A Little History ...

The White Spot Pipe Band and Highland Dancers is a youth pipe band that has been in continuous operation since 1956.  Originally formed by Don Bellamy as the Optimist Junior Pipe Band, the name was changed in 1963 to reflect the generous sponsorship and patronage of Nat Bailey and his White Spot Restaurants.  For almost 50 years the organization has provided instruction and encouragement to more than 500 young people.  The band currently has a membership of about 65 youth between the ages of 8-18 at three different levels; beginner chanter & drum-pad, Grade 5 junior Pipe Band and Grade 4 senior Pipe Band, as well as highland dancers.  Some of the current instructors are former students.

In addition to being dedicated to the musical development of youth, the White Spot Pipe Band has always emphasized a commitment to community, personal growth and development, and the preservation of Scottish heritage.  In order to underscore community responsibility, the band performs in numerous local events such as Canada Day, Remembrance Day, Sunshine Foundation for kids, and the Cops for Cancer relay. Over the years the band has traveled extensively throughout North America making several feature appearances at the Calgary Stampede and Parade and performing at three World Expositions; Expo ‘62 in Seattle, Expo ’67 in Montreal and Expo ‘86 in Vancouver.  White Spot was privileged to be the first pipe band to play at the ‘Arizona’ Memorial in Hawaii.

The organization promotes both team building and individual growth, urging children to compete in both individual and in band competitions.  For the past four years the White Spot Pipe Band has earned the title of Grade 4, Pacific Northwest Pipe Band Champions. The Band has produced its first CD which is a proud culmination of those achievements and the dedication of the students, instructors and families. In 2005 and proudly wearing the BC Centennial tartan, the Band traveled to Scotland to compete in the World Pipe Band Championships for the very first time in its history.

There are three things that are important to the White Spot Pipe Band:
  1. Travelling to Places -- Travelling to various parts of the country and abroad provides band members with life skills such as learning to work and play together as a team and being independent.
  2. Competition Band -- Competing in Highland Games throughout the Pacific Northwest will develop and enhance the playing and dancing skills of the Band Members.
  3. Performances -- To be a well known Pipe Band by doing public and private performances is one of the key goals of the Band.

WSPB Highland Dancers

The White Spot Pipe Band Organization is unique as it has a Highland Dance Team that performs at events and functions and competes at highland games along side the Pipe Band.

Dancers at the novice level of competition or higher, with the ability to perform at least 6 Highland dances (Fling, Sword, Sean Truibhas, Strathspey & Highland Reel, Scottish Lilt and Flora MacDonald's Fancy) can be accepted into the Band.

Interesting in Joining the Band?
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Application Form (PDF file format)
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Call: Graham Davidson - Band Director at 778-866-9723 ~
e-mail: GSDPiper@telus.net ~ web page: www3.telus.net/GSDpiper
 

Want to Hire the Band & Dancers?

bullet Contact: Len Leroux, Band Manager
Our Instructors:
Pipes:
bullet Graham Davidson
bullet Alan Walters
bullet Hal Senyk
bullet Graeme V.
bullet Carl Hampson
Dancing:
bullet Tracy Mallinson
 

Drums:
bullet John Fisher
bullet Kyla Richdale
bullet Iain Mack
bullet Amanda Darlington
bullet Brett Kirby