Upcoming Events...
Feel free to drop by and listen to the band at the following events:
Milton Strawberry Festival / Parade
Main Street Milton
Saturday, June 25, 2011
9:00 am
Canada Day Parade
Victoria Park
Friday, July 1, 2011
12:00 noon
Milton Concert Band Soundsational Summer Series - Special Guests MDPD
Victoria Park Gazebo
Thursday, July 21, 2011
7:30pm to dusk - Bring a chair or blanket
MDPD mourns the loss of Jim Lang
Members of Milton & District Pipes and Drums were shocked and saddened to learn of the recent passing of long-time band mate, James (Jim) Lang, following a short illness. His companionship and great sense of humour will be missed by all. Stewart White, Pipe Major of MDPD, had these reminisces to share:
“I first met Jim in the early 1960's - we were in the 48th Highlanders Pipes & Drums. He eventually moved to the Lorne Scots but later returned to the 48th when his sons Ian and Colin joined the band. Jim joined the Milton & District Pipe Band in early 1977 and we enjoyed many years of Jim's unique sense of humour. He was a excellent Pipe Sergeant, stepping in where ever needed. His piping talent and sense of humour carried us through many enjoyable road trips and parties.
He left our band when his health began to fail and he was having trouble walking. We did, however, remain in close contact. Jim spent many years teaching pipes, passing on his special talent to the next generation. Jim and Bev moved to Cape Breton in 2006 which meant he was no longer close in distance, but kept in touch by phone and e-mail with occasional visits. He will be sadly missed as a grand piper and personal friend.”
MDPD would like to extend heartfelt condolences to Bev Lang and family.
(Accompanying photo shows Jim and Bev at home in Margaree Harbour, Cape Breton in August of 2008)
2010 Rabbie Burns dinner and dance well attended
The annual MDPD Rabbie Burns Dinner & Dance was a great success with more than 165 tartan-clad Rabbie Burns fans in attendance. Denis Snowden, the popular host of AM 640 radio's long running program "A Little Breath of Scotland", performed the address to the haggis with his usual flourish and style. Attendees were treated to the sight and sound of the MDPD marching up and down the hall as well as the popular band, "Fare 'Nuff", which kept toes tapping and the dance floor full until the wee hours. Highland dancers from Jackie Smith's School of Highland Dancing were also featured and put on a beautiful show. Be sure to join us next January for an evening of food, fun and haggis.
Leading the way - 2009 Campbellville Xmas Parade
All Washed Up in Kincardine
Several members of the band braved extreme weather conditions to participate in Kincardine's Gathering of the Bands on Saturday, August 29th. Despite a driving rain, the 18th Gathering of the Bands and Mass Band parade went ahead as planned and drew well over a thousand people to Victoria Park in Kincardine. Hundreds of spectators enjoyed a variety of musical entertainers and pipe bands from around Ontario. Notwithstanding the rain, it was a super event and good fun -- never mind that it took several days to dry out the pipe bags!
MDPD and MCB “Soundsational” at Victoria Park
On July 16th 2009, hundreds of people gathered at the Victoria Park Gazebo in Milton to enjoy the skirl of the bagpipes courtesy of the Milton & District Pipes & Drums accompanied by the orchestral strains of the Milton Concert Band (MCB). Milton & District Pipes & Drums was honoured to deliver a guest performance at the invitation of the MCB as part of their “Soundsational Summer Series” of free concerts throughout the summer.
The series of 1-hour concerts were created by the Milton Concert Band as a way to thank residents for their support and to encourage Miltonians to get out and celebrate and explore their community through music. The evening was highlighted by separate performances by MCB and MDPD as well as a number of tune selections performed as an ensemble. A good time was had by all and plans are already underway for a repeat performance in 2010. See you there!
Calling all Pipers & Drummers......
Have you recently moved to the Milton area? Don't have time for a competitive band? We're always on the lookout for drummers and pipers with experience that are looking to join a fun-loving band with a community focus. If you don't have any experience but have the drive and dedication, we're prepared to teach you to play either the pipes or drums. Click here for more details and contact information.
Picture of the Month
MDPD's own Sir Jimmy of Shelter Bay
