Two community organizations with Scottish connections are teaming up to host a fundraiser to support their activities and continue promoting a culture with deep roots in Moose Jaw.
The well-established Moose Jaw Scottish Country Dancers Club and the newly formed White Heather Youth Pipe Band are holding a fish and chips supper at Bobby’s Place on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Tickets are $25, while there will be a 50/50 pot. The pub allows children into the venue until 8 p.m.
Both groups will split the profits they make during the event.
This is the first fundraiser for the White Heathers, which formed in September after Michelle Carline, a community piper, former Sprigs O’ Heather Pipe Band member and recently retired teacher, spearheaded an initiative to create a group for kids aged eight to 12 interested in learning the bagpipes or drums.
“When I first started this endeavour, I wasn’t sure how much interest there would be. But I have 13 students, which is fabulous,” she said. “Eleven (are) taking pipes and two (are) taking snare drum, so we’re pretty thrilled with the numbers we have.”
It was the Scottish Dancers who approached Carline about co-hosting the fundraiser, considering the 47-year-old group’s membership numbers are “quite small.” This not only brings together the Scottish community but helps the five-month-old pipe band purchase equipment and uniforms.
The two groups recently started selling tickets and had immediate public interest, said Carline. Of the 250 tickets available, all have sold, while people keep asking for more; she has distributed an extra 40.
Anyone wanting tickets can email [email protected] or call 306-690-3525.
“I think people are excited about the prospect of having a pipe band back in Moose Jaw,” she continued. “I grew up in the Sprigs O’ Heather, so I’d like to give back and see if I can get this (to) become a permanent fixture. So, that’s my hope.”
It will take the youths time before they become proficient in using instruments, but Carline believes some may be ready before this year finishes.
Carline hopes to put some kids into the chanter — flute-type instruments — competition in the Highland Games in Regina in May. They likely won’t have uniforms, but she didn’t think that would matter since the organization would be pleased to have them regardless.
The veteran bagpiper will attempt to teach the youths a tune by then, even though she thinks that’s a tight deadline since some have no musical background. However, all can play the scale, while a few could play “Jingle Bells” by Christmas.
The pipe band currently practises every Monday night for one hour at Pathways School — a new alternative educational institution within Prairie South School Division — on Ominica Street West. Carline and another instructor teach the bagpipes, while another instructor teaches drums.
The youths don’t have — or use — instruments just yet. Instead, the future bagpipers practise with devices called chanters that are similar to flutes, while the future drummers use a drum pan with sticks.
Each participant paid $200, while the instructors teach for free. Fortunately, the Saskatchewan Pipe Band Association has provided $400 in grant money.
The Scottish community is great with sharing resources because people who used to play have provided several snare drums and a bass drum, said Carline. The instruments will sit in her basement until a professional ensures they’re in working order.
Being such a new group, and to help with team-building efforts, band members and their families participated in a glow bowling event recently. Carline noted that it was fun and everyone had a great time. Moreover, she appreciates how the group is like a family since the kids get along well.
“We’re just happy to get things going and build on that. And I’m hoping next year, all of these kids will bring a friend,” she chuckled. “And we’ll keep growing it that way.”
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