History
THE BEGINING
It was the year 2005 when it came the idea that the Msida Sea scouts could have its own Pipes & Drums. We all knew that it was approaching lot of hard time, but after analyzing the situation and discussed the priorities together with veteran Mr. Charles Giacomotto (more than 40 years of experiance in this field), everything was settled.
A call of application was circulated inside the group for those who wanted to make part of a Pipes & Drums. A meeting was orginized with the band members and was explained what was expected from them. In a few weeks the band members started their training. Initially the band consisted of a Drum Major, 8 Pipers, 4 Drummers, 2 Tenor Drummers and 1 Bass Drummer. It was not an easy task especially when the individuals had never played marching instruments.
INSTRUMENTS
By time we had to buy instruments and we started with the percussion section. We decided to purchase the ultimate drums at that moment, the PREMIER H.T.S700, PREMIER Bass Drum and finally the PREMIER Tenor Drums . The percussion section was showing good progress and in a few weeks they were learning their first drum solo.
The Pipe section had by this time started on the first tunes which where the national anthem and Amazing Grace. Nowadays the band plays various tunes. Our Bagpipes are from various brands such as McCALLUM and R.T SHEPHERD Pipes, both well known brands, all manufactured in Scotland.
THE UNIFORM
Our uniform was selected by our A.G.S.L Edgar Borg,and as an admirer of the BLACKWATCH (Royal Highland Regiment), the BLACKWATCH Tartan was choosen. We were determined to wear the full Highland dress and this meant that we had to purchase waist belts, cross belts, spats, sporrans, kilt plaids and hose socks. Each Piper has a banner hooked with the bagpipe drone as the banners were sponsored by family members. All banners have embroided their family Crest.
OUR DEBUT
The Msida Sea Scouts Pipes & Drums was launched on the 14th of July 2007 under the direction of Pipe Major Stefan Mercieca.
PERFORMANCES
Although the band is still in its infancy, we were invited in several localities to play and to show our precission performances. We also been invited to play some tunes on a local T.V station in 2007 which was a success.
In 2008 we joined the San Gwann Scouts Pipes & Drums and played as a massed band at Ta' Qali.
In 2009 our Band was invited to play in Senglea during the Maritime Festival and in July of same year an invitation came from the MALTA POLICE FORCE to join the Malta Police Pipes & Drums together with the Police Band and Wallace Pipe Band to play the well known song YOU'RE THE VOICE during a massive concert held at the Mediterranian Conference Centre in Valletta to commemorate the 195th Aniversary of the Police Force in Malta. Two weeks after, our Pipe Band was invited again from the Wallace Pipe Band for a massed Pipes & Drums in Paola.
In October 2009 our band was invited to take part in the 6th edition of THE MALTA MILITARY TATTOO which was held on the 10th and 11th of October.
August 2010. The Msida Sea Scouts Pipes & Drums will be playing in Princess Street, Edinburgh on the 12th of August 2010. This is a first time event that a Maltese Pipe Band will play in Edinburgh.
