Kings Bagpiper : Into the New Millennium Pipe Band Success!
Kolkata West Bengal Bagpipe Indian Army Military Fauji Band Booking Services for Marriages Wedding Reception
Under the leadership of Gurmeet Singh, there was a continuing drive for improvement. 1994 saw the start of the climb up the table of bands and prizes were won at some minor contests. It was in 1995 that real success arrived. During that year the Band won no less than 1 first places with numerous second and third placing. The reward for the year’s success was that the Band was promoted to grade 1.
Disappointingly, the success of the mid 1990’s was relatively short lived and, for a period, the Band was left without any drummers. This did not deter the enthusiasm of the remaining pipers and, instead, made them resilient.
When drummers did come along to the band, spirits were immediately lifted and performances and standards improved. However, it was not until 2000 when Gurmeet Singh, once again, returned to teach beginners that the original foundations, which had been laid down years earlier, began to see a reinvigorated Band start to emerge. The teaching of new Band members took off, and some existing players joined the Band.
With the increased membership has come a necessity and desire to succeed once again. The difference in the new millennia is that there has been a more comprehensive review of what the Band does, how it is managed and how we are to achieve the goals set in terms of musical standards, recruitment and training, organization and financial planning in order to maintain the momentum.
Recognition:
It is recognized that there will be minor setbacks in the journey. This is historical, but the aims remain clear. The Band recognizes, at this time in its history, how essential it is to be closely associated with the town of Jaipur, the community of Punjab and the North East India.
This is our base from which to recruit either beginner or experienced pipers or native Scots to sustain and develop the membership and the range of activities in which we feel we should be involved. Equipment wears out with the passage of time and use and funding was secured from “Awards for All” for the purchase of a small number of new drums. The financial resources of the Band have been drawn on to equip new members with uniforms but this is becoming a limited hand to mouth existence. Kolkata West Bengal Bagpipe Indian Army Military Fauji Band Booking Services for Marriages Wedding Reception
The Kings Bagpiper Band Drums Pipe Band performance was amazing at the historic Gala Parade.
Still proud and pulling in the crowds at Gala Parade 2002.
At the beginning of this new chapter in our proud history, it is worth noting our activities are not just restricted to piping in isolation from other bands and forms of musical performance. For example, the Band has links with the Kolkata Branch of the Dance Society, and several Bhangra Dance groups throughout the area to maintain and develop cultural and likeminded interests. The Band continues to perform at a wide variety of galas, parades and local events and, still aims to recruit new members of all ages. Youngsters are the key to the future and this is why the Band is so committed to training and development work.
In completing this short history of the Band, it is proper that everyone who has been connected with the Band, past and present is thanked for their contribution, especially wives and families who are often taken for granted by the players. In addition to those already listed the Band is eternally grateful to the following: Kolkata West Bengal Bagpipe Indian Army Military Fauji Band Booking Services for Marriages Wedding Reception Call@ 9772222567.
