In general the band works because all of its members are volunteers and a few generous benefactors have provided money, materials, and a place to practice.  By balancing performances and donations we try to keep the bank account in the black.

If we had more money...

Sometimes however, the lack of money keeps us from doing things that we feel are (or should be) part of our mission:

• More aggressive community outreach

We believe that joining a pipe band is good for the individual and good for the community.  And so it would be a good thing to grow the band. 

We expect that we could find many new candidates in the ranks of high schools, colleges, as well as the adult community.  There would be some expense to support this however since our current infrastructure is stretched to the limit.  Recall that we are committed to giving free lessons to beginners. With more money we could establish proper classes and a stipend for our teachers. 

Depending on the community response we could form a junior band or perhaps a band large enough to divide into two groups when necessary (sometimes we have to turn down performance requests because we don't have enough available musicians.)

• Extend the region that we serve

We are ambassadors for our community and our music.  We serve a region within ~60 miles of Vancouver; basically, a limit imposed by what can be done in a day.  There are communities beyond that reach that are not served by other regional pipe bands.   We would like our band to be able to subsidize the cost of sending the band to remote performances.  

• Advanced training for our membership

Every member in the band needs an opportunity to grow.  The senior members in our band are quite good, and opportunities for them to get qualified instruction are rare (and not free).  These are often the same band members who give lessons to beginners.  If we had the resources we would like to insure that each band member will get training at a level that challenges their abilities.

Your Contribution is very much appreciated!

To make a contribution to the Fort Vancouver Pipe Band please contact Karen Woodall, phone number (360) 576-4969 or email for details.

Our band is a 501 (c) (3) certified organization and so your cash gifts are tax deductible on your U.S. Federal Income tax.

Personal Thank You from the Band

If your contribution is not associated with a band performance and exceeds $200 we would like to acknowledge your generosity by giving you 2 tickets to our annual Burns Night Celebration. 

Our annual salute to Robert Burns is typically held in the last week of January and is our best effort to immerse you into the joy of Scottish culture.  There is singing, dancing, dining, piping, and of course there is the address to the haggis.  The meal is included as part of the entertainment package.  Get details from our band manager when you make your contribution.