About the PPBSO
Founded in 1947, The Pipers’ & Pipe Band Society of Ontario (PPBSO) was formed to unite pipers and drummers in the province by preserving, promoting and encouraging the participation and musical proficiency of pipers and drummers. The PPBSO administers solo and band contests at the highland games throughout Ontario. This includes the North American, Canadian, and Ontario Championships. In addition to the highland games, the PPBSO provides seminars and educational opportunities to its membership to further individual and community growth.
The PPBSO is composed of five (5) branches that represent the areas of: Niagara/Hamilton, Ottawa, Toronto, Western, and Windsor/Detroit. Individually these branches host their own events and contests throughout the year. These events include, The George Sherriff Invitational, The Agnew-Harrison Invitational, and the Livingstone Invitational solo events for pipers and drummers.
Behind the PPBSO
Michael Grey
President
Kevin Shand
Vice President
Michele Curtis
Secretary
John Allen
Treasurer
Executive
Executive
Administration
Administration
Ottawa
Gatineau
Cornwall
Brockville
Kingston
Pembroke
Montreal
President: Karine Mayers
Founded in 1971 by P/M Archie Cairns, the PPBSO Ottawa branch actively promotes piping and drumming in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.
Through the year, the branch organizes a number of events , most notably the solo Knockout Series for pipers, snare drummers tenor drummers and bass drummers from grades 5 to 1. Additionally, the Ottawa branch organizes the Glengarry cup, an open March, Strathspey and Reel contest and the Indoor highland games, a contest for soloists and bands.
Beyond contests the branch also hosts workshops to encourage the development of local talent. Follow the branch on Facebook and Instagram to remain current in their upcoming events.
Belleville
Barrie
Toronto
President: Dylan Whittemore
The Toronto branch administers workshops, contests and recitals in the Greater Toronto Area. Most notably, the branch hosts the Toronto Indoor Contest in the spring of every year. This contest is an opportunity for soloists and bands to prepare for the contest season during the summer months. Additionally, the Toronto branch hosts a Knockout Series through the fall and winter for solo pipers and snare drummers from grade 5 to open and a piobaireachd workshop for beginner, intermediate and advanced pipers called 'More Col Mor'.
Follow the Toronto branch on Facebook and Twitter to stay current in local events.
London
Sarnia
Kincardine
President: Don Elliott
The Western Branch of the PPBSO is a branch that is highly focused in education and development. Kiwanis Format Indoor Contest held every May is an example of what the branch has done to promote the education and
development of players. The Kiwanis format gives the musician the traditional written
feedback of a solo contest but also allows for a one on one dialogue between the adjudicators and competitors.
Follow the branch on Facebook to know what's happening in the community.
Niagara
Niagara-Hamilton
Branch
President: Julie Stewart
Outside of the highland games season, The Niagara/Hamilton Branch hosts a multitude of workshops and solo contests during the fall winter and spring. The 3 most notable of these contests are the Sherriff Invitational for top amateur pipers ; the Agnew-Harrison for open snare, tenor and bass drumming; and finally the Livingstone, a piobaireachd and march, strathspey, reel, hornpipe and jig contest for pipers.
Beyond these contests the branch also hosts an Amateur solo contest during the fall and winter months for solo pipers and all drummers from grades 5 to 1.
Follow the Niagara-Hamilton Branch on Facebook to keep in touch with what's happening locally
Hamilton
Branches of the PPBSO
Sudbury
Northbay
Niagara/Hamilton
Branch
Detroit
Windsor
Kingsville
Windsor-Detroit
Branch
President: Brian Robertson
The Windsor-Detroit Branch of the PPBSO represents one of the most historically important areas of piping and drumming areas in this international, closely knit urban area. The branch has been home to some of the most prolific and accomplished pipers and drummers in our history: George Duncan, Walter Rose, Dave Martin to name just three. The branch has a great reputation for hosting the famous Windsor-Detroit “two-band nights” where invited bands would entertain and let loose with music not often heard on the contest field.