Williamwood Pipe band


(the traditional background)

In 1947 the 128th Glasgow Company of the Boys' Brigade formed a pipe band. They were successful until the mid 1970's, when sadly their numbers dwindled to just two. In 1975 Andy, who had been a Lieutenant and a piper in a neighbouring B.B. Company, was asked to pick up the Pipe Majorís reins and rejuvenate the band back to its old status.

Over the decades the band reached its former status, then duly surpassed it. The time came when boys became adults and wanted to continue playing and be part of the maturing identity and culture. As time went on other members of the church and the surrounding community decided that they wanted to be part of the success story, and joined. The continued success of the band has resulted in a few new members joining from further afield.

The band wears the Black Stewart tartan, which was chosen due to its dark background and colourful cross check. A sensible option indeed when you consider the large number of kids in the band in the early years. The original band jackets were donated by Strathclyde Police, however they came from a batch of WPC's jackets rather than from their pipe band.

(the recent history)

Within the last five years the pipe band has seen a dramatic increase in the number of members. This was initially due to an increase in interest from the boys of the local Boys' Brigade companies and was then followed by an increase in the positive reputation of the band as a successful competition and teaching band.

In 2002 the Williamwood Pipe Band had grown so much that many members were unable to play in the competing band. A decision was taken to intrduce a second competing band to give both experience at competition level and to give band members more encouragement to progress to higher levels.

The main competing band started to be successful at competition level during the 2002 season. After some successes in local competitions the band went on to win the highly coveted title of World Champions, grade 4B and ended the season as Champion of Champions in their grade. As a result of their success the band was promoted to grade 4A.

In 2003 the main competing band followed up the previous year's successes with more local competition wins and again went on to win the World Championship title, but this time in grade 4A. The second competing band continued to make progress in grade 4B and it is hoped they will follow in the footsteps of the main band and become future champions.

(the current position)

There are now eighty playing members within the Williamwood Pipe Band, with over twenty more learners in the pipeline.

Williamwood's roots are still very much in the Boys' Brigade, with the boys winning many prizes at both local and national levels. They are also eligible to play with the adults in the senior pipe band many of whom have themselves come through the ranks of the local Boys' Brigade companies.

For competing purposes only the band is split into two separate bands, in two different grades. The higher grade band is in grade 3, having been promoted from grade 4 at the end of the 2003 season, and currently holds the title of grade 4A World Champions. The lower grade band is competing in only its second full season at grade 4 level. Both bands have achieved remarkable success to date in the 2004 competition season.

The band still wears the Black Stewart tartan, however there have been many discussions regarding a possible change in recent times. The band has now standardised its uniform to include Argyll jackets and waistcoats, semi dress sporrans and white socks (having moved from the previously traditional off-white kilt socks).

(the band's activities)

Other than competing, the band plays at a variety of different occasions, including dinners, Burns'Suppers, parades, gala days, fetes and concerts. The band has also played at many overseas festivals over the years, as highlighted in our Playing Away section of this website.

The band is almost solely self-supporting and a regular event on the band calendar is a fund raising ceilidh, especially around Christmas.

The band released their first CD, entitled 'Oh Reely!'. This phrase was almost over-used within band circles, then it was noticed that many people outwith the band used this comment upon being told about the CD. The title seemed somewhat perfect, I think youíll agree. We feel that the CD provides a well balanced mix of pipe band, solo piping, drumming and folk group music. There is also one original piece of music created using electronics. The band is now preparing more material and hope to begin recording the second CD, title to follow, in the near future.