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History Of The Band

The Kelowna Pipe Band, originally the Kelowna Legion Pipe Band (Branch 26), was one of the oldest Legion bands in British Columbia, beginning in the late 1920s with a small group of pipers and drummers. Since then, it has grown to nearly 30 playing members. In 2002, the Band became a registered society, and is now known as the Kelowna Pipe Band Society.

Jim Arthur, one of Sandy Mitchell's first pupils, spent many years in the band as Pipe Major, and retired in the early 1970s. His son Doug joined the band in 1968, and played with the band for over thirty years - many of those as Pipe Major. Sally Stonehouse became the first female Pipe Major in 1999.

The current Pipe Major is Jim Watt, with Pipe Sergeant Kris Watt, and Drum Sergeant Tim Simpson.

The Band performs year round at numerous functions throughout the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, and Washington State. In addition, the band has traveled to Kelowna's sister cities in both the Netherlands and Japan, and has twice attended the World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland. The band enjoys taking part in all of the major competitions in the Okanagan, including Spring Fling, Penticton Highland Games and Vernon Mini-meet.

Currently, we are researching the band history and would appreciate hearing from anyone who may have additional information. We would love to hear from you either with stories or photographs.

If you've got anything to share, please contact Jim Watt by e-mail, or call either of 250.766.4996 or 250.862.2277.