering Results

The grade 3 and 5 bands and our solo competitors are gearing up to head off to Anitgonish on Saturday for the first full competition of the year - The Antigonish Indoor Highland Games. Some of our pipers already warmed up to the competition season at this year's Citadel Mini Gatherings.

Well done to all Dartmouth pipers who took part in the mini gatherings: Suzanne, Jess, Blaise, Keegan, Orson, Breanna and Ross.

February 4 Ross - 1st, Grade 4 Keegan - 2nd, Grade 4 Jess - 2nd, Grade 2

March 3 Keegan -  1st, Grade 4 Orson - 3rd, Grade 4

March 31 Breanna - 1st, Chanter Orson - 3rd, Grade 4

Jigs, Reels and Beers 2012

Dartmouth & District Pipe Band Fundraiser Dinner

Featuring: Cassie and Maggie MacDonald, Celtic Sole Dance Group, The Worry Birds, Norma MacDonald and more.

May 6, 2012, 4 PM-8 PM Durty Nelly’s, corner of Argyle & Sackville St., Halifax

Ticket includes admission, dinner, live music, a beverage, door prizes! To purchase or reserve tickets email, call 902-452-PIPE (7473) or contact a band member. Tickets are limited.

Dinner includes your choice of soup or salad, a roast beef dinner and a Rickard's Blonde.

Just in Time for Christmas

We are taking orders on Dartmouth & District Pipe Band T-shirts and hoodies! You can place your order at our St. Andrew's Day Celebration this Sunday or stop by practice at  St. James Church Hall on Wednesday, November 23 or 30. To make other arrangements please email info@dartmouthpipeband.com

All orders must be paid for in advance.

T-shirts (black) are $15 Youth S-XL and Adult XS-3XL (mens and ladies option for style)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hoodies (black, sport grey or dark heather grey) are $40 Youth S-XL and Adult XS-3XL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes are included.

A St. Andrew's Day Celebration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What: Dartmouth & District Pipe Band Presents: A St. Andrew's Day Celebration Where: Durty Nelly's, corner Sackville and Argyle St., Halifax NS When: Sunday, Novemver 27, 2011 Time: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Price: $15 (10 and under free)

Dartmouth & District Pipe Band Presents: A St. Andrew's Day Celebration on Sunday, November 27, 2011, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at Durty Nelly's Irish Pub in Halifax. Tickets are $15 (10 years and under are free) and proceeds from the event will help the organization purchase uniforms, instruments and subsidize travel costs, including a trip to the 2012 World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. Dartmouth & District Pipe Band is a registered charity.

The afternoon will be filled with four hours of live music featuring Anna Ludlow and Friends, The Worry Birds, Amy Lee Blanchard and Amanda Leblanc, Greene School of Irish Dance, Dartmouth & District Pipe Band, prizes, silent auction and more! Tickets are available through band members or you can reserve your tickets by emailing bookings@dartmouthpipeband.com.

 

Anna Ludlow www.annaludlow.com When Anna Ludlow plays, an energy fuelled by passion builds. It’s written on her face, eyes closed, feeling the music flowing through her fiddle. Those watching her are drawn in, moved, changed. Pure joy.

Anna’s recording Reel to Reel, released in 2009, was produced by herself and Dave Burton and was mixed and mastered at ECMA-winning Lakewind Sound Studios. Featuring the talents of Fred Lavery, Scott Macmillan, Dave MacIsaac, Wendy MacIsaac, David Burton and Jamie Gatti, the album received multiple award nominations. The CD showcases Anna’s talent as both fiddler and singer. Traditional in nature Anna wanted to honour the music that most influenced her musical development. Her much-anticipated follow-up recording will place even more emphasis on her unique style.

 

The Worry Birds www.theworrybirds.com Simple, thoughtful, catchy and honest are all words that describe the music of The Worry Birds. Their sound is equal parts folk, classical and Celtic and the combination of fiddle, double bass and guitar produce everything from the dulcet tones of a string quartet to the frenetic pulse of a driving rock band.

