Greighlan Crossing
Pipe BanD
About Us
The District 5050 Pipe Band Society
Founded in 2004, the District 5050 Pipe Band Society is a not-for-profit and registered charitable organization. The society was first established to provide youth an opportunity to continue developing their musical skills when transitioning away from a juvenile pipe band organization. To support this endeavour, the society created a Scottish musical program under the brand name of “Greighlan Crossing Pipe Band”.
The purpose of the society today is to promote interest and skill development in Scottish culture and its musical arts through the performance of pipe band music, public education projects, musical instruction, and cooperation nationally and internationally with other pipe and drum bands.
The original goal of integrating youth, developing their skills in bagpiping, drumming and musical performance continues to be an organizational endeavour.
Growth of the Band
After the formation of the District 5050 Pipe Band Society in 2004, Graham Davidson and Len Leroux began putting together the Greighlan Crossing Pipe Band, with the help of a number of prominent members of the pipe band community. The band would not enter it’s first competition until 2006, but has been a regular and successful competitor and performer ever since.
Since its establishment, the band program has become a recognized entity in the local and international pipe band world. GCPB primarily provides cultural enrichment to the population of southern British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, but its reach has extended as far as China, and soon will finally reach Scotland.
Who is Greighlan Crossing today
Today, Greighlan Crossing Pipe Band is a group about 30 people strong, but over the years more than 100 people have come and gone and contributed to the band’s success. We are the group we are today thanks to the efforts of all that came before. The band is certainly not young, as we near our 20th year since formation, but the energy of the group is one of growth, enthusiasm, and excitement. The band receives world-class instruction, competes at all the local highland games and competitions, and performs at many other community events besides. There are lots of exciting opportunities on the horizon and many more ways in which we hope to serve our communities in the future. We hope you’ll join us on this journey, whether as a playing member of the band, a loyal supporter, or just an interested spectator!
How Do You Say "Greighlan"?
Believe it or not, the band’s name has been something of a challenge for announcers and organizers all over. We, the band’s members, have had plenty of laughs over the years at the various permutations of these, honorable mentions including “greg-lan”, “graham clossing”, “gry-len” and more. However, in the interest of proper public recognition, and “setting the record straight” as it were, the correct pronunciation of Greighlan is:
“GRAY-LEN”
Regardless of how it’s pronounced, we’re always happy to hear the name announced in the prize lists! 🙂
More Photos
Looking for more pictures of the band over the years? Check out our media gallery. For video samples, visit our YouTube channel.
Get In Touch
Do you have an event you’d like a pipe band for? Are you a piper or pipe band drummer looking for a band to play with? Are you just curious about Scottish culture and the pipe band scene? Whatever you inquiry, we’re happy to chat with you about it. Get in touch with us and take part in our celebration of Celtic music culture!