YYC’s Pipe Band celebrates over a decade of service

“The airport has a pipe band?”  That is a question we frequently hear after we have played some tunes in the Domestic or International terminals. The answer is YES, the airport does indeed have its own pipe band. The Calgary International Airport Pipe Band was formed in 1999 by two of the airport’s police officers and is funded and supported by The Calgary Airport Authority. The band is performance-based (non-competitive), playing for the love of the music while acting as musical ambassadors for the airport.

Since its inception, the pipe band has played a significant role in the airport’s annual Remembrance Day Ceremony and performs several times a year in one or both of the terminals to entertain passengers, guests and airport staff.  In addition, the band has participated in several parades and each year plays for high school graduations, charity events and a variety of celebrations in and around the city.

The pipe band is believed to be the only pipe band in the world funded and supported by an airport authority.  We are very proud of that fact and are most grateful for the continuing support of the Authority.

The group wears the Maple Leaf Tartan, Canada’s official tartan, particularly fitting for an international airport in Calgary, a city with a proud Scottish heritage.

The pipe band is a friendly group and enthusiastically welcomes new members who have an interest in, and some experience playing the Great Highland bagpipe, the snare or tenor drum.  If you, or someone you know, might be interested or would like additional information e-mail  Marjorie Zander at zanderm@telusplanet.net. The band practices Thursday evenings in the Airport Corporate Centre (ACC).