Based in Fall River, Nova Scotia, The Worry Birds was formed in the winter of 2010 by three good friends wanting to make original music together. The band consists of singer-songwriter Zach Smith (acoustic guitar, vocals), Adelle Meagher (double bass, vocals) and Bhreagh MacDonald (fiddle, vocals).

 

2011 Award Winners

Congratulations to the following 2011 Dartmouth & District Pipe Band award winners! Parker Woolaver R A Stanley Chisholm Award – Awarded for achievement in first-year chanter. Roy is a great promoter of Scottish heritage and took a good deal of interest in the band through the 70's, 80s and early 90s. He frequently attended band ceremonies, but in recent years his health has not allowed him to attend.

Ross Whyte
 Wayne Moug Bursary – Awarded for achievement in advanced chanter, this award was first presented in 2004 in honour of Wayne Moug. Wayne is one of the cornerstones of Canadian piping and has been involved with Dartmouth & District Pipe Band from the 1990′s to present.

Alex Marr Ivan Richarson Trophy – This trophy is awarded for achievement in drum pad. Ivan Richardson become involved with Dartmouth & District Pipe Band when his two sons, one a piper and the other a drummer, were members. Ivan served in several capacities on the executive including holding the president’s position.

Keegan Durnford
 George Fowler Memorial Trophy – This trophy is awarded for achievement in junior piping.

Ian Green
 Catherine Fowler Trophy – This trophy is awarded for achievement in junior drumming.

Ross Whyte
 John T. Connors Participation Award – Awarded to a band member who demonstrates an extra effort to participate in band activities in order to make the musical endeavours of the band a success. The John T. Connors Award is in memory of one who had both a deep love of Celtic music and also dedication to perseverance in order to succeed.

Orson Baines DDPBA Award for Achievement in Junior Piping – Awarded for highest points accumulation in junior piping over the last season.

Liam Baines DDPBA Award for Achievement in Junior Drumming – Awarded for highest points accumulation in junior drumming over the last season.

Ian Green
 Clan Sutherland Junior Leadership Award – This award recognizes a junior member that has shown exemplary leadership skills over the past year.

Heather Keddy Jim Connors Memorial Award in Senior Piping – Awarded for achievement in senior piping.

Bree Caldwell Jim Connors Memorial Award in Senior Drumming – Awarded for achievement in senior drumming.

Bhreagh MacDonald DDPBA Award for Achievement in Senior Mid-section – Awarded for personal achievement in senior mid-section.

Blaise Theriault Cote Award for Achievement in Senior Piping – Awarded for highest points accumulation in senior piping over the last season. First presented by Richard and Sandy Cote in 1994 when Richard served on the executive as President.

Bree Caldwell DDPBA Award for Achievement in Senior Drumming – Awarded for highest points accumulation in senior drumming over the last season.

Helen Wright
 Clan Sutherland Senior Leadership Award – This award recognizes a senior member that has shown exemplary leadership skills over the past year.

Brian Morrison Dress and Deportment Award – Awarded to a member who who maintains a high standard of drill, dress and deportment.

Cheryl Chisholm
 Pipe Major Andrew Payzant Award – This award recognizes outstanding contribution to the Dartmouth & District Pipe Band. Andrew Payzant started his piping career in the Dartmouth & District Pipe Band. He served as Pipe Major of the Dartmouth Boys Band, played for dancing competitions for many years, and his father is a past president.

Also! Congratulations to the following ACPBA Champion Supreme winners: Orson Baines (gr 5 piping), Alex Marr (practise pad), Liam Baines (gr 5 drumming), Bree Caldwell (gr 2 & Sr. hornpipe/jig drumming), Heather Wilson (gr 1 drumming), Jeremy Keddy (Professional drumming), and Dartmouth & District Grade 3.

A huge congratulations to all the award winners, band members, members of the executive, parents and supporters for a truly great year. Looking forward to 2012!

Dartmouth & District Pipe Band set sights on Scotland

MEDIA RELEASE - For Immediate Release September 28, 2011, Halifax, NS – Dartmouth & District Pipe Band (grade 3) will be competing at the 2012 World Pipe Band Championship. The World Pipe Band Championship will take place in Glasgow, Scotland on August 11, 2012.

