A more recent member of the band wrote to him in 1992, requesting a history of the Pipe Band that made the small town of Kindersley, Saskatchewan, unique.
Stuart Kolbinson
Victoria, B.C.
June 16, 1992
Dear Jane:
The Band was founded due to a hockey game in Saskatoon! We were visiting my parents in that city when we decided to take in a Quaker-Edmonton game. In the intermission there was to be a presentation of a trophy to the Saskatoon Hilltops football team. The crowd remained seated for this, when suddenly there came a great burst of pipe music and out came the Saskatoon Pipe Band, about six pipers, two side and one mid-size drums and the big bass. The ice surface amplified the sound - it was wonderful! After we got home I said I would like to play in a band. My wife Mary was reading the paper and said "There is a set of pipes for sale, fifty dollars." If Mary hadn't seen that ad, there would have been no band!
Dad had an old Scotch friend who was a piper, so I took my pipes, the set I had bought from the ad, to him. They had been in the Boer War and looked it! He said they were no good and anyway, I had to learn on the chanter first. He recommended Pipe Major Peden as the best teacher in town. Collier's Music House had a chanter, so with it and Ross's book I called on Peden. He gave me lessons at various times when I could get to the city. We had tape recorders and I taped the lessons and worked at home. Since I had learned the piano while young my fingers were still supple enough to learn the difficult grace notes so important for good piping. One must train the fingers while young. Also, I could read the music.
By summer 1954 I got my new pipes and could play a few simple tunes. That fall Major Barber of the "D" Company S.L.I., suggested I start a military Band for his company, so I joined up and recruited enough enthusiasts to start. I wasn't that good myself but figured I could keep ahead of the recruits if I worked hard and practiced, while continuing lessons with Peden. The first recruits were Don McTaggart, Don McAngus, Lynn Moffat and myself as pipers. Bill Moffat on Bass Drum, and Ross Patterson and another young member of "D" Company, Bill Kucher, were on the side drums.
Meanwhile we had ordered our own kilts, sporrans and other accoutrements which make up the beautiful Highland Full Dress. That summer, 1955, we were able to take advantage of the Army's Band School in Winnipeg, where we learned a lot from the experts and worked hard at improving our playing as well as parade manners. We all passed our Army Group 1 test, and after harvest that year we worked hard to prepare for our "debut," Remembrance Day, Nov 11th, 1955. A piper from Rosetown, a Mr. Stewart and his son came to give us a hand. That morning there was no snow, but a 27 MPH wind and 20 below zero greeted us. We met and tuned up in the now-vanished Community Hall, the Legionnaires lined up outside, we in the front and away we went, down Main Street to the cenotaph which was in a little park near the Railway Station. We made quite a showing for the few brave souls who came out despite the bitter cold. I believe the band sounded the best it ever did, that first parade to the Cenotaph. Alas, there was a two minute silence, then a hymn and a short sermon by the Padre which seemed long, as we were freezing. When we started back to the Hall, our poor pipes were frozen, all we could get was a few squeels and groans, so we had to give up and let the drums get us back. It was this and other experiences which led me to believe that the prairies should have been left to the Indians and their drums which could withstand the climate. Not the place for civilized dress, where in winter it froze your knees and summer the mosquitoes had banquets and picnics on your bare legs (and higher.)
We were attached to the Saskatoon Band under Pipe Major Hugh Fraser for ceremonies in Saskatoon, and while there were no more Band schools as such, there were opportunities to learn the proper procedures for Inspections, Retreats, etc. Also I was able to take the Group 2 test, and the next year the final Group 3 test for Pipe Major, which included being able to play Pibroch, the classical pipe music. Lynn Moffat, a hard worker as always, got his Group 2 and later his Group 3 at Military College. I continued my lessons with Peden and also made the acquaintance of Bill Murdoch, whose wonderful piping I had heard while playing with the Saskatoon band. We were friends as long as he lived, and he and his wife were frequent visitors to our farm. Bill's brother had been several times champion of Scotland, so I was able to learn a great deal from Bill, who was championship material himself, although very modest and not at all in good health. He took the place of Peden as my teacher, since Peden had been transferred to Vancouver.
