Okanagan Military Tattoo 2023 | Performer Lineup
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RCMP “E” Division Pipe Band (British Columbia)
The RCMP Division E Pipe & Drums was formed in 2006 and is one of the 8 RCMP Bands currently active in Canada.
Based in Greater Vancouver, both police and civilian volunteers come together from across BC to share their love and talent for music. The band has performed at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo (twice), the presentation of the RCMP Service Horse “George” to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Okanagan Military Tattoo, and the Beijing International Tourism Festival. This year the RCMP celebrates the 150th anniversary of RCMP’s establishment.
Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada
The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada are a Primary Reserve infantry unit based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The unit was founded in 1910, making it the oldest highland regiment in western Canada. Members of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada Pipes & Drums are a mix of full-time and part-time soldiers augmented by a cadre of civilian volunteers. The band performs at a wide variety of local military and community functions, and has travelled abroad in recent years to support the Virginia International Tattoo, the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landing in Normandy. The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada Pipes & Drums appear by kind permission of the regiment’s commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel J.G.M. Baker.
The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy
Comprised of 35 full time musicians, the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy has been in operation since 1940. The bands primary role within the Royal Canadian Navy is to support Naval Operations, ceremonial events, and public outreach initiatives. Currently under the direction of Lieutenant (Navy) Ben Van Slyke, CD, the Band performs in a variety of ensembles, including parade band, concert band, big band, brass and woodwind quintets, rock and contemporary groups, and more. The Band provides musical support to ceremonial events such as the annual Remembrance Day and Battle of Atlantic parades, the opening of the Provincial Legislature, and official visits from heads of state. Naval Operations are supported through the Band’s performances at ship arrivals and departures, change of command ceremonies, and other functions at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt and around the region.
OMT Dancers
The Okanagan Military Tattoo Dance Ensemble is directed and choreographed by Shalni Prowse. Dancers from across the Okanagan audition to be a part of the Tattoo each year and always put on an unforgettable performance.
City Dance Studio
Established in Vernon in 2012, City Dance has become the go to dance studio for Tango, Ballroom, Latin, Swing and Country lessons. Owners Jens Goerner and Heather Stranks have many years of professional dance instruction experience and excel at delivering, upbeat, informative lessons with a balance of fun and proper technique to make their students look and feel great! Jens and Heather love to spread their love of all dance styles by performing whenever they can. They have been on stage with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, Glee, Dancing with both the Vernon and Shuswap Stars and Big Apple Productions to name a few.
Band of the 15th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery
In 1879, the Canadian Artillery was the first regiment to establish a full-time band. As of 1994 the 15th Field Regiment has been the only reserve band on mainland British Columbia. Today, the band is one of five Reserve Force bands in the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery and is located at Bessborough Armoury in Vancouver, British Columbia. The band consists of 45 reservists being trained as soldiers and musicians who play for a variety of events including military funerals, ceremonies, parades and Mess events.The band has brought musical support to militias throughout the province and serves as a musical ambassador for the Canadian Army, traveling as far as Quebec, California, Holland, and Hong Kong.
Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums
The Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums is comprised of serving Reservists in the Canadian Armed Forces as well as dedicated Regular Force and civilian volunteers.They perform at many of the city’s biggest annual events, such as the Symphony Splash with the Victoria Symphony Orchestra in the Inner Harbour and the annual Victoria Day Parade. Members of the Pipes & Drums have performed at numerous high profile and international events. Appearing in numerous military tattoos in British Columbia, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Memphis International Tattoo, the Pasadena Rose Bowl Parade and the opening ceremonies of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco!
Kalamalka Highlanders Pipe Band
Vernon’s very own Kalamalka Highlanders Pipe Band was formed in 1984 under the direction of Pipe Major Reg Scott who lead the band for 20 years. Today the band is lead by Pipe Major Maureen Soichuk and Drum Sergeant Neil Morrison and assisted by Pipe Sergeant Reg Scott, Pipe Sergeant Gord Mathers, and Pipe Corporal Dave Gerhardt. Consisting of 40 pipers and drummers, the Kalamalka Highlanders are largest pipe band in the Okanagan Valley! They are aslo the only group in the Interior with both a junior and adult pipe band. You will see them wearing the distinctive maroon and grey Portree tartan from the Isle of Skye in Scotland.
Kamloops Pipe Band
The Kamloops Pipe Band Society is a competing band made up of about 40 members from across the Okanagan and Interior, with 26 of them actively competing. The band competes at events including the Calgary and Canmore Highland Games, and many more across Canada. The entire band also performs at community and sporting events and parades, as well as personal events such as weddings, retirements, funerals, and much more. After separating from the legion in 1970, the band has been under the leadership of various Pipe Majors including, but not limited to, Glen Esdale, Bob Gallaher, Edmond Chilton and Kevin MacDonald. The Kamloops Pipe Band is a member of the BC Piper’s Association.
Kelowna Pipe Band
The Kelowna Pipe Band has been making music together for 100 years! Beginning with just a few members in the 1920s, the band is now recognized as one of the oldest Pipe Bands in British Columbia. Currently, there are 20 active members ranging in age from early 20s to mid-80s. The band features bagpipes and drums and can be seen and heard at many events around Kelowna and the Okanagan. They’re easy to spot in their black coats and distinctive Princess Mary Stewart tartan kilts.
City of New Westminster Pipe Band
The New Westminster Pipe Band was formed in 1991 as the communities very own Pipe Band and an Ambassador for the City. It consists totally of volunteers, and also serves as the service Pipe Band for South Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch #83. The Band performs all over the Lower Mainland in community parades, charitable events, and formal ceremonies for the City for Veterans’ organizations, and other community groups including seniors and care home residents. In August of 2014, the Band travelled to Prince Edward Island, where they represented New Westminster, and participated in the 150th Prince Edward Island Anniversary Highland Games on the eastern shore. The New Westminster Pipe Band is a member of the BC Piper’s Association.
Shuswap Pipes and Drums
The Shuswap Pipes ‘N Drums is a community band that spans many communities and works closely with the Revelstoke Pipes and Dums. The band fosters the traditions of Scottish music excellence, friendship and community involvement throughout the Schuswap. They perform at many community events and parades across British Columbia, and placed in Medley and the 6/8 March in the 2019 Spring Fling in Nelson BC.
More Performers to be announced soon!
