Origins

The beginning of the band goes back to the early 70’s when it was formed by Bob Haley and was known as “Barrie and District Pipes and Drums”. 

Over the years the band developed a strong following and established itself as the premiere Pipe Band for the Barrie area.  The band could be seen on parade wearing the same tartan as the Gordon Highlanders. One of the most storied Regiments and Pipe Bands of the century.

Eighties, Nineties and into the 21st Century

By the mid 80’s the band was considered to be one of the largest parade bands in the province.

For years the band prided it self in performing in community service events and parades all year long.     In 1998, under the direction of Marv Bishop, the band entered competition for the very first time.     With a wide selection of Highland Games across the province the band soon made it’s mark on the competition circuit.

Shortly after competition became part of the band’s program the name was changed to “Kempenfelt Pipes & Drums”.    The Kilts were updated and the colours changed to the “Royal Canadian Air Force” tartan.  The band soon decided that competition was not the best mandate and focused again on a band that would serve the community.  

Present Day

From the late nineties until around 2012 the band continued to parade and perform at local events.  Then the idea of competing was again added to the band’s objectives.  Along with the new mandate came a name change.  Leaning on it’s early days, the band became “Barrie Pipes and Drums”.   With new kilts and colours, the band now proudly wears the “City of Barrie” tartan.

In 2015 the band had it's most successful competition season winning both the North American Championship (Glengarry Highland Games) and the Champion Supreme Award for Grade 5.     The band was promoted to the Grade 4 level for the 2016 season, and remains at that grade today.

Pipe Majors (earliest to most recent)

Bob Haley (First PM and band founder)

Adrian Stocks

Mike Robb

Tom Gougeon (1989-1994)

Marv Bishop

Ewan Brown

Brian Richardson

Ted Hall

Eobhann Bruce

Marv Bishop (?- 2009)

Matt Kiegelmann (2009-16)

Peter Johnstone-Schulz (2016-17)

Kris Bawden (2017-2019)

Peter Johnstone-Schulz (2022-present)