In Lismore, the sounds of the Scottish bagpipes are in danger of becoming extinct.

For 75 years, members of the Lismore City Pipe band have proudly donned their kilts, hats and brogues and piped and drummed their way through ceremonies, streets and festivals.

But, according to Pipe Band president Rob Manitta, the number of local band members has fallen so low, that the band may not be able to continue.

“The band has been in existence for 75 years and we would like to make to 100, but we need membership to get there,” Rob said. 

“Anyone keen to learn to play pipes or drums in the band, can come along and learn. 

“We are happy to teach kids or anyone who wants a hobby. My son was a drummer from the age of eight.”

Beginnings

Rob said the pipe band started by Scottish settlers in the area.

“The original Pipe Major was Alistaire McQueen, who was part of the McQueen clan,” he said.

“That’s where our Glengarrie tartan came from – the McQueen clan tartan.”

Rob himself started piping in 1996. 

“My mother has Scottish heritage and she was a highland dancer.,” he said.

“On trips to my grandparents as a young kid, I was listening to bagpipe music.

“When I moved to Lismore, I drove past the Brewster Street band hall and saw they had tuition, so I started learning with Neville Northfield, who taught me for $1 a lesson.”

Members and costs

Rob said in order to keep going, the band needs monetary assistance, as well as members. 

“We used to have a strong ladies auxiliary who used to fundraise for us, but they got older and there’s not a lot of young members now,” he said.

“We have the Brewster Street band hall that is owned by council, but we still have insurance and rates costs wot insurance and rates.”

How many pipers make a band?

At the moment, there are down to six pipers and three drummers. 

“We could make do with that, but it would be nice to have eight or more pipers and the same number of drummers,” Ron said.

“We have the uniforms and equipment to cater for more – it doesn’t matter who you are, you need to love Scottish traditional music.”

Learning the bagpipes

Rob said learning to play the bagpipes starts no on the pipes themselves, but on an instrument called a pipe chanter.

“If you’ve ever played a recorder, you can easily make the transition to the pipes,” he said. 

“It’s the same for same for drummers – and we have three types of drums – the side drum, tenor drum and bass drum.

“We need tenor drummers to do the flourishing with sticks.”

The future

The pipe band’s trademark gig is playing at ANZAC day ceremonies. Rob said the band has played at local festivals, markets and in the Australasian pipe competitions.

If you would like to get involved, contact Rob on 0413 180 443.

Practice nights are Monday nights, from 7.30pm onwards, but more sessions will be scheduled if learners come on board.