Clansman Pipe Band History
Powell River has long been a community in which piping and pipe bands have thrived and it all started with the world class Powell River Pipe Band started by the MacMillan Bloedel Paper Company.
In 1965 the Highland Laddies Junior Band was formed at Brooks Junior Secondary School and became active in school functions, assisted in 1966 by the Moose Lodge, a very helpful sponsor in the band's formative years.
A Ladies Auxiliary was formed and the band grew and became a very successful asset to the community. Parents and spouses of the members worked hard in fundraising and even made uniforms.
A very popular fundraiser was the Ceilidh combined with an auction, with the Auxiliary providing the popular meat pies associated with these very successful events. Powell River merchants were very generous and donated merchandise and travel items to be auctioned off.
in 1967, the Highland Laddies attended the World's Fair in Montreal where the Moose Lodge billeted them. then, as Provincial Reps, they attended the world Fair in Osaka, Japan, in 1969 accompanied by a group of local Highland dancers.
As many of the "Laddies" grew up and left Powell River, the name of the band was changed to the Clansman Pipe Band which, for a few years, was an independent group until the Powell River Legion (Branch 164) consented to become their sponsor.
Competing in the Legion Highland Gatherings, the and has come first in its class three times and won the Drumming Trophy four times. In 2015, the band took first place in the Grade 5 Division at the Comox Valley Highland Games. Some of the members also compete successfully in individual competitions.
The band continues to train young pipers and drummers, encouraging the continuity of the band .