We were young then, either in school or raising families. Thus the original group began to disintegrate, the three younger going off to get further training; Don McTaggart and Don McAngus both moved away to new careers. A few youngsters tried to learn, but I am afraid when they found how hard one must practice before going on parade, their attention turned to hockey or football. Vic Rea, one of our teachers in Eatonia, joined up as a tenor drummer. Eldon Johnson was conscripted and, as he was instructing at the University in winter, instruction was given him by my friend Jimmy Stewart. Eldon practiced faithfully and soon was able to join us in parade.
The CN roundhouse was a busy place in those days, caring for the big steam locomotives. The big boss was the Locomotive Foreman who was in charge of the whole deal and was an important personage in the town because so many made their livelihood on the railway. I heard that the new foreman played the drums in the Regina Shriners band and wasted no time in making his acquaintance. His name was Pete Donaldson and he became a tower of strength in the side drum section on whom we could rely. He took the place formerly occupied by Ross Patterson, who went to study Pharmacy at Sask U.
Vic Rea decided to abandon the drum and took to learning the pipes. Doug Bruce also joined at this time; they both became steadfast members and good friends. In the late sixties Jane Gibbs joined as a piper and became a regular. Several others attended for various times but the ones I have mentioned were the most enthusiastic and reliable.
We played at many events, both in Kindersley and the surrounding towns, Legion events, Sports days, Bonspiels, Dedications, and escorting Premiers or cabinet members of various parties at their meetings. I recall being asked to pipe in Tommy Douglas to his CCF meeting in Dobni's theatre. I stayed to hear what our Premier had to say. He began by making several cheap jokes about the pipes which were as old as the hills; I should have stalked out in protest…….
For the great Highland pipe, the Piob Mohr, and the uniform we wear, have a long and illustrious history and are unique in all music. And they are loved by all races and everywhere on the globe. Played in a resonant building, the effect is stunning, as I discovered long ago. They are, like most instruments, very difficult to play well.
I left Kindersley for Vancouver in late 1970, so someone else will have to finish this history. I now live in Victoria as does Ross Patterson, who has a successful Pharmacy in town. I don't know where McTaggart and McAngus are living, not having seen them for many years. Lynn Moffat became an expert piper in the army and now lives in Calgary area. Eldon Johnson lives in Saskatoon, and I have lost track of Bill Kucher. Pete Donaldson and Vic Rea died years ago, Doug Bruce and Bill Moffat within the last two years.
A tragic note: when I first came to Vancouver, I took the bus to Calgary in order to catch a plane for the Coast. I had one evening in Calgary and spent a happy time with Bill Murdoch and his wife. We had a great supper, some whiskey and some good pipe music. I left about ten for my hotel, saying goodbye to my friends. I learned afterwards that Bill passed away from a heart attack later that night. I got a job in Vancouver and was glad to learn that Peden lived only three blocks away. But there would be no more lessons: I found him a very sick man, dying of bone cancer.
We had a wonderful time together, but nothing lasts forever. Jane Gibbs is the only one left in Kindersley as far as I know, there may be others who came after me.
And now I cannot hear the bands playing without bursting into tears.
Sincerely,
Stuart Kolbinson
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Saskatoon, Sask.
June 3rd, 1961
Hi Stuart,
Many thanks for your letter, I understand the delay and how things are your way. However, I have already found a boy who required the dress and he has taken it to see it it is possible to alter to fit. His is a Prince Albert Boy - Hugh Macpherson - who comes down once a week for lessons and I truly wish I had a dozen like him. He started around Christmas and I am hoping he will manage the Games here this year (August 5th, remember). He is doing My Home and Loch Katrine, he has not managed Strathspey and Reel yet. He and his Dad have five boys in Prince Albert all started and it will be Fall before I get them here, they are being taught the scale and a few exercises as that is all the Dad can manage. However, it is a grand effort.
