Ralph's first encounter with a pipe band was at age 6 or 7 when he was visiting an aunt in Vancouver, BC.  "She took me to Stanley Park to see the polar bears, penguins etc.  I heard a pipe band coming through the park.  They came out of HMCS Discovery and were marching through the area.  Apparently I fell in right behind them as they marched by.  I was right in step, swinging my arms!  I have been hooked ever since."

Ralph was educated (kind of) in Lake Cowichan, BC. He played the bugle in the Duncan Sea Cadet Corps. (Maple Bay).  He played baritone in the Lake Cowichan Community Band and has also played the accordian since he was 8 years old. As well, Ralph has been playing at the organ since moving to Campbell River in 1970. He joined the Legion this same year, and he also joined the Sea Cadet Corps as Drill Instructor where he started a Drum and Bugle Band.  He started out marching up and down one of the cadet's parent's driveway and ended up as Commanding Officer.  The Bugle Band ended up as a full Brass and Reed Band taking 1st Place many times in the annual Tri Service Cadet Band Competitions in BC. Ralph also accompanied the band to two Tri Service seminars at the school Easter break put on by the Canadian Forces School of Music held at Comox and Vernon Cadet Competions.  " I was involved in taking Band Director/Conductor courses at both camps."

Ralph was asked by some of the Legion members if he was interested in being a Pipe Band Drum Major.  After a couple of years, I put on a seminar for Legion Pipe Bands.  About eight members showed up. Since then, he has been to a couple of Drum Major seminars with internationally known Norm Mackenzie.  Ralph enjoys every moment with the band. His main job as Drum Major is to be in charge of the 3 d's. Drill, Dress and Deportment of the band, a job he enjoys very much and takes great pride in.  

The band celebrated it's 50th Anniversary a few years back and Ralph really enjoyed seeing many of the "Old Timers" at the reunion. 

Some of the highlights in Ralph's carreer as Drum Major are travelling to the Pasadena Rose Bowl Parade with a massed band (300+) and Scotland as well as a trip to our twin city in Japan, Ishikari. 

Ralph Weckstrom   Dave Dakin Jr.   Dave Dakin Sr.   Brian Shaw   Henry Grierson 
Hanna Grierson   John Fitzpatrick   Kim   Cody McMillan    Peter Dakin  
Brooklyn Robertson   Gary Dalton  Dallas Robertson   Jim Dehart  Mark Grobman