“There was immediate and overwhelming support from our members, supporters and parents,” says Pipe Major Scott Long. “When I asked who would be willing to commit to work harder than ever this year, both musically and in terms of raising the money required, there was 100% commitment right away.”

For competitive bands, the title of World Champion is highly coveted, and this contest is seen as the culmination of a year’s worth of preparation, rehearsal and practice. Typically several hundred bands attend, traveling from all over the world.

“This is the perfect time for us to compete at the world’s,” says Jeremy Keddy, lead drummer. “We had a great season in 2011, and the enthusiasm surrounding that will push us to work hard over the coming year. Our main goal is to be at our best when we land in Scotland.”

In the coming months the band will be hosting various events and fundraisers to help offset the costs of sending the more than 25 members overseas. It is going to be an exciting and busy year for the band!

About Dartmouth & District Pipe Band Grade 3 Atlantic Canadian Championship Supreme Grade 3 North American Championship Best Drum Corps & Best Bass

The Dartmouth & District Pipe Band is based out of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, drawing members and students from across the Halifax Regional Municipality and the province. The organization currently consists of a grade three band, grade five band and a well-established bagpipe and drumming school.

Recently the band was awarded 3rd place, grade 3 at the North American Championships in Maxville, ON; performed in parades and concerts at the Temple Bar TradFest in Dublin, Ireland; entertained audiences at Celebration Square during the 2011 Canada Games in Halifax and participated in the Closing Ceremony as part of the Nova Scotia Mass Pipe Band; played along side Rawlins Cross at the Welcome Ceremony for Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

For more information contact: Dartmouth & District Pipe Band info@dartmouthpipeband.com

Season Ends on High Note

We have had a great season, ending on a high note for both bands. Our grade 5 band placed 2nd and 3rd at the New Brunswick Highland Games in Fredericton and the grade 3 band captured two 1st place finishes.

Our grade 3 band just returned from Ontario where they competed in the North American Championships in Maxville. The band was awarded 3rd place overall, with a 1st in drumming and 1st in bass. They also performed in the well attended B in the Park concert, hosted by the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band.

You can find a full list of solo and band results from Maxville here: http://www.ppbso.org/contests/Results.php?games=Maxville

Thanks for all the hard work from players, parents, spouses and children. We know it takes more than just the players to get these great results and we truly appreciate it.

Pipe Dream

The following appeared in the latest issue of the ACPBA newsletter: In January, members of the Dartmouth & District Pipe Band had the opportunity to perform in Ireland at Temple Bar TradFest, Dublin's premier celebration of traditional music and culture. The 2011 festival ran from January 26th to 30th with its most ambitious program to date, offering more events than in any other year.

The band performed six times during the festival, including opening for Clannad outside of the famous Christ Church Cathedral, several street parades through Temple Bar and a concert performance on one of the outdoor stages.

The cathedral performance presented a few hitches, including a snow-bound Pipe Major and unexpectedly cool temperatures, yet the band rose to the occasion and enchanted the shivering crowd waiting to get into the sold-out Clannad concert. Of the street parades, one member says, “They were great fun. The crowd really got into it, following us through the streets, taking pictures and dancing along.” Halfway through the first parade, Scott Long appeared in proper dress ready to take his place; the aforementioned Pipe Major had arrived after a 24h delay in New Jersey and was reunited with his bags just as the parade commenced—yes, that's right; his flight was delayed and his bags were lost!

With half the performances under their kilts and pipes that were holding up quite admirably in the chilly humid weather, the band took in some sightseeing and pub visits in between Saturday’s line-up. After their final performance of the day, the travellers headed to a nearby watering hole for some band bonding. Upon approaching the pub, they heard the sound of pipes being played from within and found themselves crashing a celebration dinner honouring poet Robbie Burns. The attendees couldn't believe their luck (despite being Irish) that an entire pipe band from Nova Scotia had arrived at their party, and some remained unconvinced this hadn’t been pre-arranged.

“I saw this group of young people come in wearing hoodies and jeans and thought it was a bunch of ruffians,” laughed one of the dinner guests. “Turns out they all play the pipes!”

