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Hugh D. Fraser M.M.M, CD
- Pipe Major 1946-1977
Donald D. McDonald CD
- Pipe Major 1977-1987, 1989-2010?
Don MacPherson - Pipe Major 1987-1988
Rob Walker - Pipe Major 2010-2012?
Sandy Campbell
- Pipe Major 2012-2018
Craig Shirley
- Pipe Major Sep 2018-Feb 2024
Jack Gray >
- Pipe Major Feb 2024-Jul 2024
Jeff Harris >
- Pipe Major Sept. 2024 -
The Pipes & Drums of the North Saskatchewan Regiment have participated in numerous functions
since being officially recognized by the Department of National Defence in 1958, with a band establishment of thirty personnel.
The Band has competed in Highland Games at Edmonton, Calgary, Selkirk, Winnipeg, Saskatoon,
Regina and Moose Jaw and has been awarded several trophies. When the Kinsmen of Moose Jaw held their annual parade of bands
and games competition, the N. Sask. R. Pipes and Drums won first place five years in succession. The band has travelled far
and wide to play in events such as the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto and was included in the mass band that led
the Warriors' Day Parade on that occasion. The band also played in the 1976 Bi-centenary Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena Calif.
N. Sask. R. Pipes and Drums was the first pipe band to play on the streets of Fort Smith N.W.T.
The band has played at World curling competitions in Berne, Switzerland; Garmisch-Partenkerchen,
Germany; Regina; Winnipeg; Vasteras, Sweden and Oberstdorf, Germany.
Regimental duties include performances for the following Governor Generals of Canada: Field Marshal Viscount
Lord Alexander, Vincent Massey, Roland Mitchener, Georges Vanier and Jules Leger. The band has also performed for many Lieutenant
Governors of Saskatchewan.
Other ceremonial performances include Decoration and
Remembrance Day Parades and Services, Ceremonial Inspections, Change of Command parades, the Regiments' securing the Freedom
of the City of Saskatoon and the City of Prince Albert with the right to display bayonets when parading on city streets. There
have been Regimental Reunions, dinners and socials, park concerts and Drum Head church services.
Among historical events have been performances at the funeral of Lt. Colonel Auges MacNeill, D.C.M., the founder
of the Pipes and Drums; and the funeral of the Right Honourable John G. Diefenbaker. The band was also honoured to be asked
to play at the funerals of the Lt. Governor of Saskatchewan George Porteous and Lt. Colonel Bruce McCorkell E.D., C.D. When
the Cairns family presented the Victoria Cross, won by Hugh Cairns, V.C. to the North Saskatchewan Regiment, the Pipes and
Drums played for that occasion.
Apart
from being musicians, members of the N. Sask. R. pipes and drums have been signals, mortar, cooking, driver, medics and infantrymen.
Several bandsmen have been awarded the Canadian Decoration and some with bar.
In
1995 because of the austerity program the D.N.D. reduced the establishment to a mere two members, but allowing several or
any number of volunteers. Grants for the upkeep of uniforms and equipment were lost. However there is a keen spirit among
the volunteers and money from engagements is being placed aside for the purchase or replacement of uniforms and equipment.
We, the two retired Pipe-Majors, wish those that continue with the traditions of the Pipes and Drums of the North Saskatchewan
Regiment the very best of luck and success in the years ahead.
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