OYPB Back 2 School Workshop Brings Young Musicians Together
The Ontario Youth Pipe Band (OYPB), in partnership with the PPBSO Ottawa Branch, kicked off the fall season with a fantastic Back 2 School Workshop on September 26, 2026. Young pipers and drummers from across Ontario came together for a full day of learning, playing and connecting with fellow musicians. The workshop brought together participants representing 11 bands and organizations, including:
Durham Police Pipe Band
Glengarry Juvenile Pipe Band
Grand Celtic Pipe Band – Fergus/Elora
121 Red Arrows Air Cadet Pipes and Drums – Guelph
Guelph Pipe Band
Hamilton Police Pipe Band
Kingston Police Pipe Band
North Shore Highlanders – Port Dover
Cameron Highlanders Army Cadets – Ottawa
Rob Roy Pipe Band – Kingston
Peel Police Pipe Band
It was a great opportunity for players of different ages and experience levels to spend the day learning from an experienced instructional team while also meeting other young musicians from across the province.
As Musical Director of the OYPB, Tyler Bridge was impressed by the enthusiasm and musicianship throughout the day:
“I couldn't have been more impressed with the enthusiasm, musicianship, and commitment shown by everyone who came out. From our youngest participants to our more experienced players, the level of playing across the room was outstanding, and it was a real pleasure for our instructional team to work with such a talented group of young musicians. One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was seeing players from so many different bands and communities come together, share their experiences, and make music as one group. The quality of teaching and development happening across Ontario is truly impressive, and these young musicians are a testament to the dedication of the instructors and volunteers who support them in their home bands.”
The workshop also reflects the PPBSO's continued commitment to youth development. PPBSO President noted that opportunities like this are an important part of encouraging young people to get involved in piping and drumming while continuing to develop those already involved in the community.
“The PPBSO continues to be focused and committed to attracting new young people to piping and drumming while also developing our current youth members through projects like the Ontario Youth Pipe Band. Events like last weekend’s Ottawa workshop are an important part of that development and we are thrilled that it was a great success. Youth opportunities like this would not happen without the drive and leadership of our Youth Development Committee under Chair Tyler Bridge, along with the expertise of like-minded teachers and organisers within our ranks.”
The day didn't end when the workshop wrapped up. That evening, the young musicians had the incredible opportunity to perform massed band tunes at the opening of the 2026 Glengarry Cup. For many of the participants, it was an exciting opportunity to take what they had worked on during the day and perform together in front of an audience. It was also quite an honour for the OYPB to help open such an important event.
And there's already more to look forward to! The excitement now builds toward December, when the OYPB will have the opportunity to take the stage as the opening act for the Peel Police Pipe Band’s 50th Anniversary Concert at the Rose Theatre in Brampton.
A huge thank you goes to our incredible team of instructors for sharing their time, knowledge and expertise with the young musicians throughout the day!
Piping: Tyler Bridge (Musical Director), Bonnie Biggs, and Tyler Harris
Snare: Joe Kiah, and Ryan Seigmiller (Junior Instructor)
Midsection: Jamie Alfred
We would also like to thank the PPBSO and the PPBSO Ottawa Branch, as well as all of the volunteers who helped make the Back 2 School Workshop such a success. The time, energy and expertise they bring to the OYPB program make opportunities like this possible. It was a fantastic day of learning, playing and making new connections, and we're excited to see where this group of young pipers and drummers goes next!
For more information on the OYPB contact: tyler.r.bridge@gmail.com
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