Much more than a Pipe Band!
The The 78th Fraser Highlanders – Fort Calgary Garrison is a highly visible, internationally acclaimed, well-funded, and respected organization. We are ethnically diverse and are founded on the principles of strong leadership and character building.
We wear 1757 British uniforms, maintain high standards of performance, behaviour, dress, discipline, and deportment - and readily admit that it is not for everyone!
As a living page of Canadian history, we are comprised of well-balanced, well-trained, and knowledgeable individuals who demonstrate discipline, strong moral character, and commitment to excellence.
There are limited positions available. Applicants are interviewed in September. Those selected for the program (and their parents) are required to sign a performance agreement. Weekly practices are held every Sunday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Calgary Freemason's Hall located at 330 - 12 Ave SW, Calgary. Parking for parents is free.
The Frasers are a command driven organization, the result of a well designed 45 year old program that works. Training includes piping, drumming, music theory, Drill, history, weapons handling and safety, musketry, and leadership. All members are expected to learn to Highland dance.
We also have a very active parents group that assist in many aspects of the band activities.
Over the past 45 years, the Frasers have developed hundreds of young Calgarians as responsible, contributing and productive citizens.
Our Instructional Staff
Band Officer & Chief Instructor
Piping Instructor Donna McInnes
Band Officer & Chief Instructor
Warren Cummins, B.A., B. Ed., M. Ed., is a serving officer of the Fort Calgary Garrison and brings a lifetime of experience as a musician, army officer, educator and re-enactor. Aside from his position as the Band Officer, Mr. Cummins serves as a contract instructor in percussion (Highland side, tenor and bass) as well as the fine art of bugling.
Piping Instructor Steve Moore
Piping Instructor Donna McInnes
Band Officer & Chief Instructor
Originally from Nova Scotia, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his years as a soloist and competitive band piper. He has played with the 78th Highlanders (Halifax Citadel) as well as the City of Chicago (Grade 1) band in the USA and the famed 78th Fraser Highlanders from Toronto in Grade 1 World Band Championship Competition.
Piping Instructor Donna McInnes
Piping Instructor Donna McInnes
Piping Instructor Donna McInnes
Donna has long been known to the Calgary piping community as a solid player and excellent instructor. She has the skill, patience and dedication to work with all our fledgling student pipers to give them a solid foundation on which to build their piping careers. Ms. McInnes also serves as the Instructional Contract Administrator for the Youth Squad.
Drumming Instructor Lloyd Martens
Drumming Instructor Lloyd Martens
Drumming Instructor Lloyd Martens
Lloyd began his drummer career with The Calgary Highlanders as an Army Cadet in the 1970's. He has enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a side, tenor and bass drummer, instructor and judge. Lloyd has performed in the Edinburgh Tattoo and played in the World Pipe Band Championships on Glasgow Green in Scotland. He also serves as a director on the board of The Calgary Celtic Festival.
Piping Instructor Stu Brazier
Drumming Instructor Lloyd Martens
Drumming Instructor Lloyd Martens
Stuart is a Professional Bagpipe Performer/Instructor that has been involved in the Canadian Pipe Band scene for 30 years, with over 25 years dedicated to teaching both individuals and bands.
Stuart has competed in national and internationally renowned pipe bands to include Rocky Mountain Pipe Band and Alberta Caledonia. He has held the r
Stuart is a Professional Bagpipe Performer/Instructor that has been involved in the Canadian Pipe Band scene for 30 years, with over 25 years dedicated to teaching both individuals and bands.
Stuart has competed in national and internationally renowned pipe bands to include Rocky Mountain Pipe Band and Alberta Caledonia. He has held the role of Pipe Major for the Clan MacBain Pipes Band, Rocky Mountain Pipe Band and Slainte Social Club. He has also competed at various open contests in Scotland to include Skye Gathering, Cowel, Perth, Pitlochry and Lonach Highland Games.
QuarterMaster Rick Debruyn
Drumming Instructor Lloyd Martens
QuarterMaster Rick Debruyn
Rick DeBruyn has 2 twin girls in the band, a family that drives 300kms every Sunday to attend practice. When first the family joined the Frasers, he agreed to help manage the QM Stores and has since taken on a key role as the Parent Liaison Officer as well as a serving member of the Garrison. Christine, his wife and the other half of the team are indispensable members of the Youth Squad.