The official name is Pender Island Celtic Music Society under the BC Societies Act, but we are usually known as the Pender Highlanders, the name we have had since the beginning of the band in 1995.
We provide a musical contribution to many community events (pipes and drums), and meet weekly to learn tunes and improve our skills.
Jim Dunlop and several friends from the Legion came up with the idea to collect some instruments and start a pipe band back in 1994, and the band officially began in 1995. The Legion provided initial support and a place to practice in those early days, and the band has always taken part in Legion sponsored events. We wear the Legion crest on our head gear.
While the Highlanders perform at many Community events throughout the year, the two we are actually involved in organizing are the spring Pancake Supper (a joint event with the Anglican Church) and the Show and Shine car show in July which attracts participants from both on and off Pender Island.
We meet most weeks on Monday evening (7–9 pm) at the Anglican Hall for practice. New members are welcome at any time, and instruction can be provided for beginners wishing to learn either pipes or drums.
None of the very earliest members are still on Pender or in the band, but there are some current members who have been with the band for 25+ years.
All members take part in the planning and performances. We would be very happy to have new members join us. School age children (elementary and secondary) are welcome, as are retired folks and everyone in between.
Sharing a form of music we all enjoy and socializing with likeminded people are two enjoyable aspects of being part of the Highlanders.
It was a dream of Jim Dunlop to have a junior band, and now we have a band member who is looking into starting one, possibly in cooperation with the school here on Pender.
The Highlanders perform at so many Pender events through the year: The Polar Bear Swim (January), Pancake Supper (February/March), Opening of the Farmers’ Market (May long weekend), Canada Day and Show and Shine Car show (July), Mayne Island Fall Fair and Pender Island Fall Fair (August), Terry Fox Run and Crisp Festival (September), Remembrance Day (November), the Santa Ship Welcome, and Tree Lighting on Bridges Road (December). The band, or individual members, can also be booked to play for private events such as birthdays, funerals or weddings.
The contact person for the Highlanders is the current Pipe Major, Larry Dempster. Alternatively, just talk to anyone you see wearing a kilt at a community event.