The two groups piped some tunes alongside one another late into the evening, and some of the band’s new fans came out to the well-attended final stage concert on Sunday, which was blessed with an enthusiastic audience and agreeable weather. After a legendary weekend, the band sailed home on clear skies, high on extraordinary music and Irish hospitality.

Jigs, Reels & Beers

Presented by Dartmouth & District Pipe BandSaturday, May 14, 2011 at Garrison Brewing Co., 1149 Marginal Road.

Ticket includes admission, live music, a free beverage, and door prizes and are $25. Must be 19+. Tickets are limited so act now! Email info@dartmouthpipeband.com or call (902) 452-PIPE (7473).

Jigs, Reels & Beers: Dartmouth & District Pipe Band Fundraiser and Silent Auction will feature performances from band members and guests including pipe band mini bands, duet piping, fiddle, bodhrán, vocals, Uilleann pipes, drum fanfare, step dancing, highland dancing and more.

Proceeds from the event will help support the Dartmouth & District Pipe Band and school and are used to help the organization in the purchase of uniforms, instruments and to subsidize travel costs. Thank you in advance for your support!

Crunch out Colon Cancer

Crunch out Colon Cancer - a fundraiser in memory of Jim ConnorsSaturday, May 21, 2011, 12 noon - 5 pm Christ Church Hall, Dundas St, Dartmouth

Want to get some exercise and support your community! Take part in Crunch Out Colon Cancer by gathering pledges, making a donation or attending the event.

Jim Connors, the late father of band members Pat and Lauren, was a staunch supporter of Dartmouth & District Pipe Band for many years. In fact, the band wears blue cancer ribbons on their uniforms in his honour.

Jim passed away from colon cancer three years ago, and this event is a fundraiser to celebrate his memory. If you are interested in pledging or helping out you can contact Pat or Lauren by email (crunchoutcoloncancer@gmail.com) or by phone (902 483-2247).

All money goes to the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Celebrating in the Square

Dartmouth & District Pipe Band will be performing at Celebration Square (Halifax Parade Square) Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at noon as part of the Canada Winter Games festivities.

by Kate Watson Published on February 8, 2011, Halifax News Net

Thanks to the Canada Games, Halifax’s Grand Parade is temporarily being transformed into an entertainment venue called Celebration Square.

It’s going to be home to some free and fantastic night-time concerts with the likes of Great Big Sea and Joel Plaskett, and during lunch hours, it will also bring some culturally diverse local talent to the stage.

“The thinking was that since we have this big, beautiful heated stage already set up, why not use it to really celebrate our community?” explains Adam Reid, cultural and festivals coordinator for the 2011 Canada Games.

Reid describes the programming as really “light and fun” and says he imagines that at lunch time the square will be filled with friends and family of the performers, visitors from outside the city and by local workers who stop by to take in the party atmosphere.

“Our aim is to make Celebration Square the heart of the games,” he says.

The Dartmouth & District Pipe Band was one of the many groups that eagerly answered the call that went out to the local arts community last fall for submissions to the program.

“We’re always looking for different opportunities to play for a wider audience,” says piper Lynn Redmond. “This seemed perfect.”

Redmond says that people can expect an exciting and visually interesting show from the pipe band.

“When the pipes and drums march by, people clear a path,” she says with a laugh. “At the very least, we’re always noticed, but I think more than that, people in Nova Scotia feel a real kinship for the Gaelic culture, and we showcase that.”

The other selected performers, including more than 275 youth, represent a broad range of arts and entertainment featuring highland dancing, African drumming and circus performances.

“Celebration Square at Noon presents yet another opportunity to showcase the diverse culture and talent this province has to offer,” said Halifax 2011 Canada Games CEO Chris Morrissey. “It’s an honour to be able to showcase talent from communities across Nova Scotia.”

First Pipers Club of 2011!

Featuring performers by Dr. Ellen MacPhee (Smallpipes), Mr. Ward MacDonald (Guitar/Fiddle/Piano) and fresh from their Temple Bar TradFest performance in Dublin, Ireland, the Dartmouth & District Pipe Band. Open ceilidh to follow.

The doors open at 7:00, music starts at 8:00.

