Since 1965, hundreds of young people have learned the art of piping and drumming through the Transcona and District Pipe Band. The band has enjoyed a long and distinguished history within the community, with many former members going on to perform with top-level pipe bands in Winnipeg and across Canada. From modest beginnings, the organization grew at one point to include as many as three bands operating under the Transcona Pipe Band name.

The origins of the band date to 1964, when John Pollock, then serving as a piper with the 402 Air Reserve Pipe Band, conceived the idea of forming a youth pipe band in Transcona. Pollock approached fellow members of the 402 Band with a proposal: if he organized the initiative, would they assist with instruction? They agreed. These founding instructors included his son-in-law, Ian McLeod, along with pipers George Lawrence and George McDonald. Drum instruction was provided by Iris Lawrence, George Thompson, and Joseph Hooper.

In December 1964, a meeting was held with local Boy Scouts and their parents, at which John Pollock introduced the concept of the new band. Chanter and drum lessons soon began, enrolling more than forty boys. The band quickly became active, performing at local events and community parades.

In 1967, the band separated from the Scouting movement and became an independent community organization under the name Transcona Youth Pipe Band. At this time, instruction was opened to both boys and girls. Kilts were ordered featuring the Ancient Gunn tartan, chosen to honour John W. Gunn, a prominent figure in Transcona at its founding in 1912. Mr. Gunn was the grandson of one of the original Selkirk Settlers who arrived in the region in 1813.

As the organization grew, it evolved into two ensembles: a Senior Band composed of older players and a Junior Band dedicated to instruction and development. Members of the Junior Band would advance to the Senior Band as they matured.

In 1973, George Lawrence stepped away from the band to devote more time to the 402 Pipe Band. The following year, in 1974, the band had the honour of performing in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California. Over the next decade, several former students assumed the role of Pipe Major. Throughout this period, the band continued to perform at community events and compete in regional competitions, proudly representing Transcona, which by then had become part of the newly amalgamated City of Winnipeg.

After many successful years, the Transcona Pipe Band regretfully disbanded in 1984. Later that same year, George Lawrence re-established the organization under the name Transcona and District Pipe Band. The revised name reflected the inclusion of members from communities beyond Transcona.

Under George Lawrence’s leadership, the band continued its strong emphasis on education and community performance. The band competed locally and traveled extensively throughout Western Canada, the United States, and Scotland, earning numerous awards and widespread recognition.

In 2002, after 18 years as Pipe Major, George Lawrence stepped down and passed leadership to former student Keith Petrie. A retirement banquet was held in his honour, recognizing his tireless dedication and lasting contributions to the band. George Lawrence continued to teach chanter lessons to young students until his passing in May 2011.

Keith Petrie served as Pipe Major for many years, leading the band in competitions across Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Scotland, as well as in parades and events throughout Manitoba.

In June 2015, the band celebrated its 50th anniversary with a three-day series of events in Transcona, including a social gathering, a formal banquet, and a pipe band competition.

Ryan Stewart, another former student of George Lawrence, assumed the role of Pipe Major after Keith Petrie stepped down in 2013. Although declining interest in pipe bands affected membership numbers during this period, the band continued to represent the community through performances and participation in local competitions.

In March 2020, instruction ceased as a result of provincial COVID-19 lockdowns. When restrictions were lifted in 2022, many members had either aged out or pursued other interests, and the organization entered a period of hiatus.

In 2024, a group of community leaders got together and initiated efforts to revive the band. In September 2025, during its 60th year, the Transcona and District Pipe Band resumed instruction and began teaching students once again.

Today, the organization is once more active and stable, though the need for new students remains vital. The band continues to welcome youth aged 8 to 16 who are interested in learning the bagpipes or drums, ensuring that this proud musical tradition endures for future generations.