The Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band had its humble origins more than three decades ago when it was organized as the Ben Dearg Pipe Band (Ben Dearg being Scots Gaelic for "red mountain") under the direction of native Scot and retired Royal Air Force serviceman Ian Sturrock. Pipe Major Sturrock was the first to teach bagpipes in the state of Alabama and was thus the source of Birmingham's proud Piping tradition.
Ben Dearg Pipe Band, date unknown. Pipe Major Ian Sturrock pictured on the far left.
The Ben Dearg Pipe Band enjoyed some success as a band and was even named the "Official State Pipe Band" by the late governor George Wallace. The band was later organized under the Heritage Academy, an educational institution under the Reformed Heritage Presbyterian Church (now Trinity Presbyterian Church), as the Heritage Pipes & Drums. Heritage Pipes & Drums was led for many years by Pipe Major Charles Smith, a first-generation student of Pipe Major Sturrock and the instructor for the band's current Pipe Major, Ryan Morrison. Under Pipe Major Smith's direction, HPD entered regional pipe band competitions and performed at major music venues such as the three-day Birmingham-based music festival City Stages.
In 2001, by Pipe Major Smith retired and the leadership of the band passed to Major Morrison. Since then, HPD has competed again in regional competitions, enjoying some success after a 2nd place victory at the Glasgow Kentucky Highland Games in 2004. HPD also established itself as the headlining band for the Mason Corporation Oasis Stage of City Stages. Pipe Major Morrison is a member in good standing and grade 1 solo competitor registered with the Southern United States Pipe Band Association and has himself enjoyed some success in the solo competition arena. He also has experience competing on the West Coast with the grade 3 Bushmills Irish Pipers Pipe Band of San Francisco and in the Southeast with the grade 4 Duncan McCall Pipe Band of Pensacola, Florida. In fact, in 2008, with help from members of ISMPB, the Duncan McCall Pipe Band took first place out of thirteen bands in Grade 4 medley competition at the Stone Mountain Highland Games.
In 2008, HPD reorganized under a new charter with their primary sponsor to become the Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band, so named to honor the first piper in the state of Alabama, whose pipes are still played to this day in the band by Pipe Major Morrison. With new kilts in the Duncan tartan and an updated uniform, the Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band is looking forward to many more successful years of performing for our sponsors the St Andrews Society of the Middle South and the Caledonian Society of Alabama. The band membership gratefully acknowledges these two organizations for their endorsement and support over the years.
Photo Credit: Tessa Jones
Today, the Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band as reemerged as a powerful competitive force, taking the 1st Place Prize in sanctioned Grade 5 pipe band competition at the Gatlinburg Scottish Festival & Games held in May 2010. The band was even tagged as Above Grade Level by three of the four judges! Again in June 2010, ISMPB took the top prize at the Glasgow Highland Games, picking up yet another AGL. Come support Birmingham's favorite pipe band as ISMPB takes the field at our final contest of the season in October 2010 in Stone Mountain, GA!
ISMPB would also like to acknowledge the support of Guinness®, "The Official Beer of ISMPB." We encourage all our friends and fans to support us by supporting our sponsor. We also remind you to please drink responsibly.
Current Band Repertoire (Updated June 2010)
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Grade 5 Quick March Medley
Jack's Welcome Home
Jimmy Findlater
The Dawning of the Day
Grade 4 Medley
Cutting Bracken
Molly Connell
Drowsy Maggie
The Banks of the Lee
Paddy Be Easy
The Hag at the Churn
Grade 4 Quick March Medley
Campbell's Farewell to Redcastle
The Piper's Cave
The Battle of Waterloo
The Gardens of Skye
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4/4 Set 1 - Robin Adair Set
Robin Adair
The Rowan Tree
The Auld Hoose
The Minstrel Boy
4/4 Set 2 - Scotland the Brave Set
Scotland the Brave
Wings
Murdo's Wedding
4/4 Set 3 - Auld Lang Syne Set
Auld Lang Syne
The Blue Bells of Scotland
The Cockney Jocks
Irish Set
A Nation Once Again
Let Erin Remember
The Wearing of the Green
Hymns
Amazing Grace
Highland Cathedral
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