The History of the Fredericton Society of St. Andrew Pipe Band
The Early Years
The legacy of the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew Pipe Band (FSSAPB) is steeped in tradition and marked by a journey that spans nearly a century. Established in 1927, the band emerged with humble beginnings, comprising three pipers and three drummers. In a testament to resourcefulness, each member provided their own instrument. The band's first bass drum was ingeniously repurposed from a defunct brass band.
Since its inception, the FSSAPB has proudly worn the Gordon tartan. The original uniforms were a mix of borrowed items from ex-soldiers who served in the First World War, including kilts, some of which were sourced from a local army surplus store and still bore bullet holes from the battlefield.
Throughout its early years, the FSSAPB became a fixture at parades and social gatherings across Fredericton, lending its music to concerts and meetings of the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew.
The band's journey took a competitive turn in the mid-1960s, marking the beginning of a new era. Since 1969, the FSSAPB has fielded at least one competitive band, solidifying its status as one of North America's oldest piping and drumming organizations.
The FSSAPB in the 21st Century
The FSSAPB has grown over the years into a dynamic organization representing a teaching academy and two pipe bands with a long history of competitive success. The bands have been awarded the Atlantic Canadian Champion Supreme title many times, and the organization is well-known within the Canadian pipe band scene. Renowned for its ability to innovate, the bands consistently appear on the prize list; achieving competitive success overseas.
Members of the organization have performed in many places; including Ontario, the U.S., Scotland, and Europe. Notably, one of our member bands has traveled to France on 5 separate occasions (1998, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007); including two trips to the Festival Interceltique in Lorient. In September of 2007, the band represented New Brunswick at the Breizh Touch festival in Paris, France, with crowds of approximately 500,000 spectators.
The 2007 Grade 2 band playing in Paris, France
The 2017 Grade 4 band at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland
Members of the organization marching in the Antigonish Highland Games
Parade - 2023