Members of the Beinn Gorm Highlanders — a local pipes and drum band — are bringing an uplifting melody to the streets of Collingwood.
Since last month, residents around town have taken to their porches and the ends of their driveways to make noise for frontline workers, and the Highlanders have joined the chorus with their bagpipes tucked under their arms.
“It’s upbeat, it’s so great,” said Sheila Stewart, the Pipe Major for the Highlanders.
Stewart, who is also a nurse at the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and lives close to the hospital, said it all started back in March when her colleague suggested she play from home that evening, promising to open the windows at the hospital.
“I thought it was a great idea so I put the word out to other people in the band, and two other pipers came to my house that night,” said Stewart. “We spread out and played together so the music would carry to the hospital.”
Every evening at 7:30 p.m., Stewart hauls her bagpipes outside and joins her neighbours on West Street — who have selected pots and pans and other household items as instruments — to make noise for nurses, healthcare staff and other frontline workers.
“We have a great street,” said Stewart. “It’s a nice way to connect and check in on each other as well.”
Another member of the Highlanders, Leigh Gallant, joined Stewart playing that first evening, only from her own house across town, with her two children in tow.
“I had seen [the noise making] a bit on social media,” said Gallant. “It sounded like a great idea.”
Gallant played the bagpipes while her son and daughter, who are six and eight, respectively, played the drums along with her. That was over a month ago, and Gallant and her family haven’t missed a night since, no matter what the weather.
“We have nowhere else to be,” she laughed.
“It’s given us structure, something to look forward to. It’s the one thing that happens at the same time,” said Gallant. Both she and her husband have had to adjust to working from home while also having the kids around. “Sometimes breakfast happens at 8 a.m., sometimes at 11:30 a.m. But piping is always at 7:30 p.m.”
Gallant’s neighbours on Cedar Street have been active as well.
“There are the regular neighbours who come out every night, and usually even more on the weekend. It’s really heartening to see, they are just as consistent as we are,” said Gallant.
The performance is quick, lasting about three songs every evening. Gallant plays whatever is in her head that day — despite her kids’ constant requests for AC/DC.
“I see smiles and toe-tapping, and I feed off of that,” said Gallant. “As a musician, you play to make people happy. So it’s rewarding.”
Gallant’s husband has been out every evening as well, filming the trio to share over social media, hoping to get more people involved.
“The community is great,” said Gallant. “We aren’t really sure what the end game is, but for now we will be out there, every evening.”
Along with Stewart and Gallant, Toula Lloyd, Ken Maher and Bruce Knight can be heard playing on Courtice Crescent, Daniel Carr on Maple Street, Brian Raaflaub on Napier Street, Fred Promoli at Blue Shores, Mark Rich on Liisa’s Lane in The Blue Mountains, and even 11-year-old Reed Guzzwell on the corner of Oak and 7th Street.
Stewart said when she hears her fellow Highlander's music from a few streets over, it's comforting.
The Highlanders were supposed to attend the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow this summer, which has of course been cancelled. But Stewart remains positive, and said they will use the time to practice and raise more funds for next year.
“It’s great practice for all of us,” said Stewart. “It’s an effort to get bagpipes out every single night, it’s worth it.”
