CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

PIPE BAND

Canada Post Stampede Breakfast and new Plant Opening Ceremony

In 2005, the Canada Post sorting plant near the Calgary International Airport requested the pipe band provide some entertainment for their annual Pancake breakfast for employees and their families. Since it was raining and cold outside, the breakfast was held in the loading dock area. The pipe band put on a short performance as part of a morning long program that included dancers, horseback rides, and other bands. Since the plant had to keep operating, some employees could not get away to see the entertainers. So the Calgary International Airport Pipe Band played through the facility in a mini parade to bring some musical enjoyment to the working employees.

In June of 2005, Canada Post opened up a second sorting plant in Calgary at the south end of the city. The organizers of the opening ceremony requested the pipe band play for the festivities. The band played several tunes to bracket the speeches and ribbon cutting ceremony.

Retirement Party for Air Canada Pilot

Many times, members of the Calgary International Airport Pipe Band are called upon to help people celebrate special events like weddings, funerals, retirements and anniversaries. On this happy/sad occasion, the family of a retiring commercial airline captain requested that the band meet him at the terminal after he deplaned on his final flight. The pilot received quite a surprise when family and friends and the Calgary International Airport Pipe Band were on hand in the meeting area to pay tribute to his many years of service and the opening of a new chapter in his life. The pipe band played several tunes for the appreciative audience.

High School Graduation Ceremonies and Receptions

Each year, Calgary high schools hold graduation ceremonies at the Jubilee Auditorium or at the University of Calgary. The Calgary International Airport Pipe Band has led the procession and recession in these events for Crescent Heights High School, Forest Lawn High School, John G. Diefenbaker High School and Jack James High School. This is a very special occasion for the graduating students and teachers. It is always an honor for the band to do our part to add some circumstance and color to the ceremony.

Opening Ceremonies for Tournaments and Bonspiels

The Calgary International Airport Pipe Band has participated in several opening ceremonies for baseball, curling, and ringette tournaments in the city. Usually the band leads the teams onto the field or the ice for the opening remarks, then parades them back off at the conclusion.