I have about 20 boys on the chanter, some will do and others will never do, but they are battering away. There are about 12 boys on the Drums and doing very well. In case you have not heard, we have formed a Saskatoon Boys Pipe Band Association complete in all Offices held by parents of the boys. It is newly formed, about 3 months, and the Finance Committee etc are very active and I hear everything is progressing very well towards acquiring Drums, Dress, etc. The Constitution and Rules are pretty well decided upon and should be in effect soon. As for myself I keep to the instructing and let the committees carry on the business of the Band and all its grief etc. This works very well and gives me more time to do what I can. I can use extra help and am now setting up Junior Instructors amongst the older boys, it helps and assists in keeping things going as smoothly as possible.
Yes, indeed, I have quit the Army set-up as I could see no advancement in forming a Cadet set-up, it is too bad as there are splendid opportunities for the youth today and being a drummer or piper would certainly assist them if they decide on an Army career or any similar service. I have no news from the Armouries but understand they are plugging away in the usual manner.
Our Piping Competitions for the young lads and girls were quite successful this past Fall and Spring Meets (indoors) at the Brunskill School. The piping certainly advanced as the year rolled along and at last meet (we had four) the piping was certainly an improvement and worth the winter work.
I played for the dancing events and completed the year chore. I did serve notice on all concerned that I was finished with such work for good. I find it too hard to take on the two or three hours blowing at these competitions. So they will have to find someone for next year. I have always enjoyed playing to the young foot so now I can sit back and enjoy watching.
I am glad to hear that you will tackle the Piobaireachd soon. If I can help in any way then be sure to write and let me know. I think you should start with the exercises in the back of the Tutor, I believe I taped the sound for you. You will find that any tune you may decide on will certainly demand strong fingers and ability to complete the entire score. It is not easy and takes time to really overcome the tax on your wind, memory and fingers.
You mention your pipe chanter, well I am not so sure that the holes are worn enough to alter the tone that much, my own is still as sweet as ever, in fact I am finding it easier to "set-up" each year. I can recommend the "Gallander" chanter. Jimmy Stout is handling this pipe for the Gallander in Scotland. Last year whilst in Edmonton I tested and acquired a set (silver and ivory) for young Alan Bellhouse. Jimmy Stout was here all last week and brought another similar set he had for his own use, I had a blow on them and expressed the same opionion. I believe they are the answer to that "tone" which we all seem to strive for. I find them very easy to "set-up" in reeds and the tone and volume is remarkable. I have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone, although I will say that the silver and ivory set is the one to buy, I was not so struck on the plain ivory set for band use. However, the Chanter is worth listening. It seems to me the tone is halfway between a Henderson and a Robertson, it is almost Sinclair (which I regard highly) but not quite. The pitch is something worth listening to. I am passing this on to you as it is possible you have never heard of the name Gallander, it is an old name in pipes but has not been producing any great volume of pipes until just recently. The new "rage" in Scotland is the Gallander Chanter. It pitches perfectly with the Henderson but not so nicey with other brands.
Give my regards to all down your way, when and if I get down there I certainly will look you all up and have a gabfest.
Many Thanks,
Ed Peden
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Kindersley
December 12, 1980
Dear Stuart:
Lieber freund! The only reason that I endeavour to type is that such as it is it is still more legible than my handwriting. I could send a voice recording on tape, but I wish to send a couple of objects for now.
Many thanks for your phone call on my birthday, at time of yours we were off on a few days holiday so missed it which I regret.
I am sure your pipe organ will be functioning well and that you will be enjoying its music.
