Taking their pipe dreams to Scotland

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/08/2012 (4900 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A band of Winnipeggers is taking its musical pipe dreams to Scotland.

The Lord Selkirk Boys Pipe Band will compete in the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow on Aug. 11. The prestigious event attracts more than 200 bands from around the world.

“It’s going to be a great time. It’s my second time competing at the world championships,” said Danny Murray, 17, noting the band’s last appearance in 2009 yielded an eighth place finish in its division.

The volunteer-led organization is tailored to male youth aged eight to 18, who meet Saturday mornings and play numerous parades and festivals throughout the year. This summer, band members have been rehearsing in Assiniboine Park.

Murray — a south St. Vital resident and the band’s head drummer (or lead tip) who has been a member for five years — said this year’s event has extra significance, as it will serve as a tribute to LSBPB’s founder Pipe Major Robert Fraser, who believed every boy should have the chance to play pipes or drums for free.

Fraser immigrated to Winnipeg from Scotland with his family in 1957, before founding the band and spending more than five decades inspiring young musicians and nurturing their development. He died this past March at the age of 89.

“He touched a lot of people in Manitoba,” Murray said. “Mr. Fraser had a great attitude and taught me to compose myself and respect others. He was a great man.”

Snare drummer and Crestview resident Cam Denby, 16, is looking forward to a successful showing at the event, as well as a chance to visit Fraser’s roots.

“I’ll have more of an idea when I get there, but the point of the trip is not just about the competition, it’s also a chance to see Mr. Fraser’s hometown” of Arbroath, he said. Fittingly, the band will also play for Lord and Lady Selkirk at their Scottish estate.

Cam’s father, Steve, the band’s current president, described Fraser’s contribution to the pipe band scene as “immeasurable.”

“He had a gentle way and was a wonderful man. He was known internationally as a piper and his philosophy was to provide the boys with a cultural and musical experience. He trained boys to be young men and community responsible,” he said.

LSBPB has members from across the city, including East St. Paul, Charleswood, Fort Richmond and West Kildonan.

For more information, visit www.lsbpb.ca.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com