Imagine future Squamish Remembrance Day ceremonies without the Black Tusk Caledonia Pipes and Drums band.
It is almost unthinkable, but that is the worst-case scenario looming for the band, as its numbers have dwindled to near desperate levels, according to Sandy MacKay, a bass drummer with the group.
The band is seeking experienced pipers and drummers — a tenor and side drummer specifically.
They have 12 players currently, and would like 18.
"We've lost two or three pipers this year and that means we are down to maybe eight-strong pipers," he said. "We know in the community because it has grown, that there are pipers out there."
Originally called The Squamish Kinsman Pipe Band, the band formed officially in 1979.
Some players have moved away from Squamish or retired.
MacKay became a member through his children.
"I was driving my kids. Ian started piping when he was 12," MacKay recalled. Soon his two other kids — Grace an Angus — had joined and it wasn't long before dad was brought in, MacKay said with a laugh.
Asked what draws and keeps him in the band, MacKay said for him remaining is a "no-brainer."
"For me, what keeps me in is family," he said. "The kids are now in their 20s. It is a chance for us all to get together at band practice."
The events that pipers perform are also arguably the most sacred and important of community events.
"On Remembrance Day, when you get in your kit — proud Canadian," he said, adding his dad was in the Royal Canadian Air Force 427 squadron and flew in a Lancaster bomber. His uncle was in the second wave at Juno Beach in the Second World War and another uncle was in the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
"So, I have always been a proud patriot," he said.
The group practices on Wednesdays at the Squamish United Church in the Centrepoint facility.
"Give it a whirl," he said. "See what you think."
For more information, email roverdevin@hotmail.com. Check out the band's website at www.squamishpipeband.ca/.
**Please note, this story has been corrected since it was first posted to reflect that MacKay's father was in the RCAF, not the British military.
