The year 2024 marks a new beginning for both the Delta Police Pipe Band (DPPB) and Corey Tillyer, the band’s newly promoted Pipe Major.
Tillyer is the seventh Pipe Major to carry the title since 1971. It is a role of great leadership and responsibility within the band, a position held not only by talented musicians, but respected leaders within the group.
Tillyer’s predecessor, Steve Ramsden, handed off the title on his last parade on Nov. 11, 2023.
The DPPB is led by two majors, the most recognizable of which is the drum major who can be seen out in front of the band wielding a mace. The Pipe Major however marches with the band in the front rank. Together the Drum Major and Pipe Major can control the band and the tunes that are played. Ramsden, who will now join two previous Pipe Majors in the back rank, believes Tillyer is the perfect fit for this role.
“Corey is a very accomplished piper and leader; she has demonstrated her ability to lead the DPPB at a very high standard. In my opinion the band just got an upgrade,” Ramsden said.
Ramsden has been a member of the DPPB for more than 40 years and while it was never a goal to become Pipe Major he took up the position in the short term – which turned into six years. Within those years Ramsden led the band through two international tattoos and dozens of local parades and concerts. With all that accomplished, he says his time as Pipe Major has been a grand one.
“There is a lot of satisfaction in having a positive influence on the management of the band and its members,” Ramsden said. “After months of hard work and practice it is an amazing experience to be part of this pipe band as they go out and perform at a very high standard. As the Pipe Major and one of the leaders of the band it is very nice to have contributed, in a positive way, to the band member’s experience.”
In the 1980s Tillyer was a piper in the now-defunct Vancouver Ladies Pipe Band.
The Vancouver Ladies was one of the earliest all female pipe bands to form in Canada and during Tillyer’s time with the group they competed and won one of the highest levels of international bagpiping. While being the DPPB’s next PM may not be as stressful as competing against some of the top players in the world, the role is daunting, nonetheless.
“I am honored, excited and a little bit nervous taking on the role,” Tillyer said.” I want to do a good job and hope my leadership style is a fit for a large band the likes of DPPB.”
Tillyer’s main priorities for the band under her leadership include keeping the band’s members healthy and safe as we yet emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic which made fundraising a steep challenge. While the band comprises more than 60 members both playing and auxiliary, Tillyer says the recruitment of pipers and drummers is on her mind.
As the band recovers financially from their latest trip to the Belfast International Tattoo, Tillyer says she wants the band to stay local and focus on the community of Delta for 2024. The year after though Tillyer is setting a longer-term goal of another international trip.
“International travel raises the profile of the City of Delta and gives the band something to work towards,” Tillyer said. “DPPB is already known as a first-class international performance pipe band, I’d like that to continue.”
Tillyer’s first task as Pipe Major is not a small one: leading the band through the 48th Annual Robbie Burns Supper. This year the boisterous poet-celebrating event will once again be held on Jan. 26 and 27, held at Sacred Heart Elementary (3900 Arthur Drive).
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