About the band...
| The Harpenden Pipe Band was formed by Bob Renwick in
1997 with only 5 Pipers, 2 side Drummers and a Bass Drummer, and
very quickly rose to become a significant presence in the
area. Harpenden Pipe Band originally wore Hamilton tartan
kilts prior to purchasing the present tartan, Ancient MacInnes.
In 1998, the band made its debut at the Harpenden Highland Gathering. By 1999 more members had joined and by 2000 the band had grown substantially. More importantly some junior members had joined, ensuring the bands longer term future. Founder member, Bob Renwick, retired after a very successful tenure as Pipe Major in 2002, but continued to play an active role in the band until his death in 2005. Our present Pipe Major, Stephen Marshall leads the band in the same tradition, with a strong sense of direction, and an almost obsessive(!) passion for achieving a crystal clear, sharp sound. 2002 saw a major step in the bands progress with the first international event. The band participated in the Hamilton International Tattoo as it was then known. Members of the band returned to play in Canada for the following two years. |
Ancient MacInnes Tartan asworn by the Band
|
In addition to the Canadian trip, the band has attended events in Belgium, playing at the Menin Gate and events around the war cemeteries of Passchendaele and in France, playing among other events, at the Christmas festival in Menton, on the Côte d'Azur.
Closer to home, the band travelled to the far North of the UK, playing in the Shetland Islands in January 2006 for the annual Up Helly Aa celebrations.
This trip was almost unique in piping terms with our band members
following a parade of marauding Vikings dragging a replica long-ship through
the streets of Lerwick. Marching and playing through ranks of guizers
in fancy dress suits with flaming torches.
More recently, in June 2007, members of the band joined up with our
counterparts in Northampton to visit the town of Rehau in Bavaria, to play
in the bi-annual Rehau Wiesenfest, which can be best described as a junior
Oktoberfest.
Since our return from Rehau, we have continued to enjoy a successful partnership with our friends in Northampton, and members of both bands frequently team up to support each other at events.
While the band continues to grow from strength to strength, there is no room for complacency. Harpenden Pipe Band is always looking for new members, from experienced pipers and drummers through to learners, all are welcome.
The band has a written Constitution and is run by a committee, members of which are elected by the band members.
Harpenden Pipe Band members enjoy playing a variety of styles, switching frequently from traditional marches, through to more "contemporary" styles.
In short, we can best describe the Harpenden experience as innovative, professional, and most importantly, a lot of fun!