Meet Luke – And the Band Plays On!

Since today is Tartan Day, we thought it was the perfect day to have a chat with Luke from the Festival of the Tartans to learn more about what is planned for this year's event, and what inspired him to get involved. Here is what I learned from our delightful conversation.

“Do you play an instrument?” He quickly replied, “Yes, I do. My main instrument is trumpet, but I do keep up with playing piano, and snare drums in a local pipe band.” My curiosity peaked, “Right now I’m the lead drummer for the Clan Thompson Pipe Band, based in Stellarton. I’ve been with them for almost 10 years. I started up in the band because my younger sister started learning bagpipes and joined the band. And they were in such need of drummers, that me and my mother decided to join to help. That was 10 years ago!” Since that time, his sister went on to university and his mother has stepped back from playing in parades, but Luke plays on.

I asked, “Will you be taking part in the Festival of the Tartans activities this year?” He smiled, “the Clan Thompson Pipe Band is one of the confirmed pipe bands that will be playing at the Festival of the Tartans this year. That’s how I ended up learning more about the Festival of the Tartans years ago - through playing in one of the invited bands,” he continued, “I started as a summer student with them 3 years ago, drawing on my experience in pipe bands and with Celtic music in general. That eventually turned into me becoming the Coordinator for Piping and Drumming as well as taking on some website and social media duties,” he began to giggle, “So, I’ll be doing double duty as a Coordinator and as a Drum Player on the day of the Highland Games!” I couldn’t help but comment, “So, you will be a man with many kilts that day?” We both laughed.

“How excited are you that the Festival is coming back this year?” Without pause, he answered, “I am very excited! Of course, as a major outdoor event, there was no way we could have it over the past couple of years, so to be able to come back this year and present a reinvigorated festival is really exciting. There will be a Highland Dancing Competition, Heavyweight Games, Clan tents, Piping & Drumming, Children activities, Vendors & Concessions, and much more.”

Lastly, I asked, “Do you have a favourite quote or motto you could share?” After pondering for a moment, he replied, “Something I hear a lot of people say is that Scottish music really stirs the soul, and I don’t hear that applied to a lot of things. I think it holds a very special place in a lot of people’s hearts, especially in this area, and so it’s exciting that the Festival of the Tartans gets to share that experience with everyone.” I couldn’t agree more.

For more information on this year’s Festival taking place July 14 – 17 at the Scott W Weeks Sports Complex in New Glasgow, please visit their website at www.festivalofthetartans.com