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About

Glen Allen Pipes and drums was formed in 1968. The band’s original names were Invereef Pipes and Drums and until recently Krugersdorp Pipes and Drums. The band members slowly moving out towards Johannesburg and in 2005 the band was renamed to Glen Allen pipes and Drums.

Glen Allen practices at De La Salle School in Victory Park Johannesburg. With many of the pipers being ex La Salle and De La Salle pupils this makes De La Salle the perfect home for the band. Glen Allen is very involved in the De La Salle Pipe band and tutors the members of the school pipe band. The close allegiance between the band and school ensure that we are constantly bringing new blood into the pipe band fraternity with musicians and supporters. Once these learners leave school they are able to play in adult bands anywhere in the country.

Pipe major Jimmy Elston was Pipe Major of the band for almost 30 years and was succeeded by Grant Scheffel in 2004. Mike Clack is the leading tip and has spent many years in pipe bands.

Glen Allen is comprised of members from all spheres of life and ages range from 12 years old to 45 years old. Glen Allen competes in the local gatherings and plays at major events and functions. Being a working band the members often are travelling on business so a more flexible approach is taken to practices. Many South African top rated pipers and drummers have either been tutored by the band or have played with the band and have moved onto running and tutoring other bands. Glen Allen has an active membership of over 20 playing members. We enjoy support from the Glen Allen family of parents, partners and friends and many organisations around Johannesburg.

We have been working hard over the past few years and in 2009 we won all of our gatherings and have been promoted to Compete in Grade 3 from the 2010 season, this is a new challenge for the band to take us to new heights.

Check our news and events page to see where you can watch us play next.

For enquiries on joining either the school band or learning to play the bagpipes or drums please contact us.