Dr. Ellen MacPhee Scottish Smallpipes, Border pipes A native of Summerside, PEI, Ellen MacPhee began her piping journey with the Caledonia Pipe Band, the group that eventually evolved into the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada. As one of its original students, Ellen dedicated her early teenage years to studying at the College and competing with its pipe band. Also as a student, Ellen attended many summer sessions at the Gaelic College in St. Anne’s, Cape Breton studying step and highland dancing, highland piping, and eventually Scottish smallpipes.

Ellen was introduced to the smallpipes in the summer of 1993 by Hamish Moore of Scotland. The influence of this meeting continues to guide her musical path. In the last few years, Ellen has focused her time on the smallpipes and more recently border pipes, playing in dance halls and on stages around the Maritime Provinces, Ontario, and the Eastern United States. She has instructed smallpiping for several summers at the Gaelic College and was pleased to teach at their first International camp in Vermont in 2004.

In August 2005, Ellen was invited to Vermont where she had the great honour of teaching at Hamish Moore’s piping school in Richmond. She was also a guest at the Killington Piper’s Gathering in 2005 and 2009 where she taught, performed, and delivered seminars on The Prevention of Overuse Injuries in Musicians.

Ellen performed in the Piper’s Ceilidh at the Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton in both 2005 and 2006 where she shared the stage with many international artists.

Ward MacDonald PEI Scottish Fiddle/Piano Accompaniment Ward MacDonald grew up in the Scottish fiddling traditions of Prince Edward Island. His playing style reflects four generations of family fiddling and is spiced with a unique combination of Cape Breton, Acadian, and Irish influences. Ward has been a performer, composer, and teacher for the past 14 years.

Ward has been featured at concerts, festivals, and square dances across Atlantic Canada as well as Ontario, Quebec, and the Yukon. He has also taught and performed at fiddle camps in Yukon, Vermont, Maine, and the Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp.

As a teacher Ward possesses a thorough technical understanding of the music with a knack for explaining it in simple terms. His method includes intense ear training aided by written sheet music. Ward’s most recent project is founding the first-ever PEI Fiddle Camp.

First Mini Gathering is January 29

Planning on competing in the first Mini Gathering of 2011? The deadline is fast approaching! These events are great opportunities for pipers to get out and play in front of a judge and audience before the summer competition season rolls around. The revised dates for the 2011 Mini Gatherings are: January 29, March 12 and April 2.

There's still time to enter! You can find the entry form here: http://acpba.ca/sanctionedgames.html

Annual Robbie Burns Dinner & Kitchen Ceilidh

Please join us January 22, 2011 at Christ Church Hall, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, 61 Dundas Street (off Ochterloney Street) for the Annual Robbie Burns Dinner & Kitchen Ceilidh! Doors open at 6:00 with dinner to follow at 7:00.

The menu includes the following: haggis, chicken coq au vin, potatoes, vegetables, rolls, dessert and tea, coffee or juice.

All requests for tickets must be made by phone, email or in person at band practice by Monday January 17th. Call Catherine at 877-7076 or email macmillan.catherine@gmail.com.

Come to the Ireland PreParty!

Dartmouth & District Pipe Band is going to the Temple Bar TradFest in Dublin, Ireland. You can help us get there by buying a ticket to our fundraiser. Tickets are $25 and includes admission, live music, 2 bevys, door prizes! Tickets go on sale 10-Nov-2010 and are available through band members, at the Music Nova Scotia office (302-5516 Spring Garden Road) and Mighty Auto (1108 Cole Harbour Road) or you can reserve your tickets by emailing info@dartmouthpipeband.com or calling 902-452-PIPE (7473). Remember, guests must be of legal drinking age to attend.

Please support this event!

Our grade 5 band will be performing at the 1st Annual Fall Extravaganza supporting the Greene School of Irish Dance. Sunday, November 7, 2010, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm United Memorial Church, 5350 Young St, Halifax Live Music, Silent Auction, Refreshments and Irish Dance Demonstrations All are welcome to attend to and support this event!

There will a lot of great items available for the silent auction. One item up for auction is a small water colour called: "The Dartmouth & District Pipe Band practising down at Sullivan's Pond under the watchful eye of Scott Long and Co."