New Pipe Band’s French Connection

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New Pipe Band’s French Connection

When the newly-formed Pitlochry and Blair Atholl Pipe Band began working with French pipe band Bagad Lorient, its Pipe Major Christy Kelly’s musical dream came true.

The two bands will enter competitions together in France and in Scotland this year, the first in Brest during February when seven Pitlochry and Blair Atholl Pipers will compete as part of the Bagad Lorient band wearing traditional Breton costume.

Christy said, “This has all come about as a result of a long-standing friendship my wife and I have with Lorient Lagad leading piper Marc Chastagner.

“My dream started in 1983 when I first heard the stirring sound of a Breton Bagad – pipe band in French.”

Christy’s wife Sharon, joint Pipe Major of the Pitlochry and Blair Atholl Pipe Band, added, “After three consecutive trips to Brittany the twinning of the two bands became a reality.

“The internet has played a key part in the preparations for the Breton Championships being held in Brest in two weeks’ time, with webcam seminars and Email recordings of our rehearsals being sent backwards and forwards as we work on our common repertoire of tunes.

“It is fantastic experience for our band members. We are all very excited by what we are doing.”