The 402 “City of Winnipeg” Squadron Pipe Band was formed in 1954, and is currently under the direction of Pipe Major Neil A. Barbour, C.D. He has been a member of the band since 1964, and pipe major since 1979.

Over the years, the 402 Squadron Pipes, Drums and Dancers have garnered many honours and have played at, or participated in, many significant events. In 1990, they participated in the Scottish Highland Festival in Estes Park, Colorado, and because of their impressive performance, they have been invited to perform this spring in the Highland Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Other prominent events that the band or members have performed at, include the 1989 Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida; the Epcot Centre at Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Florida; the 1988 Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax; many Highland gatherings and competitions; the Canadian Pavilion in Hemisphere, 1968, in San Antonio, Texas; and the Pan American Games 1967 in Winnipeg. In addition, the band has participated in the Rose Bowl parade in Pasadena, California on three different occasions. On the second occasion, they had the significant honour of leading the parade. This. was the first time that a band, other than the Pasadena College Band has ever led this parade.

The 402 Squadron Band has also appeared internationally in Europe and England. They have participated on 2 occasions at the Air Canada Silver Broom in Europe and will also be participating at the opening and closing ceremonies of this year’s Silver Broom in Winnipeg.

They have also performed in Germany with the Canadian Force Europe Pipe Band (Lahr, Germany) for a NATO military band concert for charity.

Of particular note is their lead Highland Dancer, Pte. Jillian Currie, who was a 1988-1989 Canadian Highland Dance Champion of Canada. She also won a Silver Medal that same year in Dunoon, Scotland representing Canada.

The 402 Squadron is proud of the achievements of its band, which is always under constant demand for public, charity and military appearances. It has performed in each of the Air Force Pops Concerts since the inception of this series 7 years ago, and are again pleased and honoured to be a part of this year’s concert. The band is appearing with the kind permission of Lt. Col. R.W. Patrick, C.D. 2 Commander of 402 “City of Winnipeg” Air Reserve Squadron.

Tickets are $8.00 at Select-A-Seat or may be purchased from the band at 833-5266.