HISTORY

Condobolin RSL Pipe Band is a family entity, where all members, particularly partners, are encouraged to support and actively participate in band activities. There is a core of 10-15 local playing members, while others travel considerable distances to perform with the Band.

A Pipe Band first paraded in Condobolin on ANZAC Day 1956 and has continued to parade every year since, adding colour and spectacle to the ANZAC Day parade.

Returned Servicemen knew of the uplifting experience of marching behind a pipe band and were keen to support a pipe band to lead the Condobolin Anzac Day march. An agreement was made after the 1956 Anzac Day march that while ever a pipe band can be available for Anzac Day the RSL will back and provide equipment for the Condobolin Pipe Band. The Condobolin RSL has given great long term support for this community band.

The Band regularly performs at the annual P.A.H. & I Association Show in August each year, New Year’s Eve at the Condobolin Retirement Village and other events that occur in Condobolin and surrounding district. This includes street marches, weddings, funerals, birthdays, any special community events such as the Parkes Elvis Festival and the Condobolin Garden Festival. The Band has in the past held an annual Scottish Ball which in recent years has changed to an annual dinner. The Ode to the Haggis being a highlight of the night!

In 2006, as part of the 50^th Birthday celebrations, the local State MP, Mr Ian Armstrong presented the Band with the Premier’s Award for 50 years of service to the community.

The Band continues to grow with the support of its older members, a number of which were part of the initial band in 1956. One member, Mr Brian Colless, still plays the side drum with the Band today. Mr John Costello, retired on Anzac Day 2009, after starting with the Band as a young tenor drummer in 1956 then moving on to take up the position of Drum Major. John led the Band for 50 consecutive years before retiring.

In 2008 the Inaugural “Condo the Heart Tattoo” was held. This event was the idea of Condobolin RSL Pipe Band President, Andrew Salter, with the aim of exposing the Condobolin community and district to a Pipe Band Tattoo to try and encourage younger members to join our Band. The success of the 2008 Tattoo has now flowed through to this year’s 2011 Anzac Day march with renewed interest in learning to play the pipes and drums.