Air Command Pipes & DrumsThe Air Command Pipes and Drums will be performing in the Clan Parade, Piping in the Heavy athletes after the Parade, and also participating in the Saturday night parade. BackgroundThe Air Command Pipes & Drums are a Regular Force Pipe Band located at CFB Uplands in Ottawa. The Air Command Pipes and Drums is under the leadership of the Canadian Forces Senior Pipe Major, Chief Warrant Officer, Ian Ferguson, CD. The Drum Major, Gary Shannon is a valued member, joining the Band in 1961 and serving till present day. The strength of the Band is presently 42 members and is comprised of Military, retired Military and members from the local community. With the exception of the Pipe Major and Drum Instructor, Warrant Officer Steve Lanning, all members of the Band are volunteers. The Royal Canadian Air Force is proudly, the only Air Force in the world with its own authorized Tartan. The Tartan was approved for use in August 1942 by the Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland. The Band has participated in many overseas and local performances over the years, including such events as: President John F. Kennedy’s state visit in 1961, Seattle World’s Fair in 1962, Canadian Forces Centennial Tattoo in 1967, Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1981 and the Memorial Service and Parade in New York City, April 2002, to honour the victim’s of September 11th. The Air Command Pipes & Drums has the distinction of playing each year at the National War Memorial for Remembrance Day. |
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Officially stood up on October 1949, the Air Command Pipes & Drums boasts the unique distinction in the Canadian Forces of having the longest period of continuous Pipe Band service.