You may be interested in a report on the band and its members. You are its parent and even though some of the offspring seem somewhat wayward with wrong notes and things, the band is surviving as an entity. Vic Rea's hands are very bad but in spite of that he can from time to time play something that one can recognise; Doug is still a dear fellow, he has had a cataract removed from one eye and can see much better and he says he is going to be on parade next Wednesday to play at Sunset Lodge. Jane is helpful to us but her fingers are getting stiff and I do believe that she rarely practises between band parades every Tuesday, but she is always on the right part. Denny Johnston is an enthusiast but old fingers are hard to train. Heather Peat who is 14 is doing well but it is hard for her to get enough time to practise. Argyll Campbell is my star, he wants to play well and he does, I have had him do solos at some of our programs, he is a delightful young person too. There is a young Mountie at Leader who is a real hot shot of a drummer and he comes up from time to time and has given us a lot of help. Olive Peat is our standby side drummer, and she is gaining confidence and is starting to hit the damn thing so we can hear it. Lee Close is doing well on the bass drum. She and I have been playing tennis as part of our physical fitness programs. We have enjoyed it and it is a good game to keep the old bodies going. She usually beats me, which I don't mind, when she wins she is Margaret Court when she loses she is Billie Jean King, but I am always Bobby Riggs. Ha-ha! Stephen Lee is taking lessons and I understand he is doing very well. Chanter, that is.
The band played at over a dozen events last summer and was invited to more, we even got paid for most of them.
I regret that I cannot play better than I do, and I wish I knew more about teaching music when there are young people like Argyll, but I want you to know that what you laid the groundwork for has given many of us much enjoyment. We didn't play well on the Goose Festival parade, but on some we really did quite well, Willie Moffat said so.
I spend quite a bit of time on archaeology, I found two sites south west of Flaxcombe one of which contained a tipi ring which had been buried by soil before the land had been broke, a young archaeologist is coming out next spring and we will excavate it. I also found a nice sandy field 15 miles west of Kindersley and I have found some 25 points including fragments of which about half are Oxbows (5000 years old), oh yes and an nice field right by Marengo. In a way, I am impatient for spring, but I have been writing up a few things. I have one in the oven on the thermal alteration of chalcedony, but I have to improve my writing style and include notes on references, and I have requests to co-author articles by two archaeologists, one on archaeological prospects of the shore of Lake Diefenbaker, and the other on bi-polar flaking techniques as applied to black pebbles and quartzite cobbles.
I spend some time on knapping and I am improving. I enclose two artifacts made of Brandon flint which is a nice material. I brought some back last spring, and Merv brought me some more last summer. I am experimenting on fluting and I will send you one some day, so far I am keeping all because I have to study the successes as well as the failures to figure things out.
Family is well, my folks are doing quite well and dad seems to be adjusting better than we expected to poor vision. Charlotte is into embroidery, Lorna is going to London in Feb. and won't be home for Christmas. Kim is finishing law this year and has a job with the attorney-general's department already. Andrea is following the latest teenage styles, says her teachers are boring, which they may be.
Things will likely be humming at your place this Christmas, isn't it funny, not so long ago we were the kids fooling around, and now you have evolved into a grandparent. But grandparents are so much younger these days, aren't they? When I was young grandparents were incredibly old.
Our fond thoughts are with you and your family, and not only at Christmas.
Yours truly,
Eldon
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L Col. (Ret) JL Moffat OMM, CD
Airdirie, Alberta
(now resides in Crossfield, Ab)
September 18, 1998
To: Pipe Major Kolbinson
Dear Pipe Major:
Attached are my piping evaluations from the Calgary Games and the Canmore Games. I entered at level 4 which is the lowest level, and the Novice Piobaireachd. I surprised the judges, because usually when they encounter someone of my vintage (60 yrs young) in the piping competitive field, it is usually a very "tarry-fingered" piper. All judges were very positive, and told me that I should continue to compete.
Two of the judges asked me who taught me my basics, as they "were exceptionally well done by my teacher", and I told them about you. They were impressed. They emphasized that without this excellent grounding I would not have done as well as I did. They were all surprised. I don't know where I ranked in "Highland Wedding, the slow march (a tune composed by myself), and the retreat. Somewhere in the top 1/3 I would suspect. In Piobaireachd, I was fourth in Calgary, and either fourth or fifth in Canmore. The Piobaireachd judges were particularly impressed.
I have to get a new chanter, and replace the cracked drones to get ready for next year. The chanter reeds are different from 30 years ago. Gawd that seems like a long time.
So Pipe Major, you did a good job. I only really practised from April on, but plan to continue it and try again next year with better results I hope.
Airaghardt
Lynn
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