78th Highlanders (Halifax Citadel) Pipe Band
The 78th Highlanders (Halifax Citadel) Pipe Band is a grade one pipe band formed in 1983 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.[1]
78th Highlanders (Halifax Citadel) Pipe Band | |
---|---|
Established | 1983 |
Location | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
Grade | 1 |
Pipe major | Alex Gandy |
Drum sergeant | Jeremy Keddy |
Tartan | Mackenzie |
Notable honours | 1st place, North American Pipe Band Championships: 2003 & 2014
13th place, World Pipe Band Championships: 2005 12th place, World Pipe Band Championships: 2015 |
Website | 78thhalifaxpipeband |
They work in conjunction with a re-enactor troop for the 78th (Highlanders) Regiment of Foot, the regiment that spent almost three years stationed at Citadel Hill (Fort George) (1869-1871). When the 78th Highlanders were in Halifax they had 21 drummers and 6 pipers.[2] Today there are approximately 60 pipers and drummers.
Pipe Major of the original Regiment Alexander McKellar wrote many compositions named after numerous battles of the 78th Regiment. Some of these including the 78th's Farewell to Belgaum, Burning of the Piper's Hut, Highland Brigade's March to Lucknow and The Barren Rocks of Aden. There was some dispute about the authorship of The Barren Rocks of Aden, to which McKellar responded, "The air is mine. The name is mine. Who has a better right to give a name to a child but the father." [3]
The band played the song "Mull of Kintyre" live with Sir Paul McCartney on July 11, 2009 in Halifax.[4]
The band's Pipe Major is Alex Gandy and the lead drummer is Jeremy Keddy.
See also
- Canadian military bands
- Canadian music
References
- "78th Highlanders (Halifax Citadel)". 78thhalifaxpipeband.org. Retrieved 2019-12-25.
- Electronic Scotland
- "The Halifax Citadel - Bringing Life to History".
- "McCartney Halifax Pipe Band".