About Us
Origins
The roots of the band trace back to the early 1970’s when it was formed by Bob Haley and was known as “Barrie and District Pipes and Drums”.
Over the years the band developed a strong following and established itself as the premiere Pipe Band in the Barrie community. The band could be seen on parade wearing the same tartan as the Gordon Highlanders. One of the most storied Regiments and Pipe Bands of the century.
Eighties, Nineties and into the 21st Century
By the mid 1980’s, the band was considered to be one of the largest parade bands in the province.
Throughout the late 1980’s and 1990’s, the band prided itself in performing in community service events, ceremonies, and parades year round. In 1998, under the direction of Marv Bishop, the band entered competition for the very first time. With a wide selection of Highland Games across the province the band soon made it’s mark on the competition circuit.
Shortly after, competition became part of the band’s program the name was changed to “Kempenfelt Pipes & Drums”. The Kilts were updated and the colours changed to the “Royal Canadian Air Force” tartan. The band soon decided that competition was not the best mandate and focused again on a band that would serve the community.
Present Day
City of Barrie tartan
From the late nineties until around 2012 the band continued to parade and perform at local events. Then the idea of competing was again added to the band’s objectives. Along with the new mandate came a name change. Leaning on it’s early days, the band became “Barrie Pipes and Drums”. With new kilts and colours, the band now proudly wears the “City of Barrie” tartan.
In 2015, the band had it's most successful competition season winning both the North American Championship (Glengarry Highland Games) and the Champion Supreme Award for Grade 5. The band was promoted to the Grade 4 level for the 2016 season, and remains at that grade today.
Pipe Majors (earliest to most recent)
Bob Haley
Adrian Stocks
Mike Robb
Tom Gougeon
Marv Bishop
Ewan Brown
Brian Richardson
Ted Hall
Eobhann Bruce
Marv Bishop
Matt Kiegelmann
Peter Johnstone-Schulz
Kris Bawden
Peter Johnstone-Schulz
Today, the “Barrie Pipes and Drums” remains dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of Scottish piping and drumming. With continued commitment to excellence, discipline, and community engagement, the band serves as a living symbol of tradition and pride for the City of Barrie.
Band Leaders
Band Manger - Dene Conlon
Treasurer - Donna Cooper
Pipe Major - Peter Johnstone-Schulz
PIpe Sgt - Andrew McPherson
Drum Major - Renèe Mathieu
Drum Sgt - Kavan Johnstone-Schulz
Secretary - Leslie Marjerrison
