CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

PIPE BAND

Membership

Membership in the band is open to any adult who is employed by one of the businesses or agencies at the Calgary International Airport, is a volunteer at the airport or has some other connection to the airport community. Children of these people can also play in the band as long as a responsible adult is present for all events and practices where the child is in attendance. If you are part of the airport community and are interested in joining the Calgary International Airport Pipe Band, visit our Contact Us page.

Teaching

At the present time, the Calgary International Airport Pipe Band does not have the resources or instructors to offer piping lessons to people who do not already play the bagpipes. People who wish to play pipes in the band must be able to read pipe music scores, possess their own practice chanter and bagpipes, and have mastered the instrument at least well enough to play basic pipe tunes. All players are encouraged to hire their own private piping instructor and attend piping clinics and schools.

People from the airport community who wish to learn the drums and play with the airport pipe band will be given rudimentary instruction by Drum Major Mike Bertin or another accomplished player. The students will provide their own drum practice pad and appropriate sticks. Tutor material and basic rudimentary lessons will be provided free of charge. The drum student can expect to play in public performances within a year. Drums are owned and provided for practices and performances by the band. Students are also encouraged to obtain more in-depth lessons from private instructors and attend drum clinics and schools.

Expectations

Band members are expected to be part of the Calgary International Airport Pipe Band for 'the love of the music'. They are expected to regularly attend band practices and performances. They are also expected to learn and practice band tunes on their own time between band practices and keep up with the progress of the group.

The Calgary International Airport Pipe Band does not take part in any band competitions. Any member wishing to compete can do so privately and will not wear band uniform or represent the band in any way.

Band members are ambassadors of goodwill for the Calgary International Airport and represent this community at all times. Band uniforms are owned by the band and issued on loan to members while in the band. Members will not use a band uniform or equipment for any private function without permission from the executive committee, or do anything that will embarrass or dishonor the airport community in any way.

The pipe band executive committee is responsible for the direction and general operation of the pipe band. The committee welcomes input and suggestions from all band members.

Practice Times and Locations

The Calgary International Airport Pipe Band holds practices every Wednesday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the boardroom, main floor of the Airport Corporate Center located behind the parkade across the street from the Airport Terminal Building at the Calgary International Airport. Directions can be obtained by contacting a band member.The band does not practice during the summer months or over the Christmas to New Years holiday season.