History of the Glenaura Pipes & Drums
The Glenaura Pipes & Drums were founded in October of 1990. Pipe Major Bill MacLeod and Pipe Major Tommy Thompson were the founders of the band. Pipe Major MacLeod had a long and distinguished career of piping and teaching in Manitoba; Pipe Major Thompson was a member of the storied Shotts & Dykehead Band in Scotland and also a leader of top flight bands in Canada.
The band was comprised of many young pipers and drummers in the beginning, but under the leadership of the Pipe Majors the band moved from Grade 4 to Grade 3 and finally to Grade 2 in five years.
Mr. MacLeod became Pipe Major Emeritus in 1994, with Pipe Major Thompson becoming the active leader and setting the musical direction of the band.
Over the next number of years, the band competed in Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Minnesota. The band has won many awards at numerous competitions, including taking top honours in Grade 2 at Calgary and Canmore one year.
In 2001 the band was taken over by Pipe Major Leigh Ward as Pipe Major Thompson had become quite ill. Pipe Major Leigh Ward is still our Pipe Major. The band currently plays in concerts, parades and performances. The band is available for functions if you would like to hire/contact the band.